A Big Day Out at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Make the most out of your day seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the eighth instalment in the life of the UK’s favourite wizard, has now been running on the West End for over a decade. Housed at the ornate Palace Theatre, the exterior of the theatre is a sightseeing stop in itself, with a statue of a crouching Albus Potter placed over the show’s signage. The play can be a big day out on its own, with the story split over two full-length shows – audiences have the choice of watching the two shows back-to-back with a break for dinner or coming back the next night to finish the story. Whether you’ve got a little or a lot of time to kill, we’ve got you covered. Here’s all the information you need to have a magical day out seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Things to do near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Restaurants near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Shopping near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Bars and pubs near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Tube stations and bus stops near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
On-theme activities for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Things to do near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The Palace Theatre sits in the heart of London’s theatre district, with lots to see and do in the area. Whatever the weather and whatever the time available, we’re sure you’ll find a way to fill it, but here are a few of our suggestions.

If the weather is on your side, there’s lots to see outdoors. Chinatown is a three-minute walk from the theatre, with over 70 East and Southeast Asian restaurants, shops, bars and cafes to discover and a vibrant atmosphere to soak up. Four minutes from the Palace theatre is Neal’s Yard, the iconic colourful courtyard home to independent businesses, well-being brands and great food – the perfect place to take some photos and rest your legs.

Seven minutes away, you’ll find a filming location featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One. Piccadilly Circus is where Harry, Ron and Hermoine end up after fleeing the Death Eaters, and there’s always something happening here, with museums, shopping and street performers. Another nearby spot with ties to the franchise is Leicester Square – if you look around, you might be able to spot Harry flying on his broom…

If you’re after an indoor activity, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are both less than 10 minutes from the theatre. The British Museum is also a 10-minute walk away, housing history from all over the world.

Restaurants near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

There are lots of popular chain restaurants in London’s theatre district, many just a short walk away from the Palace Theatre. Nearby Chinatown is always a great place to go for food, with local restaurants and street food vendors serving options to suit everyone.

Sophie’s Soho is an obvious choice for those seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, offering £5 off for every diner with a valid ticket to the show. Once a legendary 60s Moulin cinema, now a NY-inspired steakhouse, this beautifully-decorated space is also famous for its 10oz martinis. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. If you miss out, Old Compton Brasserie is just two minutes away, boasting a large menu with lots of comforting classics and a great cocktail list.

Across the street from the Palace Theatre, tapas restaurant Jamon Jamon Soho is tucked away, promising traditional Spanish recipes made with authentic Spanish ingredients. Three minutes or so around the corner, Olea Social offers a unique Mediterranean menu riffing on recipes from Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy and Morocco, with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Or for French dining, you can’t go wrong with Café Boheme. Just a minute from the theatre, this historic spot is inspired by the 19th century French poets who used to meet on Old Compton street and serves French classic with a background of live jazz.

Dishoom Covent Garden is the spot for a great Indian, three minutes’ walk from the theatre. In lavish surroundings inspired by the arrival of the Talkies in Indian cinema, you’ll tuck into a menu of elevated Bombay comfort food. For something plant-based, Tendril is fifteen minutes’ walk away and well worth a visit. Describing themselves as a mostly vegan restaurant, their creative plant-based menu will satisfy all palates.

Shopping near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The Palace Theatre is ideally situated for shopping, whether pre-show or in-between the two halves. The vibrant neighbourhood of Soho is just ten minutes away, boasting everything from high-end stores to independent boutiques and quirky bookshops. Fifteen minutes from the theatre, you’ll find everything you might need on Oxford Street, packed with all your favourite high-street stores, whilst Covent Garden, seven minutes away,houses designer boutiques, top beauty brands and plenty more.

For kids of all ages there’s also plenty to check out. Leicester Square houses two of London’s most exciting flagship stores – The LEGO Store, packed full of amazing sculptures and exclusive sets, and M&M’s London, offering an interactive experience that no chocolate lover will be able to resist. Just up the road from the theatre is Foyles, a treasure trove for any bookworm with a hugely diverse collection of books. And it might not be right nearby, but the forty-minute walk or short tube ride is worth it to visit the Harry Potter Shop in King’s Cross and treat yourself to something magical.

Bars and pubs near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The theatre bar is always a great place for a pre-show drink, and many of our recommended restaurants will present you with a great cocktail menu. Here are a few of our other favourite spots nearby.

Across the road from the theatre is The Coach and Horses a richly historic spot voted Evening Standard’s number one pub to visit in London Here you’ll find modern craft beers, cask classics and everything in-between. Another historic pub nearby is The Cambridge just around the corner. Built in 1887, it’s been popular with actors and theatregoers alike for well over a century, and places particular focus on its cask ales and quality gins.

Two minutes from the Palace Theatre is Le Beaujolais, London’s oldest French wine bar. The basement houses a member’s club, but the ground floor is open to all. The spot has been in French hands for many decades, and the proprietors work with small French suppliers to bring a real taste of France to London. For a great cocktail, Bar Termini brings a classic European café vibe. This small and stylish Italian cocktail bar is particularly known for its negronis.

If you want to get into the Hogwarts mood, Waxy’s Little Sister is our top pick. Younger sibling of famous Irish bar Waxy O’Conner’s, Waxy’s Little Sister advertises a more chilled atmosphere, with comfy sofas and roaring fires that might just make you feel like you’re in a Hogwarts common room.

Tube stations and bus stops near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The closest tube station to the Palace Theatre is Leicester Square, served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines, just three minutes away. Five minutes away is Tottenham Court Road, carrying the Northern, Central and Elizabeth lines. Eight minutes away, Picadilly Circus carries the Picadilly and Bakerloo lines. For those travelling by train, Charing Cross is the closest national rail station, just over ten minutes from the theatre. Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up near the theatre. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

With so many references to London in the Harry Potter books, there’s plenty for fans to see and do around the city. A visit to Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station is always fun – you can take a photo with your trolley disappearing through the wall and visit the shop next door to find your Hogwarts robes. Just a short train ride out from the city, you’ll find the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, a fantastic day out for Harry Potter fans and film lovers alike, where you can take a behind-the-scenes look at how the eight films came together. An alternative in the city centre is The Wizard Walk of London, a magical walking tour that introduces you to the various Harry Potter filming locations that can be seen around London.

Speaking of filming locations, London Zoo is always a great day out. If you stop off at the Reptile House, you might recognise the spot where Harry first realises that he can do magic and frees a boa constrictor (don’t worry, all snakes will stay safely behind glass on your visit). Another easy-to-find filming location – and a gorgeous spot in general – is Leadenhall Market, which made up some of Diagon Alley. If you look carefully enough, you might even spot the blue door that leads into the Leaky Cauldron – just don’t get your hopes up for butterbeer.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently playing at the Palace Theatre – find tickets here