
Charing Cross Road, London
If you’re ever strolling down Charing Cross Road, dodging double-deckers and drowning in the smell of old paper and even older tweed, don’t be fooled—this isn’t just a haven for second-hand books and vintage oddities. This unassuming street inspired the very gateway to London’s magical underbelly: the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
Yes, that wonky little wizard pub where Harry grabs a butterbeer and accidentally books a bed for the night in The Prisoner of Azkaban. On the surface, it's just a grimy old shopfront. But to those in the know—or those who’ve read the books seven times—it’s the launchpad to Diagon Alley, the ultimate wizarding mall, where Harry first got his wand and probably a mild case of sensory overload.
And it’s not just the Leaky Cauldron that got a walk-on role. Hagrid and Harry took a wander down this very street, and later, Harry rocketed along it in the Knight Bus, which nearly gave every lamppost a concussion. Oh, and remember those slick black Ministry cars? Yep, Charing Cross Road again.
Even today, the magic lingers. Keep your eyes peeled for a quirky boutique called "A Child of the Jago"—its mannequins are so stylishly eccentric, you’d be forgiven for thinking they stepped out of a wizard fashion week. Robes, cloaks, and a whole lot of attitude.
So next time you're in London and craving a bit of enchantment? Forget Platform 9¾. Check out Charing Cross Road—and bring your best wizard swagger.
Yes, that wonky little wizard pub where Harry grabs a butterbeer and accidentally books a bed for the night in The Prisoner of Azkaban. On the surface, it's just a grimy old shopfront. But to those in the know—or those who’ve read the books seven times—it’s the launchpad to Diagon Alley, the ultimate wizarding mall, where Harry first got his wand and probably a mild case of sensory overload.
And it’s not just the Leaky Cauldron that got a walk-on role. Hagrid and Harry took a wander down this very street, and later, Harry rocketed along it in the Knight Bus, which nearly gave every lamppost a concussion. Oh, and remember those slick black Ministry cars? Yep, Charing Cross Road again.
Even today, the magic lingers. Keep your eyes peeled for a quirky boutique called "A Child of the Jago"—its mannequins are so stylishly eccentric, you’d be forgiven for thinking they stepped out of a wizard fashion week. Robes, cloaks, and a whole lot of attitude.
So next time you're in London and craving a bit of enchantment? Forget Platform 9¾. Check out Charing Cross Road—and bring your best wizard swagger.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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.
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
The Beatles, often hailed as one of the most influential bands in music history, began their journey in Liverpool in 1960, but it was in London that they truly became global icons. While Liverpool gave them their start, the British capital became their professional playground during the peak of Beatlemania. From recording sessions and business deals to public performances and personal milestones,... 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
City of London Walking Tour
The City of London, often referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is the historic and financial core of the British capital. Despite being just over one square mile in area (for which reason it is also lovingly dubbed the Square Mile), it holds immense importance as the original site of Londinium, the Roman settlement founded circa 43 AD. Over the centuries, this small patch of land... 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
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
London’s South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London’s old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... 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
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market – currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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