Nestled between Leicester Square and Covent Garden in London, Goodwin’s Court remains a hidden gem to both Londoners and tourists alike.
Amid the labyrinth of shopping streets, this charming alleyway is easily overlooked, but it definitely worth a visit for Harry Potter fans.
With its historical charm, it’s entirely possible that the narrow street served as the muse for iconic settings in one of the world’s most successful franchises.
The street’s Georgian style, old-fashioned store fronts, bow windows and gaslights are said to have inspired the wizarding street of Diagon Alley.
Located between St, Martin’s Lane and Bedfordbury, official records trace Goodwin’s Court back to the 17th century when it was a bustling hub within one of London’s infamous slums.
Over time, it evolved, but was eventually deemed unfit for habitation in the 1930s, leading to the relocation of its residents.
Following restoration in the 2000s, the street is now part of the Covent Garden Conservation Area and has become a part of the wider business district, while carefully retaining its historical allure.
This timeless charm is believed to have inspired J. K Rowling’s imagination, inspiring the creation of Diagon Alley in her Harry Potter series, reports MyLondon.
While this connection has never been officially confirmed, many fans are convinced that Goodwin’s Court, with its Victorian bay windows, provided the blueprint for the renowned wizarding street.
Allegedly too narrow to be used as a filming location, part of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed at London’s Leadenhall Market just 20 minutes away, representing the iconic pub The Leaky Cauldron.
Today, owls, broomsticks, and other franchise-related memorabilia can be spotted in the windows of Goodwin’s Court while traces of the Deathly Hallows occasionally make a surprise appearance.
