If you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a must-visit attraction. Located just outside of central London, this magical experience offers an in-depth look behind the scenes of the iconic film series, showcasing the sets, props, costumes, and special effects that brought J.K. Rowling’s beloved books to life. Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, the Harry Potter Studio Tour will transport you right into the heart of the wizarding world.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, highlight the must-see exhibits, and provide essential information for planning your visit.
Quick Facts about the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Location: Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, London, WD25 7LR, United Kingdom
- Nearest Train Station: Watford Junction (with shuttle buses to the studio tour)
- Official Website: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
- Opening Hours: The Studio Tour is typically open from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM, but hours may vary depending on the season, so it’s recommended to check the website for current details.
- Tickets: Tickets must be purchased in advance, as the tour often sells out, especially during peak times. Various ticket packages are available, including standard entry, family tickets, and exclusive experiences.
History of the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London opened in 2012 and was designed to offer Harry Potter fans an opportunity to see where the magic was made. Located at the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the tour allows visitors to explore the original sets and props used during the filming of all eight Harry Potter films. The studios were originally used for the production of the films, and after the films wrapped, many of the set pieces and props were carefully preserved for the studio tour.
From the grand halls of Hogwarts to the Diagon Alley cobblestones, the studio tour provides a truly immersive experience, showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship, and technology that went into creating the wizarding world.
Must-See Highlights at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
1. The Great Hall
One of the most iconic locations in the Harry Potter series, the Great Hall is where many of the films’ most memorable scenes took place, from the Sorting Hat ceremony to the end-of-term feasts. Visitors can stand beneath the towering columns and see the long house tables where Harry and his friends sat. The hall is beautifully decorated, with floating candles and house banners, making it feel just like you’re inside Hogwarts.
2. Diagon Alley
Step into the magical shopping street of Diagon Alley, home to all things wizarding. This bustling cobblestone street is where Harry first learns about the wizarding world. Here, you can see famous shops like Ollivanders Wand Shop, Flourish and Blotts, and Gringotts Bank. The attention to detail is astounding, with every window and display perfectly replicated to match the scenes from the films.
3. Hogwarts Express and Platform 9¾
No Harry Potter tour would be complete without a visit to Platform 9¾. At the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you can step aboard the Hogwarts Express, the iconic train that takes students from King’s Cross Station to Hogwarts each year. The train is fully outfitted with props from the films, and visitors can pose for pictures on board and see the luggage trolley loaded with magical treats.
4. The Forbidden Forest
The Forbidden Forest is a spine-chilling part of the studio tour, where you can walk among towering trees, creepy spiders, and magical creatures. A highlight of this part of the tour is the opportunity to see Hagrid’s Hut and get close to some of the magical creatures that made an appearance in the films, such as the Buckbeak and Aragog, the giant acromantula spider.
5. Gringotts Wizarding Bank and the Goblins
Explore the vaults of the Gringotts Wizarding Bank, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione have some thrilling adventures. The Gringotts set is incredibly detailed, and you’ll come across an animatronic goblin that looks just like the ones in the film. Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the world of wizards’ finance!
6. The Prop Room and Costume Collection
One of the highlights of the tour is the extensive collection of props and costumes used throughout the Harry Potter series. This includes famous items like Harry’s glasses, Hermione’s time-turner, Ron’s sweater, and the Marauder’s Map. The costume display allows visitors to see the detailed work that went into dressing the actors and designing the magical world.
7. Special Effects and Green Screen
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour also offers insight into how special effects were created for the films. The green screen experience lets you try out flying a broomstick just like Harry Potter, and you can even have your photo taken while soaring above the Quidditch pitch or flying around Hogwarts Castle.
Travel Guide to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Getting There
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is located in Leavesden, which is about 20 miles north of central London. Here’s how you can get there:
- By Train: The easiest way to reach the studio from central London is to take a train from London Euston Station to Watford Junction, which takes about 20 minutes. From Watford Junction, there are shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes to the studio.
- By Car: If you’re driving, the studio is accessible via the M1 motorway. There is free parking available at the studio, but it’s advisable to book your parking space in advance.
- By Bus: Several bus routes serve the studio, including from Watford Junction.
Best Time to Visit
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is extremely popular, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance, especially during peak periods such as school holidays, weekends, and Christmas. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, so if you can visit during the week, you’ll have a more relaxed experience.
Tickets are time-specific, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets early to ensure you get the desired time slot.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London must be booked in advance. There are various ticket types, including:
- Standard Tickets: The general admission ticket includes access to the studio tour, the sets, and exhibits.
- VIP Experiences: For a more exclusive experience, VIP tickets offer added perks such as a guided tour, access to special sets, and a gift package.
- Family Tickets: Discounts are available for families, so be sure to check for family-friendly ticket options.
Visit the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour website for more information and to book your tickets.
Tips for Visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
- Book Early: The studio tour often sells out, so it’s essential to book your tickets well in advance.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time. The experience is designed to be fully immersive, and you’ll want to make the most of your time.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking and standing for a few hours, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Photography: Photography is allowed throughout the tour, so make sure to take plenty of pictures with your favorite characters and set pieces.
- Interactive Features: Be sure to try the interactive features, like the broomstick flying experience, and check out the special effects demonstrations.
Fun Facts about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
- Massive Set Construction: The sets at Warner Bros. Studios were built to scale and with extreme attention to detail, some of which are so large that they require entire soundstages to house them.
- Over 80,000 Items: Over 80,000 props, costumes, and pieces of memorabilia from the films are on display at the studio.
- Real-Size Creatures: Many of the creatures in the Harry Potter films, such as Hagrid’s Buckbeak, were life-size models or animatronics, and visitors can see them up close on the tour.
Why Visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an essential experience for any Harry Potter fan. Whether you’re fascinated by the artistry behind the films, interested in the movie-making process, or just want to relive your favorite moments from the series, this immersive tour brings the magical world to life in a way that no other attraction can.
Conclusion
A trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the wizarding world. With its iconic sets, detailed props, and behind-the-scenes insights, the tour is an absolute must for any Harry Potter enthusiast. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance and prepare to be transported into the magical world of Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the Hogwarts crew!
For more details and to book tickets, visit the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour website.
Enjoy your magical journey through the wizarding world!
