King’s Cross Station is a stop in London that every Potter fan needs to make. Train stations are magical in their own right and this is the one where the whole Hogwarts adventure began. There are three main spots to see here.
The first is the REAL platform 9 and 3/4; where the film was actually shot. Luckily for me one of our friends was a body double for Ginny in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and she knew where the actual filming location was. Simply make your way down to the trains… the real platform 9 and 3/4 was shot between platforms 4 and 5. See you in Diagon Alley! (Or as Harry Potter calls it in the Chamber of Secrets “Diagonskjabdkaujsghad”). I’ve been saying it wrong this whole time.
As you can see I’m bringing many trolleys so that I can fill them up at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Gringott’s. Wishful thinking!
The second stop to make at King’s Cross is to the fake Platform 9 and 3/4. Even though it isn’t where it was filmed it’s still a cool photo opportunity. It is right near the Platform 9 and 3/4 gift shop away from the trains. Unfortunately the line is usually quite long! Some of the more creative photo’s I’ve seen taken there are…
Now I can’t find any information on exactly how many of these carts there are or where they are located but but I believe this one is on the outside of King’s Cross though I haven’t seen it myself.
And then, there is the 9 and 3/4 shop! It is full of H.P. memorabilia such as wands, shirts, keychains, scarves, chocolate frogs with wizard cards and more. Very similar to the gift shop at the Harry Potter Studio Tour and the Universal Studios gift shop only smaller. On busy days there can be a line-up to go in the shop however. I’d suggest going through the week!
A friendly duel in the Platform 9 and 3/4 shop! Stupefy!
I really do love King’s Cross station. It is huge and always buzzing with all sorts of muggles and magical folk alike. I wouldn’t make a trip out just for this but if you’re a Potter fan who finds yourself in London it’s definitely worth a stop to get a few cool and memorable snaps, and perhaps a little something at the 9 and 3/4 shop.
I did buy a little something to remind me of my amazing adventures in London…
Rated: 4/5
Have you been to King’s Cross? Did you take any HP-themed photos? 🙂
ldr13 