London Day 3: When Rain Drenched Our Harry Potter Dreams (But Not Our Spirits)
Day 3 in London was supposed to be our biggest day. The one we’d been building up to—the epic 3.6-mile Harry Potter Walking Tour, covering 16 magical filming locations from the beloved films. Wands were packed. Robes were ready. Spirits were high. And then… London did what London does best. It rained.
Now, I’m not talking about a gentle mist or a charming drizzle. No, this was the kind of rain that makes your socks soggy and your dreams slightly squishier. But hey, we’re not ones to let a little weather wash away the magic. So, we pressed on, umbrellas in hand, scarves pulled tight, and a little extra determination in our steps.
In this post, I will again be sharing my thoughts and impressions from our third day in London, including our sightseeing adventures and shopping excursions.
So, let’s get started!
Stop 1: King’s Cross Station – All Aboard!
Our journey began at the iconic King’s Cross Station, home to the legendary Platform 9¾. Nestled between Platforms 4 and 5, we found the famous trolley halfway through the brick wall, ready for its photo op. It’s cheesy, it’s touristy—and it’s absolutely wonderful. Right next to it sits the Harry Potter Shop, which we may or may not have thoroughly explored. Watch The Scene: Harry Finds Platform 9 ¾ in The Philosopher’s Stone
Let’s just say tomorrow’s magical event might feature new wands, fresh robes, and at least one monogrammed Hogwarts trunk, proudly carried all day by Chase, the youngest grandson who, by the way, wore his Sylterin robe with absolute pride (and didn’t mind the stares one bit).
Stop 2: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel – All the Charm, None of the Steam
Right next door, we made our second stop at the stunning St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Potterheads know it as the gorgeous exterior seen in the films when Harry and Ron fly off in the enchanted Ford Anglia. It’s grand, gothic, and absolutely swoon-worthy. While the rain had us skipping the extended admiration stroll, we still paused long enough to admire those intricate arches and imagine a Hogwarts Express rumbling nearby. Watch the Scene: Harry, Ron and the Flying Car in The Chamber of Secrets
Stop 3: Claremont Square – The Hidden Home of the Order
Our third stop was one of the quieter, more tucked-away gems on our Harry Potter journey: Claremont Square. Tucked in a peaceful corner of Islington, this unassuming row of Georgian terraced houses hides some serious magic. To the average Muggle, it might look like just another pretty street—but fans know it as 12 Grimmauld Place, the secret headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Watch The Scene: Harry Arrives at Grimmauld Place with The Order of The Phoenix
In the films, house numbers 23 to 29 were transformed into the moody, protective residence of the Black family. Standing there in the drizzle, imagining Sirius watching from the window or Kreacher muttering behind the curtains, made this stop feel extra special—even in the rain.
Stop 4: Leadenhall Market – Entering Diagon Alley
With umbrellas still overhead and our determination going strong, we made our way to Leadenhall Market. This beautiful Victorian market was used as the magical entrance to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. We wandered through its ornate corridors and colorful storefronts before exiting onto Lime Street.
From there, we found our way down Bull’s Head Passage to door number 42—the very spot that doubled as the Leaky Cauldron. Today, it’s a stylish little coffee shop called 2i’s, but in our imaginations, Hagrid was just inside waiting with an owl and a key to a vault at Gringotts. Watch the Scene: Walking to The Leaky Cauldron and into Diagon Alley
The Rain Wins This Round…
By this point, the rain was doing more than just sprinkling—it was soaking. Shoes were squishy, hoods were drooping, and we finally waved the white flag. The full 16-stop walk would have to wait for another (hopefully drier) day.
But just because we cut the tour short didn’t mean the fun was over.
Old Tom’s Bar & Magical Fanta
We sought shelter—and spirits—at Old Tom’s Bar, a cozy underground spot that felt like it could’ve easily been part of the wizarding world. The adults may have ordered a well-earned libation, but the real highlight? The boys couldn’t stop raving about the Fanta in London. According to them, it’s lighter in color and has a totally different flavor. Apparently, UK soda is where it’s at.
Shopping Spree Magic: House of Spells & Primark
With the weather still uncooperative, we turned the rest of the afternoon into a shopping adventure—catching up on the stores we missed the day before. First up: the House of Spells, a Harry Potter-themed wonderland packed with magical merch, collectibles, and souvenirs. Wands were waved. Trinkets were admired. A few treasures may have found their way into bags.
Next, we headed to Primark, because honestly, no London trip is complete without it. Affordable fashion, fandom shirts, and a little bit of chaos in the best way—it was the perfect stop to round out the day.
When Plans Change, Make More Magic
We might not have completed the entire tour, but in true wizarding fashion, we adapted. The memories we made, from Chase marching through the city like a tiny wizard with his trunk, to the laughter at rain-soaked glasses and off-course maps—were every bit as special as anything we’d planned.
Sometimes, the best travel days aren’t the ones that go perfectly. They’re the ones where you find the magic anyway.
A Quiet Evening Before a Big Tomorrow
With our feet tired and our robes damp, we headed back to the hotel for a much-needed early evening. Dinner at the hotel was relaxed and cozy—a welcome change of pace after our damp day out.
After all, Day 4 promises to be huge, and we’re resting up for what might be the most magical
If you need any further assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Should you want to plan your own adventure to London I’m your girl to help you plan.
Best regards,
Sue
P.S. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures in London!