If you are a fan of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies, you need to visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter in London. This is where the movies were filmed, visiting here will give you so much appreciation for how movies are made and the amount of effort that goes into them.
The Studios have multiple events throughout the year, including the incredible and very popular Dark Arts Season at Halloween (September to October) and Hogwarts in the Snow at Christmas (November to January). I have been lucky enough to go to the Studios twice for these events. You can look up on the Studios’ website what’s going on and if there are any special events.
Getting to the studios
I highly recommend you catch the Hogwarts bus from Victoria Train Station. The journey costs around £40 return and lasts approximately 1.5 hours each way. The plus side of this bus journey to the studios is you get to watch a Harry Potter film during the journey. You can book this through Golden Tours.
You can also get the train from Kings Cross or Euston to Watford and then get the studio shuttle. There is also parking on site if you have a car and want to make your own way to the studios.
Note: Getting the bus transfers from and back to Victoria Station will give you around 4 hours in the Studios. You will spend roughly this amount of time wandering through the whole place. If you make your own way to the studios, I recommend you take your time and spend around 3-4 hours or more exploring. It is extremely worth it and there is just so much to see, you will definitely want to spend as much time as possible there.
As of February 2023, tickets for the studio tour starts at £51.50. The studios are self-guided, book up in advance (as I’m writing this, they are sold out until May) and are constantly updating and adding new ‘exhibits’. Entry is on a timed system and when booking tickets, you will need to select a time. I recommend booking for mid-morning (roughly 10-11am) for the maximum amount of time to at the studios.
Inside the Studios
Note: I will try not to spoil too much although my photos and descriptions will not do it justice. You’ll have to visit and see the magic for yourself.
Throughout the tour, you will see the costumes, props and sets from the franchise. If you are visiting during an event, the studios will be decorated to reflect the event. There may also be treasure hunts and stamps along the way so make sure you check the website or ask at the information desk before going through the tour.
You enter the studios and step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You head through to the tour entrance where you will learn about how JK Rowling wrote the books and how it snowballed into a worldwide phenomenon.
You wander through the Great Hall, admiring the fireplaces, stone carvings, display of costumes and so much more. The Great Hall set features in 7 of the 8 Harry Potter movies. The Great Hall is simply magnificent, decorated for each season and event. The detail in just this one set is incredible.
You then head through to the Interior Sets, Green Screen Experience and Dark Arts sections. Expect to spend at least half of your time in this section of the studios. There is A LOT to see and experience. Some sets are interactive, some sets move, sometimes there are actors around. Next, you’ll go hang out with Aragog and his family in the Forbidden Forest.
One of the most magnificent spots in the studios is Platform 9 3/4 and the Hogwarts Express. You can go on the train and see inside the train cars which have green screen effects and props. The train is a huge draw for everyone and does get very busy (I didn’t get to go on it the first time I visited the studios). You can also take photos pushing your trolley through the wall. Great fun!
Have a breather and a spot of lunch or a butterbeer at the Backlot Café before heading outside to the Backlot where you’ll visit 4 Privet Drive and other sets. Number 4 has just been updated and they have restored more sets within the house, I can’t wait to visit again to see them.
You’ll then head through the Creature Effects and learn about the numerous special effects and creations that made the characters come to life. You’ll head through to Gringotts Bank, it’s vaults and then out into Diagon Alley. The whole of this section is spectacular, so much detail and any photos taken do not convey how truly amazing the sets are.
You’ll then move through to the Art Department and see the many models used throughout the movies. You’ll learn about the various stages for getting different shots and how designs were altered to make it work. You’ll finally see the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in all its glory, it is simply breath-taking.
The last time I went (in 2021), I went with my Mum and sister. My sister, Katie, and I are massive Harry Potter fans. It was Katie’s second time to the studios too and Mum’s first. Katie and I kept saying what was different and new to when we had last been and Mum was just blown away with how incredible it all was. I would go again and again and never get bored.
This magical experience is incredible. I have been twice (2017 and 2021) and my mind was just blown each time. You will leave having a newfound appreciation of how much effort goes into making movies in general and how much detail is put into each set and costume.
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