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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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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

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Last Minute Tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

There are several places to look to find last-minute tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. Some companies who sell Harry Potter Tours offer last-minute tickets on their website, and we’ve made a list of all the places to look. So follow our 5-step guide below, and you might get lucky!

We’ve also created a special contact form at the bottom of this page. Tell us your travel dates, and we’ll get in contact with you if any last-minute tickets become available through Tourist England.

So follow this step-by-step guide for the best chance of picking up last minute tickets…

Find Last Minute Tickets:

The first places to check are here    and  here .  These tickets can be booked with or without transportation from Central London.

You can choose your meeting point on the booking form. Make sure to click on the drop-down to view all the different entrance times, as sometimes the afternoon slots have more tickets available than the morning ones. This is another major tour operator and provides entrance tickets and a shuttle bus service from London Victoria coach station, as well as a 4-hour hop on hop off bus tour. Make sure to check this option regularly as last minute tickets do become available.

The second place to check is here and here .

These tours offer return transportation to London, tickets to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour and a visit to Oxford. Tours depart daily from Central London with several pickup locations, and there are often last minute tickets available. With the small group tour, it is also possible to just visit the Warner Bros Studios without visiting Oxford. In this case, you are responsible for making your own way back to London at the end of the Harry Potter Warner Bros Tour. The price of the ticket is the same, with or without a visit to Oxford.

The third place to check for tickets is here ,

These websites bring together many different providers of Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tours. Use the search box and be as broad as you can in specifying times and dates to maximize your chances of finding last minute tickets. Bear in mind that prices can vary, especially when Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour tickets are purchased at the last minute. But this is really your best chance of finding a ticket!

The fourth places to check are here  ,  here  and  here .

This is a major tour operator and sometimes has last minute tickets for Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tours available. They offer several departure times in both the morning and afternoon every day. The tour includes an entrance ticket (£86 per adult) plus a return shuttle bus from London Victoria coach station.

The fifth place to check is  here , here , here , and  here . These three options are more expensive than the ones previously mentioned. However, because of their price they are more likely to sell out last. The option with Champagne Reception in particular, can be a great option on Friday evenings.

Step 6 – Tickets and Hotel

The sixth place to look is here and  here  

This VIP package includes last minute tickets to the Harry Potter Warner Bros studios, collection from your hotel and a guided tour of the Studios. It also includes lots of extras that are not included in a regular ticket such as exclusive entrance, souvenir photographs and a hot meal and drink. Starting from £339 per person, enjoy a 2-hour fully guided tour of the Studios in a small group of 8 people. It’s also a very convenient way of getting to the studios from Central London.

Get In Touch:

Fill out the form below and we will contact you in the event any tickets become available through Tourist England. We work with various 3rd party partners and sometimes have last-minute tickets available for the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour.

We got the 5 tickets that we were looking for!!  You have made my day!  – Debbie, UK

THANK YOU SO MUCH… you just made my daughter’s dream come true! :-))) I have been looking everywhere for tickets with NO luck until today! – Carlos, Spain

Yes, we got the 11:30 slot! You guys are amazing!!!!!!! – Brian, US

The official Warner Bros Studio website normally gets sold out first BUT…. they do sometimes release last minute tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour a day or two before the departure date. These tickets include an entrance to the tour but do not include transportation. However, if you do find tickets, you can purchase separately return bus tickets to the Studios from Central London. Of course, waiting for the last minute to purchase tickets is always a risk, and you may walk away feeling disappointed! For more information about getting to the Warner Bros Studio Tour by public transportation check out our article here .

Step 8 – Without Transportation

The eigth place to look for finding last minute tickets for Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tours is here . Get a studio ticket and hotel stay from £69 per adult. This Harry Potter hotel package deal is a great way to save money when visiting the Studios. Pay the regular price for a 3-star, 4-star or 5-star hotel and receive Harry Potter tickets without transfer. You can book the hotel for any number of nights.

***If you already have a hotel reservation, check to see if you can cancel the booking for free. You could then book another hotel through this package deal that includes Harry Potter tickets.

What to Expect:

The Warner Bros Harry Potter studio tour is one of the most popular and best-selling attractions for visitors to London. Because Warner Bros restricts the number of tickets available, the tours sell out fast and often well in advance. Having said that, last minute tickets are sometimes for sale, but you need to know where to look!

In principle, there are 5 different types of Harry Potter tours:

The first Harry Potter Warner Bros Tour is the most basic and includes an entrance ticket and shuttle bus service from London Victoria Station. Since its also the cheapest option it tends to get sold out fast, although lots of different entrance times are offered throughout the day.

The second option is to take a Harry Potter Warner Bros tour including a private taxi and entrance fees from London. This tends to have more availability than the first to, but is also a little more expensive. This tour does tend to have a greater number of last minute tickets available and is an excellent way seeing the Warner Bros Studios.

The third option is a fully guided tour of the studio, including return transportation from London. This is actually the only fully guided tour of the studios and the ticket also allows you reentrance into the studios after the guided tour has ended. So this option gives you greater flexibility and is perfect for those who are looking to go deeper into the understanding of Harry Potter’s mystery and magic! It also tends to be more expensive than the other options, BUT, you are also getting a greater service. Last minute tickets for this tour are often available.

The fourth way of scoring tickets is to purchase a hotel package . With this option, Harry Potter tickets are included as part of a deal that offers a stay in a hotel in Central London. If you are already going to stay in a hotel during your visit to London, and intend on doing some sightseeing within the capital, then this option makes a lot of sense.

The final type of tour that might have last minute tickets is one that combines a visit to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios with a tour of the Harry Potter sites in Oxford . The university town of Oxford was used several times in the filming of the Harry Potter movies and is a great addition that makes for a full day out from London for all the family. See here for more information.

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A Magical Guide to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

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Fact: In my entire life, I’ve only cried once at a tourist attraction.

And judge me all you want, but this cryfest happened at a Harry Potter studio tour.

… Allow me to explain myself.

Like most children born in the 90s, much of my youth was spent daydreaming about the arrival of my Hogwart’s acceptance letter. As this dream dwindled with the hardships of adulting, I instead took comfort in carbs and magical movie marathons.

But, it didn’t take much for these childhood dreams to resurface. A trip to London was all it took to re-open the floodgates (literally).

Let me tell you: for a Harry Potter fan, there is no attraction on this Earth more overwhelming and amazing than the  Warner Bros Studio Tour London, (AKA London’s Harry Potter set tour), which brings you through the filming site for all 8 movies in the Harry Potter franchise.

In addition to sets, you’re also shown countless props, the best gift shop in the world, and even a chance to taste butter beer for yourself. Come on now, is it at all a surprise that I bawled when I got to the end?

Read onwards for important info to know about the tour, some tips to keep in mind and of course, a recap of the experience (with plenty of photos!) Be careful for this section, as spoilers are abound!

PS: Check out my full list of Harry Potter themed attractions and experiences in London for more nerdy goodness.

Basic information to know about the Harry Potter Set Tour

If you’re interested in booking the epic Warner Bros Studio Tour in London for yourself, then here are some basic must-knows.

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets Info:

I first visited this attraction in 2014 and it was a hot mess then, and has only grown in popularity in the past few years.

If this Harry Potter set tour is a must-do for you, then make sure you book your tickets WELL in advance or you risk not being able to go!

Luckily, even when tickets are sold out on the main site, there are tours you can book online that will have tickets available for sold out dates.

Sometimes, booking with a tour is worthwhile because you not only guarantee your tickets, you also get the convenience of private transport there, which is nice and much less stressful than using public transport yourself.

Here is a breakdown of different Harry Potter Studio tour options that include transport. For your convenience, I also lay out their costs and what they have to offer:

Tickets can also be purchased online from the studio itself  here.

How to Get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London:

Despite its name, the Warner Bros Studio London is actually located in Leavesden, which is northwest of London.

While booking a tour/private transport is the easiest and most convenient way to get there, it is still quite painless to reach via public transit, as a shuttle bus runs from Watford Junction railway station.

To get to the Watford Junction station, you need to make use of London’s overground system.

Not sure about the best route to get there? Check out this handy trip planner .  The tour’s website recommends that you arrive at Watford Junction 45 minutes prior to your tour time.  

Remember to bring change, as the cost for the shuttle bus is 2 pounds each way.

NOTE : Leave a lot of leeway for you to get there. We definitely got lost a few times due to the transfers, and were stressed to the max! For a more stress-free experience, consider prebooking a tour that comes with transport. Here’s one for under $100USD.

Tips for Doing the Harry Potter Set Tour Like a Pro

Having addressed the basics, here are some tips you should keep in mind when planning your visit:

1. Check on the Warner Bros Studio Tour website for special events

The studio tour often has special weeks during which there are specialized displays or demonstrations.

If you have quite some time in London, I suggest looking up when special events are happening and to plan accordingly.

I was luckily around for the beginning of Wand Week, so I got to see wandmakers do their thing and I even got to pose with some Death Eaters. Super cool!

2. Allow extra time for travel

Especially if you are new to London, trying to navigate the transit there can take time, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the studio.

That being said, do not hyperventilate if your ticketed time is fast approaching. While the reservation system does assign you a time, they won’t turn you away if you are a bit late.

3. Don’t forget to print your Warner Bros Studio Tour ticket

This will make the whole process smoother.

One girl that came with us didn’t print hers and upon arrival, she realized that her order never actually went through.

Luckily, even though they claim there is no box office at the attraction, she was able to purchase a ticket there, but do book in advance to save yourself the trouble.

4. Set yourself a budget for magical souvenirs

Trust me, when you enter the Harry Potter Studio Tour Shop for the first time, you will lose all sense of self control.

You will suddenly want all these things that you would never need.

Legit wizard robe? Okay!

Replica wand? Yes please.

There are so many amazingly crafted souvenirs for sale that you will easily empty your wallet.

For budget-conscious backpackers (like me) or large families with crying children, setting a budget beforehand is a must.

5. Grab yourself a free Warner Bros Studio Tour London passport

At some point during the tour, you might notice children getting awesome embossed stamps on a Harry Potter passport.

Uh, yeah, those are actually not just for kids!

I shamelessly (and sweetly) asked a staff member for one, and they kindly obliged.

Getting the stamps is fun and having a Harry Potter passport is pretty much the best souvenir ever.

6. Be sure to check out other Harry Potter filming locations around the UK too

If you’ve made it all the way to Leavesden, you’re actually pretty close to a variety of other Harry Potter filming locations!

While this set tour is of course incredible, there are dozens of other real-life filming locations scattered around the UK that you can visit for yourself. Click here for a full list.

Harry Potter Set Tour Recap with Photos

With those tips out of the way, I’d love to show you some photos and a brief overview of the experience from my visit in 2014. Note that they have added a lot since then, but still…

WARNING: spoilers, spoilers, spoilers. 

Some would say that the best way to experience this tour is by seeing everything first hand, but if you are curious to see photos and more, feel free to scroll further.

Your magical experience begins as soon as you walk into the building. All around the lobby are canvases with various Harry Potter characters, as well as props and other cool artifacts hanging off the walls.

Even the task of waiting in line (typically the most mundane thing ever) is a joy for this tour.

The queue moves very quickly and there is plenty for you to nerd out about as you wait.

Most notably, Harry’s  cupboard under the stairs , is right next to the queuing area, ensuring that you get a perfect view of this iconic set.

You’ll notice that groups are taken in based on their spot in line, rather than their timed reservation.

This is why there is some flexibility when it comes to your arrival time.

If you’re a few minutes late, no worries, just hop in the queue and you will make it in all-the-same.  

The tour begins with a brief video introduction to the franchise, followed by a preshow featuring Rupert, Daniel and Emma themselves.

As this preshow concludes, the screen reveals the doors to the  Great Hall!  During my tour, they invited any birthday kids to come up and help open the doors.

After  seriously  wishing it was my birthday, I bitterly watched two ecstatic kids live out their childhood dreams, revealing the first stop of the tour, the amazing…

1. Great Hall!

This is the the only part of the tour where your time will be limited, as they let tour groups in every few minutes.

As such, if you want photos, be sure to snap them  quickly !

Being in this room is an unreal feeling. In addition to the long tables, cutlery and elaborate set pieces, you also get to view costumes from students in each house, and important Hogwarts faculty as well!

2. The Big Room

After your time in the Great Hall, you are brought into the  Big Room , which houses a variety of sets, props and costumes.

Here, you are given free reign to explore for yourself and gawk at all the amazing pieces the room contains!

Highlights for me were definitely the  Potions classroom  (complete with a Snape costume on display),  the Gryffindor Common Room  and  the Weasley House .

Many of the sets also have interactive buttons where you can make objects move by pressing them.

This was especially cool in the Weasley kitchen, where the touch of a button could make an iron move on its own, make vegetables chop themselves, etc. Super neat!

For those seeking a sweet photo opp, there are several green screen opportunities to ride a broom as a Quidditch player and more! I didn’t wait in line for this bit, but it definitely looked like a lot of fun! Here are some photos from the Big Room:

3. The Backlot

After perusing the Big Room, you are brought outside to the  Backlot , home to a variety of sets including Harry’s  Privet Drive home , the  Hogwarts Bridge , the  Knight Bus  and of course,  the concession stands!  

It’s at this point in the tour that you can live out your childhood fantasy of sipping a nice, cold  butterbeer.  

Be sure to explore the bridge before you purchase a butterbeer, as no food or drink is allowed on that set. 

Now, while public opinion seems to be split on the taste of butterbeer, I have to say that  I. loved. every. single. sip.  

It’s very possible that I was blinded by the magic of my surroundings, but I would argue that it’s worth a try regardless!

NOTE: If you want to purchase a souvenir cup, remember to bring a bag or something to wrap it in, as that stuff can get mighty sticky. Here’s a sample of the cool things you’ll see in the backlot!

4. Art Department, Creature Effects and Diagon Alley

When you’re ready to go back inside, countless wonders from the  creature effects & art department  await you. Here, you really get to appreciate the depth of work put into creating a whole magical world.

I was really wowed by everything.

In this area, you will see masks, wigs, models and more of your favourite magical creatures.

In this second half of the tour as well, you get to walk through Diagon Alley. The details and work in the set will absolutely blow you away. The shops look so real, you’ll be tempted to go knocking on their doors.

5. Hogwarts Castle Model

And lastly, the grand finale of the Harry Potter set tour… The model of Hogwarts!

This one here is a real showstopper.

A walkway surrounding the model allows you to view it from all angles, taking in the fine details of this wonderful school.

For many Harry Potter fans, seeing the castle like this is a dream come true. Now, if only it were real!

At the end of the tour, just before the entrance of the Harry Potter Studio Tour Shop, you will see this wonderfully beautiful quote appear on the screen:

It was at this point that  I began to bawl.  I couldn’t help it!

Everything that I loved about the series had been shown to me in the past few hours, and for that short period of time, I got to live out my dream of seeing the magical world that made my childhood.

Messy and gross, I walked into the gift shop, which was a massive treasure trove of things you never knew you wanted or needed. Wands for every character? I’ll take 100.

And there you have it,  the most magical experience ever . One day, I  will   visit the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but until then, I think this tour has given me enough happy & geeky memories to last. …. At least for the next little while.

Any more questions about visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London?

 Over to you – have you ever been to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London? IF NOT, THEN WTF ARE YOU WAITING FOR? No jk, uh I meant to ask, which part would you most look forward to?!

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7 thoughts on “A Magical Guide to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know”

Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

Thanks for reading! 🙂

bookmarked!!, I like your blog!

thanks Jane!! 😀

Hi Christina! I’m going to be traveling alone to London this week, would the Harry Potter tour be fun for a solo traveler? Also, I was considering buying a groupon for a night tour, but the picture of you holding the butter beer appears to be outside? I guess we would be missing this part of the tour if I went at night then eh?

hi Lisa, I hope this comment isn’t too late! but YES YES YES the tour would 100% still be fun as a solo traveler (provided that you like Harry Potter haha). I didn’t realize they had a special night tour, but the butterbeer was outside in a special lot where they had lots of big props and set pieces (it’s part of the tour) so I can’t imagine they would leave it out for any reason. I have my fingers crossed for you!

Thank you for this article and the pics. I always need to take a peek of the atmosphere beforehand since I’m going solo. I hope they will let me use my selfie stick inside.

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Get Last Minute Tickets to Harry Potter Studio Tour if Sold Out

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Are you looking for last minute tickets to visit the Harry Potter Studio in London and they’re sold out on the official website ? Don’t worry, we have a solution for you!

Read on for all the information you need, or click the link below to check what tickets are available right now.

• Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets

How to get last minute tickets if sold out

As you have probably already seen on the official website , the tickets sell out very fast . Normally, you need to book them 3-4 months in advance.

However, the good news is that there are plenty of resellers and TourScanner aggregates them all so you can easily check the availability of Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets in one place.

• Find Harry Potter Studio Tickets

There are also tours that leave from Birmingham for those who plan to visit Studio Tour from the city.

If you don’t find anything available on TourScanner, it’s probably sold out everywhere. But you can always visit other places and landmarks in London where the movie was recorded , such as Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾, Gringott’s Bank, and more on Harry Potter landmarks walking tours . 

Another option is a tour of Harry Potter locations in Oxford if you already plan to visit this city. In fact, many scenes were shot at the University of Oxford.

Can tickets become available again in the next few days?

Yes, this is possible and happens quite often, especially on weekdays . These tickets become available if people cancel their visit a few days in advance (very rarely 1-2 days in advance).

If you can’t find anything at the moment , we recommend you keep checking in the coming days if last minute tickets are made available for resale. By using Tourscanner you will be able to check if something is available on different resale sites .

Are there cheap tickets or discounts?

You can find the cheapest tickets on the official website , but these are usually sold out. The second cheapest way to find a ticket for the Harry Potter Studio Tour is to compare all the resell ticket sites to find the cheapest deal, which you can do at Tourscanner . 

There aren’t 2-for-1 discounts, but there are offers for families . A family ticket includes admission for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. Also, there are special prices available on the official website for primary, secondary or college schools in the UK that follow the national curriculum. See the prices below.

If tickets aren’t available on the official site, you can find exclusive offers on other websites that resell them. These websites usually offer discounts or affordable ticket packages.

What to see at the Harry Potter Studio 

At the Warner Harry Potter Studios, you will delve into the world of Harry Potter and discover the magic hidden behind the most successful film series of all time. Perfect for family fun as well as for wizardry lovers, this behind-the-scenes walking tour takes you to:

• Stroll down Diagon Alley
• Past the shop of Ollivanders Wand Shop
• Flourish and Blotts
• The Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
• Gringotts Wizarding Bank
• Eeylops Owl Emporium
• Check out Harry’s Nimbus 2000
• Hop on Hagrids’s Motorcycle
• Step into the actual Great Hall
• The Gryffindor common room
• Dumbledore’s office
• Try the popular beverage Butterbeer

Ticket Prices for Harry Potter Studio Tour in 2024

• Adult ticket (16+ years): from £53,50 (€63)
• Child (5-15 years): from £43 (€50)
• Family (2 adults & 2 children OR 1 adult & 3 children): from £172 (€201)
• 0-4 years: FREE
• Adult Complete Studio Tour Package: from £63,45 (€74). This package includes a Studio Tour Ticket, Digital Guide & Paperback Souvenir Guidebook.
• Child Complete Studio Tour Package: from £52,95 (€62). This package includes a Studio Tour Ticket, Digital Guide & Paperback Souvenir Guidebook.
• Package with transfers: from £105 (€123).
• Deluxe Package Tour: from £250 (€293). The Deluxe tickets include entry to the Studio Tour with a complimentary two-hour guided tour, designated parking, a souvenir guidebook, a Butterbeer, four free photographs and a video at one of our photo opportunities and a choice of hot meal and drink. If you are traveling by train, your Deluxe ticket will also include a return shuttle bus transportation between Watford Junction and Warner Bros.
• Other exclusive packages may be available on the official website.

How to get to the Studio Tour

Shuttle Bus

There are regular shuttle buses that run from Watford Junction to the Studio Tour, lasting around 15 minutes. Buses run every 20 minutes, starting at 9:20 AM. Note that the last return Shuttle Bus back to Watford Junction departs the Studio Tour when the Tour closes.

The nearest railway station to Studio Tour is Watford Junction. Direct services arrive there from both London Euston (20-minute journey) and Birmingham New Street (1-hour journey). Oyster cards are valid between London Euston and Watford Junction.

The Studio Tour is located 20 miles northwest of London and less than three miles from the M1 and M25 motorways. The postcode is WD25 7LR, as you approach the Studio Tour, brown signs labelled “Warner Brothers Studio Tour” which will help you get there easily.

The bus company Golden Tours offers a convenient return transfer and ticket packages on their buses. The transfer you from:

• London Kings Cross
• London Victoria
• Birmingham Coach Station
• Birmingham New Street
• London Bus Transfer Only

Are there tickets without transport? 

The official website’s standard entrance tickets do not include transport. However, it’s possible to book a ticket package with transfers .

The tickets from resellers include bus transport to the Studio. If you prefer to reach the Studio by car, you can still buy tickets including transportation and contact the tour operator saying that you will meet your guide directly at the Studio.

Remember to communicate this to the company so you can meet the guide at the Studio and receive your entry ticket. Unfortunately, there is no discount for not using the transport.

• Harry Potter Studio Tickets

What are the opening hours?

The Studio Tour opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 8 PM . The first tour begins at 10 AM, and the final tour begins at 4:30 PM.

Are there any special events?

Check the official website for special events that might be happening during the time of your visit. The studio puts on very special and exclusive events every month .

Don’t forget…

• Tickets must be purchased in advance . If the tickets are sold out on the official website, check the resellers with the help of TourScanner .
• The average visit lasts about 3.5 hours . The earlier you book your visit slot, the better, so you can spend as much time as you need in the studio. Wander, explore and see every minor detail!
• E-tickets are valid to show at the entrance
• To use the shuttle bus , you need a Studio Tour Ticket or booking confirmation for the date of travel. Otherwise, only cash is accepted.
• Oyster cards are valid between London Euston and Watford Junction railway stations.

I hope this comprehensive guide to everything you should know about the Warner Brothers Studio Tour London helps you. You can always leave a comment if you have any questions!

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How to get to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - by train 2024

Getting to harry potter studios by public transport from london.

Where are the Harry Potter Studios?

Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is not in the centre of London, it is located just outside London at Leavesden, Watford. The nearest railway station from London is Watford Junction from where an official shuttle bus (which you pay for) runs to the Studio.

For those staying in Central London you need to allow at least an hour to get there by public transport. This page explains your train travel to Harry Potter Studio options including Oyster card, Travelcard options, peak and off-peak, and how to save 1/3 on rail tickets from Euston to Watford using GroupSave if you are a group of three or more adults.

If you are looking for answers to questions such as How long does it take to do the Harry Potter Tour in London?, or What will I see? we have a page answering these and more questions, from our experience of visiting.

Warner Bros Studios London - a first hand review

Harry Potter Studio tours   Shuttles from Central London   Private transfer to Warner Bros Studio   Trains from Euston   Harry Potter shuttle from Watford Junction   About trains between London & Watford   Oyster fares Euston Watford 2024   Rail fares Euston to Watford 2024   Groupsave   Hotel with Wizard Chambers near Victoria   Discussion  

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London by tour/shuttle bus

Other options are available if you do not wish to make your way to the Harry Potter studio independently. Tour options combine transport from centrally located locations in London (Victoria, Kings Cross), with entrance tickets to Warner Bros. Studio, saving you the hassle of finding your own way there.

At present there are four operators to choose from: Golden Tours, Premium Tours and Evan Evans operate regular shuttle buses daily between Central London (usually Victoria) and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. All four offer the same package of coach plus Warner Bros. Studio Tour tickets .

The fourth - International Friends - offer something a bit different; a Harry Potter tour with hotel pick up.

In addition, International Friends, also offer a popular full day tour combining a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio London with a visit to Oxford covering this city's Harry Potter connections.

If you already have Warner Bros. Studio Tour London tickets we can provide you with a bus shuttle only option.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London bus shuttle only tickets

SHUTTLE DEPARTING FROM VICTORIA & BAKER STREET - WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON - THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

Shuttle bus transfer to Harry Potter Studios from London Victoria, Baker Street

Adult from £79 £39

• Up to 10 shuttles per day • Pick up from Victoria or Baker Street. • Return luxury air-conditioned bus transportation from London with free Wi-Fi • Bus only - purchase Harry Potter Studio tickets separately

Private transport to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Enjoy the comfort of your own private vehicle as you venture from central London to the magical  Warner Bros. Studio  for a tour that will leave you spellbound. 

If you have already purchased your entrance tickets and need a straightforward round trip journey to the studios, then book your private transfer with our drivers who are here to help. 

Following a personalized meet and greet at your desired pick up point, you can sit back, relax and avoid the hassle of muggle infested public transportation all together! 

PRIVATE TRANSFER - WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON

Private round trip transfer to & from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Choose your own pick-up and drop off point in London, for up to 8 people

• Round trip private transfer - London to/from Warner Bros. Studio • Professionally cleaned vehicle • Flexible pick up time

Harry Potter Studios, London by public transport from Euston

Central London – Watford Junction

Watford Junction Railway Station is the closest that public transport from Central London will get you to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. You will find it marked on the London Underground map in the top left.

There are various permutations you can get to Watford Junction from the London area but from Central London the fastest and simplest option are trains running from Euston Railway Station.

How long will I need to allow for travel from Euston to Watford?

There are two types of train that travel between Euston and Watford Junction. The trains that are part of the London Overground whose trains stop at every station that take around 50 minutes and the trains that belong to the national railways (Midland Railways) where Watford Junction is often the first stop and trip duration being 15-20 minutes.

Using tickets between different trains

Tickets are interchangeable between the two types of trains so you can use tickets issued by the railways or use the Oyster Cards, Travelcards and other fare payment options you use on the London Underground and buses.

This makes things very complicated choosing whether you buy train tickets from the national railways or use Oyster Cards or Travelcards like you use on the London Underground, (see the discussion below).

If you have an Oyster Card, the default transport pass in London, you can use that to pay for the fare to Watford Junction.

If you have a Travelcard it is very unlikely you have bought a Travelcard to include the Watford Junction travel zone, the majority of leisure visitors will only have a zone 1-2 Travelcard.

London fare payments - Oyster Card, Travelcards or contactless cards? - full details

Catching the Harry Potter shuttle bus leaving from Watford Junction

An official shuttle bus (electric) runs around every 20 minutes between the bus station in front of Watford Junction Railway Station to the studios, about a 15-minute journey.

There is no fee as the journey is included as part of your entry ticket.

Plan to arrive at Watford Junction 45 minutes before the time stated on your ticket and have your ticket or booking confirmation ready when boarding the shuttle bus. You will not be able to board the bus without a Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter entrance ticket.

Buses run every 30 minutes from 9.20am (with additional services available from 8.15am when the first tour is at 9am).

About train travel between central London & Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

As said in the introduction you can either buy separate train tickets for your journey between Euston and Watford Junction or you can use Oyster Cards or credit/debit cards that support contactless payment - which many people will be using for their travel within London.

Cheapest or easiest rail fare from Euston to Watford and Harry Potter Studio?

It can be complex which option is best for you. If you are comfortable with understanding the comparisons between Oyster and national rail tickets you will be able to make the right choice for your needs.

However, as we note below, the simplest option as a visitor might be to bypass Oyster and just buy simple Travelcards for an additional cost of 60p per person for a return ticket.

Free travel for kids under 11

On the London Underground, London Overground and London's red buses, kids under 11 travel free without a ticket. On the national railways only kids under 5 travel free.

With both London Overground and Midland trains of the national railways both running along the same track an exception has been made that kids under 11 can travel free on Midland trains between Euston and Watford Junction only.

Midland trains or the London overground trains - Midland trains are faster

Whilst you can use either the London overground trains or the Midland trains, the Midland trains are much faster than the London overground trains that stop at every station between Euston and Watford Junction.

You can use either railway tickets or London public transport tickets like Oyster on both trains. The key point for those travelling to Watford Junction is that you can use Oyster cards and Contactless cards on the fast Midland trains.

Using Oyster or contactless cards between Euston & Watford Junction 2024

What you need to know about using Oyster cards in London

What is a "daily cap".

The Oyster daily cap is a daily ceiling on your expenditure on fares when using an Oyster Card. If you just travel in the centre of London (zones 1-2) this maximum is £7.70 , by travelling out to Watford Junction you will increase substantially the daily cap figure.

A feature of the fare structure on the London Underground is that you can make multiple train changes and be charged for one journey. The fare is calculated from the fare zone of the departure station to the fare zone of the destination station.

Remember to swipe...

To interconnect at Euston between the London Underground and the trains to Watford Junction you have to exit the Underground system and swipe your card again when entering the railway system.

You need to make the connection between swiping out of one system at Euston and swiping your card to enter the other system within 15-30 minutes for your journey to be calculated as one fare. Otherwise you will be charged for two separate journeys.

2024 Oyster fares between Euston London and Watford Junction for Harry Potter Studio

Adult Oyster Fare one-way Euston – Watford Junction – Peak: £10.10 / Off-peak: £6.60

Adult Oyster two singles - Euston – Watford Junction – Peak: £20.20 / Off-peak: £13.20

(The peak fare only operates in the morning in the Watford to Euston direction and in the evening in the Euston to Watford direction. Peak times are 06:30 - 09:30 and 16:00 - 19:00.)

The Oyster Daily Cap Euston – Watford Junction – £20.00

The Oyster Daily Cap London Zone 1-2 Only – £7.70

Buying train tickets between Euston & Watford Junction 2024 - a simple solution

Oyster Cards generally offer the cheapest train fares when in London, however as Watford Junction is on the farthest edge of London for Oyster use, you will find they are a little more complicated to use for the Warner Brothers Studio.

A simple option would be to pay a tiny premium over the cost of two single Oyster trips (there and back) and buy a return ticket on the railway. This return ticket will cost £13.00 off-peak (against £12.40 for Oyster off-peak return - see above) which is anytime at weekends and after 9am Monday-Fridays.

If you already have an Oyster Card you can of course use this and save a small amount of money, but you will need to swipe out of one system at Euston and enter the next within 15-30 minutes to stay within one fare.

For the visitor to London, the train fare is far simpler to use at a tiny additional cost.

Return adult train tickets Euston – Watford Junction – Euston 2024

Anytime Return train ticket –  £21.00

Cheapest off-peak Day Return train ticket to Watford and the Harry Potter Studio – £13.80

You can use off-peak return train tickets anytime at the weekends.

From Monday to Friday in 2024 the first (of the fast trains) you can use off peak day returns on leaves Euston at 9.23am, due Watford Junction at 9.37am. There is also an option to use the off-peak fare on the 9.15 train but this is a much slower train and will get you in just after 10am.

Use GroupSave tickets to save even more for travel by train to Warner Bros. Studio

GroupSave fares are available as a discount from 3-9 people, saving up to 34%. Tickets are available from 09:30 Monday to Friday and at any time at weekends and Bank Holidays.

They are available for adults only -  however, children aged between 5-15 can travel with an Adult GroupSave ticket as long as the group size is still between 3-9.

For example: three adults can benefit for a return fare of  £27.30 off-peak  (compared to £41.40 for standard off-peak rail tickets - 2024 prices).

You can also use railcards on these fares and realise the usual extra 33% discount.

Promotional advance purchase tickets are also not unknown.

Use the banner link below to see prices and schedules available for your dates.

TRAIN TICKETS & TIMETABLES

Book train tickets in advance, save money • Full timetables & journey planning • Identify the best fares, including advance fares • Purchase e-tickets or collect tickets at station

Georgian House Hotel near Victoria - with Wizard Chambers

For Harry Potter fans catching the bus from Victoria to the Harry Potter Studio, check out this 4-star hotel featuring fun Wizard chambers, decorated in a style reminiscent of the dormitories at Hogwarts. Chambers sleep up to 6.

This unique, award-winning property offers the charm of an English country hotel in the city - just a 10-min walk from London Victoria Station. Beautifully and individually styled rooms feature modern comforts, such as rainfall showers, large flat screen TVs, a choice of delicious refreshments and The White Company toiletries. Enjoy an award-winning breakfast daily, with a focus on locally sourced, artisan ingredients.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Award winning restaurant • On-site coffee house • Bar • Family rooms & Wizard Chambers available • 24-hr front desk • Special diet menus Nearest tube: 10-min walk to Victoria

Check prices & book   See on the map

Previously asked questions about Harry Potter travel options in London

Below you'll find some of the most common questions asked over the years, you can use these to help you or if you are really stuck use our contact form at the bottom of the page.

Harry Potter themed tours & activities in and around London

Tours from london including warner bros. studio tour, harry potter london hotel & ticket packages, harry potter tours within london, harry potter locations within london & oxford including platform 9 3/4.

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour from London

How to use public transportation to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour from London

The set of Dumbledore’s office.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Year Visited: 2022

Time of Year: May

The Harry Potter Studio Tour

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter movies, visiting the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour while in London is a must.

These are the actual studios where they shot the majority of the movies (there are other filming locations you can visit throughout the UK as well!).

The Harry Potter Studios are huge, and are therefore set 20 minutes outside of central London. If you have a car, you can drive there, but it is pretty easy to get to the Harry Potter Studio tour from London using public transportation (provided the Underground line you need isn’t shut down—like it was for us…).

Good to Know: If you don’t want to get to the Harry Potter Studio tour on your own, you can also book a tour with transportation from London, but this will cost more than doing it yourself.

What’s in this Article:

How to get to the studio tour, frequently asked questions, where to buy harry potter souvenirs.

London to Watford Junction:

To get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour from London, first take the London Underground to Euston Station.

More Info: Read more about using London public transportation .

At Euston Station you will switch from the Underground to the Overground (unless you were close enough to Euston that you walked there). You will follow the signs leading up to the National Rail service (if you need help finding where to go, just ask any of TFL [Transport for London] employees who will be at the station).

From Euston, you can get a train to Watford Junction. This is a direct train, so you will not have to get off and change trains, but it may make stops at other locations along the route. The journey can take 15 min. to an hour, depending on how many stops the train makes.

We did not travel from London Euston, as the line was shut down for maintenance. I will explain what to do if a line is shut down in a later section.

You can also get on the Overground at any of the stations along the route between Euston and Watford Junction. Euston is the most easily accessible from central London, and you can get the fastest trains here, but if you’re near another station on the route, you can get to Watford Junction from there.

Can you use your Oyster card to get to Watford Junction from London?

Yes, you can use your Oyster card on the Overground from London to Watford Junction. You will not need to purchase a rail ticket for this journey.

The orange double lines mark the Overground route from Euston to Watford Junction in the top left.

Watford Junction to the Studios:

Once you arrive at Watford Junction, exit the train station and cross the parking lot to bus stop 4 on the far side of the parking lot.

There are posters for the studio tour at the bus stop, so you will know you are at the right one. Chances are there will also be someone dressed as a wizard…

This bus will take you directly to the studio tour.

Do you have to pay for the shuttle to the tour?

According to the website, you do have to pay for the shuttle to the studios. However, you do not have to pay to get on the shuttle. There is simply a tip jar if you would like to leave something for your driver. You do need a valid studio tour ticket to get on the shuttle.

The shuttle bus from Watford Junction rail station to the studios.

The Return Journey:

Once you’re done at the tour, head back to the bus stops where you were dropped off. Keep in mind that there are multiple bus stops here, so make sure you get in the line for Watford Junction.

Then of course you can take the Overground back to London from Watford Junction.

What if the line from Euston to Watford Junction is shut down?

It happens. In fact, it happened when we were in London, over a bank holiday weekend.

TFL will periodically shut down lines for maintenance work, typically on Sundays or Bank holidays, when there isn’t the mad rush into the office (yes, even in post-2020!).

If the line you need is shut down, there will be replacement buses available to get you to your destination.

The most important thing to remember if this happens is that it will take you a lot longer to get to the studios. It took us an hour and a half to get from London to Watford Junction. So make sure to give yourself enough time.

An easy way to check your route is on the TFL app .

You can also ask at a station in London, and they will help you figure out where to go.

To get to Watford Junction we took:

The Underground to Queen’s Park.

The Overground to Harrow & Wealdstone.

A rail replacement bus to Headstone Lane.

A second rail replacement bus to Watford Junction.

We followed this journey from the app, and asked each of the station attendants along the way to make sure we ended up in the right place.

The way back ended up being a lot easier. We got a bus at Watford Junction that went directly to Stanmore, an outlying Underground Station.

It is important to be familiar with the Underground Stations. We almost missed this bus because we didn’t recognize the name. Again, always ask the attendants, who will help you know exactly where to go.

The main lobby area.

Before Your Tour

When you first arrive at the Harry Potter Studio tour and pass through security, there will be a lobby with the restrooms, and the information booth.

There is a free coat check at the information booth, so you can leave anything here that you don’t want to have to carry around with you through the whole tour.

You can also get a free “passport” at the information booth. There will be stations throughout the tour where you can stamp the passport. It’s a super fun and free souvenir to take home with you, and no , it’s not just for kids! So be sure to go up to the information desk and ask for the passport!

After that you will pass into the main lobby, a large open area that will lead off to the Harry Potter tour, the gift shop, and three of the four restaurants. You can visit these either before or after your tour.

The passport you can get stamped at different locations throughout your Harry Potter tour.

During Your Tour

At the start of the tour you wait in a long line (basically the epitome of Disney World ) until you get up to the theater where you will watch two videos and enter the Great Hall. After that, you can ramble through the tour at your own pace.

The tour showcases actual sets and costumes used for filming, as well as props/special effects and how they were made.

There are a lot of photo op stops where you can take pictures. These include on the Hogwarts Express and at Platform 9 and 3/4, so if you didn’t get a picture at King’s Cross Station, don’t fret.

There are several gift shops along the tour with specialized products, like the Christmas gift shop, so be sure to check these out before you exit the tour. The main gift shop is at the end of the Harry Potter tour.

Ron and Harry on the Hogwarts Express.

Eating on the Tour

You can eat in the main food hall either before or after your tour, but if you get hungry or thirsty during your tour of the Harry Potter Studios, you can eat at The Backlot Cafe. This cafeteria is about halfway through the tour, and there are also bathrooms available here.

Pro Tip: If you want to try a butterbeer, be sure to get one at The Backlot Cafe. This is the only place at the tour where you can get butterbeer.

See more of the Harry Potter Studio Tour in this video:

Harry potter studio tour frequently asked questions.

The set of Gringott’s Bank.

Here are answers to all the questions I had before visiting the Harry Potter Studio tour from London :

Do people dress up at the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

Yes! There are definitely people at the Harry Potter tour in full on wizarding gear.

I just chose to wear my house colors, so I could still blend in with the muggles… But I wish I had worn my Hufflepuff scarf though!

So if you want to dress up, do it! You will not be the only one.

How long do you spend at the Harry Potter tour?

We spent 2 hrs. walking through the studio tour (not counting time spent eating). You can spend longer or shorter, depending on how much you want to see.

After the initial start of the tour, you wander through at your own pace. There are a lot of photo op stops which we did not take advantage of because we didn’t want to wait in line.

You could easily fill up three hours here, plus the cafes and gift shops.

Can you start the tour early if you arrive before your time slot?

Because transportation can be unpredictable, you should give yourself plenty of time to get to the studios. We arrived about an hour before our tour was scheduled to start.

We got into the line as soon as we arrived, even though our tour didn’t start for an hour. The employee let us in the line without even checking our tour time, although we then asked if it was ok.

Apparently this is not always allowed, but it depends on how busy it is. But again, we had no trouble starting the tour early.

Can you enter the gift shop, or eat before your scheduled tour?

Yes, if you arrive before your scheduled tour, you can get something to eat while you wait. There are three food options available in the lobby area before (and after) you go on the tour.

The Hub Cafe (Starbucks)

The Chocolate Frog Cafe (desserts)

The Food Hall

The food was surprisingly good, especially the ice cream at The Chocolate Frog Cafe!

I believe that you can also enter the gift shops, although the website still says with the “current 1-way policy” that this is not possible. I did not try to enter the gift shops, since we got in line for our tour right away, even though we arrived early, but it seemed like you could go in them before the tour.

Can you eat during the tour?

Yes, in addition to the three food options in the main lobby of the Harry Potter Studio Tour, there is The Backlot Cafe , about halfway through the tour.

Can you get Butterbeer at the Harry Potter Studio tour?

Yes, but be aware, you can only get butterbeer at The Backlot Cafe on the tour.

Is the Harry Potter Studio tour outside?

The majority of the Harry Potter Studio tour is inside, but there are a few things to see outside.

Just after the Backlot Cafe, there is an outdoor courtyard you have to walk through to get to the rest of the tour. You will see a few more sets in this courtyard, including the Knight Bus, the Hogwarts Bridge, and Number 4 Privet Drive.

If you don’t want to stay outside (if it’s pouring rain or freezing cold), you can quickly walk through the courtyard to continue on your way.

Can you sit under the enchanted ceiling?

If you look at the Harry Potter Studio tour website, there is a picture of the enchanted ceiling with floating candles at the main food hall.

This is only open for the afternoon tea, so if you are just eating at The Food Hall, you do not get to sit under the ceiling.

Do you need a tour ticket to do the afternoon tea?

Yes, unfortunately you cannot come to the Harry Potter Studios in London just for the afternoon tea, or even just to shop in the gift shop. They consider all of these things to be part of the experience, and thus you need an actual tour ticket to get in to the building. Then you will also need an additional ticket for the afternoon tea.

Does it cost money to check your coats?

No, you can check your coats and bags for free at the information desk when you first walk in! So be sure to take advantage of this.

Are the passports just for kids?

No! Pick up a FREE souvenir “passport” at the information desk when you first walk in. This is a fun activity, and it is not just for kids (although sometimes you will have to wait a while for your stamp, because children do not understand the concept of lines, and as a 30 year old it is apparently frowned upon to shove the 10 year olds out of the way, even if you were there first…).

The stamps in the studio tour passport.

Where to Get Harry Potter Souvenirs

The Shop That Must Not Be Named, in the York Shambles.

There are so many places to get Harry Potter souvenirs throughout the UK, that I wasn’t sure if I should buy something at the studio tour, or wait until I went to the gift shop at King’s Cross Station (where it might be cheaper, orrr they might not have it!), or wait until I got to the Shambles in York, where it would just be so much cooler to buy a wand!

So to help you decide, I’m reviewing the shops at the studio tour, as well as listing out ALL of the other locations I found where you can buy HP souvenirs, and if they’re worth waiting for.

Good to Know: There are more HP shops than the ones listed here. You can literally find one everywhere you turn.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The Harry Potter Studio tour is actually the best place to buy Harry Potter souvenirs in the UK. Their shops are definitely the most extensive, plus they are all themed. You can buy candy from Honeydukes, or a wand from Olivander’s.

I chose not to buy anything at the gift shops here, because I wanted to buy souvenirs from the Shambles (AKA the real life Diagon Alley—pictured above!), but I ended up regretting that decision. This is really the best place to buy souvenirs. They have an insane amount of variety, whereas all the other Harry Potter gift shops are fairly small.

Be sure to spend some time browsing around the shops at the studio tour.

Heathrow Airport

When you first arrive in London at Heathrow, you can visit the Harry Potter gift shop in terminal 5.

Please note: We arrived at terminal 2, and did not travel to terminal 5. You might need to go out of your way to visit this shop.

Platform 9 3/4

There is a Harry Potter themed gift shop at King’s Cross Station, the site of Platform 9 3/4. There is also a photo op of Platform 9 3/4, but it is not on the actual train platforms (otherwise, you would need a ticket). Look for it in back of the main rail station lobby.

The York Shambles

The Shambles are arguably the coolest street in England. They definitely have a Diagon Alley vibe, which I think makes it the perfect place to buy a wand.

There are several Harry Potter themed gift shops here, the largest one being The Shop That Must Not Be Named . Keep in mind that, even though it is a larger shop, there are still a lot of things you can find at the studios that you can’t find here.

The Jacobite Steam Train

If you choose to ride the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland someone will come push the souvenir cart around so you “get something off the trolley.”

Of course they do not have a lot of options, as it is just a little cart, but you can get some unique steam train (Hogwarts Express) themed items here.

This is where the steam train stops off at, before returning to Fort William. We found a fun little shop here, hidden away down a secret alley.

Again, it was mostly the same things you will find at other gift shops, and because it is a smaller shop, the selection will be slimmer. It is fun, however, to find secret hidden shops that make buying Harry Potter souvenirs more special.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

You can visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct to watch the steam train go by! And then of course, you can find buy Harry Potter souvenirs in their visitor center.

This is not strictly a Harry Potter shop though, and the selection is small. But you will find more Hogwarts Express themed merchandise, if you are not able to go on the actual train.

Literally Every Street in Edinburgh

Everywhere you go in Edinburgh, you will find stores advertising the “birthplace of Harry Potter.” It’s all the same merchandise, so there’s no need to wait to find something better somewhere else, if you do find something you want.

Conclusion:

After traversing the UK in search of all things Harry Potter, I would conclude that the best place to buy souvenirs really is at the Studio tour in London. So go ahead and consider this permission to blow all your vacation fund at their gift shops.

However, it is especially fun to buy Harry Potter souvenirs from Diagon Alley (the York Shambles) and the Hogwart’s Express (the Jacobite Steam Train).

But if you find something special, buy it at the studio. You can always buy chocolate frogs and every flavor beans at any of the shops you come to, but you might not find the same merchandise that they have at the large studio stores.

The set of Diagon Alley.

Any more questions?

Don’t hesitate to email me or comment below with any other questions you may have about visiting the Harry Potter Studio tour from London.

Planning a trip to London?

Be sure to save one of the pins below for future reference:

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Yet Another New ‘Harry Potter’ Experience Announced for Universal, Drops in September

in Universal Studios

Potterheads have plenty to look forward to at Universal as a new addition hits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It’s been over a decade since Universal opened its first Wizarding World of Harry Potter area , but  Harry Potter fans still regularly receive new magical experiences at Universal Studios locations worldwide.

What started with Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and three attractions – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey , Flight of the Hippogriff, and Dragon Challenge – has expanded massively over the years .

Not only was the latter axed at Islands of Adventure in 2017 and replaced by Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, but Universal Orlando Resort expanded its Wizarding World into the neighboring park, Universal Studios Florida, with an area inspired by Diagon Alley and London in 2014.

Beyond Florida, Universal has also introduced versions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing.

But it’s not done yet. Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will drop yet another Wizarding World expansion at its upcoming third theme park , Epic Universe. This time around, the land will be inspired by the Ministry of Magic, as seen in both the  Harry Potter and  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movies.

Before that day comes, Universal is dropping yet another reason for Potterheads to celebrate. Universal Studios Japan has announced its first-ever “Back to Hogwarts” event in September as a part of the park’s 10-year Wizarding World of Harry Potter anniversary.

Related: Universal Orlando Leaks New ‘Harry Potter’ Ride

Held on September 1 (AKA the date that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and other Hogwarts students return to school in the series), this event will reportedly be limited to just 934 guests. This number is specific for a reason; it’s inspired by Platform 9 and 3/4, the magical King’s Cross platform from which students catch the Hogwarts Express.

The event will take place after Universal Studios Japan closes for the day from 9.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and will allow access to most of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s regular amenities, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Ollivander’s Shop . While The Three Broomsticks will not serve food and drink during the event, guests will still be able to enter the restaurant.

Related: Real-Life Knight Bus: Harry Potter Tour Buses Recruited for Free Hospital Transport

There will apparently also be exclusive entertainment for the event. The full announcement (translated from Japanese) reads as follows:

On September 1, 2024, the new semester begins at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the area will be rented out exclusively for fans after the park closes, and they can enjoy attractions and special shows that are only available on this day! Why not don a robe, become a Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry student, and enjoy this special festival that is only available now, where you can immerse yourself in the wizarding world both body and mind!

Related: Warner Bros. Confirms Bad News for ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Amid JK Rowling Ownership Turmoil

Guests hoping to go “Back to Hogwarts” will have three opportunities to secure tickets. Two separate lotteries will be held from June 27 to July 7 and July 15 to July 21, while first-come, first-served tickets will also be available from July 29 to August 18. Tickets cost 9,400 yen ($58.58 USD) per person.

If Universal Studios Japan is a little out of reach (especially for a one-hour event), the good news is that there’s plenty of excitement ahead for  Harry Potter fans in the coming years. As was announced in 2023, HBO is moving ahead with a television remake of all seven  Harry Potter books, with author JK Rowling as an executive producer. Amazon’s Audible is also set to produce an audiobook adaptation of the entire series in 2025.

What’s your favorite part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Visit Camden Town

Harry Potter Studio Tour With Superior Transport from London

Calling all Harry Potter fans!

Go behind the scenes of the making of Harry Potter on this amazing tour of the Warner Brothers Studio.

On this tour, you will be taken by luxury coach to the Warner Bros studios in Watford and spend time independently exploring the Harry Potter film sets, see all the props and costumes that were used in the actual movies!

Find ou t more and reserve your spot today !

• Explore the Making of Harry Potter independently without a group holding you back!
• See props and costumes from all eight movies in one single tour 
• Hassle-free round-trip transport from central London direct to Watford

Please note: Cancellation policy

• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Recent reviews of Harry Potter Studio Tour

Great experience for all Harry Potter fans and not only. Get to see behind to seeings how the movie was made. Refresh your Harry Potter knowledge. Have fun. Impressive. Chrystos Geo

Such an amazing day out! So many things to see and explore. My autistic son was so excited but I worried about the crowds being too much, the sensory room is an amazing addition to the tour. A massive thank you. Sandra C

Harry Potter at Warner bros is good for harry fans like me. Very good tour for anyone who loves Harry Potter. it takes about 4 hours to do the tour. Was fun Mr M

Great tour. Everyone really enjoyed it. Would recommend to others. Lots of photo opportunities.The transport was great, comfortable. Richard D

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Harry Potter – all the Wizarding World attractions in theme parks and beyond

Words:  Bea Mitchell

| 9 min read

From Universal parks to immersive exhibitions , we explore the most magical experiences

Although British author and philanthropist J. K. Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997, and the last of the seven-volume fantasy series was published in 2007, the brand remains as popular as ever. New Harry Potter attractions and experiences continue to launch across the globe, with wizarding worlds now coming to Universal Epic Universe and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

These will join myriad existing Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts offerings, from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour sites in London and Tokyo to the immersive lands at Universal’s theme parks around the world.

“Ultimately, the Harry Potter books are really great stories that stand the test of time. As a brand, it’s evergreen. The original generation that read the books when they first came out and saw the films when they were first released, they’re now wanting to share that story with their children, and their children’s children,” Geoff Spooner , senior vice president and general manager of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter, told blooloop.

Keep reading to find out more about Harry Potter’s footprint in the world of location-based entertainment .

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is an interactive art experience inspired by the wizarding world. Currently in Cologne, Germany before a tour of Europe, the travelling attraction is a partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery’s themed entertainment segment and NEON, a global experience entertainment company .

In this immersive experience , guests discover environments based on locations from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. For instance, the Ministry of Magic and Newt’s menagerie. Multi-sensory works are created with responsive video content, striking architecture, and unique soundscapes. Interactive technologies allow visitors to illuminate the invisible, exposing magical visions that bring the entire experience to life.

“Art and technology have been masterfully harnessed and brought together with the wizarding world to create a truly magical experience that puts the franchise on display like never before,” said Peter van Roden , senior vice president of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery.

“ Harry Potter: Visions of Magic embodies the immersive power of storytelling and the enchanting allure of the Wizarding World, inviting fans to celebrate the mystical realms they’ve cherished for years,” said Ron Tan , executive chairman and group CEO of NEON.

Harry Potter New York

The world’s first flagship Harry Potter store opened in New York in 2021. This themed retail experience features interactive elements, themed areas and handmade props. There is also a vast collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise.

Technology is utilised across the innovative shop. Highlights include an interactive wand table and enchanted keys that unlock exclusive facts, stats and videos.

Karl Durrant , VP and general manager of Warner Bros. retail destinations, told blooloop:

“We are bringing the best of our retail offer, we’re bringing the best of our theming, and we’re bringing entertainment together in one space. We truly believe the Harry Potter Store New York is unique. There really isn’t anything else like this anywhere in the world; we believe it will be a first in the marketplace.”

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

This travelling Harry Potter exhibition has been making its way across the US and Europe since its launch in 2022. The attraction celebrates the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the wider wizarding world, using immersive design and innovative technology. It is now open in Macao, Barcelona and New York City, and launching in Munich in May. More cities will be announced soon.

The themed exhibition features 25 galleries containing costumes and props in recreations of sets like the Great Hall at Hogwarts and Hagrid’s hut. Guests can use RFID wristbands to activate unique experiences in each gallery based on their visitor profile. 

“Harry Potter: The Exhibition uses best-in-class immersive design and technology to deliver an unforgettable personalised experience, and we are so proud and excited to bring this exhibition to life,” said Tom Zaller , president and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, a leader in worldwide travelling exhibitions and entertainment .

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

Another touring attraction inspired by the wizarding world is Harry Potter: Magic at Play, currently in Seattle. Created by Original X Productions and Warner Bros. Discovery, the experience offers interactive and sensory activities for young visitors. Guests can attend classes at Hogwarts, play in Hagrid’s pumpkin patch, and explore the Forbidden Forest.

Magic at Play brings the magical world of Harry Potter to life in a “hands-on and tactile way that gives all ages but especially our younger guests the ability to experience and play”, said Van Roden.

“From the moment guests arrive, they are immersed in Harry’s story and are an active participant in their own journey through innovative play, experiential sets, games and more.”

A Forbidden Forest Experience

This nighttime woodland experience is brimming with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Currently in Singapore and Melbourne, Australia, it was created by Warner Bros. Discovery in partnership with Thinkwell, the global experience design and production firm .

Along the immersive trail, guests encounter Hippogriffs, centaurs, unicorns, Nifflers, and more. These are brought to life as custom computer animations and life-size dimensional figures. Visitors can interact with these magical characters and even cast their own spells. After their journey through the woods, guests find a welcoming village where they can eat pasties and drink Butterbeer.

Craig Hanna , chief creative officer at Thinkwell, told blooloop:

“We looked at all the Forbidden Forest moments to see what we could bring to life for our guests, how we could make the experience unique and special, and what interactivity we could bring in so people could lean into the experience and participate in it.”

Platform 9¾

Platform 9¾ – replete with its magical brick wall and disappearing luggage trolley – can be found at King’s Cross, London. This recreated scene from the Harry Potter series is visited by more than 2 million fans every year.

Also at Platform 9¾ is a Harry Potter shop, styled to look like Ollivanders wand emporium. This was the first-ever Harry Potter shop to open in the world outside of a themed visitor attraction.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

The only Harry Potter attraction yet to be opened on this list is the upcoming land at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Announced by Miral in 2022, the new land will be a first in the Middle East. Fans of the franchise will find themselves in iconic locations from the wizarding world. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak , chairman of Miral , said the company is “excited to be bringing this spellbinding first to the Middle East and the world in the future”.

“The wizarding world offers something for fans of every age to enjoy,” added Pam Lifford , president of global brands and experiences at Warner Bros. Discovery. The Harry Potter books and films “continue to captivate and inspire hundreds of millions of fans around the world”, Lifford said. “Together with our lands at Universal Parks, this will add a wholly new and spectacular destination for fans to immerse themselves in.”

Miral’s CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi , told blooloop:

“I don’t want to compete with others, but I think, in terms of what we do at Miral, this will be the next level of our projects. I always tell my team that every time we should deliver something better than before, and that is what we have done with Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. It will certainly be a very immersive experience. I’d love to see new types of rides – I’d love to see more thrill rides. I want to push more.”

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is a new permanent attraction for Japan.

Through detailed immersive interactives like stepping into a Quidditch game and casting a Patronus, the new studio tour allows visitors to experience filmmaking magic. Visitors can see props, costumes, special effects and models used to make the iconic films. In addition to famous sets like Diagon Alley and the Great Hall at Hogwarts, there are exclusive sets such as the Ministry of Magic.

“You can visit the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley and you can explore your favourite parts of Hogwarts Castle. You can venture into the Forbidden Forest, you can step onto the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾,” Spooner told blooloop.

“We’ve got some fun interactives that you can experience, and you can get up close with all those exquisite costumes and props from the films. We’ve also been able to show how the special effects evolved from Harry Potter to the Fantastic Beasts films. And, of course, everyone should be reassured that you do get to ride a broomstick!”

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London 

This London-based attraction is the original Harry Potter studio tour. Since opening in 2012, the venue has welcomed more than 18 million visitors.

The facility documents more than 10 years of behind-the-scenes filmmaking secrets and contains iconic sets, authentic props and original costumes from the films. Sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter include the Forbidden Forest, the Great Hall, Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, the Gringotts Wizarding Bank , and Professor Sprout’s greenhouse.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Unlike the aforementioned studio tours, this site in Hollywood is not exclusively focused on the wizarding world. Still, it does include magical attractions inspired by Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, including Harry’s cupboard under the stairs at Privet Drive and the Great Hall, where guests can wear the Sorting Hat.

Guests can also practise wand moves, make potions, visit the herbology classroom, and explore Newt Scamander’s shed.

Wizarding worlds at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is already home to two wizarding world-themed areas – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. The resort will also soon house a Ministry of Magic land at Universal Epic Universe.

At Diagon Alley, guests can dine at the Leaky Cauldron, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders wand shop, and take a thrill ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. With a park-to-park admission ticket, guests can travel between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade on the Hogwarts Express.

In the Hogsmeade land, visitors can discover a snow-capped village with enchanted shops and a cosy tavern, and discover the corridors and classrooms of Hogwarts.

Attractions on offer in this Wizarding World of Harry Potter include Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a thrilling coaster ride through the Forbidden Forest and the grounds of Hogwarts. Flight of the Hippogriff is a family-friendly coaster, while Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a motion-based dark ride.

Over at Universal Epic Universe , the new Ministry of Magic land is based on 1920s Paris in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. In a conference call in 2019, Comcast execs said: “In some of our parks, Harry Potter drives an incremental attendance of two million people.”

Harry Potter at Universal Parks

Universal Studios Hollywood , Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing are also home to wizarding worlds. These parks contain many Harry Potter attractions. Highlights include an Ollivanders wand shop, the Three Broomsticks restaurant, and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff rides. 

• Harry Potter
• Brand experiences
• Theme park rides
• Universal Studios
• Retail and leisure
• Travelling exhibitions
• Immersive experiences
• Exhibit design
• Themed entertainment
• Theme park design

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Bea Mitchell

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National Symphony Orchestra NSO at Wolf Trap: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ™ Part 1 in Concert

Get ready to embark on the penultimate leg of Harry’s journey as Warner Bros. and CineConcerts bring to the screen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1 . Harry, Ron and Hermione face their latest set of challenges and foes both new and old as the seventh film comes to Wolf Trap, projected on a giant screen and accompanied by the NSO. Relive every harrowing moment with an experience you’ll never forget.

Event Information

Classical Music

Steven Reineke , conductor

Get ready to embark on the penultimate leg of Harry’s journey as Warner Bros. and CineConcerts bring to the screen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1 . Harry, Ron and Hermione face their latest set of challenges and foes both new and old as the seventh film comes to Wolf Trap, projected on a giant screen and accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra . Relive every harrowing moment with an experience you’ll never forget.

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s24)

View all NSO at Wolf Trap events

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All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

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National Symphony Orchestra NSO at Wolf Trap: Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert

Sat. Jul. 13, 2024 8p.m.

Coming to Wolf Trap from a galaxy far, far away… Join Luke Skywalker on his journey in the film that started it all! From the triumphant opening fanfare to the ethereal “Princess Leia’s Theme,” John Williams’ Oscar–winning score comes to life in this powerful, live-to-picture experience.

Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream) NSO Summer Music Institute, Day 1

Fri. Jul. 19, 2024 6p.m.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra National Trustees Summer Music Institute, a four-week festival of orchestral and chamber music for young people ages 15–20 at the Kennedy Center.

This Day 1 performance is a recital of chamber music performed by musicians of the Institute.

National Symphony Orchestra NSO at Wolf Trap Opera: Puccini’s La bohème

Fri. Jul. 19, 2024 8p.m.

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s romantic depiction of Parisian bohemians captivates audiences with soaring arias and glorious melodies. Wolf Trap Opera’s bright cast will embody the relatable, endearing characters in this heart-wrenching tale.

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