Prepare to step into a world where the magical tales of Harry Potter spring to life.
Planning a last minute trip to London? 🇬🇧
Here are my favourite places to stay & things to do in the British capital.
🛌 Places to Stay:
1. The Savoy is one of the city's best and most well-known luxury hotels
2. Sea Containers and Canopy by Hilton are both incredible hotels, but the price isn't too bad
3. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is a good, family-friendly hotel near the London Eye
4. Zedwell Piccadilly Circus is a cheap, no-thrills hotel in the heart of London
🎟️ Top Activities & Tours:
1. Visit the impressive Harry Potter Studios (remember to book tickets well in advance, as they always sell out)
2. Experience a musical in the West End (see showtimes and buy tickets here)
3. Take a boat trip on the Thames and see London from the riverside
4. Visit the iconic London Eye and the impressive Tower of London
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
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.
Harry Potter Tour from 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.
Traveling Independently
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.
How to get tickets to the Harry Potter World
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.
Booking Directly
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.
Booking a Tour
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.
Highlights of the Tour – what do you actually see?
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:
The Great Hall
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.
Diagon Alley
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 Forbidden Forest
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.
Platform 9 ¾
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.
Snape’s Potion Class
Immerse yourself in the mystical world of potions in Snape’s Potion Class, where cauldrons bubble and the magic of Hogwarts’ curriculum comes alive.
Dumbledore’s Office
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.
Costumes from the Movies
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.
Harry Potter’s Home in Privet Drive
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.
Gringotts Bank
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.
Tips for a Magical Visit
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.
Arrive Early
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.
Book in Advance
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!
Dress Comfortably
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.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled
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.
Seek Out Special Events and Exhibits
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.
Is the Tour Worth the Money?
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.
Who is the Tour For?
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.
Are There Any Rides?
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.
Should I stay near the Studios or in London?
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.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• 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
• NordVPN is the only VPN I've ever needed for travel (it just works, everywhere)
• 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?