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Harry Potter Studios, London: full review of the Warner Bros Studio Tour

• Post date January 12, 2020
• Post categories In Cultural Travel , Destinations , England , Europe , London

The Harry Potter Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes to see the real film sets, original costumes, Platform 9 ¾, Hogwarts Castle and so much more. And it’s not just for Harry Potter fans.

When I booked my last trip to London , my sister suggested she’d join me and we’d go to the Harry Potter Studios together, to do a tour of the sets where the Harry Potter movies were made.

Having visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in LA, which was a brilliant experience, I got curious and Googled it.

I found that The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making Of Harry Potter (that’s the full name of it…) had some really amazing reviews online and it looked like a truly exciting day trip from London.

But it wasn’t until we got inside the studios that I could fully appreciate what an impressive, immersive, spectacular and fun experience it was!

The whole experience is designed so beautifully and with so much attention to detail that it really left us stunned.

Visiting the Harry Potter Studios takes a good few hours and it does take a bit of planning in advance.

In this post, I’ve gathered all the tips and advice that will help you plan your visit efficiently and added some extra tips that will help you make the most of it.

By the way, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour isn’t only for avid fans of the J.K. Rowling books or of the Harry Potter movies. Even if you only watched some of the movies or read some of the books, you will definitely have a great time at the studios.

How to get tickets to the harry potter studio

Tickets to harry potter studio may sell out for your dates, because it is such a popular attraction, so you have to buy your tickets online in advance as soon as you can.

here are your harry potter studio ticket options:

Your main options are: Just the entry ticket; ticket + transport; or ticket + transport + a guided tour.

1.  Book a ticket that includes transport to and from the studios: I think this is the most practical option, as you won’t have to plan the journey by yourself (it’s outside of London). This option doesn’t include a live guide, but you can buy an audio guide when you get to the studios.

2.  Book a fully guided tour : This option includes transport, entry tickets and a dedicated guide who will take you around the studios.

3. Get tickets for the studios without transport. You can get them from the studio tour website and I suggest you also check for current discount codes on Klook .

Tips on booking tickets to the harry potter studio

If you don’t take a guided tour, I recommend adding the audio-visual guide to your order.

Tickets to the Warner Brothers Studios are for specific time slots. That means you have to pick your time of entry when you book the ticket.

However, you can stay in the Harry Potter Studios as long as you like (that would be several hours, normally).

Demand is high in summer and during weekends. If you visit in the summer months, try to book for a weekday rather than Saturday or Sunday.

That way, you’ll stand a better chance of finding tickets at the time slots that are convenient for you.

You want to arrive about 20 minutes before your time of entry, as there might be a line and there are some security checks.

There are several other ticket packages available, I’ll give you more details about them later in this post.

Where is the harry potter studio tour?

Though the official name of the tour is The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, it is actually not in London itself, but very close to it in Leavesden (Hertfordshire, England).

It doesn’t take very long to get there from central London, and can easily make for a nice day trip from London.

How to get to the warner bros harry potter studios

The easy way to get to the Warner Brothers Studios is by joining a tour that includes transport to the studios from London and back.

The other option is to plan how to get there yourself using public transport (a train and then a shuttle bus) or by car.

If you don’t want to worry about transport, there are different options to choose from.

Tours including transport & tickets from london

Tours from London leave from central locations in the city that are easy to get to: Victoria Station or Baker Street.

Check availability here or use the calendar below.

WB studio guided tours, transport included

• Book a fully guided tour : This tour includes transport from London and back, an entry ticket and a dedicated guide who’ll take you through the studios.
• A guided tour combining film locations and the WB Studios : This guided tour takes you on a walking tour around Harry Potter film locations in London and then continues with a tour of the Warner Bros. Studios.

Tours to the harry potter studio combining other uk destinations

• With a tour in Oxford : This full-day trip includes a visit to the studios followed by a guided tour in Oxford. The Great Hall at Christ Church College in Oxford was the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall.
• Dover to London & Heathrow Transfer via Warner Bros Studios : This option will help you make the most of your time in England. This tour takes you by bus directly from Dover to the Warner Bros Studios and then takes you back to your London or Heathrow hotel. The price also includes the entrance ticket to the studios.
• From York : This tour departs from York train station early in the morning and takes you to London and to the Harry Potter studio. The price includes all transportation and admission to the studio.

Getting to the WB studios by public transport

If you want to plan your own journey to the Harry Potter studios, you’ll have to take a train from London and then a bus to the studios.

When you plan the journey, you want to allow more time in case the train is delayed or the bus gets full quickly and you have to wait for the next one.

First, take a train from Euston Station in central London and get off at Watford Junction.

You can use your Oyster or contactless card for this train ride, or buy train tickets in advance here by searching for London-Watford Junction trains.

Outside the station, you’ll see the bus stop for the Harry Potter Studio Tour shuttle bus, that goes from the train station to the studios.

Prepare some cash in advance, as there’s a small charge for the bus. Also have your ticket booking confirmation ready (you can show them the email confirmation on your phone).

The train ride from London should take about 20 minutes with the express train, but if you board a local train it takes about an hour.

If you’re not sure which train to board, ask the staff at London Euston station for advice.

The shuttle bus ride should take around 15 minutes.

How to get to the harry potter studios by car

You can use postcode WD25 7LR in your satnav system to reach the studios.

The studios provide free parking (you’ll have to show your booking confirmation).

Check the official website for detailed routes from London and other parts of the UK.

What to do when you arrive at the warner bros studios

When you arrive, collect your ticket from the ticket desk. It will have your entry time printed on it.

When you collect your ticket, they’ll give you a beautifully illustrated Harry Potter passport , full of puzzles, trivia and a Golden Snitch hunt to play during the tour.

If you didn’t get a passport with your ticket, you can ask a staff member to get you one during the tour.

Then you’ll have to go through a security check and probably stand in line to get in.

I recommend you book an audio-visual guide with your ticket (unless you’re taking a guided tour of course). Pick it up at the Digital Guide desk. It’s available in 10 different languages.

If you forgot to pre-book it, you can still hire one when you arrive.

There’s a cloakroom at the Warner Bros Studios that you can use to store your bags or coats for free.

You can also have a hot chocolate at the Chocolate Frog Café 🙂

It all goes quite quickly and you’ll soon find yourself inside with a large group of people and a guide who’ll give you a short briefing.

Inside the harry potter studios

The Studio Tour starts with a short film about the making of Harry Potter. It’s a little appetizer before you actually go into the studios.

After the film, the door to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is revealed and that’s where the spectacular Harry Potter experience really starts!

Once the door opens, you’ll find yourself in the Great Hall.

It’s a magnificent surprise and I can’t think of a better way to start a tour like this.

You’ll want to take pictures of the great costumes and the Sorting Hat, but there will be lots of people around… I waited till they were all ushered into the next room so I could take some photos 😉

You can basically stay until the staff ask you to move on, because another group is about to enter The Great Hall.

However, during the rest of the tour you’ll be completely free to explore everything at your own pace.

Highlights from the harry potter studio tour

There is  a lot  to see in the studios. You can easily spend 3-4 hours there, or even more.

Everything is presented in a way that really draws you in.

The audiovisual guide has video interviews, behind the scenes photos and much more. It is well worth getting.

I’ll give you a quick description of the highlight, without revealing too much, because you really want to experience it yourself 🙂

After The Great Hall, you’re introduced to the people behind the movies, from the costume designers to the soundtrack composers.

There are many costumes and wigs on display, as well as models and parts of the set, including the marble staircase, the boys’ dormitory, the Gryffindor common room and Dumbledore’s office.

The sets are full of fascinating details to spot.

Original props from the different movies are displayed in the middle of the room, like the golden egg and the Triwizard Cup.

The potion classroom is super entertaining, as is the Weasley family house, full of mechanical tricks.

The special effects and visual effects part of the tour is really exciting and you’ll get to try the green screen yourself.

Walking into the forbidden forest is a truly immersive experience!

A full-size Hogwarts Express train awaits you in the next room, next to Platform 9 3/4 in a recreation of King’s Cross station in London.

You can board the train and walk inside the carriages.

When you exit the train station, there are even more movie sets to discover, like the 4 Privet Drive house, the Knight Bus and the bridge to Hogwarts.

We felt like we’d seen so much! But there was still a lot more to see.

This tour keeps surprising you. It feels like at every stage there should be a “Wait! There’s More!” sign 😉

In the next rooms, we learnt about the set design and special effects, the various creatures from the movies and how they were made and lots of behind the scenes secrets.

Towards the end of the tour, expect some more beautiful highlights:

A very impressive model of Hogwarts Castle occupies an entire room and as you walk around it you can see how it was shot from different angles.

The Diagon Alley set is as wonderful as you’d expect, colourful and full of cool details.

And… there’s more, but I don’t want to reveal everything.

The harry potter studio tour shops

There are several shops in the Warner Bros Studios with plenty of gifts and souvenirs for both adults and kids.

The Studio Shop is the main shop. It’s the one you reach at the end of the tour and it is simply huge.

It offers all the official merchandise you can imagine, collectables, wants, costumes and clothing items (a Gryffindor Scarf or a Deathly Hallows scarf? tough choice), homeware, art and more.

They also have Harry Potter sweets like the irresistible Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Peppermint Toads.

There are smaller souvenir shops you’ll go through during the tour:

One is the Forbidden Forest Shop and the other is the Railway Shop , next to Platform 9¾.

Hotels near the harry potter studios

If you want to stay close to the Warner Brothers Studios for easy access, here are some good hotels in the area:

holiday inn london watford junction

This hotel has great reviews and is located only a 5 minute walk from Watford Junction railway station, where you can take the 15 minute shuttle bus to the Harry Potter Studios. If you arrive by car, it’s a quick ride.

travelodge watford central

A budget-friendly option, about 15 minutes walk from Watford Junction and about 10 minutes by car from the studios.

jurys inn london watford

Another convenient option, a very short walk to Watford Junction and a short drive to the WB Studios.

mercure london north watford hunton park

This hotel is close to the studios, but there is no direct access on foot, so it’s a good place to stay if you arrive by car or if you want to take a taxi.

My tips on the harry potter studio tour

Visiting the Harry Potter Studios is an experience that you want to prepare for. There is so much to see you might be overwhelmed!

Here are some tips I want to share after visiting myself that will help you make the most of your visit:

Book your tickets way in advance, preferably on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Check availability here:

Watch at some of the Harry Potter movies or read some of the books shortly before you go. You don’t have to read or watch the entire series to enjoy the tour, but it will make your experience much more meaningful.

When you select the time of entry , make it as early as you can, so that you have as much time as you like inside.

Allow at least 3 hours for a self-guided tour, or even four. Then, if you’re a big fan, you’ll want to spend some time in the gift shop.

You’ll want to take a lot of pictures and videos, so make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a power bank with you just in case.

On selected dates, there are special events in the Warner Bros Studios. Have a look at the official website to see if any of those coincide with the dates of your visit. These include events like Valentine’s Dinner in the Great Hall or the Christmas event Hogwarts in the Snow.

You can bring some food with you or eat at the Backlot Café. It’s about halfway through the tour. If you bring snacks with you, you can eat them at the cafe.

If you’re an avid fan, you can come in a Harry Potter outfit. I saw quite a few fans who dressed up for the tour.

save this harry potter studio tour guide on pinterest

Faq – harry potter studio tour london

The Harry Potter tour takes 3-4 hours on average.

Definitely! It’s an amazing experience, beautifully designed and very entertaining.

You can buy tickets on the official site or join a tour that includes tickets and transport.

The Harry Potter Studios are in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, north of London.

The nearest train station is Watford Junction.

Take a train from Euston Station to Watford Junction and then a shuttle bus to the Warner Brothers Studios.

No, it’s a tour around the film sets of the Harry Potter movies.

The studios opened in March 2012.

• Tags Culture , Entertainment

Thanks for sharing, I was supposed to visit earlier this year but I’ll have to get back another time, now I will be even better prepared!

I live in London and have been curious about this tour. Yes, I find it so expensive. Thanks for putting together this post with a lot of useful info.

I know the price can be an issue… Still, it’s such a great experience, it’s worth it 🙂

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Warner Bros Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter Review

Disclosure: We were invited on this day out for the purpose of this post however all opinions are my own.

At the weekend we were invited to the Warner Bros Studios Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter to celebrate the launch of their new Mandrakes and Magical Creatures exhibition. We hadn’t been since 2016 and the children were so excited to visit – especially as they are now massive Harry Potter fans.

How to get to Warner Bros Studios Tour London?

We drove to the Warner Bros Studios Tour and there’s plenty of free parking on site. It’s really well signposted from the M25 and M1 and it’s only 20 miles from London. If you need to use public transport, you can get a free shuttle bus from Watford Junction station. This is included in the cost of your ticket and takes just 15 minutes with buses running every half an hour.

There are also bus transfers available from London Victoria and London Kings Cross stations. These are at an extra cost and organised by Golden Tours. You can find out more on the Warner Bros Studios Tour website.

Arriving at Warner Bros Studios Tour

Tickets suggest that you should arrive about twenty minutes before your tour starts but you can arrive even earlier if you want to as there are plenty of places to grab some food or a drink with the Warner Bros Studios Tour complex before the tour starts and also so much to see and do.

When we arrived we joined a queue outside where a friendly member of staff scanned our tickets before we went inside and went through airport style security. This is always really reassuring and it was a quick and efficient experience.

After security there were toilets, a cloakroom that you can use free of charge and a couple of customer service desks to pick up audio tours or book afternoon tea. We didn’t need anything so walked through into the big central hall dominated by the Gringotts Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon hanging above us.

In the hall we got to see costumes from the Fantastic Beasts movies, see a little glimpse of the Mandrakes and Magical Creatures exhibition and have a drink or snack if we wanted in the Chocolate Frog Cafe or the Hub Cafe at opposite ends of this vast entrance hall.

The Warner Bros Studios Tour experience

When it was just before our tour time we joined the entrance queue. This took us on a little journey through the movie franchise, past Harry Potter’s room under the stairs and into a big holding room with walls covered in movie posters from each movie. When the room was full a film-like sequence started, telling us about the tour and what to expect.

We then went into a cinema room where we watched a film taking a look back at the Harry Potter movies, how they were made and all the work went into them. I found this quite emotional as Harry Potter has been such a big part of our lives – with it being 25 years since the first book was published – and it’s quite surreal to think of life without Harry Potter in it.

Before we knew it the movie had finished and it was time to walk through the doors into the Great Hall. This is a part of the Warner Bros Studios experience that I will never tire of doing. The minute you walk through those doors and see the hall you are just blown away. It may not have that magical ceiling but it is still a room full of magic. It’s an amazing space.

We took time looking at the costumes and props around the room, getting our first glimpse of Hogwarts along with the students and professors we knew so well. It was then time to head into the main exhibition.

The Great Hall is the only part of the Warner Bros Studios Tour where you have a set amount of time. Once you’re through into the exhibition halls you can take as long as you like and move freely around. It’s a place where you could easily spend all day.

The Warner Bros Studios Tour takes you through the Harry Potter movies, seeing the costumes, props, hair and makeup used in the movies. We saw costumes from so many different scenes in the movies and saw how each character’s hair was stored – including eyebrows, beards and stick on moles!

One of our favourite parts of the experience was seeing the Gryffindor dorm rooms and the Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms. Being so close to sets we knew so well was amazing – and walking into Dumbledore’s office was something else. It was just incredible.

The children loved seeing Professor Snape’s potions class alongside Hagrid’s Hut, with Fang standing proudly at the entrance. We all learnt about the animals used in the movies – and the fact that Fang and Crookshanks were actually a few different animals all playing the same part. We’ve never noticed!

We got to make a broomstick rise up to our hand and the children really liked riding on a broomstick with a green screen in the background. Great fun where you can buy the photos as souvenirs afterwards if you want to.

I loved seeing inside The Burrow – the Weasley’s house – and there were so many interactive parts where we could pres buttons and see things come to life like the washing up cleaning itself or vegetables being chopped.

We learnt about the vehicles used in the movies, saw the Death Eater’s table with Nagini the snake slithering along it. There were glimpses of the Ministry of Magic and a look into Dolores Umbridge’s office with so many costumes and props in between.

The Warner Bros Studio Forbidden Forest

We found ourselves in the Forbidden Forest next. As you can imagine, this is dark and eerie, full of artificial smoke and with so many spooky noises. It was so different to the rest of the tour experience. We got to meet Buckbeak, see all the spiders moving in the darkness and find out how the Forbidden Forest had been created, It was fantastic.

The Warner Bros Studio Hogwarts Express

We came out of the forest, turned a corner and came face to face with the Hogwarts Express, something that will always make everyone wow. We were able to push trolleys of suitcases through the wall on the station platform and even climb aboard the Hogwarts Express to see how the props changed with the movies. There was even a little green screen experience where you felt you were travelling along on the real Hogwarts Express.

The Warner Bros Studio Backlot

After leaving the Hogwarts Express we found ourselves in the studio backlot, an outside space with more sets and vehicles to see. This was the first real break within the tour as well – with places to buy food and drinks or stop and enjoy a picnic. There are places to sit throughout the tour but this is the first real refreshment break.

The backlot is also home to the Backlot Cafe where you can buy food and drinks or Butterbeer – and even Butterbeer flavoured ice cream. Butterbeer was hit and miss with the children – with one saying it was the best thing she had ever tasted and Little Man said he just didn’t really like it. Us grown ups thought it tasted quite like cream soda – and the froth on the top was delicious!

You’re able to take food and drinks into the Warner Bros Tour with you and we found a seat and enjoyed our packed lunch out in the main backlot although there is seating inside too. As you can imagine, the Backlot Cafe does get very busy and there queues are long at lunch time but it’s really well managed and the food looked and smelt pretty good.

After our lunch we explored the backlot, loving seeing The Burrow in all its glory. We really got to appreciate all its quirks and angles, making us all love the Weasley’s home even more than we did before.

We also got to walk through 4 Privet Drive, seeing the lounge full of letters flying around and Aunt Petunia blown up like a balloon. It was amazing to walk through such an iconic part of movie history.

Outside we made our way into Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse for a Herbology class. We were greeted by so many Mandrakes ready to be pulled from the ground, screaming as they moved! There were also the herbology class costumes and the whole set looked just like it did in the movies. It’s an absolutely beautiful space.

Back outside, we took some photos with the Weasley’s car and Hagrid’s motorbike, climbing aboard the Knight Bus and walked along the Hogwarts bridge. There’s so much to see in the backlot and it’s definitely one of the children’s favourite parts of our tour.

It was then time to head back inside for the last part of the tour. here we learnt about all the special effects used in the movies, all the creature effects and so much more about costumes and makeup. The amount of detail was incredible.

Warner Bros Studio Tour Gringotts Bank

Our biggest wow moment came when we turned a corner and found ourselves in Gringotts Bank. It was beautiful. We were blown away. With marble columns, the big wooden counters and goblin cashiers, it couldn’t have felt more real.

We got to see inside the Gringotts vaults, with so many photo opportunities, and learnt how the marble was made. Spoiler alert: It’s not real marble! It looked so realistic.

Just before we left the bank we got to experience the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon escape for ourselves. Complete with smoke, fire and pretty much utter devastation, it was a real taste of movie magic. So much so that we watched it a few times, each time loving it as much as the last.

Warner Bros Studio Tour Diagon Alley

Stepping out of Gringotts, we found ourselves in Diagon Alley and spent time looking in the windows of all the shops and appreciating all the detail in every single thing. It’s really like walking through the world of Harry Potter and we absolutely loved it.

It was then time to finish our tour, seeing artwork from the movies before coming face to face with a huge model of Hogwarts, all lit up and twinkling as we walked around it. It’s a fantastic end to such a great day out.

We walked through Ollivander’s wand shop, with each member of cast and crew having a wand box with their name on, and then found ourselves in the Warner Bros Studio Tour shop, ready to make any vital purchases and head on home.

How long does the Harry Potter Studio Tour take?

The Warner Bros Studios Tour is somewhere you can spend as long or as little time as you like. You really go at your own pace. We spent about six hours at Warner Bros Studios, with a packed lunch in the middle, and it was a good amount of time for us, leaving us satisfied that we’d done and seen everything we wanted to.

We had such a great day at the Warner Bros Studio Tour and the children already can’t wait to go back. Each time you visit there’s something new to see and the children loved that we went during the Madrakes & Magical Creatures exhibition. It’s on until 12th September if you want to see it too.

You can find out more about the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter and book tickets over on their website . For reference the address is: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR

You can see a little Reel of our trip on Instagram here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Donna – What the Redhead Said (@genuineplacebo84)

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From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets

• Instant confirmation
• Mobile ticket
• Transfers included

Calling all Muggles! Explore the iconic sets of the Harry Potter™ movies at the Warner Bros. Studio, with convenient transfers from London.

Journey from London for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter™ movies at the Warner Bros. Studio, with round-trip transfers.

Explore the actual sets used to film the Harry Potter™ movies, from the Great Hall to Dumbledore's office.

See the intricate costumes worn by your favorite characters, like Harry's Gryffindor robes and the Yule Ball gowns.

Relax and enjoy comfortable round-trip coach transfers from a convenient location of your choice in London.

Did you know? Over 25,000 handcrafted wands were created for the Harry Potter™ films – there's a perfect one for every witch and wizard.

4-hour tour of The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio

Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio

Round-trip transfers from Victoria, Baker’s Street, King’s Cross, or Russell Square

• Guided tour

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Ratings & Reviews

Your experience, a magic adventure awaits.

All aboard! Step on board a comfortable coach for the Warner Bros. Studio from a convenient location in London and set off on your Potterific adventure. Prepare to be spellbound as you step onto the iconic sets that brought the Harry Potter™ films to life. Walk through the awe-inspiring Great Hall, the very place where Hogwarts students were sorted into their houses. Peek into Dumbledore's office and marvel at the intricate details that hint at the wise wizard's secrets. Don’t forget to capture a photo opportunity at Platform 9 ¾™, where the Hogwarts Express™ steams towards its magical destination.

Uncover movie magic

Enter the Forbidden Forest, encountering the monstrous Acromantula, Aragog, and feel the thrill of a movie magic recreation. Explore Diagon Alley™, the bustling wizarding shopping street, and lose yourself in the wonder of Ollivander's wand shop and the grandeur of Gringotts Bank. Discover the artistry behind costume design, from the flowy robes of Hogwarts students to the fantastical attire of magical creatures. Learn how special effects brought iconic scenes to life, like the awe-inspiring snow on the Hogwarts castle grounds. This immersive experience is perfect for Potterheads of all ages, offering a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship that brought the beloved Harry Potter™ series to life.

Operating hours

Warner bros. studio london, know before you go, accessibility.

This experience is accessible for wheelchair users who can board the coach.

The Kings Cross pick-up location may not be accessible for wheelchair users.

Additional information

Guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience, including round-trip transfers from London, lasts approximately 7 hours. Inside the Studio, you will spend up to 4 hours.

-During booking, choose your preferred pick-up time from four locations in London. This will determine your departure time for the studio tour.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID while boarding.

If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.

Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Pick-Up Point

Please check your final voucher for the pick-up point details and specific instructions.

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Warner Bros Studio London Harry Potter™ Tour

From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets

• Explore the wonders of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio with round-trip transfers from London – a perfect day trip for Potterheads of all ages!
• Choose your pick-up point and spend a magical 4 hours exploring the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter™ film series.
• While wandering Diagon Alley™, you'll spot famed shopfronts! Fancy a wand from Ollivanders or a peek into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?
• Step into Gringotts Bank, and keep a sharp eye out; goblins are known to be a tad protective of their treasures!
• All aboard the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾™! Pose with the luggage trolley and relive that iconic moment, a scene shot at these studios.
• 4-hour tour of The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
• Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
• Round-trip transfers from Victoria, Baker’s Street, King’s Cross, or Russell Square
• Guided tour
• Tip: Don't pass up the Backlot Cafe without trying Butterbeer. For a twist, try the Butterbeer ice cream too!
• Guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
• This experience is accessible for wheelchair users who can board the coach.
• The Kings Cross pick-up location may not be accessible for wheelchair users.
• The experience, including round-trip transfers from London, lasts approximately 7 hours. Inside the Studio, you will spend up to 4 hours.
• During booking, choose your preferred pick-up time from four locations in London. This will determine your departure time for the studio tour.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Warner Bros. Studio: Expert Guided Small Group Tour with Transfers

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Explore the enchanting world of The Making of Harry Potter with a fully-guided tour. Discover film secrets with an expert!
• Enjoy round-trip transfers from Central London and explore the world of wizardry in an intimate group of 8 or fewer.
• Walk the storied cobblestones of Diagon Alley, step onto Platform 9¾, and brave the Forbidden Forest with its cinematic wonders.
• From the cozy Gryffindor common room to Dumbledore's office, here is your chance to explore it all with an expert English-speaking guide.
• Plan your trip for Halloween to delve deep into the Dark Arts, or bask in the Yule Ball's festive shimmer during Christmas.
• Guided tour of The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studios
• Train transfers to/from the meeting point
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Small group of 8 people or fewer

Euston War Memorial outside of Euston Station

• Tip: Make sure to grab your free Activity Passport for a Golden Snitch hunt, puzzles, and trivia during your visit.
• Note: Expect 4 hours inside the Studio. Travel to/from London takes 1-1.5 hours one way. Plan roughly 7 hours for the entire tour experience.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Harry Potter Studio Tour with London Film Locations Walking Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Step into Harry Potter's magic-filled universe with this day-long tour of filming spots and Warner Bros Studio.
• This experience is a mix of London's real-life filming locations and behind-the-scenes studio tour.
• Worry less, explore more with round-trip transfers to the studio aboard a luxury AC bus with an expert guide leading the way.
• Unveil movie secrets with access to real sets, costumes, and special effects, and a visit to the famed Platform 9¾.
• Walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations
• Round-trip transfers to Warner Bros Studio
• Entry to Warner Bros Studio
• Tip: Don't forget to try Butterbeer at the Warner Bros Studio, it's a must-have for any Harry Potter fan.
• Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tickets

• Step into J.K. Rowling's magical world and witness Harry Potter's story continue on stage in 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child'.
• Harry is all grown up and a Ministry of Magic employee, yet past and future collide as his son, Albus, faces legacy-laden struggles.
• Be a part of this immersive theatre experience at the historic Palace Theatre where top talent from Broadway and West End conjures a spellbinding performance.
• Muggles are welcome too! Even if you're not a Potterhead, the enchanting spectacle of this 9-time Olivier Award winner, hailed as a 'game-changer', will dazzle you.
• This is your chance to revisit Hogwarts in a way you never have before. The twists, turns, and magic are simply too irresistible to miss.

Entry to 2 part performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

• Tip: Wearing your house colors might not get you extra points, but it sure does add to the excitement. Don your Gryffindor red or Slytherin green and show some house pride!
• The play is recommended for individuals older than 10 years.
• A parent or legal guardian has to be present with any customers under the age of 15.
• Infants are not permitted in the auditorium.
• Tickets are non-refundable, exchanges can be requested up until 48 hours in advance of the production.

The Making of Harry Potter Tickets with Timed Entry & Escorted Train Transfers

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Unleash your inner wizard with this self-guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio – The Making of Harry Potter!
• With escorted round-trip train transfers from Central London, your journey will be as smooth as a dementor-free Hogwarts Express ride.
• Admire the leatherbound books and astrology charts at Dumbledore's office, and stroll down Diagon Alley, home to the beloved Ollivanders. Fancy a wand?
• Get a peek into the Gryffindor™ common room, and snap a photo at the magical Platform 9¾, where the Hogwarts Express awaits the next batch of wizards.
• Timed entry to Warner Bros Studios
• Round-trip train transfers from Central London
• Guide during transfers
• Guide in the studio
• Tip: Don’t miss spotting the Sorting Hat and the Sword of Gryffindor at Dumbledore's office!
• This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Top things to do in London

Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studio tours: Your Hogwarts letter has arrived!

"It's not Hogwarts if it doesn't move," said Fred Weasley. Well, prepare to be spellbound, because at the Harry Potter™ Studio tours, everything does! Explore iconic sets meticulously recreated from the films, including the amazing Great Hall, the cosy Gryffindor common room , and the bustling Diagon Alley . "Honestly, I think I could spend the rest of my life exploring Diagon Alley," remarked Miss Granger, and you might just agree!

As Dumbledore reminds us, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live," so grab your wand, book your ticket, and "Accio, adventure!" Your Hogwarts awaits.

Things to know before booking your tickets to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio tour

• Book Early: Tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter sell fast, especially in peak season. Secure yours in advance online for cheaper rates and skip the box office queue.
• Special Effects : The tour employs haze and lighting effects, creating immersive features resembling clouds. If unsure or wish to avoid these areas, notify staff upon arrival.
• Guided Tours: The 3.5-hour Studio Tour can be overwhelming; opt for guided tours for a deeper Harry Potter film experience.
• Height Restrictions : Children under 10 require adult supervision, and some attractions have height restrictions.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available for rent.
• Luggage Restrictions: Luggage and personal checks may be conducted for safety and tour preservation. Photography is strictly prohibited in this area.

Harry Potter™ Studio Tours map

Plan and navigate Warner Bros. Harry Potter™ Studio Tour London using this map.

Which Warner Bros Harry Potter™ tour is best for you?

Tour with transfers

Go for: If you are a Potterhead Duration: 6-7 hours Transfer available: Yes

• Witness the magic of filmmaking with this Harry Potter tour that includes transfers from London.
• Walk through iconic locations and get a chance to see actual props and costumes from all the Harry Potter films.
• Travel to central London on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour London branded bus with the opportunity to watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone during your journey.

Flexible Cancellation Policy : You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Recommended tours

Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Transfers from London

The Making of Harry Potter Timed Entry Tickets with Escorted Train Transfers

Small Group Expert Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transfers

Walking tours

Go for: If you are short on time

Duration: 2-3 Hours

• There’s no better way to explore the wizarding world than by opting for a guided walking tour.
• Your Harry Potter Studio tour includes a visit to the costume, art, and prop departments, along with sets of all eight films , including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾™ , and Dumbledore’s Office among many others.
• Your professional tour guide will accompany you along the way, enlightening you with interesting trivia about the film-making process.

Flexible Cancellation Policy : You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Recommended Tours:

Harry Potter Studios Tour with Walking Tour of London Film Locations

Behind the scenes at Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studios in London

• Sets: Step INSIDE the movies! Walk the Great Hall, tiptoe into the forbidden forest, shop Diagon Alley – it's all REAL (well, almost)! Can you spot the hidden stair that leads to Dumbledore's office?
• Props : Hold the real deal! Grab Harry's wand, peek at the Marauder's Map, and even stir potions in Snape's classroom (minus the sass, hopefully). Every detail is insane, from wands to Hogwarts letters
• Costumes : Yule Ball, Quidditch, and Beauxtons are some of the many costumes you'll witness during your tour. Check out costumes for everyone– robes, Time-Turner dress, even Voldemort's creepy getup.
• Special Effects : See how spells were cast, Quidditch came alive, and dragons took flight. Green screens, animatronics, CGI – it's absolutely 'stupefying'! Wanna ride a broomstick or hop on the Hogwarts Express? You're in the right place!
• Creature Effects : Buckbeak the hippogriff, the giant Basilisk, even our beloved Dobby – they're all there! Discover how they were brought to life with puppets and prosthetics.
• Art Department : See sketches, storyboards, and set designs that brought the Wizarding World to life. See how imagination transformed into the iconic sets you know and love.

Explore Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studios in London

King's Cross Station

• Although it's not a fully recreated version of London's King's Cross Station, the set captures the essence of the magical gateway with a hidden entrance through a brick wall, a luggage trolley disappearing, and the Hogwarts Express steam engine waiting to whisk you away.

The Great Hall

• The Great Hall at Hogwarts is a pivotal location for Harry and friends; their first sorting ceremonies, the Yule Ball, essential conversations over meals, O.W.L examinations and of course, the battle of Hogwarts took place here.
• Walk the same steps as your favorite witches and wizards and soak in the fine details of the location design and props in the Great Hall.

The Forbidden Forest

• The Harry Potter Studios have created a remarkable version of the Forbidden Forest; walk around and examine the imposing trees that have been designed to represent an eerie atmosphere.
• Meet Buckbeak and Aragog, and take photographs with a life-size Hagrid costume who would be waiting to welcome you in.

Diagon Alley™

• Dotted with shops selling books, potions ingredients, robes and of course wands, it’s a one-stop location for all essentials a witch or wizard needs.
• The Diagon Alley set was redone to shoot scenes at Hogsmeade Village for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban film.   

Platform 9 ¾

• For filming, most scenes were shot at King’s Cross Station in London, while remaining parts were recreated at the Harry Potter Studios to shoot the famous scene between Harry and Dumbledore at the end of The Deathly Hallows Part II.
• You would get to see the actual Hogwarts Express and picture gliding dementors, or Trevor the Frog hopping about.

Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios experiences

On a Harry Potter Studios tour, visitors can further indulge in the wizarding world by engaging in specifically curated seasonal experiences.

Hogwarts Express

Warner Bros. Studios launched a 20,000 sq. ft. addition in March 2015, which included a replica of Platform 9¾ and the original Hogwarts Express steam engine. You may hop onboard the train carriage and pose with a baggage trolley as it vanishes through the station wall in the new, permanent exhibit, which shows how some of the movie' most famous moments were made.

Stroll through the wizarding street of the movies- Diagon Alley to admire the beautiful shops and the carefully crafted props on their windows. Step inside the iconic shops that played a key role in the series like the Ollivanders wand shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Madame Malkin’s shop, and more.

Magcial Mischief

At Magical Mischief, get to know how they filmed some of the famous mischievous moments shown in the movie. Find out about the camera trickery behind the disappearing scene with the invisibility cloak, and much more.

Ongoing . Dates : 20TH JANUARY – 16TH APRIL 2024

Harry Potter Studio Tour London's Dark Arts feature is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. As they lower the lights and prepare the stage for Hallowe'en, you'll be whisked away to the haunted replicas of the famous settings from the Harry Potter films, a darker Platform 9 ¾, and a spookier Diagon Alley and Great Hall.

Follow the Dark Mark trail and try your wand combat moves as you engage in duels against Death Eaters.

Dates : 13TH SEPTEMBER – 10TH NOVEMBER 2024

Hogwarts in the Snow

The Studio Tour hosts Hogwarts in the Snow, a spectacular event where the famous Harry Potter sets are adorned with a layer of cinematic snow for the holiday season. It's sure to be a "Harry Christmas" experience for everybody.

Conclude your year with Yule Ball for Hogwarts in the Snow and enjoy the moment as you live the iconic Yule Ball scene.

Note: This attraction takes place during the holiday season only.

Dates: 16TH NOVEMBER – 19TH JANUARY 2025

Plan your visit to the Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studio

Timings: 8:30 AM to 10 PM (Till September) 9:30 AM to 8 PM (October onwards) Harry Potter™ studio tour durations: Typically, a Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour takes about 3-7 hours Best time to visit: Owing to its popularity, a Harry Potter Studios tour is always bustling with fans. However, since their intake capacity is limited, you would be able to comfortably explore. Comparatively lesser crowds can be found outside of the summer season (June to September). A highly recommended experience is visiting during Christmas, owing to the magical decoration and atmosphere.

Address: Harry Potter Studios , Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, UK Find on Map

• Shuttle Bus : Eco-friendly ride included in entry ticket, departing Watford Junction every 30 mins from 9:20 am. Convenient 15-min journey.
• Airport Access: Short distances from major London airports: 17 mi from Luton, 23 mi from Heathrow, 47 mi from Stansted, and 58 mi from Gatwick. Smooth road and rail connections ensure convenience.
• Train Travel: Watford Junction, just 20 mins from London Euston, is the closest station. Other non-direct services from Euston available, Oyster cards accepted.

• Cloakroom: Safely store your belongings for free in the cloakroom, including coats, bags, and suitcases. Please leave buggies and prams if possible, and note that items are left at your own risk.
• Cash Machine: Need cash? The lobby features a free-to-use cash point for your convenience.
• Toilets: Find well-equipped toilet facilities in the lobby, including baby changing stations. Accessible toilets with space for disabled individuals and up to two carers are also available.
• Parent and Baby Room: A private space next to the Backlot Café provides parents with a comfortable area to feed, equipped with a nursing chair and changing tables. Hot water is available in the Backlot Café for bottle heating.

• There is one entrance to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. All visitors must arrive at their designated time slot and enter through the main entrance.
• The entrance is located at Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford, WD25 8LS, United Kingdom.
• Once you have arrived at the entrance, you will need to check in and have your tickets scanned. You will then be directed to the cloakroom, where you can leave your bags and coats.
• After you have left your bags, you will be able to enter the studio tour.
• Please note that e-scooters are not permitted on the shuttle bus or on-site at the Studio Tour.

• The Great Hall is the busiest area of the studio tour: If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit the Great Hall later in the day.
• Try the Butterbeer: No trip to the studios is complete without trying the Butterbeer! You can get it hot, cold, or frozen, and there are even non-alcoholic versions available.
• Dress up: It's not mandatory, but many people enjoy dressing up in their Hogwarts robes or other Harry Potter-themed attire. It's a fun way to get into the spirit of things!
• There is a gift shop at the end of the studio tour:  Be sure to save some time to browse the gift shop and purchase any souvenirs you want.

Budget: The Kings Lodge Hotel , Travelodge Watford Central , Southern Cross

Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Hemel Hempstead, an IHG Hotel , Premier Inn Watford North hotel , Village Hotel Watford

Luxury: Hunton Park , Hilton London Watford , Leonardo Hotel London Watford - Formerly Jurys Inn

• Whippendell Woods: Immerse yourself in nature with a visit to Whippendell Woods, located near the studios. This serene woodland offers picturesque walking trails, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life.
• Cassiobury Park: Just a short drive away, Cassiobury Park is a vast public park with beautiful green spaces, a canal, and woodland areas. Ideal for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or even a boat ride along the Grand Union Canal.
• Watford Museum: Delve into local history at Watford Museum, situated close to the studios. The museum showcases the town's cultural heritage through engaging exhibits, artefacts, and interactive displays.

• The Chocolate Frog Café :  This café is based on the iconic magical sweets in the shape of frogs. It offers a selection of sweets and treats, including specialty hot chocolate, ice cream, and a variety of pastries.
• The Hub Café :  This café is located under the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon at the Studio Tour Hub. It serves hot and cold Starbucks drinks, sandwiches to go, and bakery items all day long.
• The Food Hall:  This restaurant is located in the Studio Tour Hub and serves breakfasts, hot and cold dishes, sandwiches, and a selection of drinks, including a bakery.
• The Backlot Café:  This café is located in the middle of the Studio Tour and offers hot meals, sandwiches, and snacks. It also has indoor and outdoor seating so you can enjoy your food while taking in the views of the popular exterior sets and props, such as the Knight Bus, Privet Drive, and Hogwarts Bridge.

Beyond Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studio Tours

Imagine soaring 443 feet above the River Thames in a giant Ferris wheel pod, the wind whipping through your hair as you take in 360-degree views of London. That's the magic of the London Eye! From Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, the city sprawls out beneath you like a miniature kingdom, waiting to be explored.

Step back in time to a world of kings, queens, and executions at the Tower of London. This historic fortress whispers tales of intrigue and imprisonment, from the Crown Jewels sparkling in the dim light to the chilling stories of Anne Boleyn's ghost. Be sure to peek into the Bloody Tower and explore the armory, where suits of shining armor might just make you feel like a knight on a quest.

Ever dreamed of rubbing shoulders with royalty (or maybe your favorite pop star)? Well, at Madame Tussauds, you can! Get up close and personal with incredibly lifelike wax figures of everyone from the Queen herself to Hollywood A-listers and sporting legends. Strike a pose with Beyoncé, have tea with Kate Middleton, or even face your fears with life-size dinosaurs.

Frequently asked questions about Warner Bros Harry Potter London Studio tours

Guests can visit sets created for all eight Harry Potter films, including, but not limited to the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9 ¾ among others.

Not all Harry Potter Studio tours include a guided tour. You would have to purchase tickets that specifically include guided tours.

Most Harry Potter Studio tours include return transfers. Ensure that you check before purchasing your tickets. 

No. Owing to the limited number of visitors at the studio at any given time, pre-booking your tickets is mandatory.

Located about an hour’s drive from the London city center, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers several bus tours operating that offer hourly return transfers from central London and Birmingham directly to the studio tour.

A Harry Potter Studio tour books several months in advance so to maximize your chances of getting tickets, we recommend going on a weekday for better availability of slots.

From Diagon Alley to Platform 9 ¾, The Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is brimming with exciting experiences and attractions. Here are all the attractions on the tour.