The Ultimate Guide to the Harry Potter Studios Tour in London
As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, there’s one experience that should be at the top of your bucket list: the Harry Potter Studios Tour in London. From the moment you set foot in the studio, you’re transported straight into the magical world of Hogwarts, Quidditch, and Butterbeer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the tour—from how to get there to what to expect once you arrive.
Getting to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
The studio is located in Leavesden, just outside of London, and is easily accessible by public transportation or car. Here’s the best way to plan your journey:
By Train: The easiest way to reach the studio is by taking a train from London Euston to Watford Junction, which is only a 20-minute journey. Once you arrive at Watford Junction, there’s a shuttle bus that takes you directly to the studios in about 15 minutes. You can’t miss it—look for the bus decked out in Harry Potter logos! The shuttle runs regularly, so you won’t have to wait long.
By Car: If you’re driving, the studio has free parking on-site. Just pop the postcode (WD25 7LR) into your GPS, and you’ll arrive at the magical destination in no time.
By Tour Bus: Some companies offer dedicated Harry Potter Studio Tour buses that depart directly from London, making it a convenient option if you want a hassle-free round trip.
What to Expect at the Harry Potter Studios Tour
The experience begins the moment you walk through the doors of the Warner Bros. Studio. Be prepared to be amazed! This behind-the-scenes tour brings you face-to-face with the props, sets, costumes, and special effects that made the Harry Potter films come to life.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
1. The Great Hall
One of the most iconic spots, the tour kicks off with a magical entrance to the Great Hall of Hogwarts. As you stand where Harry, Hermione, and Ron once stood, it’s easy to feel like you’ve just stepped into the movies. Take a moment to admire the house tables, costumes of professors like Dumbledore and McGonagall, and even the fireplace!
2. The Hogwarts Sets
As you make your way through the tour, you’ll encounter many more sets from the films. From Dumbledore’s office to the Gryffindor common room, and from Hagrid’s hut to the Potions classroom, each set is immaculately preserved. Every inch is filled with detail, and you’ll gain a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into creating the wizarding world.
3. The Forbidden Forest and Platform 9 ¾
Brace yourself for an eerie walk into the Forbidden Forest, where you’ll come face-to-face with Aragog, Buckbeak, and a fog-filled atmosphere. After the Forest, hop aboard the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾! You can even push your trolley through the magical wall and get that perfect Instagram-worthy shot.
4. Diagon Alley
One of the highlights of the tour is a stroll down Diagon Alley. You’ll pass by Ollivanders, Flourish & Blotts, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. This is your chance to feel like a Hogwarts student shopping for their first wand.
5. Creature Effects and Animatronics
Ever wondered how they made Dobby look so real? Or how Hagrid’s giant head worked? This section of the tour explores the animatronics and visual effects that brought magical creatures to life.
6. The Ministry of Magic
The sets from the Ministry of Magic are awe-inspiring and massive! The magical details of the entrance hall, the iconic golden statue, and the office spaces are truly spellbinding.
7. The Enchanted Props
Don’t forget to check out some of the most famous props from the films, like the Sorting Hat, the Triwizard Cup, and even Tom Riddle’s diary with that iconic basilisk fang puncture.
8. The Grand Finale: Hogwarts Castle
The tour wraps up with an extraordinary, scaled model of Hogwarts Castle, used for sweeping shots of the school in the films. Walking around this breathtaking model is the perfect end to your magical journey.
The Food: Butterbeer and More
After all that exploring, you’ll probably want to refuel. And what better way to do that than by indulging in the famous Butterbeer? The Butterbeer bar serves up both cold and frozen versions, as well as butterbeer ice cream. The sweet butterscotch-like flavor will take you right back to Hogsmeade!
The café at the studio also offers a variety of food options, including sandwiches, salads, and hot meals, so you can take a break before continuing your journey.
Shopping for Harry Potter Merch
No visit to the Harry Potter Studios is complete without stopping by the gift shop. You’ll find an endless array of souvenirs, from wands to house robes, mugs, scarves, and exclusive items only available at the studio. Whether you’re a Gryffindor or a Slytherin at heart, you’ll find the perfect magical memorabilia.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Book in advance: Tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak times, so make sure to book well ahead.
- Bring your camera: Photography is allowed throughout most of the tour, so make sure to snap as many memories as possible.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The tour takes about 3-4 hours, and you’ll be on your feet for most of it, so come prepared for a lot of walking.
- Plan your visit around quieter times: If you want to avoid crowds, try booking your tour during a weekday or an off-peak time, such as early morning or late afternoon.
The Magic Never Ends
The Harry Potter Studios Tour in London is a must-see for any fan of the Wizarding World. Whether you’re reliving the iconic moments from the movies or diving into the behind-the-scenes magic, this experience is unforgettable. From the spellbinding sets to the intricate details, every part of the tour will make you fall in love with Harry Potter all over again. So pack your wand, don your house scarf, and get ready for a magical adventure!
