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Taking a Harry Potter Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: April 9, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 24 Comments

If you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting the UK, the chances are high that you want to take the Harry Potter Studio Tour near London. This tour, of the Warner Bros. Studio where the majority of the films were shot, is a fascinating experience, and well worth doing even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan.

You can visit places like the Great Hall, the railway station, various filming locations from inside Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, and even Diagon Alley.

As well as visiting the film sets, you will also learn all about how the films were made, see many of the props from the movies, get to participate in some green screen magic, have the opportunity to try Butterbeer, and of course, buy all the Harry Potter merchandise you can imagine!

In this guide we’re going to go through everything you need to know to visit the Harry Potter Studios, including how to get there, how to get tickets, information for making the most of your day, and lots more! Let’s get started by answering some questions you may have.

Where Was Harry Potter Filmed?

Harry Potter was filmed all across the UK, at real world locations such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, Alnwick Castle, Glencoe in Scotland and Leadenhall Market in London . See our full guide to Harry Potter filming locations in the UK for more.

The interior sets and the majority of the rest of the films were shot at the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, just outside London.

Where is the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

The Harry Potter Studio Tour takes place in the Warner Bros. Studio, which is found in Leavesden, England. This is around 20 miles northwest of London.

The Warner Bros. Studio is a fully working film studio, one of the largest in the UK, and many films have been shot here, including the whole Harry Potter franchise as well as some of the Star Wars,   Batman , and Mission: Impossible films.

Harry Potter Studio Opening Times

You will definitely want to check the website for up-to-date opening times, but generally throughout the year the studio is open from 8.30am through to 10pm. More specifically:

• Doors open at 8.30am
• First tour starts at 9am
• Final tour starts at 6.30pm
• Studio closes at 10pm

These times do vary by day. In terms of dates, the Studio is open every day of the week. There are some exceptions, it is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th and 26th of December).

How Much Does the Harry Potter Studio Tour Cost?

Prices for the standard tour are as follows (correct as of April 2024).

• Adult: £53.50
• Child aged 5-15: £43
• Childer Under 4: Free
• Family: £172
• Carer: Free

For a family, this can be either 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children.

You can also purchase more expensive tour packages, but these are the basic prices. Note that these are just entry prices, and don’t include any transport.

Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour Accessible?

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is accessible, and visitors can bring one carer free of charge with proof of entitlement.

For the studio itself, the majority of it is level and accessible for wheelchair users. There are some exceptions, such as the Hogwarts Bridge and the Knights Bus. Diagon Alley also includes an incline and cobbled streets.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted but mobility scooters cannot be wider than 86cm.

Visitors with assistance dogs are welcome and water bowls can be provided. There’s also a dedicated toilet area for assistance dogs.

For visitors with a hearing impairment, induction loops can be provided. A portable iPad is also available (this must be booked in advance), which can provide a subtitled version of some of the films. It’s also possible to book a BSL tour in advance.

For more information on accessibility and any other needs you have, please visit the accessibility section of the official website.

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour

You have two major options for getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour – you can take a tour which includes your transport, or you can make your own way there using either public transport or a car.

We’ll go through both of these options so you can make the right decision as to which is going to be best for you.

Certainly, the easiest option for getting to the Harry Potter Studios is to take a tour which includes your return transport.

These tours leave from various locations around London (and other parts of the UK), and included in the price of your tour will be pre-booked timed entry to the Studio Tour and return transport to and from a pick-up point.

Note that most tours do not include a guide inside the experience as it is largely self-guided. However, you can book a tour, such as this one , which does include a guide for the time inside the studio as well. When choosing tours, do check how long they give you at the studio. You will generally want a minimum of three hours, although you might find four hours will be more suitable if you want to experience everything.

Some options include:

• This tour  which departs from the Victoria Coach Station in London
• Another tour with departure from Victoria Coach Station in London
• A slightly longer tour giving you 4 hours at the studio, with departure from Kings Cross Station, London
• This is a fully guided tour which includes return transport and a guide throughout the experience.
• This tour of the Harry Potter studios , which includes return transport from central London hotels
• If you want to do more on your day, this tour includes a tour of Oxford as well as the Studios , with departures from Great Portland Street, London
• This tour , with one of our favorite walking tour companies Take Walks includes a short walking tour of central London (including some Harry Potter filming locations in London ), followed by round trip transport to the studio and entry to the Studio Tour for four hours. We’ve done this tour and it is a good option although does make for a full day.

As you can see, there are lots of options! We’ve got more on all of these in the section below on how to buy your tickets for the Studio Tour.

By Public Transport

From central London, it’s fairly easy to get to the Harry Potter Studios by public transport. You will take the train from Euston Station to Watford Junction.

Then you need to take a dedicated shuttle bus operated by the Studio Tour that runs from just outside Watford Junction Station (it is well sign posted), that takes you directly to the studios.

For the train, you can either buy your tickets in advance here , or you can pay on the day using a contactless or Oyster card. This will require you to tap in and tap out using the yellow card readers. Note that Oyster cards and contactless cards do not work beyond Watford Junction, so don’t go any further than this.

See our  guide to buying and using the Oyster card in London , and our  guide to paying for public transport in London  for more information on using these forms of payment for travel in and around London.

For the shuttle bus, this is included in the price of your entry ticket. To board the bus you will need to have a valid pre-purchased ticket to the Harry Potter Studios, or proof of a ticket booking confirmation (printed or on your phone).

Getting to the Harry Potter Studios by car is relatively easy. Depending on the time of day, exact departure location and traffic, the drive from central London takes around an hour to ninety minutes.

From Oxford it’s around an hour, and it’s around two hours from Birmingham. Visitors with valid pre-purchased Studio tickets can take advantage of free parking on site. Note you cannot enter the parking area without a valid ticket or booking confirmation for that day.

Where to Buy Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets

If you are making your own way to the Harry Potter studios, you have to buy your ticket in advance from the official website . You cannot turn up without a ticket, and tickets are not for sale on site.

Tickets go on sale well in advance, but despite the site having capacity for up to 6,000 people a day, they tend to sell out far in advance, so you will want to plan as far ahead as possible.

The summer months, weekends, and school holidays are the busiest days of the year for the Studio so we recommend that you book as far in advance as you can if you are visiting over those periods.

Weekdays often have better availability, so if you are flexible, look at different days of the week to maximise your chances of getting a ticket.

Tickets are for timed entry, which helps the studios manage visitor numbers throughout the day. Whilst there is no limit to how long you can stay after you enter, you do need to enter the attraction at the time you book. There is a little bit of flexibility in this, but it’s best not to show up hours later than your time to avoid disappointment.

The WB Studios Tour folks recommend you arrive at the site at least 20 minutes before your ticket time so you can go through the security checks.

If you can’t buy a ticket from the official site, don’t worry, you still have lots of options.

First, you can opt to take a tour with a tour company, as these have a different ticket allocation system. Whilst this will be slightly more expensive, at least you will still be able to go, and it will include transport as well. See here for some of the tour options available, and here for even more !

Another option is to book a Deluxe Tour, which includes a two-hour guided tour of the studios, a photo package, a hot meal, butterbeer, souvenir guidebook and special designated parking. Following the guided tour, you are free to explore yourself. As Deluxe Tours are more expensive, they tend to have better availability.

Deluxe Tours can be booked directly with the Studios, subject to availability, on the official site here .

How Long Does the Harry Potter Studio Tour take?

The regular tour itself is self-guided, other than an introduction at the beginning, so you can take as long as you like to wander the studios.

The average length of a visit is around three and a half hours, and that is what the studio estimates most people will take and forecast their capacity around.

This is also about the amount of time that most tour companies will give you, although some offer a bit more time on site, so if you think you will need more time, be sure to pick a tour company that offers more time.

Where to Stay Near the Harry Potter Studios

The majority of visitors to the Harry Potter Studios visit from London as a day trip, and choose a hotel in London. If you go down this route, you might want to consider a hotel that makes it easier to get to the studios, be that by public transport or on one of the tours.

We’ve suggested some options below, as well as some hotels near the Studios themselves if you want to be really close.

Note that hotels in London are relatively expensive, especially those located near major attractions, and rooms aren’t always huge. However, we’ve picked what we think are a good choice for you.

We also recommend reading our guide to where to stay in London for some suggested options across all budgets.

Hotels near London Victoria train station (where most bus tours depart)

• Comfort Inn Buckingham Palace Road – great value 3* property just 5 minutes walk from London Victoria train station
• The Resident Hotel – well reviewed 4* property, five minutes from London Victoria.
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• Walrus Bar and Hostel – it’s not too close to London Victoria (15-20 minutes by public transport, or a 35 minute walk), but it’s very central and is a great budget option for London in general

Hotels near Euston train station (for the train)

• YHA London St. Pancras – a good value budget option a short walk from both Euston and Kings Cross stations. Offers both private and dormitory style rooms
• Comfort Inn and Suites King Cross – a great mid-range option, with all rooms coming with a kitchenette
• Point A Hotels – comfortable, cosy rooms, part of the well rated budget-friendly Point A hotel chain
• Radisson Blu Edwardian – luxury, boutique accommodation, a short walk from Euston station

Hotels near the Harry Potter Studios

• Mercure London – one of the closest hotels to the actual studios, this would be a good option if you are driving and want to be as close as possible
• Holiday Inn Express London – right next to Watford Junction, this mid-range and well reviewed property is convenient for both trains to London, and for the studio shuttle
• Jurys Inn London Watford – another great mid-range option, just a short walk from Watford Junction train station

Our Harry Potter Studio Tour Review and Experience

Now for the fun stuff! Although, if you want your visit to be a surprise, you might want to skip this section, as you now have everything you need to know in order to visit.

Still, if you want an idea of what to expect from your visit, read on, and we’ll share our own experiences of visiting the Harry Potter Studios! We have actually visited a few times over the years, both via a tour and using our own transport, and well talk about that a bit as well.

The first time we visited the studios we came from central London, taking the train to Watford Junction and the Shuttle Bus to the studio. When we visited there was a fee for the shuttle bus, but this is now included in the price of the ticket. The train was easy, and the shuttle bus departure point was well marked just outside the train station.

We pre-booked our tickets on the official website, so with our email booking confirmation we picked up our tickets from the kiosks. They have both staffed ticket windows and automatic kiosks – both work!

Once we had our ticket, which had our entry time on it, we went through security and joined the line for entry.

On another visit we took a tour to central London to compare the experience, specifically this tour . Whilst getting to the studio ourselves was easy enough, obviously having a bus take us directly to and from the studio from central London did make things even easier. However as it wasn’t a guided tour, once we were on site the experience was the same as visiting ourselves.

All entries for the Harry Potter Studio Tour are timed, so you have to wait in line, as they let each group in all together. Still, waiting in line is made fun, as the line has the cupboard under the stairs set right next to it, meaning you can start getting excited about your upcoming adventure straight away (and start taking pictures!).

At the time of our entry, we were all ushered into a large waiting room with a series of screens around the walls and given a brief introduction as to what we might expect. We then went into a cinema where some of the key cast members shared their thoughts. Then, the cinema screen rolled away, revealing a giant wooden door before us. Here, a guide welcomed us, and prepared us for our journey.

The Great Hall and Beyond

After our introduction, the massive wooden doors we were standing in front of opened, and the Great Hall was revealed. I have to say, this was pretty amazing, to be able to step into the world of Harry Potter. The Great Hall set was used as the Great Hall for six of the films, with many scenes shot here.

It certainly felt like the most complete of the sets we visited, as it was totally immersive and all around us, and was quite an experience.

From the Great Hall we were essentially allowed to continue on our own into the first half of the tour building. This had so much to see that I won’t go into it all here.

To give you an idea though, you can do everything from practice your wand waving through to seeing the Womping Willow in action through to visiting the potions laboratory, meeting Buckbeak, hanging out on Platform 9 3/4, and wandering around the Forbidden Forest!

Food and Butterbeer

Around half way through the tour, you come to the Backlot Cafe. This serves hot and cold food, as well as that famous drink – Butterbeer! This is a non-alcoholic beverage that tastes sort of like a mix of marshmallows and popcorn. It is definitely a must-try when visiting! We can also recommend the Butterbeer icecream which is very good.

You don’t have to eat here, as there are other dining options on site, including the Studio Cafe. However, if you want to try Butterbeer, the Backlot Cafe is the place to do it.

Privet Drive and the Night Bus

Once you’ve finished your butterbeer experience, it’s time to head outside to Privet Drive! Here you can see the house where Harry grew up, as well as a number of other fairly large props and sets, including the Knight Bus and the bridge that led across the ravine outside Hogwarts.

This is the only outside part of the tour, and it isn’t a huge area, although if the weather isn’t great you might want a waterproof jacket to enjoy this part of the tour.

Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley and the Last of the Tour

After seeing the exterior part of the tour, you enter the final part of the tour. Don’t worry though, you’re only really half way though – there’s loads to see still! From here you’re going to see a lot of the props and costumes, as well as detailed information on how these were created, and the work that went into them.

You’re also going to have the opportunity to walk through Gringotts Bank, meet a dragon, walk right down Diagon Alley, and see such locations as Ollivanders Wand Shop!

Finally, and perhaps most impressively, you come to the 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts itself. This is a massive construction that fills a whole room, and is truly spectacular. You can also watch videos to see how the model was used and digitally merged into the final films, which is very impressive.

Once you’re done with all the above, you pop out into the shop, where you can buy pretty much any Harry Potter merchandise you can imagine!

Tips for Visiting the Harry Potter Studio

Based on our experiences visiting the Harry Potter Studio in London, we’ve put together the following tips to help you plan your visit and maximise your time.

Decide how you want to visit

As described earlier in detail, you have a number of options for visiting the Harry Potter Studios, although depending on ticket availability, you might not always have every option. However, the main options are:

• Book a standard tour and plan your own transport, either by train/shuttle or car
• Book a deluxe tour and plan your own transport, either by train/shuttle or car
• Book a tour that includes transport and entry like this

Whichever you choose to go for, you will definitely have a great time!

Book your tickets in advance

We can’t emphasise this enough – tickets are not available on site – you have to book in advance . If you’re travelling independently, you can do that through the official site .

If tickets are not available through the official site for the time you want to visit, or you’d rather let someone else handle your transport, here is a good selection of tours to choose from , and here are some more options .

Plan your time

The average visit time is three and a half hours, so make sure you give yourself at least this much time on site. Don’t forget there’s food on-site as well as a massive gift shop, so you’ll want to factor time in for these activities too. Some fans can easily spend 4 or 5 hours here.

Whilst the majority of tours that include transport give you at least three hours on site, some allow for longer visits, so make sure to book the right tour for you. There is a lot to do and see on site, so more time can definitely be put to good use and you don’t want to feel rushed!

One of the best parts of visiting the Harry Potter Studios is just how interactive the experience can be. Whilst it’s certainly not a theme park, there’s a lot to do, from practicing your wand skills through to pushing your own trolley through the wall at platform 9 3/4 through to riding and summoning your own broomstick!

Some of these experiences will have a short queue, but due to the timed system for entry, these will never be too long.

Many visitors also come in full Harry Potter outfits, so don’t be afraid to dress up and get into the swing of things. You won’t be alone, and it adds to the experience for many people!

Further Reading

And that’s it for our guide to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London. We hope you found it useful – we certainly had a lot of fun taking the tour and putting this post together!

As well as this post, we’ve also got a lot more content that we think you’ll find useful, both Harry Potter related, and other content to help you plan your time in London and the UK.

• Whilst this is one of the best places for Harry Potter fans to visit in the UK, it’s by no means the only Harry Potter location or activity you can take part in. Check out our guides to finding Harry Potter in London, Harry Potter in Edinburgh and Harry Potter in Scotland for more inspiration.
• We also have a complete guide to Harry Potter filming locations in the UK
• A  Two Day London Itinerary  to help you see all the highlights of London. There’s also a  1 day version  if you’re short on time, and both a  3 day  and a  six day itinerary  if you’re here for longer
• Our detailed  packing list for London , to help you prepare for your trip
• Our  guide to buying and using the London Oyster Card , and our  guide to public transport in London  to help you get around without spending too much money
• My tips for finding the  best Photography Locations in London
• Our full  review of the London Pass  to help you decide if this attractions pass can save you money on your visit to London
• The best Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• A review of a  one day walking tour in London , should you want a guided tour of all of London’s highlights
• Our  detailed itinerary for  two weeks in the UK , should you want to have London as the start of a bigger adventure. We also have a  one week UK itinerary  for a slightly shorter visit.
• Thoughts on taking a  day trip from London, taking in Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds , our  guide to visiting Oxford for a day, and our guide to things to do in Cambridge .
• The  Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip. We also recommend the  Rick Steve’s London 2019  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it! Are you a Harry Potter wanting to take the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour? Have any questions about a visit? Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

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There are 24 comments on this post

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15th August 2023 at 8:43 am

what an amazing detailed blog. really helped me understand and plan the trip. I am booked for 1st October 5:30 as didn’t get any other day or time slot on the website,, do you think I should look at going through a tour agent to get more time in the day time or evening is fine? hoping there will be no issues in taking public transport while coming back. we will be staying in Westminster.

Laurence Norah says

15th August 2023 at 9:08 am

Thanks very much! So I think you will be fine. On the 1st October it looks like the studio tour doesn’t close until 10pm, and I would say that 4.5 hours should be more than enough. The last bus to the station leaves at 10pm, so just be sure to be on that. In terms of trains, looking at the West Midlands train timetables, the last train on a Sunday back to central London is at quarter to 1 in the morning, so I think you will be fine.

Enjoy your visit!

George says

3rd May 2023 at 7:47 am

I just finished reading your post about taking a Harry Potter studio tour and I have to say it was incredibly informative and enjoyable to read! You provided a lot of helpful information for anyone planning on taking a tour, from practical tips on transportation and timing to advice on how to make the most out of the experience.

One of the things I really appreciated about your post was how you made it clear that the tour is not just for die-hard Harry Potter fans. Even for those who have only seen the movies, the tour can be a fascinating and immersive experience. I also liked how you emphasized the importance of taking your time and really exploring each exhibit and set, rather than rushing through them.

Your post was also full of helpful details, from what to expect on the tour to how to save money on tickets. I particularly appreciated your recommendation to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as well as your advice to avoid peak times if possible.

Overall, I thought your post was a fantastic resource for anyone planning on taking a Harry Potter studio tour. You provided a wealth of information and tips that will undoubtedly make the experience more enjoyable for anyone who reads your post. Thanks for sharing your insights and expertise with us!

4th May 2023 at 5:30 pm

Thanks very much George, I appreciate your feedback!

3rd April 2023 at 10:58 am

Hi there! I just read your blog post about taking a Harry Potter Studio Tour and I have to say, it’s an incredibly informative and detailed guide. I’ve been to the Studio Tour myself and I can attest to the accuracy of your tips and advice.

I particularly appreciate the way you organized your post into different sections, making it easy for readers to find the information they need. Your advice about booking tickets in advance and arriving early is spot on – it’s definitely worth taking those extra steps to avoid long lines and ensure the best possible experience.

Your photos are also amazing and really bring the tour to life. It’s wonderful to see all the different sets and props up close and your photos do a great job of capturing the intricate details that went into creating them.

Overall, I think this post is a fantastic resource for anyone planning a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. You’ve covered everything from transportation to food to the best photo opportunities, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to make the most of their visit. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!

Highly Recommended to all.

3rd April 2023 at 11:27 am

Thanks very much, I’m glad to hear you found the post useful and you enjoyed your Harry Potter Studio Tour 🙂

Jean searle says

25th October 2021 at 11:18 pm

My family live on the wirral it would take us about 3 1/ 2 hrs to get there with the price of fuel costly then the stay overnight in the hotel with bed and breakfast. Your outstanding entry price for an adult £48 Kids price extortionate my granddaughter is 8yrs old obsessed with Harry Potter reads the books loves the films she is desperate to come on the studio tour but can’t justify you outrageous prices. And then we have to pay for fuel to travel back. I am registered disabled but not in a wheelchair. My husband is my carer we are also pensioners do you honestly expect a disabled person to pay £48 to get in while OK my carer is free surely you should have compensation for the disabled person. As it stands we have to keep letting the 8yr old down as we can’t afford your prices. Then the added extras for the bus etc. I would ask you to see if you could establish a different rate for children under 10 and the disabled pensioner please as we would bring her but out of our pension we cannot afford your cost. Hope you take into account what I have said. Underprivileged children should be catered for I know.you have to make your money but at the cost of a child. Shame on you. My granddaughter may never get to see it now.xc

26th October 2021 at 10:13 am

Thanks for your message! So to be clear, this website is not associated with the Warner Bros Studio or Harry Potter tour. It’s just a guide to visiting. If you want to reach out to them directly, you’ll need to do so via their website. Their contact information can be found here: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/contact-us/

All the best,

Dave Gaudie says

23rd July 2021 at 6:54 pm

Can I take photos throughout the tour ?

23rd July 2021 at 7:02 pm

Yep photography is permitted pretty much everywhere in the Harry Potter studio tour. There are a few exceptions – you can’t do photography in the pre-show cinema, or in the green screen areas. You also can’t use a tripod.

Have a great visit, and let me know if you have any more questions!

13th October 2019 at 4:38 am

Hello! I am so excited to have found your blog. I plan to read the entire london portion. I booked tickets to the studio for 1/1. I thought it would be a fun way to start the new year. Now I am wondering if it will be a problem to get to the studio. TfL site states train will be running on a sunday schedule. How much extra travel time should we think about? Our tix are for 1230p. We are staying by the waterloo station. Thank you for your amazing insights!

13th October 2019 at 3:25 pm

Thanks very much, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time.

For the trains, all you’d have to do is check the timetables for a Sunday and this should give you an idea of how much time you will need 🙂 You shouldn’t have to worry too much I don’t think, 1230 should give you plenty of time to get there! Have a wonderful time!

Nurika Abdullah says

27th September 2019 at 12:33 am

Hi thank you for this it is so useful especially for first timers like me. My concern is on the age, in the studios website it says below 16 must be accompanied by adults. I am thinking of sending my 15 and 13 yr old kids on their own. Would this be possible if I take a guided tour instead? Many thanks Nurika

27th September 2019 at 7:02 pm

Unfortunately the policy is that all children must be accompanied by an adult, even on the guided tours

26th September 2019 at 7:33 am

Thank you for you site and sharing some great information!! It is just awesome!!

Would you happen to know the difference between the Studio’s VIP tour and the Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour. Looks like the Fully-Guided might have a couple more stops?

26th September 2019 at 10:49 pm

So the VIP tour (I guess you mean the Deluxe tour?) includes a few extras like butterbeer, souvenir photo, meal and guidebook. So quite a few extras. The fully guided tour includes the tour, but I believe it’s the same actual tour as the Deluxe tour, just without the extras. Of course, it also include round trip transport from London as well.

So it’s more about if you want the extras or not, or if you prefer the transport.

Have an amazing time, whichever you go for!

Dr. Abraham K. George says

2nd May 2019 at 10:15 pm

Wow! What lovely immersive writing, and lots of fine fine details. A pleasure to read. I’m so glad I stumbled on to this blog. My search is over. Have bookmarked it. Going to follow it faithfully for our first-time holiday to London + Scotland this month. The fully guided tour seems to be the best of the lot as it probably gives you the maximum time possible to spend at the studio (I hope). By the way, tickets are sold out on the official site. Thank you so much, Abraham

3rd May 2019 at 4:39 pm

Hi Abraham – my pleasure, and I hope you have a wonderful tour. For sure, the tours are very popular so they sell out far in advance on the official website, but there are a number of other ways to get a trip, so I hope you are able to visit still 🙂

27th March 2019 at 7:48 pm

Hi can i ask the extra activities you mentioned are they free or do I need to account for extra spending money Regard emma

27th March 2019 at 7:59 pm

So the activities like the wand workshop, broomstick summoning and other interactive things like that are included. The only thing you would need money for is the giftshop, or if you want to eat or try butter beer. For the green screen broomstick flying experience, where you are filmed on a broomstick against a green screen, that is an extra price as you get the experience as photos or a DVD. There are also some other opportunities to buy photos through the tour, but these are of course optional 🙂

Have a wonderful time!

Robert says

13th March 2019 at 4:51 pm

Excellent information! I’ve been to the WB Harry Potter Studios twice (2015, 2017), and you really covered everything in accurate detail.

One tiny error though it probably won’t confuse anyone: You wrote “Then you need to take a dedicated shuttle bus operated by the Studio Tour that runs from just outside Euston Station (it is well sign posted), that takes you directly to the studios.” I believe you meant “Watford Junction Station” instead of “Euston Station” in that sentence.

Thanks for your terrific work on the entire site. A colleague of mine sent me a link to it knowing I have led student/parent groups to London. I’ve enjoyed digging into it!

13th March 2019 at 5:00 pm

Thanks so much for your comment! We loved visiting and writing this post was a real pleasure 🙂 Thanks also for spotting that error – I’ve fixed it now 🙂

Thanks again!

Roslia santamaria says

28th November 2018 at 7:02 am

Thank you so much..This is very useful!!

28th November 2018 at 11:21 am

My pleasure Roslia 🙂

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A Guide to Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour London

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 11th August 2020  - Last updated: 12th January 2024

Categories London , Film , Filming Locations , Travel , UK

Ready to learn all about Harry Potter World in London? Get ready for a mammoth of a post. Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden aka Harry Potter World London has quickly become a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans.

First things first, let’s get some misconceptions out of the way. There is no London Harry Potter Universal Studios, there is only the Warner Bros Studio Tour. If you’re looking for Universal Studios, London, then I’m afraid you will be disappointed!

When people think of a Harry Potter London theme park, they are also thinking of the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Ok so now I’ve told you what Harry Potter world is not. What does it involve then?

The London Harry Potter Studio Tour invites you into the real studios where they made all the Harry Potter films and they’ve refashioned all our favourite props, costumes and sets into a glorious exhibition. It’s a Harry Potter experience like no other!

Keep on reading to find out why the Harry Potter Studio Tour London is a must for Potterheads…

Booking Harry Potter Tour Tickets

It appears that the initial rush to buy tickets is now over; however, I still recommend that you buy your Harry Potter Studio tickets about a month in advance if you want to get the perfect time for you. If you’re only available at the weekends then you definitely need to think about booking in advance because they weekend slots book up fast .

The booking itself is very simple. All you have to do is select the date and time you want to go on the tour, enter the number of each type of ticket you want and then checkout. There is also the option to add on some extras to your package.

You can pre-book a ‘Souvenir Guidebook’ and a ‘Digital Guide’, both of which supposedly enhance your experience. I opted for the ‘Souvenir Guidebook’, but not the ‘Digital Guide’, but in hindsight, I should have selected both.

The Souvenir Guidebook is a really nice booklet with glossy pages and big pictures. It is very well presented and serves as a lovely reminder of the things you’ve seen on your trip.

You don’t need to pre-order this book as it is also on sale at the gift shop at the Studios for exactly the same price. It is a bit pricey at £9.95, but for Potterheads it is well worth it.

As far as I could tell (from jealously peering over people’s shoulders), the Digital Guide was basically a device that looked a lot like an iPod touch that had extra snippets of information and videos on it. This costs around £4.95, though you do not get to keep it so it’s not entirely necessary.

Ticket Prices

Standard Adult: £43 Child: £35 (Under 4 years old: Free)

Opening Hours

8:30am – 10pm every day

However, there are often private events at the Studios so please do double-check for your selected day. 

Purchase your Harry Potter Studio Tickets directly here.

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studios London

The Harry Potter Studio Tour, aka Harry Potter World in London, is located at Leavesden Studios in Watford. Fortunately, I actually live quite close to this so it didn’t take me long at all to reach there and with the help of a SatNav, it’s fairly easy to locate.

One problem I did encounter once I was a couple of minutes away from the Studios, was that the signs on the motorway were incredibly confusing. There was one pointing to ‘Warner Bros. Tour’ and one to ‘Leavesden Studios’.

As far as I knew, Warner Bros. Studio Tour was located at Leavesden Studios so I got very confused as to why the signs were pointing in different directions.

I decided to follow the sign that pointed towards ‘Warner Bros Tour’, though this actually led me in a pretty big circle which was unnecessary, so I’d suggest following the sign to ‘Leavesden Studios’, which I assume will take you on a shorter route.

I highly recommend that when you see these signs coming up, you simply look out your window to spot the Studio and follow the road that leads to it (you won’t miss it, there are absolutely huge Harry Potter posters all over the buildings).

You will need to show your ticket in order to gain entrance and then you will be directed to a parking space (parking is free!). The car park is huge so I wouldn’t worry about not finding a space, though my tour was the last tour of the day so the Studios were probably slightly less packed.

By Public Transport

The closest train station to the Harry Potter Studios is Watford Junction. You can very easily get a train here from London Euston. Once you get to Watford, there’s a shuttle bus service right outside the station that takes you to and from the studios.

This costs £2.50 for a return and £2 for single. You won’t miss the buses – they’re designed to look like the Knight Bus! 

NB You should arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled ticket time so do factor this in when making travel arrangements. 

Find out more about getting to the studios here.

The Harry Potter Experience

What to see at the harry potter studios.

The tour starts from the very second you hand your ticket over and join the queue. Whilst you’re awaiting entry you will pass Harry’s cupboard under the stairs – toy soldiers included – and many quotes from various people lining the walls to get you excited.

First, you are led into a dark room with lots of screens and you are shown a quick film about Potter’s history. My emotional rollercoaster started here as I was filled with fond, childhood memories.

You can imagine my shock then, when I revisited the tour in 2019 to find that they had updated this video. And I was in one of the clips. I am in one of the clips!

It’s a video of me waving enthusiastically on the side of the red carpet in Trafalgar Square for the eighth and final Harry Potter film. I skipped school that day and slept on the pavement the evening before to get that top spot and it was totally worth it.

After this brief introduction, you are led into another room with a bigger screen, much like a cinema, and played another video. (This is usually the bit where I cry. Yes,  already .) It’s a super short film that goes through the crucial bits of all eight Harry Potter films.  

There are interviews with the cast, the crew, the directors, the author herself and lots of behind the scenes footage. When the film is over, a grand set of doors is magically revealed and the Great Hall lies in wait.

Everybody gasps at this point.

The Great Hall is incredibly detailed and there are lots of costumes on display here, including Harry’s very first uniform. There is a speaker for this part of the tour who gives an introduction to the tour and tells you all the interesting facts about the Great Hall – like the fact that the floor is made out of real paving stones.

The Great Hall is modelled on the dining hall at Christ Church college in Oxford (where I studied!). Check out my Harry Potter tour of Oxford for more information on visiting the real  life Great Hall! 

After this, the tour is self-guided and you are left to explore the rest of the tour in your own time. Some parts of the tour display props and costumes and others are the real sets.

There is a spectacular show of the vehicles and bigger props used in the films and they are shown (moving) hanging from the ceiling next to a large screen. On here they show you exactly how this prop was used in the film and how special effects were used to make it realistic.

This video shows you the extraordinary number of special effects that went into making these films. They even showed you how in one scene, Daniel Radcliffe was filmed walking on a treadmill in front of a green screen, but on film, this was magically transformed into Harry walking through the snow at Godric’s Hollow. It is absolutely incredible to see the transition from what was actually filmed and what we see on screen.

In this section, some of the things you can see include The Burrow, the Gryffindor Common Room, Snape’s classrooms, the Boy’s Dormitory, Dumbledore’s Office, Umbridge’s Office, the Ministry of Magic, the fireplaces at the Ministry, Hagrid’s Hut, the Griffin Stairwell, the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets, Gringott’s Vault Door, the Forbidden Forest and some others.

They’ve even recreated Platform 9 3/4 so you can see The Hogwarts Express in all its glory on the train track and even have a little walk through it! There are also lots of different photos points of the trolley going through the wall to access Platform 9 3/4 so you can pretend like you’re off to Hogwarts yourself. 

You then get the chance to experience the magic of riding the Hogwarts Express as they’ve created a Hogwarts Express simulation where you can have your photo taken inside a replica carriage. After your photo is taken, you’ll go a little adventure with lots of effects so it feels like you’re actually on a moving train.

You sit in one of the carriages and see the world float by outside the window and it’s lovely until the dementors show up! This is all filmed and there is a voice-over telling you what to do to make this part all the more fun.

Throughout this space, there are displays of props including the Philosopher’s Stone, the Triwizard Cup, the golden snitch, the Goblet of Fire, the time turner and more.

There is also a fantastic costume display to accompany each set and you can see clothes from all of the movies and see how the characters have grown!

Lastly, there is a stunning display of all the graphic designs and posters used for things like The Daily Prophet, the Quibbler, sweet packages etc.

When you’ve finished looking around the first building, about half way through the tour, the tour continues outside. Here you’ll find the Knightbus, Godric’s Hollow, the Ford Anglia, Hagrid’s Bike, chess pieces from the Philosopher’s Stone, Hogwart’s Bridge and of course, Number 4 Privet Drive.

This part of the tour is great because you can actually get up close and touch all of these things. You can sit on Hagrid’s bike, get inside the Ford Anglia, stand in the Knight Bus and knock on the door of number 4 Privet Drive. This outside area presents another great photo opportunity so don’t think that the weather doesn’t matter when picking which day to book your tour!

Possibly the most exciting thing about this section of the tour is the opportunity to buy Butterbeer . A lot of people don’t like this concoction but personally, I love it. It’s really sweet and fizzy with a thick layer of sweet cream on top – exactly as I’d imagined.

Each cup costs around £2.95, and although it isn’t large, it’s definitely worth it! It even leaves you with that white moustache on your upper lip that is so often talked about. Now, they ever have butterbeer ice cream and you can buy a plastic Butterbeer tankard to keep.

The second part of the studio tour is a lot more about what went into making the films rather than the sets and props. Here you will find an amazing array of every single creature featured in the films and how they were made.

You will be disappointed to hear that in fact only the head of the basilisk was made. You can see each and every one goblin/house elf mask – they do look pretty grim – and how each of these were made and fitted the actors.

After the ‘Creature Shop’, you are lead to another breathtaking part of the tour – Diagon Alley. I did not expect Diagon Alley to be, well, a real Alley! Each and every shop is properly decorated with detail with shop displays and it looks like a real street!

All the shops from the film are here, though it is a lot more compact, and you feel as if you could actually just go shopping for a new owl or a new set of robes!

The very last room of the tour is the most spectacular of them all. It had been a highly emotional visit for me so when I rounded the corner to see the 1:24 model of Hogwarts Castle, I was completely overwhelmed.

It was the most beautiful and amazing creation I had ever seen and I was blown away by the detail that went into it. Everything was perfectly handcrafted to scale and real gravel and plants were used to for the landscaping.

There are more than 300 fibre optic lights installed and these stimulate torches and lanterns to give the illusion of students walking down the hallways. It is the crown jewel of the Harry Potter art department – which isn’t surprising given that it took a team of 86 people to construct the first version.

Footage of this model was combined with special effects to create the incredibly realistic views of Hogwarts exterior which I had always believed to be comprised of real castles. This was a phenomenal end to the tour and was definitely the most memorable moment for me.

What to do at the Harry Potter Studios

There is an absolutely fantastic photo opportunity to be had during the Studio Tour where you are given the chance to ride a broomstick. Using CGI and green screen effects, they make it look like you are actually flying and it is absolutely incredible.

Firstly, you are given a set of Hogwarts robes from your chosen house, and then you wait in line for your turn. There are a total of three broomsticks there so the waiting time isn’t too long.

When I joined the queue, it said that the waiting time ‘from this point onwards’ was 45 minutes, and I wasn’t too fussed about this because I was determined to get on that broom, but thankfully, it didn’t take nearly as long as that.

When it is your turn, a staff member talks you through everything. You make yourself comfortable on the broom, and then the magic begins.

Now, this isn’t just any photo opportunity, because before your photo is taken, you get the chance to see yourself fly over London and Hogwarts. There is a small screen in front of you so it looks like you’re actually moving and the broom itself isn’t fixed so you can swerve from side to side and bob up and down.

The member of staff attending to you will make sure you get the most out of your experience by giving you a few things to do whilst on your broom. When your ‘flying’ experience is over, there are a few quick snaps and then it’s off to the counter to collect your photos.

There are four different photos to choose from: hovering over Hogwarts, flying in front of some buses in London, flying along the Thames and flying along the water surrounding Hogwarts – the favourite of most people seems to be the one hovering above Hogwarts. 

There is also the opportunity to have your photo taken inside the Ford Anglia and you can watch yourself ‘driving’ it through the air. This photo is great for families as you take the photo with as many people as you can fit into the frame.

If you’re feeling particularly evil on the day of your visit, you could also choose to have your photo taken as a prisoner in Azkaban and it’ll be printed onto a WANTED poster. 

These photos aren’t exactly cheap, but they are definitely worth it. It’s £14 for one photo, which comes in a lovely, glossy, paper frame (just like the sort you’d get at a theme park – but better, obviously). Alternatively, there are lots of digital options so you can get two photos and a DVD/USB for £40. 

The Harry Potter Tour Gift Shop

Words cannot even begin to describe my excitement upon entering the Harry Potter Studio Tour gift shop. So I was always one of those children that spent the entire day out pushing and pulling my parents through the exhibitions just to get to the gift shop, but I guarantee that you will be blown away by it.

There is a huge range of Potter products on offer, but I won’t deceive you, they don’t come cheap. If I had it my way I would’ve bought EVERYTHING in the shop, though of course, my mother did not allow this and so I opted for a Potter t-shirt (£32.95) and Hogwarts scarf (£24.95).

It is a very large shop and products range from sweets to keyrings to clothing to stuffed toys to wall paintings to jewellery to uniform to notepads to magnets to books to wands to replica costumes – and more!

It is literally my favourite shop in the whole entire world and if I could I would go there every day I would. Unfortunately, you can only get to gift shop after you’ve shown your ticket proving that you’re actually there for the Tour (sad face). The queue in the gift shop is enormously long at times so I recommend you keep wandering around until it’s less busy.

I could say more, but I think that I’ve waffled on for long enough! The Warner Bros Harry Potter Tour is essential for all Harry Potter fans, and even those who aren’t massive Potterheads will definitely enjoy a day out at Leavesden.

Not only does it provide an incredible insight into a worldwide Phenomenon but you get to witness first hand the immense amount of detail that went into making these films.

You can see the sets the cast walked on, the costumes they wore and the props they used. There is a lot of behind the scenes footage and information so don’t think that this is just a display of what you’ve already seen or read online – because it’s so much more.

All along the tour, there is the Harry Potter soundtrack playing in the background enhancing the atmosphere and making everything feel that much better. Do bear in mind that whilst the Tour is absolutely incredible, there will inevitably be a sense of disappointment as you finally realise that the magic isn’t real and Hogwarts doesn’t exist.

On a side note, as I was casually scrolling down my Facebook news feed after I’d returned home, I discovered a photo of Matt Lewis (Neville Longbottom) from the very same day. WHY DID I NOT SEE HIM?! WHY. Ok, outburst over.

But seriously, why.

If you’ve visited the Harry Potter Studios yourself, leave a comment telling me your favourite part!  

Like this post? Check out my other Harry Potter blog posts!  Guide to Harry Potter in London Guide to Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood The Cauldron: Harry Potter Cocktail Experience in London Hogwarts in the Snow at Harry Potter Studio Tour Guide to Harry Potter in Lacock Harry Potter Filming Locations in Oxford Godric’s Hollow Filming Location Why the Prisoner of Azkaban is the Best in the Series What’s in my Backpack: Hogwarts Edition

Pin now, read again later!

Editor of What’s Hot?

[This post was originally published when the Harry Potter Studio Tour first opened in 2012 but has been updated in 2020.]

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Thanks for writing this awesome article!!! I've thought the entire tour is held indoors, so hope it doesn't rain during the outdoor portion of our tour in early Oct.

For the bloom and Ford Anglia photos, do we pay upfront before joining the queue or can we take the photos first, see how they turn out before deciding to pay for them??

ToursTravel

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

I just read your blog post about the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in London and I have to say that it was a fantastic read! As a big Harry Potter fan myself, I could really relate to your excitement and enthusiasm for the tour.

I loved the way you described your experience, from the moment you arrived at the studios to the different sets and exhibits you saw along the way. Your attention to detail and vivid descriptions really helped to transport me to the world of Harry Potter.

I also appreciated the practical advice you provided for visitors, such as the importance of booking tickets in advance and wearing comfortable shoes. It's clear that you are not only a fan of the series, but also an experienced traveler who knows how to make the most of a visit to a new place.

Overall, I thought your blog post was a great resource for anyone planning a trip to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour, as well as for those who simply want to learn more about the magic behind the movies. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

Ultimate Guide for fun things to do in London with kids - Home Travel Guide

Thursday 27th of January 2022

[…] The Harry Potter Studio Tour is based in Watford, just outside of London. If your children are Harry Potter fans, this place is an absolute dream. The vast majority of scenes from the 8 Harry Potter films were shot in these studios and you can now wander around these sets and learn all about how they made the magic come to life. What’s particularly great for children is that there are lots of elements to really immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter – you can ride a broomstick, sit in an old Ford Anglia, drink butterbeer (non-alcoholic, of course!), meet Buckbeak in the Forbidden Forest, walk down Diagon Alley, and more! […]

Friday 23rd of April 2021

How much time, from early arrival to departure, do you recommend I plan to spend there? Flying broom, prisoner of Azkaban photos, butter beer and gift shop time included?

Wednesday 9th of January 2019

I have to visit that it looks really cool and fun!!

Thursday 10th of January 2019

Honestly one of my all time favourite places!

Posted on 1st July 2021 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour (+ Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip)

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Love Harry Potter? The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is an absolutely magical day out for children and adults alike. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Harry Potter. You may have noticed that I’m low-level obsessed with both the films and the books. The story that captured our imaginations 20 years ago is no less magical today.

London is filled with Harry Potter spots – whether that’s filming locations, cool graphics stores or Potter-inspired bars , there’s plenty to keep your wands busy. Even so, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is phenomenal.

I’ll admit that I put visiting the tour off for a while because I never quite got round to booking my ticket. Mistake . Now that I’ve been I can say hand on heart that it is a must for anyone who loves Harry Potter.

I’ve written this step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect, how to book your tickets, plan your journey and have a brilliant time. No pressure then…

OK, So the Big Question is… Are the Harry Potter Studios Worth the Money?

In short – yes. The Harry Potter Studios are worth the money.

It’s pretty much impossible to talk about why you should go on the Harry Potter Studio Tour without confronting the fact that tickets are hella expensive.

£47 for adults and £38 for children over 5 is no laughing matter – particularly when you add transport and (if necessary) accommodation to that too.

Even though the tickets are expensive, I’d say that the experience is absolutely worth it – it’s been brilliantly done – so much so that I know people who’ve been back a couple of times over the years.

Want to book a tour instead? Choose from these tours from London .

Exploring the Magical World of Harry Potter at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in London: What to Expect

All eight of the films were filmed in the Leavesden Studios over a period spanning more than a decade.

There’s nowhere else that you can visit where you can see so many of the places, costumes and details that made the iconic films the biggest movie series in history.

How to Get Your Hands on Harry Potter London Tickets

Buy tickets on the website.

Now, I’m not going to lie – trying to get your hands on the Harry Potter studio tickets is like trying to conjure a genuine smile from Professor Umbrige. As in, it will take all of your wits and whiles to make it happen. Unlike trying to coax a smile from Umbridge though, it will be totally worth the effort.

First of all, let me be clear. You have to buy tickets in advance – there will be no turning up on the day and hoping to strike lucky.

That shizz just doesn’t fly (as in they don’t even sell tickets on the door, so you’ll have schlepped out to Leavesden for no reason – and I’ll warn you, apart from the studio tour, Leavesden isn’t the kind of place where you go to have a lot of fun).

So, you need to plan your trip in advance. Preferably as far in advance as you possibly can.

Tickets for the Warner Brothers Harry Potter tour sell like hotcakes – and months ahead.

Don’t be all blasé like me, hopping onto the website and thinking you’ll pick one up for the next day. I was totally sucker punched when I saw that tickets were pretty much booked out for two months in advance. That’s not a typo and yes you’re reading it right. Two months.

Now, there are a couple of workarounds, which I am going to go into more detail below but that is the standard position.

So if you’re thinking about taking a trip to London and you want to get a ticket, do it the moment you book your flights. I only wish I were joking.

Book Tickets Here

Sneaky Trick Number One for Getting a Ticket to the Warner Bros Studio Tour

Book a tour – or transport inclusive ticket from a tour operator.

I have to be honest – I am prettyyyyyy disorganised a lot of the time and I’ve often found that hunting around for a tour can mean that you can nab a last minute spot when all other hope is lost.

Have a look on Get Your Guide and simply work your way through the different operators until you can find one with a ticket for the date that you want. Simple and oh so crafty * cackles uncontrollably in the manner of Bellatrix Lestrange *.

PS – I talk more about tours and transport inclusive options in the How to Get to the Harry Potter Studios Section Below.

Sneaky Trick Number Two For Getting Your Hands on Harry Potter Studio Tickets

You’ll have better luck if you can visit on a weekday outside of school holidays, but as you’re likely to be grown-ass adults with actual jobs, whether you can do that depends on exactly how much magic you’re willing to practice to get yourself a spot.

Sneaky Trick Number Three for Nabbing Those Tickets

Now I know that I said that you have next to zero chance for nabbing tickets to Harry Potter land in London without booking them at least a couple of months in advance but guess what… I lied.

Well, kind of.

You can get last-minute tickets on the website if you’re willing to be flexible and just take whatever day and time is available. I booked my tickets on Tuesday to go on the Sunday of the same week – and was pretty lucky that the tour started at 2pm so I had loads of time to make my way around.

There were only a couple of tickets for the Sunday available – and a few more for the following Monday and Tuesday… after which the earliest I could book was 2.5 months later.

It’s a big gamble – definitely not one I’d recommend taking if you’re only in the country for a short period but it is always worth checking.

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to London’s Magical Harry Potter Spots

Tips for Making the Most of Your Time in the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour

If you’re more of an adult than me and actually book your tickets far enough in advance that you get a choice about which slot to choose rather than having to take whichever one’s available because you’re trying to find a ticket for this weekend, I have a tip.

Go as early in the day as possible – and try and avoid the last slot or two.

Much as I’d love to pretend that these are sage words I winkled out of prophecy buried in that creepy vault in the Ministry of Magic, the boring truth is there are very good reasons for this advice.

One is that the tour is untimed. Once you’re in, you’re in for however long it takes you to make your way around.

Considering that some people (ME) literally won’t rest until they’ve read / played with / googled at / photographed / posed with every tiny little bit on every single set, you can understand how later slots can get pretty busy.

The second reason I say to go as early as possible is kind of the same – you want to make sure that you have all the sweet sweet time that you need to make your way around that tour.

They suggest three to four hours but who knows, you may end up taking more (particularly if you kick back with a butterbeer in Hogsmeade).

Someone once spent over thirteen hours in the tour, which seems a liiiitttttle excessive – what were they doing? Reenacting the films? Actually, that’s a brilliant idea.  

Either way, with the earlier slots you pretty much have all the time you want. It would be a real shame to have to rush any of the experience – you paid enough to justify squeezing every last second of pleasure from your well-spent galleons.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Did you see that bit above where I said that the average person takes three to four hours walking around the studios?

Now imagine doing that in some flimsy-ass high heels that make you want to cast a spell and set your own feet on fire after half an hour and I think you’ll get my point about comfortable shoes.

Unless you have your own flying broomstick that is, in which case you can wear those heels as you zip around the tour with your cape billowing in the breeze behind you.

Dress Up (If You Want, but Why Wouldn’t You Want to…)

I have one regret about my trip to the making of Harry Potter and that is that I didn’t dress up. There were so many kids (and adults!) rocking cool Harry Potter attire that the moment I saw them, I knew that I a) wanted to be them and b) would feel so sad about it for the whole time I was there.

So dust off your capes, your house scarf, your Potter-style glasses etc with free abandon – ain’t no one going to judge you for it.

Swot Up on the Films (and the Books for Extra House Points)

This will only apply if you haven’t watched the film in a little while (in which case, who even are you?).

There are so many cool spots here but there’s no point if you can only dimly remember the films from some time a few years ago when you watched it as you did your knitting.

No. That is not good enough. You want to make sure that you’ve watched the films recently, that they’re fresh in your mind, that you recall every detail – and preferably you can do some short reenactments as you go around…

And, if you want to get extra mega-nerdy house points, breeze through the books so you can say sage things comparing the books to the films and the sets and totally blowing everyone’s minds with your crazy levels of knowledge.

Don’t Whizz Through the Great Hall too Fast – In Fact, Don’t Whizz Through Any of the Tour too Fast

The tour starts with a couple of short intros – one in a small room where you can see the cast on small screens above you and marvel at how much older they look. Then start thinking about how much older you must be too and actually get so wrapped up in this that you actually end up missing everything they say.

The second intro film is a much grander affair and in an actual cinema. Now, once you finish that second film, the doors beyond open and you’re let into the Hogwarts Dining Hall.

What do you get when you take lots and lots of very keen Harry Potter fans, lock them in a dark room and then let them loose onto one of the film’s most exciting sets?

I think mayhem is the word that you’re looking for. I had a whole family push into my photo, pretty much stampeding over me to nab a picture with a statue of Dumbledore.

No worries though, jokes on them because I just waited behind until almost all of the people had trampled their way through to the next room and quietly (and rather smugly, channeling my best Hermione knows it all face) took my pictures and had a nose around the now empty hall.

Don’t take too long though – you only have a certain period of time until the next group of people are released from the cinema room and into the frenzy.

That advice applies to all of the tour actually – unless you’re in one of the later slots you have all the time that you need to make your way around, take millions of pictures and absolutely live your best Harry Potter life.

There’s no need to rush that – if you do, you won’t have anything good to put into your pensieve.

Read Next: Mischief Managed: This is What it’s Really Like to Visit the Harry Potter Inspired Bar in London

Pick the Guides’ Brains

No, not literally. The guides in the Warner Bros studios take Harry Potter fandom to. another. level. You will bow in the face of their superior and all out geeky knowledge of the things on the set.

I totally encourage you to sidle up to one and ask a really niche question about a tiny piece of the set buried in the back of a scene, then watch as *poof* all their magical knowledge comes out. It’s BEAUTIFUL.

Do Fill in Your Making of Harry Potter Passport

You’re handed a Harry Potter Passport with your tickets. I tried to be all cool and dismissive about it – what do they think we are? Children who are going to run around getting stamps and filling in the questions in our magical books? Damned right we are.

Now is not the time to pretend that you’re in any way not excited about finding the 13 golden snitches that are hidden throughout the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Finding those snitches and getting those stamps is better than that moment when everyone thinks that Harry’s dead and he bursts out of Hagrid’s arms to turn Voldemort into tiny pieces of ash. I shizz you not.

Highlights of the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London

Now that you’ve booked your tickets and are incredibly excited, I thought I’d help fuel the fire with a few sneak peeks at some of my favourite spots from the set 😀

The Great Hall

Feasts, howlers, ominous speeches – Hogwarts’ Great Hall has seen it all. It’s pretty cool to see the hall in real life (though if you’ve ever visited Christ Church in Oxford – another city with many Harry Potter filming locations , you’ll notice the strong resemblance).

I won’t let you in on all of the little secrets but you get to peek behind the scenes to find out how they created the floating candles and enchanted ceiling effects, plus there’s a cool display of the house uniforms and details on how they changed throughout the films.

The Gryffindor Dormitory

Lush velvet, wooden four poster beds – welcome to the Gryffindor Dorm. Biggest surprise? The beds are absolutely tiny as they were designed for the kids for The Philosopher’s Stone but ended up being used in all the films.

Dumbledore’s Office

So much wisdom, so little time.

The calm retreat in which many of the films’ most memorable scenes took place – Dumbledore’s Office is adorned with rows and rows of books and many portraits of former Hogwarts headmasters.

Though it brought up all the feels from that awful moment when Snape kills Dumbledore and you feel like your soul has been split in two.

The Potions Room

Press it, don’t squeeze it Hermoine. The potions room is lined with all manner of tinctures and strange ingredients – ready to be made into love potions or poisons… let’s hope it’s the first of the two!

The Forbidden Forest

The Forbidden Forest is a real eye opener – dark, ominous and more realistic than I’d like to admit, it’s crazy walking through the forest as giant spiders descend from the ceiling, accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning.

Malfoy Manor

The ominous tone of Malfoy Manor is set by a dummy of Charity Burbage hanging over the long table at which the death eaters sit. Who can forget the poor teacher’s death – brutally attacked by Nagini while the whole table watched.

The Ministry of Magic

Glimpses of the Ministry of Magic peep out from the giant sets – one of the largest ever created for a film. The larger-than-life Magic is Might statue stands to remind Muggles of their rightful place. Creepy.

Read Next: The House of Minalima – Step into a World of Harry Potter in Soho

Platform 9 ¾

It’s real! All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Many of the scenes on Platform 9 ¾ were actually shot in King’s Cross (one of the filming locations in London) but part of the station was reconstructed in the studio – complete with a Hogwarts Express that you can jump aboard and trolleys buried in the walls for that iconic shot of you running through to the secret platform.

Diagon Alley  

Hop into Ollivanders and get your wand at the ridiculously lifelike set for Diagon Alley . The set changed significantly throughout the progress of the films – the final version is a cross between a Victorian shopping street and a weird, wacky emporium.

Hogwarts Castle

The last stop on the Harry Potter studio tour is IMHO the best – the scale model of Hogwarts Castle. Each of the films directors changed bits on the castle to suit the mood of their film – the result? An incredible sprawling model, complete with intricately-designed details. When can we move in?

What’s The Best Way to Get to the Harry Potter Studios from London?

Where is harry potter studios.

The Harry Potter Studios are actually situated just outside of London in Leavesden, Watford. There’s not too much to do in this area besides visiting the studio tour but there’s plenty to do inside, so you can still make a day of it.

Have no fear though – no matter which part of London you’re in, the Harry Potter Studios are pretty easy to get to. I’ve outlined the easiest ways for you below…

Getting to the Harry Potter studios isn’t difficult if you have a car. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Central London and parking is free.

Like many places outside of the city, Sat Nav does tend to lose its way a little when you put in the postcode, so you’re better off entering in Warner Bros Studios Leavesden to make sure that it takes you to the right place. We don’t want any Diagonelly / Diagon Alley mix ups here.

Make sure that you have your booking confirmation to hand as you go into the car park as they need to check it before you go in.

By Bus from London

Did I mention that the studios are kind of in the middle of nowhere? Upshot is that your options for getting to them are far more limited than for places in central London.

If you’re not driving, the easiest thing to do is to buy a Bus and Entrance Package. The package covers your bus from a central London location and your ticket for the tour. Mischief managed!

There are a few different operators offering buses from different London locations – t his one does them from Victoria coach station , or browse here for other options . Most bus and tour packages cost around £85 for adults.

On a Guided Tour

This is different (and a lot more expensive) to the Bus and Ticket Combos. I’m talking fully guided tours for those who want that next-level Harry Potter knowledge and aren’t afraid to make it rain pounds and pennies in order to get it.

This guided tour includes transport from London, a fully-guided tour around the studios plus re-entry to the studios so that you can go back and explore them at your own leisure before heading with your guide back to London again.

Book your spot for £89 pounds – and no, you can’t rob Gringotts to fund the cost of the tickets.

By Train (and Bus)

In my opinion, getting to the studios by train is the most awkward option, though it isn’t too bad. You need to hop on a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (this takes about 20 minutes) and then catch a bus (£2.50 extra – cash only) from Watford Junction to the Studios (this takes about 15 minutes).

In theory, you could do the trip in 35 minutes but everyone I’ve spoken to says it takes a bit longer and there’s the hassle of having to change at Watford Junction.

I’d rather hop on one bus to do the full journey but that’s just me. You don’t need to book ahead but check train times to make sure you’re not waiting around in Euston for the next one.

Hotels Near Harry Potter Studios London

Premier inn watford north (budget).

I tend to prefer Premier Inns over Travelodges but it’s the same deal – a comfortable budget option that’s only a short distance from the studios. Check availability.

Hemel Hempstead Holiday Inn (Budget)

The Hemel Hempstead Holiday Inn is everything that you’d expect from a Holiday Inn (as in basic but clean and comfortable). The real draw is that it’s less than a ten-minute drive (seven minutes to be exact) away from the Studios – particularly perfect if you’ve got an early morning start. Check availability.

The Grove (High End)

The Grove is hella pricey but what else do you expect when you opt to stay in a gorgeous country manor house? Stylish interiors, ridiculously snuggly beds and a fabulous in-house restaurant. Totally your pick if you really want to push the boat out. Check prices and availability.

Other Hotels in Watford

I should point out that there are quite a few hotels in and around Watford Junction, where it totally makes sense to stay if you are getting the train to the station but don’t want to hurry there and back the same day.

Compare prices and availability for hotels in Watford.

Harry Potter Studio Tour London Map

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Looking for More Harry Potter Guides?

Check these out…

Harry Potter Filming Spots in London

Guide to Leadenhall Market

Soho’s Magical House of Minalima

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20 Tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London

Looking for some useful tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London ? We are here to help!

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is a must-do.

Located in Watford, the WB Harry Potter Studios are where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

Here you will find everything that was used to make the films. This includes some of the sets (such as the Grand Hall), the props, the costumes but also many interactive attractions.

It’s important to note that this is not a theme park like you would find in Orlando. These were the actual studios and they were turned into more of an exhibition for visitors to learn more about the movies and how they were made.

So, are you ready to discover all our Harry Potter studios tips? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Book your tickets in advance

The Studio Tour is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions , and tickets often sell out.

There are two ways you can book tickets for the Harry Potter Studios.

The first one is to book your ticket directly on the Warner Bros studios website . This is ideal if you are booking well in advance and don’t want transport included.

The second option is to book a tour from London . This will include the entrance to the studios as well as transportation from central London.

As a general thing, it is advisable to book at least 2 or 3 months in advance if you are booking direct.

As previously mentioned, tickets sell out fast! Also, it’s important to take into consideration the season since some periods are busier than others.

The studios are open most days but they do close for a few days in November and around Christmas time so make sure to check this beforehand.

Click here to book your ticket

2. Book a tour from London if you are looking for last-minute tickets

If you’re looking for tickets last minute and none of them is available on the website, don’t worry! You can also book a tour from London that includes the entrance to the studios and transportation.

You can book these tours even if they are tickets on the website since they include transportation so they work out about the same price as paying for everything separately (Ticket, tube, train and shuttle) but they are particularly convenient when you want to score some last-minute tickets.

The fact is that we can’t always plan months or weeks in advance so if you are already in London or are going soon and really want to visit the Harry Potter studios, make sure to book one of these tours.

3. Book an early slot and arrive early to maximize your time at the Studios

When you book your ticket, you will be asked to choose a timed entrance.

The studios open at 10 AM so you can book anytime from then.

In average, visitors spend 4 hours in the studios however, you are actually free to stay as long as you want.

This means that if you want to get there at 10AM and stay until it closes in the evening, you can do so!

For this reason, I highly recommend to book an early slot (10AM, 10:30AM and 11AM are ideal).

That way, you will have loads of time to explore, take your time for lunch and will have more than enough time.

If you are a huge Harry Potter fan, this is the best tip you’ll find!

Regardless, even if you don’t want to spend more than 4 hours, you can always leave whenever you wish and will have the afternoon to enjoy your time in London.

If you take a midday slot, you will need to dedicate the entire day to the Harry Potter Studios since it will take a couple of hours to get there and back.

3. Plan your journey from London

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located in Leavesden, which is about 30 miles from London.

While this doesn’t seem too far away, you will actually need between 1 and 2 hours to get there from central London.

There are different ways to get there but the most convenient is by taking a tour that includes transportation.

This way, you don’t have to worry about anything and will be taken straight to the studios.

If you want to do it yourself, then head to Euston station and take a train to Watford junction (you can use your Oyster card for that but it’s one of the furthest zones so the cap will be a bit high).

From Watford Junction, simply walk across to the carpark and you will see the Harry Potter buses. They are impossible to miss since they are entirely decorated.

The shuttle will take you straight to the studios and costs £6 return.

Make sure to keep your ticket for the return!

READ MORE: 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London

4. Consider driving (if you have a car and are not in London)

If you are not in London and have a car, driving is definitely a good way to go. You can easily get there and the area is not busy. It’s actually pretty remote.

There is free parking at the studios so that’s definitely a plus!

If you’ve been on the website, you may have seen that there is a closer carpark for £10 but the free carpark is very close. It only takes 1 minute (if even) to get to the entrance so unless you or one of your passengers can’t walk 100 yards, you can simply use the free carpark.

When you get there, follow the signs to the carpark. You will be asked to show your ticket to enter so keep it handy.

If you get there before 11 AM, it should be pretty empty too.

5. Dress appropriately

Since you will be walking around a lot, it’s advisable to dress comfortably.

The studios are air-conditioned so you might feel cold in the beginning but once you start walking, you will warm up.

It’s also important to take into consideration that there might be some rain and since some parts of the studios are outdoors, you may want to take a good jacket.

There is a fair bit of walking around so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Finally, I would advise you not to wear straight or short skirts since it could be uncomfortable if you are trying the Quidditch activities.

6. Wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories!

This one is a no-brainer. If you’re dressing up for the occasion, why not go all out and wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories?

You will fit right in and will feel like you are a part of the magic!

Also, you will be taking a lot of photos and they will look even better if you are a bit dressed up!

Rest reassured, you don’t actually need to rock your cape but don’t hesitate to wear your Hogwarts house scarf or a hat.

7. Ask loads of questions!

The staff working at the Harry Potter studios are really friendly and they love answering questions.

There are people in each room and although it may look like they are watching everything, they are actually here to answer your questions and tell you more about what you see.

Don’t hesitate to go see them and ask your questions. If you don’t have any questions, then just ask them if they have any interesting facts to share with you. They will have loads!

For example, if you are in the Gringotts Bank, they will tell you how it was built. They may also mention the Harry Potter reunion since it was filmed in the studios and Tom Felton was sitting there for parts of it.

They will also show you some hidden gems.

Basically, they have extensive knowledge and talking with them will make your experience even better.

They all speak English but a lot of people also speak other languages. Make sure to look at their badge to see which language they speak.

8. Take loads of photos!

This is another no-brainer. The Harry Potter Studios are a paradise when it comes to photo opportunities.

You will want to take loads of photos and you should not refrain.

This is your one chance to get loads of Harry Potter themed pictures!

There are so many photo spots in the studios including Platform 9 3/4, the Great Hall, the Gringotts Bank and more.

Take your time and if you need someone else to take a photo, don’t hesitate to ask one of the other visitors.

Everyone is here to enjoy the studios and nobody would run with your phone. Also, they may ask you to take a picture of them in return. Win-Win!

9. Take your time

This is probably the most important tip I can give you.

The Harry Potter studios are a lot to take in and there is so much to see!

I would advise you to not rush through it and to take your time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you should enjoy it!

As previously mentioned, you are not being rushed for time here. You can stay as long as you want so take your time and enjoy.

If you are scared you are taking too much time and will then have to rush, here is a tip.

The restaurant is located halfway through the tour so as long as you don’t reach it, that means you haven’t done half.

Once you do, you can consider it will take you as much time to finish.

10. Get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps!

The Warner Bros studios were built in a very interactive way. They did everything they could to make sure that visitors would have fun and would bring back loads of memories

If you want, you can get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps of all the places you visit!

You can get them at the entrance or by the first stamp station.

You will find different pages with stories and games as well as a spot to get your stamps.

The stamp stations are located all around the studios. You can see where is the next one by simply turning the pages.

It’s very fun and you will enjoy looking for the stamp stations. Also, it’s free and you get to take it back home!

11. Do a Harry Potter Quiz

If you want to add a bit of fun to the experience, you could consider playing a bit and doing a Harry Potter quiz!

You can find a free Harry Potter quiz here . Get it on your phone or print it beforehand and ask your crew the questions.

This will test your knowledge of Harry Potter and will create a fun atmosphere during the visit.

12. Get food at the Harry Potter Studios or bring your own

The Harry Potter Studios have a restaurant located on the premises. This is a great opportunity to get some food and relax for a bit, especially since it’s located about halfway through the tour.

The restaurant has a wide variety of food, including vegan and vegetarian options. It’s also really affordable! Your meal should cost under £10 and can be paid cash or on card.

This is a pleasant surprise since usually restaurants are very expensive in this kind of things.

Since it’s so easy and affordable, I recommend to get food there.

However, it’s important to know that you are allowed to bring food in. If you are travelling with kids, this will be a cheaper option.

You can find picnic areas outside, just next to the knight bus and the bridge.

Please note that you will also find a Starbucks and a snack place at the entrance (once you went through the security control but before starting the tour itself).

You can fill out bottles of water as well so I would highly recommend to take a bottle beforehand.

13. Try a butterbeer

It doesn’t get any more Harry Pottery than a good butterbeer.

Butterbeer is the ultimate wizarding drink and you can’t get it in many places since the recipe is secret. The Harry Potter Studios in London are one of the rare places in the world where you can get a real butterbeer.

Getting one is a must-do! You will either love it or hate but this is not really the point. It’s just a cool thing to do and to experience at least once.

Also, if you get it in the butterbeer mug, it will be a great prop for photos!

The butterbeer bar is located right by the restaurant (Backlot Café). You can get it in a regular plastic class or in a butterbeer mug (it costs £3 more but it’s a nice souvenir).

Since it’s right by the knight bus and the Dursley house, you can take beautiful photos holding your butterbeer.

Please note that a butterbeer is alcohol-free and therefore suitable for children.

That having been said, it’s very sweet so you may want to share it with someone. You may not manage to finish it on your own.

14. Use the Harry Potter Fan Club App

The Harry Potter Fan Club App is a great way to get extra content and make the most of your visit.

Available on both Android and iOS, it includes a map of the studios, videos, photos and more.

15. Do all the green screen attractions

A lot of scenes in the Harry Potter movies were created using special effects and CGI. Amongst them, you will find all the Quidditch scenes.

Basically, and without being spoiler, the actors would ride their broom in front of a green screen and the images in the background would be added in post production.

You will find these green screen sets in the studios and not only do you get to see them, but you can also try them!

There are two of them, the Quidditch and the train carriages right by the Hogwarts Express.

As you get there, you will realise that photos are being taken and you have to pay extra to get them. While this is true, it’s important to note that you can do them and not buy the photos.

The photos are nice souvenirs but there will be no pressure to buy them.

Knowing that, you might as well make the best of the experience and get in line to play some quidditch!

This is important to note because these attractions are very good fun and super interactive. You will have such a good time doing them but yet, a lot of people skip thinking they have to pay.

You do not have to pay to do it. You simply have to pay if you want to buy the photos but once again, there is no obligation to do so.

16. Get a digital guide if you speak another language

The Harry Potter Studios are all in English and while this is not an issue for some, if English is not your first language, you may struggle with some of the explanations or even names (all names were translated differently).

For this reason, it could be a great idea to get a digital guide. They can be hired at the entrance for less than £5 and provide information and facts in many languages including French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and more.

You can book it with your ticket beforehand or simply head to the reception desk and ask for one. You will be provided a small digital screen and headphone and can go around the studios while learning even more about the world of Harry Potter.

17. Use the free Wi-Fi

The Harry Potter Studios offer free Wi-Fi which is great because it means you won’t have to use your data roaming while you’re there!

Also, the coverage is not always great in certain parts of the studios so it comes very handy to have free Wi-Fi available.

18. Use the cloakroom

Located at the entrance, the cloakroom is free of charge which is perfect if you want to leave your bag or coat.

They will be safe and sound at the cloakroom and you won’t have to lug things around.

That having been said, it can be a bit cold in certain parts of the studios and of course outside, so I wouldn’t leave everything there.

19. Watch the movies before you go

If you want to make the most of your visit, watching the Harry Potter movies is a must.

As you know, the Harry Potter Studios are entirely dedicated to the movies. This is not about the books.

Of course the movies were based on the books but the WB are very much about the movies.

If you want to learn more about the books, make sure to visit Edinburgh. It will be a much better place for that.

Knowing that you will discover everything about the movies, it would be much better if you watch them before going.

Not only will you recognise many of the sets and props but you will also understand more of the references.

It will get you excited and you will have the images very fresh in your mind which will enhance your experience.

20. Get some souvenirs

The gift shop at the studios is great and it’s definitely worth leaving with a few souvenirs.

There are many different items available, including clothes, wands, prop replicas and more.

While they are not cheap, they are definitely worth buying as they will remind you of your amazing day at the Harry Potter Studios!

You may also be interested in:

• The Ultimate Guide for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London: tips, tricks & Review
• 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London
• Harry Potter in Scotland: 13 Harry Potter locations & experiences you can only have in Scotland
• Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Ultimate Guide to riding the Jacobite train in real life

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

• United Kingdom

Harry Potter World in London ⚡️ Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Harry Potter Studios

I've been to the harry potter studios in london a few times. here are my best tips for tickets & how to get the most out of your trip..

Prepare to step into a world where the magical tales of Harry Potter spring to life.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter , located around 1 hour’s drive North of London, unfolds the cinematic magic and behind-the-scenes wonders of the beloved Harry Potter film series.

Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or a curious muggle, this guide aims to make your adventure to the Harry Potter world a spellbinding experience.

In this guide, I’ll share everything there is to know about the ‘ Harry Potter World ‘ in London. I’ve also made a video about the tour:

Getting to the Studios

Harry potter tour from london, traveling independently, how to get tickets to the harry potter world, booking directly, booking a tour, highlights of the tour – what do you actually see, the great hall, diagon alley, the forbidden forest, platform 9 ¾, snape’s potion class, dumbledore’s office, costumes from the movies, harry potter’s home in privet drive, gringotts bank, tips for a magical visit, arrive early, book in advance, dress comfortably, stay hydrated and fueled, seek out special events and exhibits, is the tour worth the money, who is the tour for, are there any rides, should i stay near the studios or in london.

Contrary to popular belief: The Harry Potter World in London is actually located in Leavesden, which is a small city outside of Watford – well North of London.

Traveling to the studios from London is straightforward. Several tours not only provide entry to the studios but also include transportation from central London straight to the enchanting realms of Harry Potter.

Booking your adventure through platforms like GetYourGuide often comes with the added perk of transport, making your journey to the studios as smooth as a ride on a Nimbus 2000.

See the best Harry Potter Tours from London here .

If you prefer a solo adventure, various public transport options will get you to the studios. Trains and buses run frequently, and the journey offers a glimpse into the English countryside.

Take a train from London Euston Station to Watford Junction, which takes about 20 minutes. From Watford Junction, you can take a regular shuttle bus to the studio tour, with a journey time of roughly 15 minutes.

• Buses run at least every 30 minutes from 9.20 a.m.

Buying your Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets well in advance is essential due to its popularity. Tickets are around £51 per person and can be bought on the WB Studio website.

If tickets are sold out for your desired date, check tour companies like GetYourGuide for availability​.

I asked my guide the last time I was in the Harry Potter World, and she said that tickets usually sell out around 4 months in advance.

You can book tickets directly on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London website . However, these tickets cover entry, so you’ll need to arrange transportation to the studios.

For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a guided tour. Tours often include transportation from London, and some even provide a guided experience through the studios, enriching your visit with tidbits of Harry Potter trivia.

Check out the tours here .

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a treasure trove of magical realms waiting to be explored. Here’s a closer look at some of the iconic highlights:

As the grand entrance to the magical world of Harry Potter unveils, the Great Hall stands before you in its majestic glory. The long dining tables, the teachers’ table elevated at the far end, the intricate stone details, and the House banners hanging with pride transport you straight into Hogwarts.

It’s here that the sorting ceremonies and grand feasts take place, and as you step in, you can almost hear the echoes of Hogwarts students past.

Meandering through the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, you’ll feel the buzz of magical commerce around you. Each shopfront is meticulously crafted, from the towering shelves of Ollivanders filled with wand boxes to the quirky and colourful displays at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.

The whimsical magic of the Wizarding World is alive in every nook and cranny.

• You can experience the real Diagon Alley up in Edinburgh

The eerie allure of the Forbidden Forest beckons as you venture into its shadowy realms. Home to mystical creatures and the secrets of the wizarding world, the forest is both eerie and captivating.

The realistic animatronics and atmospheric effects make encounters with creatures like Aragog and Buckbeak both thrilling and memorable.

The iconic platform is recreated down to the finest detail. As you push your trolley through the wall, the magical journey to Hogwarts begins. The gleaming red Hogwarts Express awaits, ready to whisk you away to the world of magic.

Immerse yourself in the mystical world of potions in Snape’s Potion Class, where cauldrons bubble and the magic of Hogwarts’ curriculum comes alive.

Peek into the wise and whimsical world of Dumbledore as you step into his meticulously detailed office, a treasure trove of magical artifacts and memories.

Witness the craftsmanship and detail in the authentic costumes worn by your favorite characters in the films. From Hogwarts robes to quirky Quidditch uniforms, it’s a walk through the wardrobe of the wizarding world.

Step into the quaint yet iconic home of Harry Potter at 4 Privet Drive. Experience the magic where it all began for the young wizard.

Walk through the grandiose halls of Gringotts Bank, where goblins guard the treasures of the wizarding world and magical tales await around every corner.

As I said in the video above, this was one of my favourite things to see in the Harry Potter Studios. This wasn’t there when I visited for the first time in 2018, so it’s also nice to see that they keep doing new things in the studios.

The whole studio tour is designed so you can rock up and enjoy the experience, but here are a few of my top tips for making your visit even better.

The enchantment starts early, and so should you. The studios get bustling as the day progresses, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early lets you roam the magical realms with more breathing space, soaking in the details before the crowds pour in.

The demand for a peek into Harry Potter’s world is high, and tickets tend to vanish quicker than a Golden Snitch. Booking well in advance not only ensures your entry but also allows you to pick a favorable time slot.

I repeat: tickets to Harry Potter World are always sold out!

With so much to explore, comfortable attire is your best friend. Opt for comfy shoes as the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley and the vast expanses of the studio tour beckon for a lot of walking. Dressing in layers is wise too, as the English weather can be quite unpredictable.

There’s also an outdoor exhibition midway through the tour where you can see the knight bus and a few other things from the movies, so remember to bring your jacket.

With all the exploring, make sure to keep hydrated and grab a bite when needed. The studio has several spots to refuel with some magical treats or muggle food.

The studio often hosts special events and temporary exhibits, providing a fresh perspective and magical insights. Check the official website for the latest happenings during your visit.

The general consensus among visitors is that the tour is worth the money, especially for Harry Potter fans. Here are some highlights that make the tour worth it:

• Stepping onto the stunning sets of the Harry Potter films and exploring the magic behind the scenes is a one-off experience that is well-loved by fans​.
• The tour includes real film sets, original costumes, Platform 9 ¾, Hogwarts Castle, and much more. It’s not just for hardcore Harry Potter fans, but also for those with a mild interest in the franchise​.
• The Great Hall is mentioned as an iconic part of the Studio Tour that alone is worth the visit​.

The tour is mostly designed for Harry Potter fans, but it can be enjoyable for others as well:

• It’s ideal for those interested in the behind-the-scenes magic of the Harry Potter films, as you get to see real costumes, sets, and props used in the movies​.
• However, it’s crucial to manage expectations, especially for younger children. Some may expect a theme park experience, which the tour does not provide. So, a little research before the visit is recommended to know what to expect​.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London differs from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks in Orlando or Japan. In London, it’s more about immersing yourself in the behind-the-scenes magic of the Harry Potter film series rather than experiencing rides.

The tour showcases original sets, costumes, and props used in the films and provides insights into the filmmaking process. While you won’t find rides, you will have a rich, immersive experience exploring the magical world of Harry Potter in a cinematic setting.

Definitely stay in London. There’s no need to stay near the Harry Potter World as it’s far from the best things to do and see in London . Check out my guide to the best areas to stay in London if you haven’t booked your hotel yet.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London isn’t just a visit; it’s an experience that beckons the heart of every Harry Potter fan and a beckoning call to the whimsical in all of us.

With the whispers of wizards past echoing through the hallowed halls of Hogwarts and the cobbled stones of Diagon Alley, your voyage into the heart of J.K. Rowling’s imagination is only a ticket away.

Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Potterhead community or a casual admirer of the magical saga, the doors to a world where the tales of friendship, courage, and magic leap off the pages into the tangible realm are now wide open.

So, ready your wands, brush up on your spells and step into the story that continues to enchant the muggles and wizards of our world. The Harry Potter Studios are not just a tribute to a beloved tale but a celebration of the magic that lives within us all.

Your adventure at the Harry Potter Studios beckons – a day where the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary awaits. And remember, as the wise Dumbledore once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Read more London travel guides here .

Websites I use to book my trips 👇 • Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay • GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation • Omio is my go-to booking platform for trains in Europe • Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?

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9 Tips for Visiting London’s Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Harry Potter Studio Tour in London is popular with movie fans worldwide - a whole generation has grown up with the wizard in the wonky glasses, and what better way to solidify your fan status than by exploring the sets, costumes and props that made the movies so incredible. The making of Harry Potter is a fascinating thing to learn about; there were so many small details behind it and seeing these up close is spine-tingling. Here are some top tips to ensure you have the best possible day on the Harry Potter tour!

1. Watch all the movies again before you go

Even if you’ve seen them all 10 times, it can’t hurt to watch them all once more right? It’s bound to make it even more special when you see props or the set from your favorite scene right there in front of your eyes at Harry Potter Studios, London. You’ll be able to close your eyes and imagine you’re in that flying car with Ron or sat in the Great Hall with Hermione Granger!

2. Research the best time to visit the Harry Potter tour, London

Is there a particular event you want to catch, such as the Valentine’s Dinner or seeing Hogwarts in the Snow? Make sure you research the dates of anything you don’t want to miss and plan your trip to London and the Harry Potter Studios around that. If possible, work around term time too. It’ll be much quieter if you visit while most people are still in school and work, rather than during the half-term holidays or summer vacation.

3. …and book your tickets well in advance

Harry Potter studio tour tickets sell out really quickly, so avoid disappointment and ensure to book them early. They make the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for the Potterhead in your life, young or old, and it’s a chance to have a truly magical day out.

4. Ask plenty of questions during the tour

There are curators all the way around the studio tour, and on our Unique Fully Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour London you will be accompanied by an expert, Harry Potter-loving tour guide. You’ll travel in groups of 15 people or less, and there are audio headsets available to make sure you don’t miss a thing. So, ask plenty of questions about the movies, the sets, the props, the costumes, the cast and whatever else springs to mind! Booking your Harry Potter world tickets with us guarantees a day filled with stress-free magic.

5. Grab every opportunity with both hands

There is SO much to see and do at the studio tour - it’s basically a Harry Potter museum, with learning opportunities and interaction around every corner. Fly a broomstick, pose for a photo at Platform 9 3/4, wander down Diagon Alley and imagine what you’d spend your coins on if you could - a new broomstick, perhaps, or something fun (and potentially very dangerous) from the Weasley twins’ joke shop… The studio tour is way to completely immerse yourself in all things Potter for a few hours, so really make the most of it.

6. Take all the time you need

Following on from the previous tip, make sure you take your time at the studio tour. If there is one thing in particular that you’ve been really looking forward to seeing, then spend a few extra minutes really savoring it. Always wanted to see the fancy outfits form the Yule Ball up close? Then make sure you take in every single detail. For movie buffs and Potter fans alike, the tour is something that will have your interest constantly piqued - the recommended time frame for seeing and appreciating everything is around 3 hours. Don’t rush your visit!

7. Plan your visit precisely

If you need information about accessibility, parking, opening hours, food & drink and more, look into this in advance and plan your visit so that you can make the most of it. Our guided tour takes the stress out of planning a trip, however, and allows you to sit back and relax as we travel from London to Watford via train. From Watford Junction we will take an official shuttle bus to the tour itself, traveling in true muggle style…

8. Making your studio tour even more exciting

Especially for the little ones in your midst, there are extra things you can do to enhance your tour experience even further. For example, there is a free Wizarding World app (available on Google Play and the App Store) which can be used throughout the tour. Use the app to scan Enchanted Keys in each area of the studios, and you’ll will get to see some exclusive content right there on your smartphone. It could be a quiz, a video, some secret trivia or something else entirely! Make sure you also pick up an Activity Passport - they are available free of charge, and packed with puzzles, facts and even a Golden Snitch hunt. Don’t forget, these passports can be stamped at key points throughout the studio tour.

9. Treat yourself to some souvenirs

The gift shop at the end of the tour is full of incredibly exciting official merchandise; from chocolate frogs to replica wands, Gryffindor scarves to character blankets and so much more, there is the chance to treat yourself to something fantastic. It will be the perfect way to remember your day at the Harry Potter tour, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends if you return home with Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans™…

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a favorite among movie fans and Potterheads traveling to London - and it’s easy to see why. With so much to see, do and learn during the tour, you will come away a Harry Potter expert!

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From London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London- The Making of Harry Potter Entry Ticket and Escorted Train Transfer

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with our exclusive Warner Bros. Studio Tour London entry ticket, accompanied by a seamless and escorted train transfer from London. Immerse yourself in the enchanting sets, costumes, and props used in the making of the iconic film series for an unforgettable and spellbinding experience.

Harry Potter World in London ⚡️ Best Tickets & Transport to HP Studios in 2024

Kristoffer Fons

Wanna go to the famous Harry Potter Studios in London? This Harry Potter London guide will cover everything you need to know before you go.

In a hurry? Click here to go straight to online booking . Best price guaranteed and free cancellation.

I myself am a big fan of the whole Harry Potter universe and have both read the books and seen all the movies many times.

So it’s with great pleasure that I present this guide to help you plan the trip to Harry Potter studios in London – the big Harry Potter exhibition.

I have received many questions from travelers who are going to London and want to visit the Harry Potter studios.

The questions are numerous:

• Where is Harry Potter studios?
• What can you see at the Harry Potter World?
• Is it a Harry Potter theme park?
• How to get from London to Harry Potter studios?
• Should you book your hotel close to Harry Potter studios?
• How do I buy Harry Potter world tickets?
• Are there any Harry Potter attractions in London itself?

In this guide to Harry Potter’s London, I will answer these questions and give advice on how to purchase tickets before your trip.

First, here’s a couple of facts about the Harry Potter Studios:

• It is a relatively expensive to visit
• It is not located in London, but in Watford, north of London
• You must buy Harry Potter studios tickets online in advance
• It is not an amusement park, but rather a form of interactive Harry Potter museum
• The tour guides on site knows everything about Harry Potter so you should really ask them if you’ve got any questions at all
• You get the opportunity to purchase the famous Butterbeer

Harry Potter Studios = Harry Potter World in London ⚡️

How to get to the harry potter studios from central london, harry potter studios tickets incl. transport from london, more harry potter activities in london, harry potter bus tour in london, harry potter walk in london, frequently asked questions about harry potter world in london.

The correct term is actually Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios, but for convenience we’ll just call it Harry Potter Studios.

It is basically a huge ‘Harry Potter museum’, where you can come aboard the original Hogwarts Express, walk down Diagon Alley and see the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office at Hogwarts.

In other words – you get the opportunity to step directly into the amazing world of Harry Potter.

Just take a look at how Diagon Alley looks in this photo:

A trip to the Harry Potter studios is a must for all Harry Potter fans who travel to London. With modern technology it is even possible to try a ride on a broomstick.

You don’t actually get to fly (unfortunately) but it almost feels like it – and it will definitely look like it if you get your friends or family to take a photo.

Magic is everywhere in the Harry Potter studios and therefore there is of course also an exhibition of the most famous wizards wands – including those on the dark side!

This means that you can for see wands that belonged to Lord Voldemort, Bellatrix Lestrange and Draco Malfoy.

After you have enjoyed some hours in the Studios you get to the souvenir shop where you can buy all sorts of Harry Potter merchandise.

Have you ever wanted to taste multi flavour beans or have you always longed for a Gryffindor scarf?

Then you can look forward to visiting the Harry Potter souvenir shop after.

Check out my video and get a feel for the tour:

The studios are not in London itself, so you need to sort out transportation from Central London to the city of Watford where the Harry Potter studio is located.

See the location on the map below:

So how do you get from Central London to Harry Potter Studios?

The trip can be done be by train from Euston Station to Watford Junction and then you have to proceed with a shuttle bus to the Harry Potter studios.

However, there is a simpler alternative which is to buy tickets for the Harry Potter studios with GYG, where transport from London to the exhibition is included in the price.

First of all: you have to buy Harry Potter studios tickets before you get there – and preferably as soon as you know you want to visit the studios.

Harry Potter studios is one of the most visited attractions in London and so the tickets are always sold out, so it’s a very good idea to buy tickets as soon as possible.

I recommended to buy Harry Potter studios tickets in advance at GetYourGuide.

Read more & buy your tickets here .

This tickets gives you free transport from Central London directly to the studios in Watford included in the price.

It is simply much easier than having to first go by train to Watford and then by shuttle bus to the studios.

The prices for tickets to Harry Potter studios incl. transport from London are as follows:

• Children (5-15): £64
• Toddler (3-4 years): £20
• Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £256

Where to get on the bus in London?

The bus runs from Victoria Coach Station , located right next to the Victoria Station in central London.

With a Harry Potter studios ticket from GYG, there is no need to book a stay at any hotel near the studios or think more about transport from London.

You’ll get easy access to the studios from Central London and you’ll go back to Central London after spending 3,5 hours at the Harry Potter studios.

This special ticket with transport included makes it easy to visit the Harry Potter studios and look forward to a good experience.

Get an idea of ​​the tour of the studios in the video below:

Plan your own visit to the Harry Potter studios

It is of course also possible to plan the visit yourself, where you take the train to Watford Junction and from there take a shuttle bus to the studios.

If you want to plan your visit to Harry Potter studios do the following:

Buy tickets online at wbstudiotour.co.uk

Take the train from Euston Station north to Watford Junction Station . The fastest train (direction Birmingham New Street) is operated by London Midland and the trip takes about 15-20 minutes.

The London Overground also run to Watford Junction, but then it takes about 50 minutes because this train stops at several stations on the way from Euston to Watford Junction.

Tickets for the train can either be purchased from home at Train Genius , but it is far smarter for your whole trip if you buy either a Visitor Oyster Card or a Travelcard, which both can be used for all public transport in London. Both cards can also be used on this trip.

The cards must be purchased from home at VisitBritain.

Link to the Visitor Oyster Card here

Visitor Oyster Card is a travel card, which can save you 50% when traveling by public transport compared to buying single tickets

The price of the trip from Euston to Watford Junction with a Visitor Oyster Card is £5 (£8.10 if you travel in peak times)

Link to Travel Card here

Travelcard offers ‘free’ unlimited travel on public transport in London.

Be aware that Watford Junction is in Zone 6.

From Watford Junction runs a shuttle bus to the Harry Potter studios. This bus will cost £2.50 per person and it runs about every 15 and 20 minutes. Remember cash for the shuttle bus.

Price for a trip to Harry Potter studios if you plan it yourself:

Ticket: £48.95 Train trip / return: £16.2 (at peak times) The shuttle bus trip / return: £5 Total: £70.15

Therefore, I recommend buying tickets to Harry Potter studios at Visit Britain, where transport from Central London is included in the price and you don’t need to think about taking the train and a shuttle bus.

The choice is yours and I wish you a great trip to the magical Harry Potter World.

If a trip to Harry Potter studios are not enough or I prefer to stay inside the London, there are still many activities to get to grips with.

Below we take a look at the Harry Potter related activities that can be enjoyed in the English capital.

Go on a sightseeing bus tour of London, which differs from the classic bus tours by focusing on Harry Potter related sights.

On this bus tour you will go past the following Harry Potter related sights (and some other as well)

• The entrance to the Ministry of Magic (as seen in  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix )
• Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station, where you can try to “push through the wall”
• The house that was used as headquarters for the Order of The Phoenix
• The building that was used as Gringotts Bank

The bus journey takes just under 3 hours and cost £27 for adults (over 13 years) and £20 for children.

Here is a good way to see a lot of London, but with a focus on the Harry Potter attractions.

You can book tickets from home at GetYourGuide here.

If you do not want to board a bus, then there is also a Harry Potter walk in London, which is cheaper than the bus trip.

On the walk we see among others the following locations:

• The Leaky Cauldron (the locations of the two pubs that have been used in the films)
• Millennium Bridge (which is destroyed by the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – do you remember that scene? )
• The Ministry of Magic entrance

You could obviously take this walking your by yourself, but consider taking the organised trip as the tour guides are very knowledgeable.

See more about which sites are visited and book tickets at GetYourGuide here .

I hope you find this guide to Harry Potter’s London interesting and that you now are ready to experience the magic of the English capital. I hope that you do go to the Harry Potter Studios (remember to buy tickets well in advance!) and that you’ll enjoy your time in London.

If you’ve got any questions about Harry Potter studios, Harry Potter sights in London or London in general you’re more than welcome to post a comment below.

Unfortunately, tickets for Harry Potter Studios cannot be purchased on the day of your visit. All tickets must be booked in advance. It’s recommended to book your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season.

The studios are open from 9:30 in the morning and close at either 20:00 or 22:00, depending on what day of the week you visit. The first tour buses from London start running at 8:00.

They’re actually not located in London, but in the city of Leavesden right outside of Watford. You can reach Watford Junction in about 20 minutes from Euston Station in Central London. Or you can book an all-inclusive Harry Potter Studios ticket with bus transport from London included.

There are no age restrictions for visiting Harry Potter Studios . The attraction is suitable for all ages and has something for everyone to enjoy. However, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during their visit. Additionally, some parts of the tour may be a bit scary for younger children, so it’s always best to use your judgement as a parent or guardian when deciding whether or not to bring young children along.

Usually you wouldn’t spend more than around 3 to 4 hours in the Studios. On my first visit I was there for just under 3 hours and I’m a massive Harry Potter fan who absolutely loved every minute.

In my opinion it really is. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter universe then you’re gonna love the Harry Potter studio tour.

Although Harry Potter World in London is not currently open for overnight stays, that may change in the future. While there are no plans to make Harry Potter World an overnight stay destination at this time, it is possible that this could change in the future. So if you’re hoping to spend a night at Hogwarts, keep your fingers crossed that the powers that be make it happen!

Yes, several food and drink options are available at Harry Potter Studios. The attraction has a number of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or something to drink throughout your visit. You can even try some of the famous wizarding treats, like butterbeer! Remember that outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the studios, so if you want to bring your snacks or drinks, you’ll need to leave them in your car or backpack.

Yes, there is a gift shop at Harry Potter Studios where you can purchase all sorts of Harry Potter merchandise, from wands and robes to books and souvenirs. The shop is at the end of the tour, so you can browse and buy on your way out. Remember that the prices can be steep, so if you’re looking for more affordable options, you may want to consider shopping online or at other retail stores that carry Harry Potter merchandise.

The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios by public transport is by taking the train or bus. If you’re coming from London, you can take a direct train from Euston Station to Watford Junction, which takes about 20-25 minutes. You can catch a shuttle bus from there that will take you directly to the studios in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the 724 Green Line bus from central London, which stops at the studios. Keep in mind that both options may require some walking and waiting time, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Absolutely! Harry Potter World can be done in one day. Most visitors find that spending around 3-4 hours at the studio is enough to fully enjoy and explore the Harry Potter films’ magical sets, props, and behind-the-scenes secrets.

While Harry Potter World doesn’t have rides as you’d find in a traditional theme park, it offers a truly magical and immersive experience. You’ll get to explore the incredible sets, see authentic costumes and props, and discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter films. It’s an unforgettable experience for fans of the series, but if you’re looking for rides, consider visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Hollywood, or Japan.

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19 thoughts on “harry potter world in london ⚡️ best tickets & transport to hp studios in 2024”.

Hey Kristoffer

Going to London in a couple of months and we’re gonna do quite a lot of Harry Potter sightseeing while we’re there as my kids are CRAZY about Harry Potter 😀

A question about the Harry Potter Studios tour with transport included from London: How long time do we have in the Harry Potter Studios if we book the ticket that includes transport from London to the studios?

Thanks matey 😀

Hey Harry Potter fans! 😀

You and your kids are gonna have an amazing time in London – it’s definitely the best place to do Harry Potter sightseeing.

To answer your question: you’ll have 3,5 hours in the Harry Potter Studios if you buy the GYG ticket with transport from London included . That is without a doubt enough to soak up the incredible atmosphere in the HP Studios.

If you have any more questions about Harry Potter sightseeing in London or your trip to Harry Potter Studios then you know what to do 😉

Hi I want to buy a ticket for the Harry Potter Studio tour for my daughter, she would be traveling from Dublin. So if she flys into say Gatwick? She can get the bus transfer, but how long does it take by bus from central London please Thanks

From Gatwick Airport to Victoria it’ll take 30 mins. The bus to the Harry Potter Studios runs from Victoria St so that is perfect. The bus from Victoria to the Harry Potter Studios can take from 1 to 2 hours.

If you’ve got any more questions feel free to ask 🙂

Hi Kristoffer

We are in London on 29th April 2018 on a tour, however we want to exit our tour itinerary & visit H.P Studio on 30th April 2018, but the tickets are full on the official website, and on other website, the prices are double ( with transportation ), is it possible to get tickets without transportation ? As we are planning to exit from our tour from WINSOR PALACE & go to H.P.S post lunch hours…

Please guide us, we are family of Four.

Thank you for your comment about the Harry Potter Studios.

I just had a look at a few different websites and I’m afraid it looks like tickets to Harry Potter Studios are completely sold out on the 30th of April…

Sorry I couldn’t help – I hope you have a nice trip to the UK anyways and that you can visit the Harry Potter Studios on another trip.

Thank you very much. Your guide was extremely helpful!!! 😀

Happy to help! 😀

Enjoy Harry Potter Studios 😉

Hi We will travel to London from 30th July until 10th Aug 2018, we would like to book the Harry Potter ticket but all sold out in the official website. Kindly guide us where to purchase the ticket? We have 4 adults and 4 children in our group.

If they’re sold out, they’re sold out. I’m sorry…

Hi I have booked the Harry potter ticket for 9th Feb 2019 But I need to check for the transport from central London. Can I take only transport from visit Britain ? Or will it be better for me to travel by public transport ?

We are going to travel from Austria to London in December (hopefully). Is the Harry Potter Studios open again now after corona?

Yes, Harry Potter Studios in London are open again and have been for a couple of months now. The situation in England is pretty much as before covid struck. I was there last week and really enjoyed my time 😀

So you should be able to visit Harry Potter Studios on your trip to London in December.

Have a great trip 😀

Hello. I love Harry Potter so much and have been wanting to go to London to visit the Harry Potter Studios for so long… Now that the pandemic finally looks like it’s over me and my family are planning a trip to London in April. So just to confirm: we can definitely buy ticket to Harry Potter Studios and visit all the other grat Harry Potter attractions in London?

From the news here in Sweden I can see that England should be almost as before the pandemic? Only need to wear mask a few places, but apart from that we can enjoy the city as we used to..?

Thanks for a very good guide about the Harry Potter Studios and sights in London!!

Hi Lena (and the kids) 😀

Thank you so much for your kind words about my Harry Potter London guide.

Yes, London is 100% open. You can enjoy nice restaurants, all the major attractions, concerts, musicals and so on. And yes: The Harry Potter Studios in London are open and have actually been for quite some time.

So there should be absolutely no problem. You just need to buy your Harry Potter Studios tickets as soon as possible as they usually get sold out. And I expect that there will be a lot of tourists coming to London this spring…

I wish you a nice trip to London and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy Harry Potter Studios ⚡️

Hello Kris,

We’ve bought tickets for the tour in a few months but I was wondering would entry to the studio be included with tour or we need the tickets for adults n kids separately for the studio entry.

I am confused and wanted to clarify this specifically.

We watched the Youtube video on your page and are very excited to go.

Thanks, Vandana

If you’ve bought the Harry Potter World tickets I recommend in this guide, then you’ve got a ticket that includes transportation and entry to the studios. Here’s the link: https://londontravelhacks.com/link/harry-potter-studios-tickets

So any ticket to the Harry Potter Studios you buy from the recommended platform will be with entry to the Studios included.

Hope that helps

Have a great trip to Harry Potter’s London ⚡️

I have been a big fan of Harry Potter series and London Harry Potter Studios is an outstanding opportunity to live my childhood days again. Thanks you so much for this post. I loved it!!! I will definitely visit the studio in next month with my family.

Have a nice time

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London Travel Hacks is an online travel guide to the beautiful capital of England. The aim of this website is to give you all the information you need before coming to London on a trip. The website is run by Kristoffer Fons, who has been travel blogging since 2013.

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• Harry Potter - Visiting Warner Bros Studio Tour London >

Harry Potter World London

Harry Potter World London, known as the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, is the best way to explore the making of the Harry Potter movies. Located just outside of London, go behind the scenes to get a glimpse of a world of witches and wizardry. You’ll get to see the awesome sets, costumes and props all used in the filming of the movie series including The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, Platform 9¾ and more! The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is the highest-rated attraction in the world every year since it opened in 2012! It’s a perfect day out for the family and a must-see place on any visit to London for Harry Potter fans!

Our Warner Bros Studio Tours are available almost every day of the year! Book with or without transportation from Central London. 

Harry Potter World London:

Harry Potter World London, known as the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, can be easily visited from Central London. Explore this incredible world on a visit that lasts around 3 hours. Highlights include:

• Explore this Harry Potter world of magic and mystery!
• Start your visit by walking into the Great Hall and marvel at Hogwarts Dining Room
• Walk along Diagon Alley and see shops including Gringotts Bank and Ollivanders wand shop
• Enter the Forbidden Forest, an area strictly off-limits to Hogwarts students!
• Take a selfie on Platform 9 ¾ and hop onboard the Hogwarts Express train
• Drink a butterbeer at the Harry Potter Cafe and ride a broomstick
• See all the amazing costumes props and visual effects like the invisibility cloak and Chamber of Secrets Door!

What to expect:

Platform 9 ¾

See the original Hogwarts Express steam engine train that sits next to a recreation of Platform 9¾. This is probably the most iconic picture of the Studio Sets and you can enter the train and snap a selfie next to the Platform 9¾ sign.

The Forbidden Forest:

The forbidden forest was first seen in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone and has been painstakingly recreated at this magical Harry Potter world. This epic area is traditionally a no-go area for students but is where Harry and his friends have some of their most exciting adventures. In its recreation at the studio, you’ll get to see the giants spiders including a massive version of Aragog, amazingly tall trees and spooky vegetation.

Diagon Alley:

Take a trip down Diagon Alley, the Wizarding shopping street full of restaurants, shops, and other sights. Discover this magical world of Harry Potter, pass the Leaky Cauldron pub on your way in, and enter the alley which is completely hidden from the muggle world surrounding it. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has recreated some iconic places such as Gringotts Wizarding Bank. You’ll also see the boarded-up windows of Florean Fortescue Ice Cream Parlour and the joke shop named Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.

The Great Hall:

Enter the Great Hall which is the main meeting space in Hogwarts Castle. Four long tables surround the room which is used for eating, with the staff table (the High Table) at the top. You’ll get to see the Throne Chair where the headteachers sit, as well as amazing decorations like the floating candles. The Great Hall has been recreated in this magical Harry Potter world and this is the first thing you’ll see upon entering!

Potions Classroom:

The potions classroom was located in one of the dungeons of Hogwarts Castle and was used for teaching potions. The studio has recreated over 950 potion jars, each filled with interesting objects like shrunken heads or dried bones. The room at the studio was used in the filming of both Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  and  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Eating & Drinking

There are two cafes at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, each serving a varied menu of hot and cold foods ranging from sandwiches and salads to cooked meals. You can also try a butterbeer and there is a picnic area if you decide to bring your own food.

Special Exhibits:

You’ll find lots of special exhibits throughout the year that explore different aspects of the world of Harry Potter. Stay tuned to find out what’s on , and discover the special displays that might be showing during your visit. Any special exhibits will be included in your normal ticket price, so there are no additional fees on the day.

How to Get Tickets:

Harry Potter World London, known as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, is one of the most popular attractions in the world with over 6,000 visitors a day! This means that tickets get booked up months in advance. We recommend planning your trip early and buying your tickets at least 6 weeks in advance.

Getting to this magical London world of Harry Potter is easy! The Warner Bros Studio Tour is located 20 miles from Central London and there are lots of tours which include tickets and transportation from Central London. Our tour from Victoria Coach Station departs several times a day and you can choose from a morning or afternoon departure. You’ll travel to this Harry Potter world in luxury transportation with the journey taking about 1 hour.

We also offer a tour with hotel pickup which is the best option if you prefer to travel in a smaller group vehicle. You’ll travel directly to this world of Harry Potter from your accommodation. Alternatively, you could choose to stay in a nearby hotel and purchase just an entrance ticket.

Please be aware that you must purchase tickets in advance! If you find that tickets are sold out we’ve come up with a useful last-minute guide .

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How to get from London to the Harry Potter Studios – Tips, Tours, Tickets & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2023

Is a trip from London to Harry Potter studios on your itinerary? Discover how to get there with our essential guide including tips and answers to all your questions!

For many people visiting the UK, seeing the Harry Potter studios is a must. The most famous boy wizard in the world has been the star of countless books and movies, and lots of us – mere Muggles though we are – love to believe in the magical world. 

If you want to get from London to the Harry Potter studios in Watford, Hertfordshire, this guide covers all you need to know to make the short trip north. Whether you want to travel by car or public transport or like the idea of taking an organised tour, all the options are detailed here.

There is plenty of choice, so don’t despair if you want to buy Harry Potter tickets from London. From why it’s worth booking via Get Your Guide (spoiler alert – it involves full refunds if you have to cancel) to making your own way there, get the full lowdown right here. Do trains to Watford really go from platform 9 & ¾ at King’s Cross station?  We’ve been to the Wizarding World in London, and can safely say it’s well worth every penny.

If you can’t read a Harry Potter book or watch one of the movies without wishing you could walk into the Great Hall, visit Gringotts bank or Ollivander’s wand shop and step into the Forbidden Forest, then you must not miss this top UK attraction!

Start reading, and you too can set about planning your visit to Harry Potter land near London. 

By public transport

By organised tour, harry potter studio tour with transfers from london, family harry potter studio tour with return transfers.

• Small group Harry Potter studio trip with return travel 
• Harry Potter combined walking and studio tour 

Harry Potter studios and Oxford city day trip

Do your homework , perfect timing, mount a broomstick, take a class, see the courtyard, ride the bike, sip a butterbeer, take a closer look, set a spending limit, book in advance, is there a harry potter world in london, where in london is harry potter world, how far is harry potter world from london, what is there to do at harry potter world, how will you travel from london to harry potter world , london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

How to get from London to Harry Potter World 

At-a-glance: Train from London Euston to Watford Junction (20 min) + free shuttle bus to studios (15 min)

If you want to take the train to the Wizarding World from London, ignore the King’s Cross – Harry Potter connection for a moment as it may mislead you. Watford Junction is the closest station to the Warner Bros Studios and trains heading there actually depart from Euston , not King’s Cross.

Should you want to see the famous ‘Platform 9 & ¾’ sign at the same time, though, don’t despair. You can take a short hop on the tube via the Northern Line between the two stations. That way you can get a selfie on the magical platform before or after catching the train to or from Watford Junction.

It takes around 20 minutes to travel direct from London Euston to Watford Junction, and your Oyster card can be used for the journey. There are several trains per hour throughout the day. 

Once you arrive there, you can board the shuttle bus provided by the studios, operated by a local company called Mullany’s Coaches . Services run at least once every 30 minutes, and once you show your Harry Potter ticket you can travel for free in both directions. 

At-a-glance: Use postcode WD25 7LR or What3Words ‘Oasis.Wizard.Bake’. (20 miles, free parking)

If you want to get to Harry Potter world in London on your steam, you can take the car. Be warned, though – journey times vary wildly due to the fact that you’ll be using some of the UK’s busiest roads. Being just 20 miles away it shouldn’t take too long, but we can’t make any promises.

If you do decide to drive, take the M1 out of London and exit at Junction 5. Join A41 (signposted North Watford) for about three 3 miles, then take the 4th exit from the Hunton Bridge Roundabout, to continue on the A41.

Stay in the left lane, then take the first exit, remaining on the left-hand side so you can take the first exit at the roundabout leading to the Harry Potter Studios. 

At-a-glance: Organised Harry Potter tours from London include tickets + transfers. You can also visit filming locations or the city of Oxford as well – see below for details.  

The top 5 London to Harry Potter studios tours

• Duration: 7-8 hours Destination: Harry Potter studios

Departure time: Varies

• Departure point: Victoria coach station, London

What’s included: Transport, entry fee

What’s not included: Lunch, hotel pick-up, extras

This is one of the easiest ways to get to Harry Potter World from London, especially if you’re staying closer to Victoria than to Euston. Victoria is more central for many, whereas Euston lies to the north. Three Underground lines – including the District and Circle lines – also have stops at Victoria as compared to two for Euston. 

This trip allows you four hours at the studios, with the rest of the time being taken up with travel to and from London. Another key advantage of this inclusive ticket is the fact that you will get to skip the line (or queue as it’s known in Britain). 

• Duration: 8 hours

Destination: Harry Potter studios

• Departure point: Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH

This family tour is like the previous option but designed for a group of up to four. Transport is provided by Golden Tours, the partner that Warner Bros Studios recommend for coach travel from London to the Wizarding World. 

During the day you’ll also have four hours at the studios,  and you can choose how to spend that time. Will you try a Butterbeer, board the Hogwarts to London steam train, drop into some of the shops on Diagon Alley or have your picture taken in the Gryffindor common room? 

Small group Harry Potter studio trip with return travel  

Duration: 7 hours

Departure point: London zone 1 hotel or meeting point

If you’d rather visit the Harry Potter Wizarding World near London as part of a small group, this day tour includes travel and tickets. With a maximum of six participants, it’s a more intimate way to take a trip to the studio experience.

You can take a walking tour of the studios to see the sets, costumes and props used when filming while learning about how special effects were used to create magical scenes. Locations to add to your list include the Potions classroom, Hagrid’s Hut and the Lestrange vault at Gringotts, where the treasures stored include Gryffindor’s sword and the Hufflepuff Cup. 

Harry Potter combined walking and studio tour  

Duration: 11 hours

Destination: Harry Potter locations & studios

Departure point: Empire Casino, Leicester Square, London

What’s included: Guided walking tour, luxury transport, entry fee

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before you take this action-packed day tour. First you’ll take a guided walking tour around London to see various locations used when filming the Harry Potter movies. You’ll then be transported by luxury coach to the studios near Watford for a ‘Making of Harry Potter’ tour.

The walking tour includes a visit to King’s Cross station to see the famous ‘Platform 9 & ¾’ sign, where you can take a photo for posterity. As well as seeing inside the studios, you get an exclusive look at the real-life London locations used when the movies were filmed. 

Do note that this tour may operate in reverse, when circumstances dictate that the visit to the studios should take place first, followed by the walking tour later in the day. 

Duration: 12 hours

Departure point: Gloucester Road tube station, London

The trip combining destinations is ideal for those who are short of time in London. At 12 hours it’s a long day, but one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

You’ll take a guided walk through Oxford , visiting the world-famous university and seeing charming features such as cobbled lanes, cloisters, historic college buildings and quadrangles as you go. There is also free time allocated so you can discover Oxford at your leisure. 

At the Harry Potter studios, your time is your own to spend as you wish. Highlights include locations like number 4 Privet Drive, the Weasleys’ kitchen at The Burrow and the Ministry of Magic.  

Top tips for visiting Harry Potter’s Wizarding World

Here are some of our insider tips for making the most of your day touring the Harry Potter set near London. 

Read the books or watch the movies again before you go – that way you can really zone in on what you want to see and do while you’re there. 

We recommend spending four hours at the Harry Potter studios to make sure you can see everything you want to. The organised tours allow this amount of time for a visit, as it gives visitors the chance to see everything they want to. 

You can have your photo taken against a green screen at the studios. Either don a set of robes and ride your broomstick, or take a trip in Mr Weasley’s old and bewitched Ford Anglia. You can buy the picture if you want, but there’s no pressure to do so. 

You can take an interactive class during your visit to learn the most critical of magical subjects – Defence Against the Dark Arts. This is delivered via an interactive tutorial. 

If you want to see the Knight Bus up close or grab a photo of number 4 Privet Drive, the courtyard is the place that will provide you with the opportunity. 

If you possibly can, snap a picture of you riding Sirius’s motorbike while your companion sits in the sidecar. It’s sure to impress all your friends at home, and will bring back great memories for you too. 

Sampling a Butterbeer is an absolute must – how else can you find out if it tastes just as you’ve imagined? 

You may only visit this place once in a lifetime, so take your time when admiring the exhibits, not least the superb model of Hogwarts which was actually used for shooting exterior scenes. 

Be warned – the Harry Potter shop at the London studios is like Honeydukes candy to a Hogwartian. To avoid later stress, it’s wise to set a spending limit and stick to it. 

Trust us – anyone working at Harry Potter World has some serious knowledge of the studios, the books and the movies. They love to talk about this, so do give them the chance if you have a burning question you’re keen to know the answer to!

Last but by no means least – do book ahead. If you buy tickets via Get Your Guide you can always cancel up to 24 hours before travel for a full refund, but as one of the UK’s most popular attractions, it’s best to get in there early. 

The Making of Harry Potter tours – FAQs

While you can take a Harry Potter tour in London, strictly speaking the studios aren’t actually in the capital. As they’re located about 20 miles north, however, it’s easy to visit them from London. 

Harry Potter World is near the city of Watford, north of London. You can travel to the studios by car, by train and shuttle bus or by taking an organised tour including coach travel. 

The Harry Potter studios are about 20 miles north of London, near Watford in Hertfordshire. The time it takes to get there varies according to traffic when travelling by road. By train, it takes 20 minutes to reach Watford Junction, then you take a shuttle bus to reach the site. 

There is so much to see and do at Harry Potter World! Go to the Great Hall or Gryffindor common room at Hogwarts, sample a Butterbeer, take photos with a broomstick, motorbike or the Knight Bus or explore number 4 Privet Drive. 

You can also explore the exhibits or take an interactive class. Don’t forget to leave time for the Harry Potter store in London – this gift shop is packed with glorious magical goodies!

However you decide to get there, there are plenty of Harry Potter things to do in London when you take the studio tour. For fans of the books or movies, it’s an unmissable experience for old and young alike, and we hope this guide has helped you plan the most magical day there. 

More to read for Harry Potter fans:

• How to ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland
• Guide to Harry Potter filming locations and sites in London
• Harry Potter in London – the best tours plus FAQs and tips

More day trips ideas from London

• 12 Day trips from London by train
• 17 Fantastic places to visit from London
• 7 Magnificent Castles to visit from London
• Canterbury Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bath Travel Guide

• United Kingdom

30 Places Every Harry Potter Fan Should Visit in London

• 19 Pinterest

If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, then you need to visit London to see the best of everything this magical movie and book has to offer.

From studio tours to filming locations trips, there are loads of Harry Potter places to see in England’s capital.

And we’ve listed all of the best ones so that you can indulge in the world of wizardry and transport yourself into the magical world of Harry Potter.

1 – Platform 9 ¾

Located at King’s Cross station in central London, Platform 9 ¾ is where the Hogwarts Express departs. In the real-life station, you can find Platform 9 ¾ on the wall in the station concourse. Make sure you take a picture or two for Instagram.

• Compare Harry Potter filming locations tours

2 – The Cauldron Bar

Sticking with a Harry Potter-themed location, The Cauldron is a cocktail bar with drinks inspired by the movie. Learn to make a potion or two with a class and sip back on cocktails and enjoy the night.

• see price & reviews

3 – Shaftesbury Avenue

You might remember a scene from the Deathly Hallows part 1, where Harry, Hermione and Ron are attacked by death eaters? Well, that scene happened in Shaftesbury Avenue, which is just a few steps from Piccadilly tube station.

• Check Harry Potter tours

4 – Harry Potter Escape Room

Take on the school of witchcraft and wizardry with this Harry Potter escape room from Enigma Quests . Games last 60 minutes, and anyone between two and five players can attempt to graduate from the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

5 – Reptile House, London Zoo

Visit the London Zoo and go to Reptile House to see where Dudley was stuck behind the glass while the snake slithered away. Then see the rest of the animals at London’s most iconic zoo.

Read here how to book cheap London Zoo tickets and save up to 30%.

• Compare London Zoo tickets

6 – Westminster tube station

Westminster tube station is the location when Harry Potter travels in the Chamber of the Phoenix. It was closed for the entire day during filming, which is some feat considering Westminster is one of London’s busiest areas, for both working professionals and tourists.

7 – Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley provides Harry Potter with his first look into the world of wizardry. And you can find its filming location at Leadenhall Market, which is just a few steps from Monument tube station.

8 – The Leaky Cauldron

Sticking with Leadenhall Market, here you’ll find the secret wizard’s pub, The Leaky Cauldron, which in real life is an optician. But you can still enjoy the Harry Potter magic by visiting Old Tom’s Bar , which is hidden underneath Leadenhall Market.

9 – Gringotts Bank

The only bank in the wizarding world, you can withdraw your fortune at the Australia House, which is just north of Temple tube station at the Victoria embankment. Marvel at the gargoyles and impressive stonework.

10 – Lambeth Bridge

Remember in the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Knight Bus and to squeeze past oncoming doubler deckers? That was at Lambeth Bridge, a bridge that connects Vauxhall and Westminster.

11 – Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour

Perhaps the de facto Harry Potter tour, head to the studio in Watford and wander the 200-acre complex as you see magical sets from the movies. There are props and costumes to discover too.

Is it sold out? Read here how to book last-minute Harry Potter Studio tour tickets .

• Compare Harry Potter Studio tickets

12 – Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

Get yourself down to the West End and buy Harry Potter tickets for a showing of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child . This popular play takes place after Harry Potter’s children have grown up and gone off to Hogwarts. It usually plays at the Palace Theatre.

13 – 10 Downing Street

The first chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes place in 10 Downing Street. In real life, it’s the location of the UK’s Prime Minister, and it serves the same purpose in the world of Harry Potter, though the PM can talk to the Minister for Magic occasionally.

14 – St Pancras International

Right next door to Platform 9 ¾ is where you’ll find St Pancras International with its neo-gothic facade. It’s also the location where the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia takes off in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

15 – The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾

Get all the Harry Potter memorabilia you need at The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ . From sweaters to stuffed owls and wands, the themed gift shop at King’s Cross station has you covered with a wealth of Harry Potter gifts.

16 – Millennium Bridge

The winding, twisting bridge featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the Millennium Bridge, and you can find it linking bankside and the city. Take a walk across and soak up the sights of London.

17 – The House of MinaLima

Located in Soho, The House of MinaLima is run by the graphic design team responsible for visual design in the world of wizarding. Visit this multiple-floor shop and get yourself Harry Potter posters, maps, and more.

18 – Charing Cross Road

Charing Cross Road is the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter novels, and it’s easy to see why J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from the area. There are loads of second-hand bookshops and antique stores to discover.

19 – Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Located near Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn is where you will find Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the place where 12 Grimmauld Place was filmed. In real life, however, it’s not quite as magical and mostly acts as an office for lawyers. Still, it’s certainly one to tick off the Harry Potter list.

20 – Borough Market

Famous for its mouthwatering foods in real life, Borough Market serves a different purpose in Harry Potter. In the Prisoner of Azkaban, it acts as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and is a popular spot on Harry Potter tours.

21 – Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square has its own place in Harry Potter folklore as the location for the final movie premiere. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, J. K. Rowling stood on stage and gave speeches to the thousands of fans that showed up to see the stars in real life.

22 – The Ministry of Magic

Whitehall and Old Scotland Yard were both used to represent the magical counterpart to muggle organizations and are the home to muggle politicians. Head to Old Scotland Yard to see where they filmed the Polyjuice potion scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

23 – Georgian House Hotel

Make your Harry Potter experience and overnight one with a stay at the Georgian House Hotel. There’s a Harry Potter-themed room hiding behind a hidden door. Re-watch the movies and tuck into a special cooked breakfast with a broomstick & snitch.

• View prices & reviews

24 – No. 12 Grimmauld Place

In Islington, you will find No. 23–29 Claremont Square, otherwise known as No. 12 Grimmauld Place. It’s the location of Sirius Black’s familial residence in the Harry Potter movies and is located in one of London’s most popular areas.

25 – St. Paul’s

One of London’s most iconic landmarks, St. Paul’s Cathedral is used as the Geometrical Staircase seen in the Prisoner of Azkaban.

26 – Horse Guards Avenue

Where do the Ministry of Magic staff reside in Harry Potter? In real life, the Ministry of Magic entrance is located on Horse Guards Avenue, which is a road in the City of Westminster.

Harry Potter locations outside of London

There are many exciting Harry Potter locations in London, but there’s also a fair few scattered around the UK. If you’ve got the time, we recommend heading to these other great spots to discover more of the world of Harry Potter.

27 – Oxford

The prestigious university at Oxford was used for several filming scenes in the Harry Potter movies as it doubled up as Hogwarts, including the Dumfries Library, Christ Church Dining Hall, and New College Courtyard.

• Check Oxford tours from London

28 – Lavenham

A small village in Surrey is the location of Godric’s Hollow, and it was used for all the Godric’s Hollow scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. The fictional village is actually located in Lavenham, which dates back to the 11th century and is around 75 miles from London.

29 – Lacock

The village of Lacock is located just over 90 miles from London. Various places in Lacock were used in Harry Potter such as the Potter’s house in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Lacock Abbey which served as the interior for the Hogwarts School.

30 – Alnwick Castle

Madam Hooch’s broomstick flying lesson, seen in the first film, takes place in the Outer Bailey of medieval Alnwick Castle. The castle is a sight to behold and is located some 320 miles from London. An overnight stay is recommended .

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Harry Potter places to visit in London. If you wish to book a Harry Potter tour, don’t miss our article about the best Harry Potter tours in London so you can pick the one that fits your needs, itinerary and budget.

We wish you a magic stay in England’s capital. Have fun 🙂

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Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Everything you need to know about the Harry Potter Studio Tour­ in London . From how to book a tour, how to get there, what to expect, and what you’ll see at the Harry Potter Studio.

We’re just returning home from our first family trip to London, and I think my favorite part of the entire experience was the Harry Potter Studio Tour!

We’ve been reading the Illustrated Harry Potter books with our boys as nighttime family read-alouds this past year. I’ve always wanted that experience, and much to my delight, I think my boys (and husband!) have enjoyed the wizarding world even more than I have!

When my husband found cheap direct flights to London, we knew our boys (ages 8 and 5) would love to see all the Harry Potter nods in London. In fact, we revealed the trip with a Harry Potter scavenger hunt and let them know Harry would be a big part of this trip. The biggest part, of course, was the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

What is the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

The Harry Potter Studios Tour Lond is a tour of the Warner Brothers set that was used for 10 years to film the Harry Potter movies. It’s full of the sets, costumes, props, and magic of special effects. Essentially, it’s a walk through the footsteps of Harry Potter and a full guide into the making of Harry Potter films.

If you can imagine what it took to visually create the Magical world of the Harry Potter books, you’ll have a good idea of what you’ll see on the Harry Potter Studio Tour London! It’s incredible how many talented people came together to create the movie magic that is the eight Harry Potter movies. And this is the background look at so many of those elements.

How do I Get Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets?

You’ll book your tickets online at the Warner Bros Studio official website . You do need to book these in advance , and the attraction usually does sell out weeks in advance. So the moment you know the date you’ll be available to see wonders of the wizarding world on the studio lot, I’d book those tickets immediately!

How Long is the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

We’d read you can get through it in three hours, but I’ll be honest, we could have spent all day. And for reference, we love Harry, but I wouldn’t call us complete Potterheads by any stretch of the imagination. However, we love the series, we’ve seen three of the movies as a family, and I felt a little rushed with 5.5 hours of time to tour the studio. We booked 2:30 in the afternoon, and I wish we’d arrived around noon. I think six or seven hours , including a 30 minute lunch, would be ideal.   Ideally, I’d book tickets at Harry Potter Studio opening times. If you are amongst the first visitors of the day, you’ll avoid a lot of the crowds and have the full day to enjoy the full-guided tour without any rush. But if you can book by noon, you should be in great shape.

How Do You Get to the Harry Potter Studios?

The studio tour is about 20 minutes by speed train outside of London. From Central London, you’ll book a departure time from London Euston station. HOWEVER, I’d start by heading to King’s Cross station and snapping a picture with a luggage trolley at Platform 9 3/4s. You could also hit up Kings Cross on your way back, but it’s a fun way to start your journey! Right next door is London Euston Station, where you’ll book your train.

The nearest train station is Watford Junction which has a direct train from London Euston station . It’s about a 20-minute ride, and there are several trains per hour. I’d plan to depart an hour before your tour.

From there, there is a shuttle bus run by Mullany’s Coaches, which goes from Watford Junction Station to the studios. Once you exit your metro stop, the Harry Potter shuttle bus is ready to take you to the lot. There are signs in the Watford Junction Station pointing you to the bus, and it’s right outside the station. They run throughout the day, with the last one leaving the studio at closing time. Their shuttle bus makes it incredibly easy to get to the from the Metro station. And they offer return transportation right back to the metro once your tour ends.

You can also arrive by car if you’d prefer to drive or book a car service. I’d plan 45 minutes-1 hour from Central London.

What to Expect on Your Tour

Harry Potter fans will be delighted to to walk through 10 years of artifacts from all eight Harry Potter films. You’ll see artifacts, costumes, props, iconic sets with scene shot secrets, and a few fun surprises. They have a fully-guided tour via handheld device that you can grab on your way in.

Personal Video Guide and Headphones

Don’t skip out on the guide, it is fantastic! It’s full of information, fun facts, movie clips, and narrations from the actors, director, producers, and J.K. Rowlings herself.

The guide is a mini tablet (phone sized) that does such a great job letting you interact with small video clips that explain each thing you’re going to see. You can choose to watch them all, or select those you’re most interested in. Let me tell you, I was happy to listen to them all! They are fascinating! And even our short attention span five-year-old enjoyed watching them and following along.

A Breakdown of the Studio Tour

You’ll enter the studios with a great photo op in front of the sign and a giant billboard for the first movie.

As soon as you enter, you’ll get a headset with a tour. From there, you’ll walk into the main atrium and be greeted by a giant dragon. It’s a busy gathering spot, but don’t forget to stop for a picture at this magical spot!

Tour Welcome

I loved that the tours start where the movies do: with a look at the room under the stairs at the Durselys’ home. You’ll walk past it to see several of the movie posters from different countries for all eight movies. It’s the first thing you see while you go through a queue toward a welcome movie. ­Don’t worry, they have comfortable seats and all guests are greeted warmly. The movie includes a welcome from everyone’s favorite characters, the three main stars. They begin with an explanation of how they basically lived at this studio and grew up here for ten years of their lives. They welcome you to explore the magic that happened as they grew up on set.

The Great Hall

The staff will usher you quickly into The Great Hall. This room is HUGE with so much attention to detail. Also, the setup just like you see in all the movies. I won’t spoil anything here for those who go, but the end of the walkthrough The Great Hall ends with a magical surprise. I mean cheering, clapping, sheer amazement kind of magic.

This is the one and only place they rushed us out of. They keep the entry queue moving and it’s the one experience they need to do in batches.

But you’ll exit seeing a few exam desks, and the transition to wardrobe begins with some of your favorite professors costumes on full display.

Right after The Great Hall, you’ll walk through a wardrobe section. There’s an entire wall with all the wigs, hair pieces, and so much of the specialty wardrobe created for the movies.

My favorite was Luna Lovegood’s wardrobe, which had a tour guide to pull out specific dresses and pieces for a closer look. I loved seeing all of Dumbledore’s robes! But I particularly loved Hermione’s Yule Ball dress. It’s stunning in the movies, and even more stunning in real life!

You can only imagine the great time, detail, and imagination each prop took to make! They had to get creative creating a wizarding world with unique props and the time and effort it took to create things that had never been made before. The hall with props talks about so many specific details, and how each was made.

Indoor Sets

There are a few rooms you’ll see over and over in Harry Potter films, and those rooms are in the middle of the studio with open walls for filming. The Gryffindor common room, Harry’s dormitory, the Slytherin common room are large and happened to be the favorite hangouts of actors in between scenes! But my jaw dropped at Professor Dumbledore’s office! It may be the most stunningly detailed room that you’ll see. And I couldn’t get over the details like the young Minerva McGonagall portrait in the Gryffindor room. Or the telescope and intricacies of it in Dumbledore’s office. Oh yes, and the Sword of Gryffindor hangs proudly to admire from a distance.

The guide also taught us that the stacks of books were hundreds of phonebooks decorated to look like ancient wizard books.

My personal favorite is the potions classroom. I could have spent hours staring at each of the potion jars. It was one person’s job to create each of the items in the jars, and they got creative picking up plastic animals and redecorating, visiting butchers, and inventing a large scale room with no detail spared! It was in fact such a popular space, they expanded it after the first film.

Truly, the details in each space are delightful, and we could have spent so much more time there staring at each!

Green Screen Experience

Let me warn you, if you go to this area, you will likely shell out money for the pictures and videos they’ll take! From the wanted wizard pictures to the green screen flying on a broom through famous scenes from the movie, they are so fun! We decided to tell them to take all our money here! I mean we know our boys will watch the movies of themselves and their parents flying on brooms for years to come!

Special Effects

The filmmakers had such a challenge to create so many magical scenes! The special effects area is where you learn all about their filmmaking trickery. You would think they would use mostly green screens in the movies, and there are plenty of those. However, I loved learning and seeing that they decided to mechanically build so many of the scenes that created special effects. They knew they could get real reactions from the actors with actual “magic” and if the budget warranted it, they always opted to build it.

We learned the cake over Aunt Petunia was lifted with tiny water streams- and got to see it happen live! They build machines to shoot letters everywhere. It was amazing to see so many mechanical items and real props designed to interact with greenscreens.

And honestly, the quidditch area blew my mind! I remember going to an opening night midnight showing of the first movie mostly hoping to see how they portrayed quidditch. It was fun to learn they made so many tech improvements quidditch looks almost completely different by the third movie. I was just geeking out over all the details and effects that made Quidditch happen on the screen!

The Dark Arts/Ministry of Magic

You round the corner to see THE TABLE full of the Death Eaters, or at least mannequins in their costumes set at the table. Right down to Professor Charity Burbage hanging from the ceiling reading to be consumed by a snake. It was a bit of a shock for our kids who haven’t seen that scene yet, but I guess now I won’t be too worried when we watch the movie since they saw the complete behind-the-scenes.

I watched the movie in the tour guide with a behind-the-scenes of the making of the scene blended with the real scene about three times. It is incredible to see how they planted actors, cameras, and CGI to make it happen.

Right around the corner is the Ministry of Magic with walls, offices, and even Dolores Umbridge’s table complete with cat plates and her pink costume.

And off to the side, you can take an interactive lesson from the choreographer who taught actions how to fight with wands. He is a martial arts expert who invented what fighting with a wand woud look like. Actors took three-hour classes to learn moves and physically practice with their wands. I loved watching my boys practice and perform some moves!

The Forbidden Forrest

There are enough magical scenes in the Forbidden Forest, they went right ahead and built it! This was another one they originally did for the actor’s reactions. Apparently, Rupert Grint (Ron) has true arachnophobia and knew what he was getting into with the second movie. They built Argon the spider to scale, with tons of other giant robotic spiders descending. And you can experience the whole scene yourself!

We saw Buckbeak the animatronic. And also Harry’s famous Patronus scene from The Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s a very surreal thing to walk through all these scenes!

Hogwarts Express

Warner Brothers bought an old train and had it transported to the studios. Which as you can imagine, was no small feat!

They transformed it to the Hogwarts Express, and I learned they had to give it a fresh coat of red paint before each movie.

Before you tour the train, there are a few fun things to do and great photo ops! Stop to take photos with a few luggage trolley options at Platform 9 ¾. Take a minute to make an origami howler and hear Mrs. Weasley send one to Ron. And pause for a photo with a letter inviting you to Hogwarts in front of the giant train.

You can tour the outside of the Hogwarts Express, and walk through a train car from each movie. I loved the frozen Dementor car from the third movie! But they were all fantastic!

At this point, you’re a little over halfway through the tour, and it’s a perfect time to stop for some food at…

Backlot Cafe

You’ll find mostly American fare here. There are mostly burgers, hot dogs, salads, and loaded French fries. We weren’t expecting much, but we all liked our food

Don’t skip out on the butterbeer sampler! You can try a butterbeer drink, butterbeer ice cream, and a butterbeer cupcake on a flight. We enjoyed them all! Our boys loved the butterbeer best, and Jacob and I both liked the ice cream best.

Outside Sets

The outside sets section is delightful- and where I started to wish we’d had more time! You’ll start with Privot Drive from the outside, and walk through the inside of the Dursley’s house. You can see the scene with Aunt Marge, including the inflated character props.

Next up is the perfect photo op stops with the famous vehicles from the movies. The Knight Bus is ready for pictures, as is Hagrid’s motorcycle and the Weasley’s card Ron and Harry drive to Hogwarts in book 2.

Creating Magical Creatures

We hurried through this part, and I’d go back just to have time to listen to all the commentary from the audio tour! We saw the masks and makeup that made up the goblins and trolls. There are giant snake heads, dragons, and all the fantastical creatures in one place!

Gringotts Bank

I was floored how giant Gringotts Bank is! I mean I know a lot was going on there with scenes of goblins working, but I never thought it was one continuous space!

You can look through vaults, see the famous desks, and then head to the next room for a literal bang. The Dragon escapes through Gringotts right before your eyes with all the Hollywood-style effects. It’s an incredible scene, and I can’t believe it’s all live with very minimal CGI!

Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley is a very real and continuous street with each of the specialty shops in a row. If we’d had another hour I would have loved to have spent it looking at the details in the shops.

But the ones I spent time looking in had me tickled with the clever details and elements inside! And the Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes shop tugged right at my heartstrings. You can see the magical pranks and homage to the beloved family in all the spectacular detail. I love that it’s there!

Hogwarts Castle

Obviously, it wouldn’t be in a movie budget to build a full Hogwarts exterior, but they definitely built a model that’s still huge to film all the panning shots of the castle. And you can walk around the castle and see some of the effects they used like winter shows, fireworks, and day and night time lighting. It’s amazing! And I can only imagine the CGI artist’s creativity turning the model into something magical and perfect for the scene!

Ollivanders Wand Shop

Before you head to the location where you can buy your own wand, you’ll walk through THE room where Harry bought his wand. They have boxes and boxes with labels on them used in the movie.

The Studio Shop

I feel strange calling it a gift shop, because this gift shop is also an experience! We walked out with one lollypop and a chocolate frog, but there was about every Harry Potter merch item you could imagine! Okay minus a Ravenclaw scarf that my Ravenclaw child had their heart set on! But I assured him we could find one elsewhere.

We almost gave into a Hedgewig puppet that moved its head and flapped its wings. But they truly had every character, animal, and even Fantastic Beasts creatures in stuffed animal form. The shirts, costumes, robes, candy shop, bags, and magical pens all amazed us!

Even if you plan to buy exactly nothing, it’s a fun place to walk through and experience a little magic in merch form.

Leaving the Tour

We had one kid start to cry when we left stating “I don’t want to leave! This has been one of the most magical days of my life!” Which I actually think sums up how our entire family felt!

The five and a half hours went by so fast, and we all were delighted by the experience! It exceeded our expectations! And as a family who make experiencing fun part of our lives (and mom’s job), we all agreed this was one of the most amazing things we’ve ever experienced!

I think it’s worth the money, and worth the time of travel even during a quick trip to London. Don’t tell Disneyland Paris I said this, but the Harry Potter Studio tour was the most magical thing we experienced on this family trip to Europe!

Harry Potter Studios Frequently Asked Questions

If you listen to the entire tour guide, it will take about five hours to complete the tour . We felt rushed with 5.5 hours and could have easily spent 6-7 touring. However, their website claims the average is 3.5 hours. It just depends on how much of the tour resources you want to consume and if you want to walk through or stop to listen and learn about every detail.

As Harry Potter fans who wouldn’t quite classify themselves as Potterheads, we would say this is 100% worth your time and expense to see! The filmmaking included more creativity and design than almost any other film, and the artifacts and details are stunning. It’s a magical experience unlike anything else, and very worth it.

Buy your ticket in advance, and take the metro for arrival. You can save money packing your own food and avoiding souvenirs. If you are going as a family, look into the family ticket options for a cheaper price.

The sooner, the better! These tours fill up fast! It gets the busiest on the weekends during the summer holiday months. You may need to book your tickets 1-2 months in advance to get a time early enough to see the full tour! If you are going on a weekday or during the off-season, try to book at least a week in advance.

We hope this helps you plan and prepare for your own tour of The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour!

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out these fun places to visit too:

Neuschwanstein Castle: Tour Tips and Travel Guide

Fun Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids

Polar Express AZ

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Brits’ favourite UK city has been revealed — and London no longer tops the list

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It’s official: London has lost its crown as the UK’s favourite city.

Despite the fact the capital has won a slew of awards and titles over the years – and in 2023 was named the best city in the world for the ninth year in a row – it seems that Brits aren’t so convinced.

According to a recent YouGov survey , only 63% of people held a positive opinion of the city, which ranks third in the list.

It was actively disliked by 17% of those asked, with a further 20% having no opinion of the city whatsoever.

The favourite, meanwhile, was the city of York, which scored an impressive 74% in the popularity contest. Trailing just behind was Edinburgh, which got a 71% approval rating.

You can view the full list here .

It should come as no shock that the northern city is so favourable – just last month York was dubbed the UK’s ‘friendliest’ place by travel site Restless.co.uk. In 2023, it was also named one of the most ‘welcoming’ cities in the world by Booking.com.

Given the city’s rich history, picturesque cobbled streets and vibrant culture, it’s not hard to see why York is so beloved. It’s also been the backdrop to many movies and TV shows over the years – the ancient Shambles street is even believed to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

The most popular cities in the UK

• Edinburgh – 71%
• London – 60%
• Cambridge – 60%
• Oxford – 58%
• Durham – 57%
• Brighton – 57%
• Manchester – 57%
• Portsmouth – 55%
• Newcastle upon Tyne – 55%
• Liverpool – 54%
• Bristol – 54%
• Exeter – 54%
• Cardiff – 51%
• Plymouth – 51%
• Glasgow – 50%
• Norwich – 48%
• Belfast – 47%
• Poole – 46%
• Gloucester – 46%

In 2023, just under 3 million people visited York’s major attractions and, according to its tourism board, travel contributed a staggering £1.7 billion to the local economy.

The previous year, York welcomed a total of 8.9 million visitors – 1.2 million of which came from overseas.

Latest London news

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Speaking of the feat, Sarah Loftus, managing director of Make it York, said: ‘We’re extremely proud to see that the figures highlight the hard work coming from local businesses and organisations – tourism has a significant impact on York and our economy, not only be creating thousands of jobs for local people but also by fostering understanding and relationships amongst communities and propelling us towards a brighter, more connected future.

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Daily horoscope today: April 17, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

‘York is such a dynamic city, drawing people in from all walks of life, from all over the world, with its unparalleled charm. As visitor numbers continue to rise, so will the city’s reputation as a must-visit location for anyone seeking an unforgettable city break.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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