1 Week in London: The Ultimate Guide for Potterheads and History Buffs
A Total Geek-out Trip
If you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, London is likely at the top of your list. In July 2017, we spent an incredible week exploring the city while accompanying Mehran for his MPhil convocation. While we kept our itinerary manageable to ensure we had time to socialize with friends, we managed to pack in some of the most iconic and “magical” experiences the city has to offer over our six days there.
From the wizarding world of Harry Potter to the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan your own unforgettable London adventure.
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Arriving in London
- Via Train or Coach: London is the central hub for the UK’s rail network and major international coach lines. You can compare routes and book your travel through busbud here.
- Via Flight: London is served by six major airports, though the primary international gateways are Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN). To find the best deals on international or domestic airfare across all London hubs, search and book your flights here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your London Trip
- Best Hotels in London: For a comfortable and budget-friendly stay, book your hotel here.
- Stay Connected with a Travel SIM: Our top eSIM recommendations:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
As a proud Potterhead, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour was my top priority. Mehran took charge of the tickets, which turned out to be a stressful task as they were initially sold out for our entire stay.
We opted for a tickets and transfer package which cost approximately 100 Pounds. On the morning of our visit, we took the Underground to Baker Street. Before boarding the branded studio bus, we stopped for photos with the Sherlock Holmes Statue.
⚡ Pro Tip: Plan Ahead!. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is London’s most popular attraction and requires pre-booked time slots. Use the widget below to secure your date and book a package that includes return transport from Central London for a stress-free trip!
The tour itself was breathtaking. We received complimentary activity passports and entered the Great Hall as soon as the doors swung open. Seeing the actual sets, costumes, and props was a dream come true. Highlights included:
- Dumbledore’s Office and the Forbidden Forest.
- Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express.
- Privet Drive and the Chamber of Secrets.
We spent over five hours exploring every intricate detail. Even though Mehran is a Slytherin and I am a Gryffindor, we both had the time of our lives. We skipped the Butterbeer queue to spend more time in the gift shop, where we bought house-specific wands, wax seals, a golden snitch prop, and a Harry Potter destination board game.
Day 2: University Life and The British Museum
We started the day with a tour of University College London (UCL), where Mehran earned his undergraduate degree. Walking through the campus and seeing his old classrooms and hangout spots was a lovely way to see a more personal side of the city.
After lunch, we headed to The British Museum.
Travel Note: While entry is free, it is highly recommended to reserve a time slot online in advance.
As history enthusiasts, we spent two hours marveling at the collection, particularly the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian exhibits. The museum holds artifacts from across the globe, including the Roman Empire, China, and the Islamic world. While the collection is vast, we did find the colonial history of how some items were acquired to be quite thought-provoking.
Day 3: Science and Natural History
Day three was dedicated to the Natural History Museum. Like the British Museum, entry is free but pre-booked time slots are a must to avoid long queues.
We spent about 3.5 hours here. The dinosaur exhibits and the section on human evolution were spectacular. It is a perfect destination for science lovers, featuring everything from earth sciences to massive blue whale skeletons.
Day 4: Harry Potter Locations and Quirky London
⚡ Pro Tip: Follow the Magic!. To see the real life filming locations like Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾, book a guided walking tour using the widget below.
Mehran created a custom checklist of Harry Potter film locations across London and we did our own private tour:
- Leadenhall Market: The original Diagon Alley.
- Borough Market: Specifically the flower shop used as the Leaky Cauldron entrance.
- Great Scotland Yard: The exterior for the Ministry of Magic.
- Australia House: The interior used for Gringotts Bank.
- Cecil Court: The rumored inspiration for Diagon Alley.
- Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station: A must for the iconic photo op.
Afterward, we visited the LEGO Store in Leicester Square and explored the vibrant, though crowded, Piccadilly Circus. We ended the evening at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. While the London location has since closed and is looking for a new home, the mirror maze and quirky exhibits were a highlight of our trip.
Day 5: Iconic London
We used a Merlin Pass to save money on London’s biggest attractions. We dedicated the fifth day to London’s iconic attractions.
⚡ Pro Tip: Book Together!. Use the widget below to secure your tickets for the London Eye, London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, and the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Booking your tickets in one place is the easiest way to organize your trip and avoid long queues at the ticket office.
Madame Tussauds
The wax figures are incredibly lifelike, especially the Star Wars and Avengers sections. The Sherlock Holmes experience was a particular favorite of ours.
The London Dungeon
This 75-minute immersive tour covers the darker side of London’s history, featuring stories of Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd. It is a bit gory, but we found it thrilling.
The London Eye
Despite my fear of heights, the 30-minute rotation in a closed pod was wonderful. The view from the top is the best in the city.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
To end the day, we took a Hop On Hop Off bus tour. Sitting on the open-top deck, we saw London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Day 6: A Day Trip to Stonehenge
For our final full day, we booked a half-day tour to Stonehenge. The tour cost about 60 Pounds and lasted roughly six hours, including the two-hour drive each way.
⚡ Pro Tip: Travel Easy!. Stonehenge is roughly two hours from London. The most convenient way to visit is by booking a coach tour through the widget below.
Standing among the ancient stones was a spiritual experience. We spent time at the Visitor Centre and Neolithic Houses before taking the shuttle to the stone circle itself. With the help of an audio guide, we learned about the history of the site while taking plenty of photos.
Best Halal Food in London
🍴 Tayyabs
- 🥘Cuisine: Traditional Punjabi / Pakistani
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: tayyabs.co.uk
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £20 – £35 per person
A nostalgic favorite from Mehran’s student days, Tayyabs is a must-visit for authentic, Halal Punjabi cuisine. We ordered the Seekh Kababs, Karahi Chicken, and Garlic Naan, all of which were spicy and flavorful. The naans were perfectly soft, and the Mango Lassi was truly “to die for.” It was the ultimate fix for our desi food cravings. Unfortunately, we forgot to take pictures of our food.
🍴 Big Moe’s Diner
- 🥘Cuisine: Classic American Diner
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: bigmoesdiner.co.uk
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £15 – £30 per person
Seeking out burgers and shakes, we headed to Big Moe’s, which features a 100% Halal menu. We shared a chocolate shake, which was incredibly refreshing on a rare hot day, and an order of sliders. While two of the three sliders were delicious and the third just “okay,” the fries were impressively crispy.
🍴 The Second Wife
- 🥘Cuisine: English Breakfast & Brunch
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: secondwiferestaurant.org
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £10 – £20 per person
For a solid Halal breakfast, this spot is a winner. We opted for the Full English Breakfast paired with tea. The ingredients were fresh and the flavors were spot on. It is a highly recommended choice for anyone looking for a reliable brunch spot.
Final Thoughts
Our London vacation remains one of our most cherished memories. The blend of history, pop culture, and amazing food makes it a city like no other. Whether you are a history geek or a die-hard Harry Potter fan, London has something magical waiting for you.
Love this itinerary? We’d be happy to build a personalized one just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book Harry Potter Studio tickets?
Ideally, book 3 to 4 months in advance. Tickets sell out extremely fast, especially for summer dates.
Is Stonehenge worth the 4 hour round trip?
If you appreciate history and ancient mysteries, yes. The visitor center is very well done and the site is iconic.
Can you find Halal food easily in London?
Yes, there are numerous 100% Halal restaurants and diverse cuisines available.
