On any given day in London, you’ll find tourists huddled near a brick wall at King’s Cross Station, lining up for a photo op at the famed Platform 9 ¾. Across the city, themed walking tours guide visitors past filming locations, while diehard fans make pilgrimages to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to walk through the real sets used in the Harry Potter films.
For a country that birthed the franchise — both in literature and on screen — the connection runs deep.
So when Universal confirmed its new U.K. theme park would not include any version of the Wizarding World, the absence struck many fans as a baffling choice.
Despite being home to nearly every major Harry Potter filming location, the United Kingdom has never hosted a full-scale Universal Harry Potter land. That distinction belongs to other parks around the world, beginning with Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in 2010, followed by Diagon Alley in 2014. Florida remains the only destination with both, connected by the iconic Hogwarts Express.
Universal's Growing Empire Leaves U.K. Behind
Universal Studios Japan opened its own Hogsmeade in 2014, with a snowy Hogwarts Castle drawing long lines ever since. Universal Studios Hollywood followed with a similar land in 2016. More recently, Universal Studios Beijing included a Wizarding World upon its opening in 2021, and Universal Orlando’s new park, Epic Universe, has just debuted a themed land based on the Ministry of Magic, blending elements from the British and French wizarding communities.
The sheer global footprint makes it easy to assume that the next logical step would be bringing Harry Potter home to Britain.
But early concept reports for Universal Studios Great Britain tell a different story. Though the park will feature lands inspired by Paddington, James Bond, and The Lord of the Rings, there are currently no plans to include Harry Potter. The decision has sparked confusion — especially given the timing, as HBO is already filming a reboot of the series for streaming, with a renewed franchise push underway.
Some believe the choice was a strategic one. Just outside London, Warner Bros. continues to operate its popular Studio Tour in Leavesden, which houses original sets, props, and behind-the-scenes experiences. With the Studio Tour thriving — and international versions expanding to Tokyo and potentially Shanghai — Universal may be steering clear of direct competition.
A New Magical Venue Emerges in Oxford
Still, British Potterheads have something new to look forward to — even if it’s not in the form of a theme park.
Reports have surfaced that the Grade II-listed William Baker House in Oxford will soon become home to a new Harry Potter attraction. The historic building, located at the intersection of Broad Street and Cornmarket, has reportedly been selected by Warner Bros. for a brand-new experience set to open next year.
While Warner Bros. has not officially commented, contractors working on-site have confirmed that the studio’s structural engineers have been involved in the transformation. They stated that a Harry Potter-themed attraction is in development and will include merchandise sales, though full details remain under wraps.
The location isn’t just scenic — it’s canon-adjacent. Several buildings in Oxford were used during filming for the series, including the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, which served as the Hogwarts Hospital Wing in multiple films, including Chamber of Secrets and Goblet of Fire.
It also marks the latest in a growing trend of Harry Potter-branded experiences that don’t involve rides or theme parks. Warner Bros. recently opened an official store in Chicago, joining its flagship New York location. In the U.K., the King’s Cross shop near the famed platform continues to attract fans, even as unauthorized stores around London have stirred backlash from residents.
Do you think the UK needs its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
