You might easily overlook the small arched entrance to Middle Temple, one of the four remaining Inns of Court, which are responsible for training all of Britain's barristers. The Inns were first established in the 14th century and housed in large, walled compounds; today, judges and barristers still work, study and sometimes live in these enchanted precincts. Beyond the gates of Middle Temple (locked overnight and on weekends), on the south side of the Strand where it morphs into Fleet Street, lies a time capsule. Step into the Elizabethan banqueting house, Middle Temple Hall. It's a real-life Hogwarts, but twice as magical.

• 1. Middle Temple
  Middle Temple Lane, London, U.K. EC4Y 9AT; 44-(0)20-7404-5787 51.512183-0.110974 barcouncil.org.uk