Charing Cross Road, London
Renowned for its charming array of second-hand bookstores and antique shops which contribute to its distinctive allure, it's no surprise that Charing Cross Road served as the inspiration for J.K. Rowling's choice of location for the entrance to London's magical realm.
In the Harry Potter series, the Leaky Cauldron, a pub and boarding house for wizards – in which Harry lives for a brief period at the beginning of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" – plays a pivotal role as the gateway connecting the non-wizarding world to Diagon Alley, the wizarding shopping district where young Harry embarks on his magical journey in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" to procure all his school supplies for Hogwarts. To the untrained eye of non-wizards or muggles, it merely appears as a shuttered storefront nestled along Charing Cross Road in London's vibrant West End.
Harry also strolled along Charing Cross Road with Hagrid, and later embarked on a thrilling ride down the same road aboard the Knight Bus and Ministry cars. Additionally, one can spot a clothing boutique on Charing Cross Road by the name of "A Child of the Jago", featuring uniquely attired mannequins that seem to showcase wizard-like clothing and costumes.
In the Harry Potter series, the Leaky Cauldron, a pub and boarding house for wizards – in which Harry lives for a brief period at the beginning of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" – plays a pivotal role as the gateway connecting the non-wizarding world to Diagon Alley, the wizarding shopping district where young Harry embarks on his magical journey in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" to procure all his school supplies for Hogwarts. To the untrained eye of non-wizards or muggles, it merely appears as a shuttered storefront nestled along Charing Cross Road in London's vibrant West End.
Harry also strolled along Charing Cross Road with Hagrid, and later embarked on a thrilling ride down the same road aboard the Knight Bus and Ministry cars. Additionally, one can spot a clothing boutique on Charing Cross Road by the name of "A Child of the Jago", featuring uniquely attired mannequins that seem to showcase wizard-like clothing and costumes.
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Charing Cross Road on Map
Sight Name: Charing Cross Road
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour
Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London’s most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
London Introduction Walking Tour
After the Roman invasion of 43 AD, the settlement of Londinium came into being. Things went well enough until 61 AD. Then Queen Boudica and her Iceni warriors arrived. They burned the town to ashes. They were not just rowdy tourists. Londinium had died but it rose again and it flourished until the Romans left in the 5th century.
With the Romans gone, Londinium was Anglo-Saxon Lundenwic. Until... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
With the Romans gone, Londinium was Anglo-Saxon Lundenwic. Until... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
The South Bank is a stretch of the Thames in London that is beautiful to walk through because there are so many iconic and magnificent things to see along the way. A lively and ever-changing area at the heart of London’s cultural scene, it also has the advantage of offering views across the Thames to some of the most famous buildings anywhere. The Palace of Westminster is the major feature in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
City of London Walking Tour
The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is also colloquially known as the Square Mile, for being just 1.12 sq mi in area. Situated on top of the original Roman center of commerce, called Londinium, established in 43 AD, this neighborhood is the historic and financial heart of the British capital. It has been a major meeting point for international business... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Shakespeare's London Walking Tour
Often called England's national poet or simply "the Bard", William Shakespeare is revered as one of, if not the greatest playwright this world has ever seen. The dramas, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth are among the finest creations in the English language, translated into every major language and performed more often than those of any other author.... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
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