Australia House, London
Just past Bush House鈥攐nce the voice of the BBC鈥檚 World Service echoing across the globe鈥攜ou鈥檒l stumble upon a rather unassuming corner of London... unless you鈥檙e a wizard. Welcome to Australia House, the stately headquarters of the Australian High Commission (essentially, an embassy for Australia within the British Commonwealth). It opened in 1918, with King George V himself cutting the metaphorical ribbon. But let鈥檚 be real鈥攊f you鈥檙e a Harry Potter fan, you鈥檙e not here for visa info.
You鈥檙e here for Gringotts.
Yes, the goblin-owned-and-run, no-nonsense wizarding bank鈥攆amously known, according to Rubeus Hagrid, as the second safest place in the magical world (after Hogwarts, of course)鈥攚as filmed right here. The bank appeared in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 鈥� Part 2." Remember that jaw-dropping marble lobby with glinting colossal glass chandeliers and goblin scowls? Straight from Australia House鈥檚 Beaux Arts interior. The filmmakers loved it so much that they recreated it later at Leavesden Studios. But those first shots were pure embassy magic.
Now, don鈥檛 expect to just stroll in waving a wand and shouting "Alohomora." Australia House is still a working embassy. You need a proper reason鈥攕omething like a visa application or an official appointment鈥攖o get through those doors. But if you're charming (and not just in the magical sense), the security might let you peek at the grand chandeliered hall where the wizarding world's economy once jingled. Bear in mind, though, that Australia House is only open on weekdays, so if you visit on a weekend or public holiday, you won't be able to view the interior.
Tip:
It鈥檚 perched at a traffic-heavy junction, so even if you don鈥檛 get inside, you鈥檒l be treated to a surprisingly hypnotic display of London traffic choreography. Just don鈥檛 try to ride a dragon through it. That鈥檚 been done.
You鈥檙e here for Gringotts.
Yes, the goblin-owned-and-run, no-nonsense wizarding bank鈥攆amously known, according to Rubeus Hagrid, as the second safest place in the magical world (after Hogwarts, of course)鈥攚as filmed right here. The bank appeared in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 鈥� Part 2." Remember that jaw-dropping marble lobby with glinting colossal glass chandeliers and goblin scowls? Straight from Australia House鈥檚 Beaux Arts interior. The filmmakers loved it so much that they recreated it later at Leavesden Studios. But those first shots were pure embassy magic.
Now, don鈥檛 expect to just stroll in waving a wand and shouting "Alohomora." Australia House is still a working embassy. You need a proper reason鈥攕omething like a visa application or an official appointment鈥攖o get through those doors. But if you're charming (and not just in the magical sense), the security might let you peek at the grand chandeliered hall where the wizarding world's economy once jingled. Bear in mind, though, that Australia House is only open on weekdays, so if you visit on a weekend or public holiday, you won't be able to view the interior.
Tip:
It鈥檚 perched at a traffic-heavy junction, so even if you don鈥檛 get inside, you鈥檒l be treated to a surprisingly hypnotic display of London traffic choreography. Just don鈥檛 try to ride a dragon through it. That鈥檚 been done.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Australia House on Map
Sight Name: Australia House
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
London Introduction Walking Tour
London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let鈥檚 say, didn鈥檛 care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn鈥檛 one to stay down鈥攊t bounced back,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
The Beatles, often hailed as one of the most influential bands in music history, began their journey in Liverpool in 1960, but it was in London that they truly became global icons. While Liverpool gave them their start, the British capital became their professional playground during the peak of Beatlemania. From recording sessions and business deals to public performances and personal milestones,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market 鈥� currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour
Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London鈥檚 most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...