Harry Potter Studio Tour
Image: Harry Pottery Studio Tour Bus - ©Travel Plans to Go
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is an immersive experience that takes fans behind the scenes of the well-known and loved film series. Located at the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, just outside of London, the tour looks at the sets, costumes, props, and special effects in the Harry Potter movies.
The Great Hall: A Magical Start to the Tour
When you enter the iconic Great Hall of Hogwarts, where students dined, and many key scenes unfolded, the detail is breathtaking. There are real stone floors and flickering floating candles. You feel as though you have been transported to the heart of Hogwarts, a place of history, magic, and unforgettable moments.
Iconic Sets of the Wizarding World
Diagon Alley:
It truly is special to walk through Diagon Alley, where you will see storefronts like Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The detailed facades and shop windows give visitors a glimpse into the vibrant world of magic commerce, as seen in the films.
Image: Hogwart's Express - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter - ©Travel Plans To Go
Hogwarts Express & Platform 9¾:
At Platform 9¾, you can get close to the original Hogwarts Express steam engine where you can climb aboard a carriage and imagine what it was like to take the journey to Hogwarts, especially for young Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. And ofcourse, don't forget to pose with the luggage trolley disappearing into the wall!
The Forbidden Forest:
The Forbidden Forest set is eerie with towering trees and magical creatures. Here you will find Buckbeak the Hippogriff.
Dumbledore's Office:
Dumbledore is one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series, the headmaster of Hogwart's. As you step in to his office, you will see the Pensieve, magical books, and portraits of former Hogwarts headmasters.
Hagrid's Hut:
Hagrid was the half-giant who was the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Oversized furniture and props create the perfect illusion of scale for the half-giant character. The hut is packed with details, from his enormous chair to the magical creatures that often populated the space.
Image: Gringott's Wizarding Bank - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter - ©Travel Plans To Go
Gringotts Wizarding Bank: A Treasure Trove of Magic
Gringotts is the wizarding world's only bank, owned and run by the Goblins. Walk through the grand hall of GringottsWizarding Bank, step inside the Bellatrix Lestrange vault, and discover a gallery of goblins and much more.
The Hogwarts Castle Model: A Magical Masterpiece
One of the most awe-inspiring parts of the tour is the model of Hogwarts Castle. This massive, intricately detailed replica was used for aerial shots and visual effects in the films. The lighting changes throughout the day to show the castle in both daylight and at night, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Image: Dolores Umbridge costumes - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter - ©Travel Plans To Go
Costumes and Props: Relics of the Wizarding World
See thousands of props used in the movies. There's everything from Harry's Nimbus 2000 broomstick to Hermione's Time-Turner necklace, Hogwarts school uniforms, Quidditch robes, and so much more.
Special Effects and Animatronics: Magic Behind the Magic
The tour highlights the incredible special effects and animatronics that brought the films to life. Visitors can learn about the mechanics behind Hagrid's giant head and how the goblins of Gringotts were created. Interactive exhibits demonstrate how magical creatures like Dobby the House Elf and Aragog the Giant Spider were brought to the screen through a combination of animatronics and CGI.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: Crafting the Wizarding World
The tour reveals many behind-the-scenes secrets for those curious about the filmmaking process. Exhibits demonstrate how green screen technology was used to film scenes like flying on broomsticks and how the magical spells were brought to life. The Creature Effects department shows how creatures like Dobby, Buckbeak, and Fawkes were created using a blend of CGI and practical effects.
Image: Butterbeer - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter - Travel Plans To Go
Butterbeer and Wizarding Snacks: A Magical Treat
About halfway through the tour, take a break at the café, where Butterbeer is available in both liquid and ice cream form. If you're hungry there is also a selection of wizard-themed snacks and meals. So why not take a break and recharge for the rest of the magical journey?
Souvenirs and Merchandise: A Piece of the Wizarding World to Take Home
At the end of the tour, the Studio Shop offers a wide range of exclusive Harry Potter merchandise, from replica wands and robes to your very own Hedwig the owl and edible chocolate frogs.
Tips for Your Visit:
Tickets: Tickets must be booked in advance. Go to The Making of Harry Potter.
Timing: This self-guided tour can take about 3 to 4 hours, although there is no time limit other than their operating hours.
Location: The studio is located in Leavesden, about 20 miles northwest of London. The easiest way to get there is by taking a train from London Euston to Watford Junction, followed by a dedicated shuttle bus that runs between the station and the studio (all part of the fun).
Photography: You can take photos throughout the tour, except in certain areas like the green screen experience.
Accessibility: The studio is fully accessible to wheelchair users, and audio guides are available for those who want a more detailed commentary on the exhibits.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is a magical experience for fans of the books and movies. You'll gain an inside look at how the wizarding world was brought to life on screen. This tour is a must-see for anyone visiting London.