London in 1 Day for Families - Board a purple Routemaster-style 'MagicBus' for a guided 2‑hour film-locations tour
In Collaboration with Londoner Buses LTD. Updated on January 31, 2026.
A compact, family-friendly plan built around the 2-hour MagicBus Harry Potter film-locations tour from Embankment. Includes meeting details, what you'll see on the bus (photo stops at Lambeth Bridge, Horse Guards Parade, Leadenhall Market/Diagon Alley, Great Scotland Yard, Australia House/Gringotts), and a relaxed post-tour snack nearby for families.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Londoner Buses LTD, inspired by the tour Magicbus: Harry Potter Film Locations Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Board a purple Routemaster-style 'MagicBus' for a guided 2‑hour film-locations tour
- Photo stops at Lambeth Bridge, Horse Guards Parade, Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley) and Great Scotland Yard
- Interactive Hogwarts House selection and kid-friendly quiz onboard
- Short, stroller-friendly route with clear bathroom/snack breaks
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Embankment and join the 2‑hour MagicBus Harry Potter film-locations tour; short family-friendly debrief and snack after the tour.
Meet & check-in — Embankment (Bus Stop) — arrive 15 minutes before start
Gather at the Embankment meeting point to check in and choose your Hogwarts House. The guide will confirm seats and safety info before boarding the MagicBus.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early: the tour operator asks groups to be checked in 15 minutes before departure — this avoids delays and helps families settle children into seats.
- Stroller note: you can fold a lightweight stroller and keep it with you on the pavement next to the bus — bring a small strap or bag for valuables; ask staff for the best boarding spot for stroller storage.
- Facilities nearby: Embankment station has toilets and baby-change facilities (follow station signage). If anyone needs last-minute snacks, there’s a Pret A Manger and several kiosks within a 2–3 minute walk.
MagicBus Harry Potter Film Locations Tour (onboard experience)
Two-hour guided ride aboard the purple Routemaster-style MagicBus. Family-friendly narration, Hogwarts House selection, interactive quiz and multiple short photo stops at key London filming locations (Lambeth Bridge, Horse Guards Parade, Leadenhall Market/Diagon Alley, Great Scotland Yard, Australia House/Gringotts). The route is stroller-friendly with short walks only for photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Onboard rest breaks: the guide will announce short photo stop pauses; if younger kids need toilets, ask the guide — the bus will stop near public toilets or station exits whenever possible.
- Photo-stop logistics: most stops are curbside or short, level walks — bring a light carrier or small fold-up stroller for faster movement; Leadenhall Market has cobbles, so use a stroller with larger wheels or carry little ones for the best photos.
- Keep kids engaged: the onboard Hogwarts House selection and quiz are designed for families — bring small prizes (stickers, chocolate) to reward correct answers and keep younger children motivated during transfers.
Post-tour relaxed snack — Bill's Covent Garden (family-friendly)
After you disembark back at Embankment, walk or take a short Tube ride to Covent Garden for a relaxed family snack/early dinner at Bill's — kid-friendly menu, high chairs and a relaxed atmosphere to debrief the tour and look through photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid-friendly menu: Bill's offers children’s meals and high chairs; if anyone has allergies, staff are generally used to accommodating requests — ask when ordering.
- Travel tip from Embankment: take the District/Circle line from Embankment to Temple then a 6–8 minute walk, or it's about a 16–20 minute family walk along the river if kids still have energy.
- Quiet seating request: ask for a corner or booth when you arrive — it keeps kids contained and provides space for backpacks/strollers; booking ahead (or arriving 10–15 minutes early) helps at busy times.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Restaurant |
