Nestled inside London Zoo, the Reptile House is a humid, glass-walled pavilion that has welcomed generations of visitors to get close to cold-blooded wildlife. Built as part of London's early 20th-century zoological expansion, the gallery-like enclosure is an enduring emblem of the zoo’s live collection and the public imagination about reptiles, from tropical snakes to desert lizards. The atmosphere blends warm air, subtle humidity, and the quiet shimmer of tanks reflected in the glass, inviting quiet curiosity as you move through its leafy corridors. It is inseparably linked to pop culture through Harry Potter’s first film moment, when a Parseltongue-speaking Harry mesmerizes a boa constrictor in this very space, turning a routine visit into cinematic magic. Today, the Reptile House remains a magnet for film fans and nature lovers alike, offering an intimate sense of proximity to some of the planet’s oldest creatures.

The Reptile House exterior along Regent’s Park paths stands as a brick-and-iron gateway that calls to mind London Zoo’s early 20th-century architecture. Its sturdy brick walls, archway entrance, and wrought-iron details create a cinematic backdrop that has drawn filmmakers and visitors alike. Built to house the zoo’s reptile collection, the facade carries a quiet, almost ceremonial air that contrasts with the park’s greenery and changing light. In the Harry Potter universe, the location has served as a recognizable establishing shot, pairing urban nature with a hint of magic just beyond the gate.

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel’s exterior is a masterful display of Gothic Revival architecture, born from the 19th-century vision of the Midland Grand Hotel designed by George Gilbert Scott. After decades of neglect, the red-brick towers and ornate stonework underwent meticulous restoration and reopened as a luxury hotel in 2011, proudly framing the approaches to King’s Cross and St Pancras stations. The façade blends railway heritage with Victorian opulence, radiating a sense of grandeur that invites both travelers and photographers to linger. Its cinematic mood and location beside one of London’s busiest hubs have made it a familiar icon in popular culture, particularly within the Harry Potter fandom.