University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Natasha Davis (Interact)

Interact

An open-aired street becomes covered after a stone sign that says "Leadenhall Market".

As a huge Harry Potter fan, I have always wanted to explore the places that Harry Potter was filmed at in London. After scouring the internet for places that have the magical feel, or better yet, places that were really filmed at, I discovered the Leadenhall Market. Right off of the Cannon Street stop on the tube, the market captured the magical feel I was searching for.

Upon walking into the market, I discovered that it was rather empty. There were no market stalls and I found few people roaming around the market. While these may be disappointing factors to some, I found this marvelous. With few people around I was able to see the market’s beauty in full effect. I was able to speak with one of the restaurant owners within the market about why there were so few people, and he told me that I was rather lucky. He told me that while the market isn’t as trendy or popular as markets like Borough or Camden market, he said that since I came so late on a weekday I was able to avoid the crowds that come around lunch time.

A street with green and red storefronts covered by a glass archway with warm lamps.
Images from within the trip to the Leadenhall market! Seen within can be stalls packing up, and the beautiful ambiance within.

Along with the beauty within Leadenhall market, there were incredible smells emanating from the restaurants within. Specifically, The Lamb Tavern within the market had incredible smelling food that I wished I was able to go in and enjoy. Furthermore, the tavern had an inviting ambience that really attracted me towards it.

A street curves in the distance as it is covered by a glass archway.

I would definitely recommend going to the Leadenhall market and exploring the beautiful gold and red coloring throughout, with the green accents. However, I would most recommend deferring slightly from the center of the market, and going to two eyes coffee house, not only for incredible tasting coffee, but to see the entrance to the leaky cauldron. Now painted blue (not the black from the movies) it’s incredible to be within the space that Harry Potter was filmed in.

Overall this trip helped me branch out from the familiar South Kensington, and helped me explore a new part of London, and the magic within new areas.

Natasha smiles in front of a field of yellow flowers.

Natasha Davis 

Major: International Studies and Legal Studies

Hometown: Middleton, Wisconsin

One personal goal I have for this program is to fully immerse myself into the English culture. I hope to accomplish this by frequenting several establishments in London, such as small coffee shops and local libraries.

What do you most look forward to learning about in London? In London, I am looking forward to learning about Britain’s rich and complex history. In addition, I feel that I will be able to gain great insights into contemporary British culture, from its uniquely diverse population to its thriving arts, music, and culinary scenes.