What's special about the Leadenhall market?

Leadenhall Market in the City of London is a stunning, Grade II* listed, covered Victorian market, famous for its ornate wrought-iron, painted roof, and cobbled walkways. Dating back to the 14th century, it is renowned for featuring in Harry Potter as Diagon Alley, its history as a Roman forum, and as a picturesque, high-end shopping and dining destination.

Why is the Leadenhall Market famous?

Leadenhall Market is famous for its stunning Victorian architecture, use as a filming location (especially as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter), rich history dating back to Roman times, and its current role as a hub for upscale shops, restaurants, and pubs in the City of London, alongside its legendary goose, "Old Tom".
 

Is Leadenhall Market worth visiting?

Yes, Leadenhall Market is generally considered worth visiting, especially for its stunning Victorian architecture, historic charm, and as a filming location (Harry Potter's Leaky Cauldron), though it's more of a beautiful spot for lunch, drinks, and people-watching in a historic setting than a traditional market for diverse goods. Its value depends on your interests: it's great for architecture fans, foodies looking for a historic lunch spot, or fans of the films, but it's small and less of a bustling market now.
 

What was filmed in Leadenhall Market?

Leadenhall Market is a famous filming location, most notably for representing Diagon Alley and The Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, but also featured in films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Hereafter, Love Aaj Kal, and Johnny English, plus the Slow Horses series and Black Doves. Its beautiful Victorian architecture provides a magical backdrop for many productions, from wizarding worlds to spy thrillers.
 

What does the Leadenhall Market have?

Leadenhall Market is home to boutique retailers, fine-dining and family-friendly restaurants, cafés, wine bars and an award-winning pub, with independent brands keeping the market unique and fresh. Get to know the faces behind the facades.

From the Romans to HARRY POTTER: A bitesize history of London’s Leadenhall Market

What is the most famous street market in London?

The Best Markets in London for Food Lovers

• Borough Market: The Most Famous for a Reason. ...
• Portobello Road Market: The Notting Hill Heartbeat. ...
• Brick Lane Market: An East London Icon. ...
• Camden Market: Long-Time Home of Alternative London. ...
• Columbia Road Flower Market: A Splendid Sunday Ritual.

What to buy at Leadenhall Market?

Beyond its film-star fame, Leadenhall Market is a treasure trove of boutique shopping. From handcrafted jewellery and gourmet cheese to high-end fashion and florists, it's the perfect spot to find a gift or treat yourself to something special.

Was Leadenhall Market in Harry Potter?

Yes, Leadenhall Market in London was a filming location for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, representing the street leading to the Leaky Cauldron, with Bull's Head Passage used for the pub's entrance (now an optician's) and inspiring the look of Diagon Alley. It served as a stand-in for the magical world in the first film, though later movies used Borough Market for the Leaky Cauldron.
 

Where is Hogwarts Castle in real-life located?

Did you know that Alnwick Castle played a starring role as the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in two Harry Potter films? That's right, you can visit the real-life Harry Potter castle location in Northumberland.

Was Harry Potter filmed in London?

This stunning Victorian market in London was used to film scenes in Diagon Alley in the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

What is the oldest market in London?

Borough Market has a history spanning over a millenium and is widely considered London's oldest retail and wholesale food market. It's been operating at its current site since 1756. With over 100 stalls covering about 4.5 acres, Borough Market is also one of the largest food markets in the capital.

What is the oldest street in London?

Over in the City of London, you'll find Watling Street. Connecting Queen Victoria Street to St Paul's Cathedral (and offering a pretty gorgeous view in the process), Watling Street puts forward a fairly convincing case as the oldest street in London.

What Roman ruins are under Leadenhall Market?

The Heart of Roman Londinium

Leadenhall Market stands in the very centre of Roman Londinium – underneath its arches and cobblestones lie the remains of the Forum (market) and Basilica (courts). Bishopsgate, Cheapside and Leadenhall Street all follow the route of the old Roman roads.

What is the most prestigious shopping street in London?

New Bond Street in Mayfair is the most expensive shopping street in London. Though the street is commonly known as Bond Street, the road is split into New Bond Street and Old Bond Street. The New Bond Street section has the highest concentration of luxury shops in London.

Where is Diagon Alley in real life?

CECIL COURT THE REAL DIAGON ALLEY. Cecil Court being "just off Charing Cross Road" and with its curious mix of bookshops and antique shops, is widely believed to be the real Diagon Alley, or at least the thoroughfare on which Diagon Alley was based.

Can I visit Hogwarts in real life?

Explore the Hogwarts interior by visiting Gloucester Cathedral & St Paul's Cathedral. Then take a walk in the Hogwarts Grounds in the Scottish Highlands to the viewing the stunning interior of Hogwarts at. A UK trip is a must!

Is Wonka filmed in Leadenhall Market?

Did you know that the iconic Leadenhall Market inspired some of the visuals from the 2023 film Wonka which starred Timothée Chalamet? Whilst they built the Gallery Gourmet which houses Willy Wonka's wonderful chocolate emporium on the Warner Brothers backlot, can you imagine it fitting in right here?

Which is the best Harry Potter experience in London?

The best Harry Potter experience in London depends on what you want: the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers the ultimate immersive look at actual sets, props, and costumes (near London) for a full-day adventure, while within the city, exploring filming locations like King's Cross (Platform 9¾), Leadenhall Market, and House of MinaLima, taking a guided walking tour, seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, or visiting themed hotels/teas provide magical, convenient options.
 

Where is Bill and Fleur's house?

Bill and Fleur's home, Shell Cottage, from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was filmed on location at Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where the set was built directly on the sand dunes for filming in 2010 but was removed afterward. While the cottage isn't there anymore, fans still visit the beach to see the site and leave tributes at Dobby's Grave, a memorial built in the dunes nearby.
 

What's the best souvenir to get from London?

20 Unique London Souvenir Ideas You'll Actually Love

• Custom Hat from Lock & Co Hatters.
• Leather Goods.
• Paddington Bear gifts.
• Art Prints from the V&A Museum.
• Double Decker Bus Money Box.
• Tower Bridge Opening Model.
• Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Mode.
• Royal Wedding Commemorative Items.

What is the most famous shopping in London?

• Regent Street is one of the most famous and popular places to shop in London. ...
• Piccadilly Circus is a shopping hub of London. ...
• Shop high-end brands around Bond Street and Mayfair. ...
• Have a big shopping day out at Westfield's two London locations. ...
• Treat yourself at Carnaby Street's many shops.

What are cheap things to buy in London?

Clothes, chocolates, biscuits, and some branded cosmetics often come cheaper. Tea and whisky can also be cheaper, especially if you hit supermarkets or duty-free spots rather than tourist traps.