Claremont Square: Historic Georgian Garden Square and Harry Potter Filming Site
A serene Georgian garden square in Islington, London, blending historic charm with Harry Potter film magic.
Claremont Square is a tranquil Georgian garden square in Islington, London, famed for its mature trees, historic early-19th-century houses, and its role as the filming location for Grimmauld Place in the Harry Potter films. Developed in the 1820s atop a covered reservoir, it offers a peaceful green space surrounded by classic architecture and a touch of cinematic magic.
A brief summary to Claremont Square
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit to admire the Georgian architecture lining the square and appreciate its historic ambiance.
- Harry Potter fans should explore the square to see the iconic filming location of Grimmauld Place.
- Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the green mound, but note the central reservoir area is not accessible.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions in Angel and Pentonville Road for a fuller London experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
London Underground
Take the Northern Line to Angel Station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to Claremont Square. The station is well-connected and accessible, with frequent service. No additional fare beyond standard London Underground pricing applies.
-
Bus
Bus routes 30, 73, and 205 stop near Pentonville Road, within a 5-minute walk of Claremont Square. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with standard London bus fares applicable. Note that buses may be subject to traffic delays during peak hours.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. This option offers door-to-door convenience but can be more costly, typically £8-£15. Availability is high throughout the day.
Claremont Square location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Claremont Square
A Georgian Garden Square Rooted in London's Water History
Claremont Square is nestled in the Angel area of Islington, London, and dates back to the 1820s. It was developed by the New River Company around the Upper Pond reservoir, a water storage site originally built in 1709 and covered over in 1852. This reservoir was part of the New River, an engineered water supply channel created in 1613 to bring fresh water into London. The square’s central green mound, which conceals the reservoir, is dotted with mature trees on all four embanked sides, creating a serene oasis amidst the urban environment.Architectural Charm and Residential Heritage
Surrounding the square are early-19th-century Georgian houses, primarily lining the south, east, and west sides. These homes were originally occupied by respectable middle-class residents such as merchants and clergymen. The west side, initially called Myddelton Terrace after Sir Hugh Myddelton—the engineer behind the New River—was constructed starting in 1821, with the square largely completed by 1828. The north side faces Pentonville Road and features more modern recessed apartment and office buildings, contrasting with the historic charm of the other sides.Claremont Square in Popular Culture
Claremont Square gained international recognition as the filming location for 12 Grimmauld Place, the hidden family home of Sirius Black in the Harry Potter film series. The square’s Georgian façades stood in for this magical address, which serves as the Order of the Phoenix’s headquarters in the films. Fans of the series often visit to see the iconic exterior shots, connecting the quiet garden square with the wizarding world.Natural Beauty and Urban Tranquility
The green space at the heart of Claremont Square spans approximately 1.72 acres, providing a peaceful retreat with its mature trees and wildflowers. While the central area is not accessible to the public due to the reservoir beneath, the surrounding pavements and the square’s layout offer a calm environment for relaxation and reflection. The square’s elevated position on the south side of Pentonville Road adds to its quiet charm, away from the bustle of central London.Notable Residents and Historical Footnotes
Over the years, Claremont Square has been home to notable figures such as Robert Kemp Philp, a Chartist and editor, and Margery Moore, a musician and composer. The square’s history is layered with stories of its residents and its transformation from a functional water reservoir site to a distinguished residential and cultural landmark.Experience and Atmosphere Today
Today, Claremont Square remains a cherished green space in London, combining historical significance, architectural beauty, and a touch of cinematic fame. It offers visitors a glimpse into early 19th-century urban planning and the opportunity to enjoy a quiet garden square with a rich backstory and a magical connection to popular culture.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Trip Turkey
0.7 km
Discover Turkey's rich history and breathtaking landscapes with expertly guided tours from Trip Turkey, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.
Caithness House
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant residential life of London at Caithness House, a modern flat complex perfect for tourists seeking comfort and convenience.
Statue of Thomas Coram
1.0 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
40 Charterhouse Square
1.4 km
Discover the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Charterhouse Square, a hidden gem in London's Barbican district.
St Pancras New Church
1.4 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Staple Inn
1.5 km
Explore Staple Inn, a historic Tudor building in London, showcasing stunning architecture and a serene courtyard amidst the city's vibrant life.
Tavistock Square
1.5 km
Explore Tavistock Square, a beautiful garden and historical landmark in London, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Cloth Fair
1.5 km
Explore the historic Cloth Fair in London, a charming street where medieval architecture meets modern-day London, offering a unique glimpse into the city's past.
St Bartholomew the Great
1.6 km
Medieval sanctuary where nine centuries of English history unfold within Norman and Gothic walls.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
1.6 km
Discover one of London's rare Tudor survivors, the beautifully restored St Bartholomew's Gatehouse, standing proudly since 1595.
Euston War Memorial
1.6 km
A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
Sir William Wallace Memorial
1.6 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Sicilian Avenue
1.6 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
Holborn Viaduct
1.6 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
1.7 km
Explore the rich history and serene beauty of The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, a cornerstone of London's legal heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gagosian Gallery
0.5 km
A premier contemporary art gallery in London showcasing world-class exhibitions and iconic artists in a spacious, industrial setting.
Camden Passage, Islington
0.6 km
Discover Camden Passage, Islington’s historic pedestrian street brimming with antiques, vintage shops, independent boutiques, and lively markets.
Exmouth Market
0.6 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of diverse cuisines, historic charm, and lively cultural spirit in the heart of Clerkenwell.
Paseando por Europa - Londres
0.7 km
Explore London's iconic landmarks and hidden gems with expert-guided tours from Paseando por Europa, your premier sightseeing agency.
The London Cultureseekers Group
0.7 km
Explore the heart of London with The Cultureseekers Group, offering curated tours that celebrate the city's rich heritage and modern vibrancy.
Traditional London Tours
0.7 km
Discover London’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems in a classic black cab with expert guides on personalized private tours.
things to do in london
0.7 km
Experience London’s iconic landmarks, festive magic, and vibrant culture in a city where history and modern life intertwine seamlessly.
Islington Museum
0.7 km
Explore Islington’s rich local history and vibrant community stories in this engaging, accessible museum beneath Finsbury Library.
46 Noel Rd
0.7 km
Discover the charm of 46 Noel Road, a peaceful residential haven nestled in the vibrant cultural heart of Islington, London.
clueQuest - The Live Escape Game
0.7 km
Experience London’s top-rated live escape rooms with immersive spy missions, clever puzzles, and thrilling teamwork at clueQuest.
Islington Green
0.7 km
A historic and tranquil green space at the heart of Islington, blending rich heritage with urban charm.
London Canal Museum
0.8 km
Discover London's rich canal heritage and Victorian ice trade in a historic warehouse with immersive boat trips and fascinating exhibits.
The Postal Museum
0.8 km
Discover five centuries of postal history and ride London’s secret underground Mail Rail at The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell.
Kings Place
0.9 km
A vibrant cultural hub in King’s Cross, Kings Place offers world-class music, art, and dining in a dynamic, welcoming setting.
Charles Dickens Museum
0.9 km
Step into the Victorian world of Charles Dickens at his only surviving London home, where literary history and personal stories come alive.
Essential places to dine
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.2 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
St. John
1.3 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
2.0 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Margot
2.0 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Sarastro
2.0 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Alexander The Great Restaurant
2.1 km
Experience authentic Greek hospitality and generous Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Camden’s vibrant dining scene.
Frida Camden
2.1 km
Authentic Mexican cuisine with vibrant flavors and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Camden, London.
Circus
2.1 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Ikoyi Restaurant
2.1 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Inamo Covent Garden
2.2 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
2.2 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
2.2 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
The Ninth
2.2 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
The Clove Club
2.2 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Daphne Restaurant
2.2 km
Authentic Greek-Cypriot dining in Camden with warm hospitality, cozy ambiance, and generously portioned traditional dishes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Unique Gifts
0.7 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
0.7 km
Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
Smithfield Market
1.5 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
not just a shop
1.5 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
London Silver Vaults
1.6 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Barbican Shop
1.7 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Fancy That of London
1.8 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.9 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Twinings - The Strand
2.0 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
2.1 km
Explore the enchanting Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a whimsical gift shop in London filled with unique monster-themed treasures and delightful surprises.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
2.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
The Store X
2.1 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Pop Boutique
2.1 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
2.1 km
London’s ultimate destination for comics, collectibles, and cult pop culture treasures in the heart of the West End.
Rokit Covent Garden
2.1 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
0.7 km
A quirky, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Kings Cross with lively music, creative drinks, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
The Duke
1.0 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Laki Kane Cocktail Bar & Thai Restaurant Islington
1.1 km
Escape to a vibrant tropical oasis in Islington with Laki Kane’s handcrafted rum cocktails, Caribbean-inspired cuisine, and immersive island vibes.
Spiritland
1.2 km
Immerse yourself in exceptional sound, creative cocktails, and a vibrant music culture at Spiritland King's Cross.
Cosy Cocktail Bar
1.4 km
A stylish speakeasy in King's Cross offering expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, intimate setting perfect for evenings and private events.
Little Bat
1.4 km
Discover Little Bat, a stylish Islington cocktail bar with creative drinks, eclectic decor, and a standout small plates menu by chef James Cochran.
Fitz's Russell Sq.
1.4 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
1.4 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
Old Fountain
1.5 km
Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
Nightjar Shoreditch
1.6 km
Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Princess Louise
1.7 km
Step into the Princess Louise, a stunning Victorian gin palace in Holborn, where opulent interiors and rich history blend in a timeless London pub experience.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
1.8 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
The Craft Beer Co. Old Street
1.8 km
A vibrant London pub offering a top-tier selection of craft beers served with expert care in a casual, retro setting.
The Old Bank of England
1.9 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
London Best Night Clubs
1.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Egg London Nightclub
1.5 km
Experience marathon electronic music sessions in a converted Victorian warehouse with vibrant terraces and world-class DJs at Egg London Nightclub.
XOYO LONDON
1.8 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Carwash Nightclub
1.9 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.0 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Max's Other Flat
2.1 km
Discover a vibrant nightlife experience at Max's Other Flat, a must-visit nightclub in London offering electrifying music and unforgettable moments.
Trafik
2.1 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
The Roxy
2.2 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Hoxton Pony
2.2 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
2.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.2 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Underworld
2.4 km
Dive into Camden's throbbing heart of rock and metal at this legendary basement club, where intimate gigs unleash mosh pits and unforgettable riffs.
The Ivy Club
2.4 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Club49Soho
2.4 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
2.4 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
