Picture the scene. It’s a frosty November evening. You step out of a taxi onto Charing Cross Road and take a left onto Cecil Court Road. The street lights hum and flicker with an ethereal orange. Suddenly, a tingle comes across you – a chill that runs up your spine and into your fingertips. But it’s not from the cold – it’s the feeling of magic in the air. This is magical London.
From ancient ley lines to Derren Brown, from Terry Pratchett to Harry Potter, London sports a history filled with magic, mysticism, and mystery. If you’re fascinated by all that lies on the other side, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore some of the capital’s magical locations in London.
Cecil Court Road
Have you ever dreamt of what it might be like to step into a Harry Potter novel and visit Diagon Alley – the secret street of the wizarding world? You’ll be excited to hear that it was modelled after a real place. Cecil Court Road is a tiny, bustling side street off Charing Cross Road that has enchanted tourists for generations. It’s a must-see for any aspiring witch or wizard.
Sherlock Holmes pub
There’s more than a handful of mysticism and mystery in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective stories. If you’d love to live a little of the magic, step inside the Sherlock Holmes pub on Westminster’s Northumberland Street. You’ll get to see some of the best Holmsian paraphernalia.
Watkins Books
Since 1893, this esoteric bookshop in London has been a centre of magical energy worldwide. With rare titles, tarot cards, and books on mysticism abounding, Watkins is the perfect place to spend hours indulging in the world of magic. Based just off Cecil Court Road, it’s ideal to add to your Harry Potter tour experience.
So, if you’d like to add a little sprinkle of fairy dust, some hocus pocus, and a charm to your visit to London, we can’t recommend these spots enough. Don’t forget to check out See London by Night to experience the enchanting London backdrop after the sun goes down.