Magical London: A Harry Potter-Inspired Long Weekend

This trip was all about combining something fun and nostalgic—Harry Potter—with a more elevated London experience. We based ourselves at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, which ended up being the perfect home base. It’s tucked away on a quieter street but just steps from Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and the Thames, so it made getting around incredibly easy. We were upgraded to the Sherlock Suite, which made the stay feel even more special, and the hotel’s history as the original Scotland Yard headquarters adds a layer of character you don’t get everywhere.

Map of London in the Sherlock Suite

One of our favorite surprises at the hotel was The 40 Elephants bar, a speakeasy-style cocktail spot inspired by an all-female London crime syndicate. It’s the kind of place you wouldn’t necessarily plan for—but ended up being one of our favorite ways to wind down in the evenings.

Drinks at The 40 Elephants

Warner Bros. Studio tour

The highlight of the trip was the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter, which we did as a private VIP experience. We arranged private transfers through Blacklane, which made the entire day seamless. The VIP experience was absolutely worth the splurge—it included breakfast, Butterbeer and, most importantly, better access and incredible photo opportunities in spaces like the Great Hall. One thing we learned quickly: this is not a half-day activity. We extended our time and still felt like we could have stayed longer, so I strongly recommend planning a full day here if you’re a fan.

Hogwarts

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

We also saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End, which is a must while in London. The production quality is incredible, and it adds a new layer to the story as the characters step into adulthood. My biggest tip here is to book both parts of the play—there’s plenty of time in between to step out for a relaxed meal, and it turns the experience into a full evening (or day) rather than just a show.

Filming locations

For exploring filming locations around the city, we opted to do it ourselves using the Tube and black cabs rather than booking a tour. London’s transportation system is incredibly easy to navigate, and this approach gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace. Highlights included Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross (worth it, just go early), Leadenhall Market, and walking along Westminster and the South Bank for classic London views.

Food & drink

Food-wise, we leaned into the local pub scene, which ended up being one of the best parts of the trip. Spots like Horse & Guardsman (great Sunday Roast just steps from the hotel), The Three Greyhounds (excellent quick lunch and a standout steak and ale pie), and even the convenience of Greene King pubs made it easy to grab satisfying meals without overplanning. We also had a great experience at the Sherlock Holmes Pub, which fit the overall theme of the trip perfectly.

Pub food galore

In sum

Overall, this is a great itinerary for couples, Harry Potter fans, or anyone looking to experience London in a way that blends iconic sights with something a bit more immersive and personal.

British Airways first class

• We used points to upgrade our flight to British Airways First Class, which made the trip feel special from the start—especially spending time in the Concorde Lounge at JFK. If you have the opportunity, it’s absolutely worth considering.

• Using Blacklane for private transfers, especially to and from the studio tour, made everything feel seamless and stress-free.

• Late May is an ideal time to visit London—great weather, less rain, and fewer crowds than peak summer.

The biggest takeaway: don’t rush this itinerary. The studio tour alone deserves a full day, and the theatre experience is best enjoyed when you treat it as a full event.

If you’re planning something similar, I’m always happy to help tailor the details and make it seamless.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our London page.