When my son was in 3rd grade, we started reading and listening to the Harry Potter books together—and something just clicked. Before long he was mixing “potions” in the kitchen, carrying around a wand made of sticks from our backyard, and even building a life-size Nimbus 2000 out of whatever he could find in the garage.

So when we finally made it to London, visiting the real-life filming locations wasn’t just a fun idea—it was mandatory.
And because grabbing a cab all over the city gets expensive fast, I mapped out a kid-friendly walking route that’s easy to follow, packed with cheap eats, and uses simple Tube shortcuts between stops.

If you have a Harry Potter-loving kid (or you are one), this is one of the most magical ways to spend a day in London.

If you’re wondering how we booked this entire London trip using points and miles, you can read the full breakdown here.

Stop 1: Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley)

Closest Tube: Monument or Bank
Best Time to Visit: Morning or early evening
Crowd Level: Low–moderate
Cost: Free

Leadenhall Market is one of the most beautiful enclosed markets in London, but for Harry Potter fans, it’s instantly recognizable as Diagon Alley. The cobblestone paths, ornate storefronts, and colorful arches make it feel like you’ve stepped onto the real set.

Look for:

• The blue door of the Leaky Cauldron (Bull’s Head Passage) featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Filming angles of Diagon Alley’s exterior shots

Kid-Friendly Notes:

• Stroller-friendly floors
• Covered walkways make it great for rainy days
• Plenty of benches for snack breaks

Cheap Eats Nearby:

• Pret A Manger: Hot cocoa, sandwiches, easy kids’ food
• Leon: Affordable bowls and sides
• Tesco Express: Grab-and-go snacks

Stop 2: Great Scotland Yard (Ministry of Magic Entrance)

Closest Tube: Embankment or Westminster
Walk From Leadenhall: ~20 minutes or take the Tube (Bank → Embankment)
Cost: Free

This quiet government street is where the Ministry of Magic exterior shots were filmed.
Arthur Weasley famously leads Harry here in Order of the Phoenix — and yes, you can stand right where they did.

What to do here:

• Snap photos of the exact doorway and street angles used in the films
• Recreate your own “entering the Ministry” moment

Kid-Friendly Notes:

• Very quiet area, safe for photos
• Quick stop — 5 to 7 minutes is plenty
• No restrooms nearby, so plan ahead

Stop 3: Millennium Bridge

Closest Tube: St. Paul’s, Blackfriars, or London Bridge
Walk From Great Scotland Yard: ~15 minutes across Westminster or take the Tube (Westminster → St. Paul’s)

The Millennium Bridge is not only a stunning walkway across the Thames — it’s also the bridge the Death Eaters destroy in Half-Blood Prince.

Kids LOVE this stop because they recognize it immediately, and younger ones usually love crossing the bridge twice just for fun.

Kid-Friendly Notes:

• Stroller-friendly
• Windy — bundle up
• Great views of St. Paul’s Cathedral

Cheap Eats Nearby:

• Borough Market (10–15 minute walk across the river): Inexpensive grab-and-go treats your kids will love.
  • Hot chocolate
  • Sausage rolls
  • Mini pancakes
  • Fresh pasta cups
• Paul Bakery at St. Paul’s for warm pastries

Stop 4: Claremont Square (12 Grimmauld Place)

Closest Tube: Angel
Walk From Millennium Bridge: Quick Tube ride (Blackfriars → Angel)

Welcome to the exterior of 12 Grimmauld Place, Sirius Black’s family home and headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.

The row of Georgian townhouses at Claremont Square is surprisingly quiet and very realistic — it’s one of the easiest filming locations to spot because it looks just like it did on-screen.

Kid-Friendly Notes:

• This is a residential area — quiet voices and quick photos are appreciated
• No restrooms or snacks in the immediate area

Cheap Eats Nearby:
Angel has amazing, fast, inexpensive options:

• Banana Tree – kid-friendly bowls
• Nando’s – chicken, chips, easy meals
• Wasabi – simple rice/noodle boxes

Stop 5: King’s Cross Station (Platform 9¾)

Closest Tube: King’s Cross St. Pancras
Walk From Claremont Square: 10 minutes

No Harry Potter trip is complete without a stop at Platform 9¾.
Kids LOVE this stop — the photo op with the luggage trolley is a highlight, and the themed shop next door is full of fun souvenirs. You can choose to pay for a professional photo or you can be like me and grab a quick pic with your phone. The attendants were lovely and it wasn’t a big deal at all.

What to do:

• Take the free photo at Platform 9¾
• Visit the Harry Potter Shop (beautifully themed like Ollivanders)
• Sign the guest book

Kid-Friendly Notes:

• Expect a small line for photos
• Morning or evening = shortest wait
• Stroller-friendly inside the station

Cheap Eats Nearby:
King’s Cross has lots of family-friendly options:

• Five Guys – easy, kid-approved
• Leon – healthy bowls and fries
• Pret – fast and cheap
• M&S Food Hall – snacks for the walk

Great Bathroom Stop:
King’s Cross has clean, easy-to-access restrooms.

Bonus Stop: Reptile House at London Zoo

Closest Tube: Camden Town + 15-minute walk
Cost: Paid entry (free for kids under 3)

If your family loves animals, this is worth adding on. The Reptile House is where Harry first speaks Parseltongue in Sorcerer’s Stone.

Why Kids Love It:

• Real snakes and reptiles
• Indoor exhibit (warm!)
• Easy tie-in to the first movie

How to Do This Route With Kids (Flexible Options)

Half-Day Version

This order keeps walking to a minimum and builds excitement:

1. Leadenhall Market
2. Great Scotland Yard
3. Millennium Bridge
4. King’s Cross

Skip Claremont Square if your kids are tired.

Full-Day Version

This includes everything with food and bathroom breaks built in:

1. Leadenhall Market
2. Great Scotland Yard
3. Millennium Bridge
4. Cheap eats at Borough Market
5. Claremont Square
6. King’s Cross

Add London Zoo if you want a longer day.

Tube Shortcuts for Families

• Leadenhall Market → Great Scotland Yard:
  Bank → Embankment (Circle/District Line)
• Great Scotland Yard → Millennium Bridge:
  Westminster → St. Paul’s (District/Central Line)
• Millennium Bridge → Claremont Square:
  Blackfriars → Angel (Northern Line)
• Claremont Square → King’s Cross:
  10-minute walk or Northern Line from Angel

Kid-Friendly Tips

• Start around 10 AM when attractions open and streets are quieter
• Bring snacks — London walking days are long
• Use contactless payment on the Tube
• Use department stores or train stations for restrooms
• London is windy — bring layers for kids
• Kings Cross is the best “anchor stop” for young kids

Final Thoughts

Kids love London, but kids who love Harry Potter REALLY love London. This walking route made the city feel alive to my kids—every turn was a “Mom! This is where…” moment.

It was:

• Free
• Easy to navigate
• Fun for the whole family
• Full of cheap food stops
• Light on long walks
• High on magic

If Harry Potter is a family favorite the way it is for us, this will absolutely be one of your favorite days in London.