harry potter studio tour london faq

• London Attractions
• London Tours
• Harry Potter London Tours
• King's Cross Station
• Harry Potter Sets
• Platform 9¾
• Special Effects
• Walking Tours
• Studio Shops
• Walking tour locations
• Arts Department
• Creature Effects
• Harry Potter Props
• Forbidden Forest
• Diagon Alley
• Plan Your Visit
• Guided Tours
• Restaurants
• London Theatre Tickets
• Tower of London
• Madame Tussauds London
• Westminster Abbey
• London To Windsor Castle Tours
• Up At The O2 Climb
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium
• London To Stonehenge Tours
• Buckingham Palace
• Tower Bridge
• Frameless London
• Heathrow Airport transfers
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• National Express London
• Kew Gardens
• Hampton Court Palace
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Sightseeing Cruises
• Dinner Cruises
• Lunch Cruises
• Travel Guide
• Things to do
• Trip Planner
• Where to Eat
• Festivals and Events
• Travel Tips

Harry Potter™ Studio tips and FAQs you need to know before visiting

Planning a trip to the Harry Potter Studio in London? Here's a list of useful tips and tricks along with some frequently asked questions to ensure you have a hassle-free experience at one of the most famous studio tour in London!

Top 10 Harry Potter™ Studio tour tips

1. Visit on a weekday or during early hours

Harry Potter™ Studio tours are booked several months in advance so the best way to maximize your chances of getting tickets is to go on a weekday. They typically have better availability, so look at different days of the week to get your preferred slot. During the day, it is also recommended that you visit in the early hours. You will need 3 to 7 hours to explore the studio.

2. Choose your boarding time if you are taking a bus

If you are taking the bus, make sure you select your boarding time in advance for when you would like to board the bus from London. Keep in mind that once you board the bus, you will reach Warner Bros. Studio in approximately 2 hours and entry into the studio will be on arrival.

3. Be prepared to wait

Anticipate a wait of at least 15-30 minutes before gaining access to the studio on a standard tour. However, the wait itself can be enjoyable, as the 'Cupboard Under the Stairs' is right next to the waiting line. During peak hours, the crowds can be huge so waiting time might increase at each attraction too.

4. Skip the lines with guided tours

Consider opting for the Harry Potter™ Studio guided tours to bypass the hassle of waiting in lengthy queues at various studio attractions. This guided experience ensures you won't miss out on any highlights, and an expert guide will accompany you, providing fascinating insights and secrets related to the production of all eight movies.

5. Take your time to explore

The best part of going on a Harry Potter™ Studio tour is that you can stay as long as you like after the tour. Explore the vast expanses at your own pace and walk through the Great Hall, Professor Dumbledore’s office, or any of your favorite attractions. You can expect to finish the entire tour in just under 3 hours. However, if you are a diehard fan, stick around for at least 5 hours to experience all the wonders of the Potterverse.

6. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear

Touring Harry Potter™ Studio is thrilling but exhausting at the same time. Waiting lines can get longer than expected. So, wear comfortable footwear, preferably shoes, to help you walk for long durations with ease. Avoid heels and footwear with hard soles. It is also recommended to dress in casual and comfortable clothes while keeping in mind the weather conditions. During winter, you must wear warm clothes. Layering is your best friend!

7. Don’t hesitate to dress up

Many die-hard fans cosplay in their finest Harry Potter outfits. So go ahead and visit the tour dressed as your favorite character from the series. Hogwarts In The Snow is another brilliant opportunity for you to dress up and attend the famous Yule Ball. It will be an unforgettable Hogwarts experience that every Potterhead yearns for.

8. Upload your photos

Be #instaready. Don't forget to capture your favorite moments on your studio tour. And if you are uploading pictures from your visit on Instagram and Twitter, use the hashtag #WBTourLondon and your content might just be featured on the official studio page!

9. Accessibility

Although a majority of the studio tour is wheelchair-friendly, certain sections like the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Bridge, or the slate floor of the Great Hall would be difficult to access for those with a disability. The studio provides a free carer ticket for disabled visitors. Fully trained assistance dogs are allowed into the studio and digital guides are available for visitors who are visually impaired or hard of hearing. Sun Flower Lanyards are provided to visitors with hidden disabilities.

10. Grab a mug of Butterbeer

You can buy yourself a mug of the famed Butterbeer at the studio's Backlot Cafe. Please note that Butterbeer may contain nuts and other ingredients that may cause allergies. The tour operator will not be responsible for adverse side effects. The Warner Bros. Studio offers several dining options. Choose from the Backlot Cafe, which serves hot and cold Western food. You can also head to the Studio Cafe or the Starbucks on the lot.

Book your tickets to Harry Potter™ Studio

Frequently asked questions about harry potter™ studio tips and hacks.

The recommended time to complete the entire tour is 3-4 hours. However, if you are a hardcore fan, you might want to stick around for at least 5-6 hours for a more in-depth look at the Harry Potter universe.

Depending on the tickets you purchase and the tour package you choose, you can get access to fully guided tours with a professional studio tour guide or tours where only certain sections are guided. Check out Harry Potter™ Studio guided tours to know more.

No, owing to the limited number of visitors at the studio at any given time, pre-booking your Harry Potter™ Studio Tours is mandatory.

A Harry Potter™ Studio tour does not include any rides. However, you will experience a behind-the-scenes look at the costumes, props, special effects, sets, and much more, including the chance to play Quidditch, choose your wand, or drink Butterbeer.

Harry Potter™ Studio is a walkthrough exhibition known for its massive sets , original costumes , authentic props , etc. You also get to experience the special effects and creature effects used in the movies and a sneak peek into the works of the Arts Department . Along with these, you can buy your favorite Harry Potter merchandise at the Studio shops and dine at some iconic Harry Potter-themed restaurants.

The entire Harry Potter™ Studio tour is in English. 

Although most areas of the Harry Potter™ Studio tour offer easy wheelchair access, certain sections, like the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Bridge, and the slate flooring in the Great Hall are more difficult to navigate. For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, British Sign Language tours and digital guides are also provided at no extra cost. The British Sign Language tours are available at any time and must be booked at least 14 days in advance. Registered guide dogs, hearing dogs, and medical alert dogs are also welcome on the studio tour. Please ensure that you carry formal identification for your pet with you at the entrance.

Many fans choose to dress up as their favorite characters from the series. Don’t be afraid to get creative and wear your fandom on your sleeve. However, do keep the weather in mind while choosing what to wear.

No, a Harry Potter™ Studio tour is open to all ages. However, all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

You are welcome to bring your own food and consume it in the Backlot or picnic area. You can also eat at the Studio Cafe Starbucks in the lobby, or the Backlot Cafe located halfway through the studio tour.

Although smoking is strictly prohibited in the indoor areas, there are several designated smoking areas outside the main entrance and at the Backlot.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for all persons who purchase a Harry Potter™ Studio tour.

Yes, baby changing facilities are available in every washroom block. There is also a private nursing area located near the Backlot Cafe.

The Harry Potter™ Studio is located about 20 miles (32 km) from London at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR.

While you can take a bus and/or train to reach the Harry Potter™ Studios in London, the best commute option is a return transfer as part of your tour. This way you don't have to plan to commute back and forth to London.

Yes. You can avail of free parking services outside the Harry Potter™ Studio by displaying your ticket. Priority parking is also available for visitors next to the studio entrance; however, you have to book and pay for your spot in advance.

The Harry Potter™ Studio opening times are from 8:30am to 10pm. However, timings may vary seasonally, so please refer to the Harry Potter™ Studio calendar .

The Harry Potter™ Studio is closed on March 30, November 11 to 15, and December 25 and 26.

If you're looking for smaller crowds, November to March is the best time for a Harry Potter™ Studio tour. However, if you're looking for a magical experience, you can go for a tour during the Christmas season and witness the magical festivities first-hand.

Absolutely. Harry Potter™ Studio tours are a dream come true for any Harry Potter fan. You get to experience the magic of the wizarding world firsthand and make memories for a lifetime.

Harry Potter™ Studio Creature Effects

Harry Potter™ Studio Arts Department

Harry Potter™ Studio Special Effects

A Complete Harry Potter Studio Tour London Review (+8 Top Tips)

When you have a Harry Potter fan in your family, one of the best experiences you can give them is a Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Before booking our Harry Potter Studio Tour, we had so many questions.

We thought it would be helpful to write a Harry Potter Studio Tour review to help other families get the most out of their visit.

As well as giving all our top tips for a successful visit to the Harry Potter Studios, we’ve answered a few FAQs at the end.

If you want to know what to expect, when to go and how to get tickets if WB Studios have sold out on the date you want… read on…

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book or buy something, we may earn a small commission, but this is at no extra cost to you.

These are our top tips for making the most of your Warner Bros Studio Tour.

1. Do some research on the WB Studio Tour

This may sound like a strange tip. If you like Harry Potter, you’ll love the Warner Bros Studio Tour right?

Probably, yes. But maybe not.

It is a good idea to find out a little about the tour before you go. Thinking of the Harry Potter Studios as a museum is a good start.

Once you are in that mindset, your tour of the Harry Potter Studios will make more sense.

It is somewhere you can go to explore the magic of the Harry Potter films. You get to see real costumes, sets and props used in the movies and as the tour progresses, you get to see how the films were made.

The ‘tour’ is mostly self-guided, except for a little intro at the start.

We didn’t really have any idea what to expect. Our youngest (8) was expecting a theme park!

We obviously didn’t manage his expectations very well because he wasn’t really all that enthusiastic about it. But then, he wasn’t really a Harry Potter fan either.

Once you have decided that it is most definitely for you, snap up your tickets!

2. Buy your Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets in advance

If there’s only one thing we can tell you to make your trip to the WB Studios successful, it is to buy your tickets in advance.

The WB Studios Tour is hugely popular. People come from all over the world to visit and it is busy all year round.

It is absolutely essential that you buy your Harry Potter Studio Tour London tickets well in advance.

We booked our tickets 3 months in advance. It was a Monday during school term time in November and even then, there were barely any tickets left for the day we wanted.

Tickets are around £51 per person. You can buy them on the WB Studio website here . Children Under 4 are FREE and this is very telling. It is not really suitable for children under 4.

Top Tip : If you find that tickets are sold out on the day that you want, you can check a tour company as they should have more availability.

They are more expensive but may be your only option if you can’t be flexible on dates. GetYourGuide is a good place to look.

See here to book the best rated WB Studio tour (including transportation from London).

See here to book Harry Potter Studio Tour and a private transfer

See here for a family package tour from London (2 Adults & 2 Kids).

3. Do all the free things on the Harry Potter tour

You’ve spent a lot of money on your tickets so be sure to make the most of any freebies along the tour!

• Grab a free Activity Passport which includes a fun Golden Snitch hunt, puzzles and Harry Potter trivia. The passport also includes space for souvenir stamps that can be collected at key points throughout the tour such as Platform 9 ¾ and Gringotts Bank. You can collect the Passports from a staff member at any point during the Studio Tour.
• You don’t need to pay for an audio guide when you have staff members on hand to dish all the fascinating facts. They are hugely knowledgeable and love to talk about everything Harry Potter!
• The kids will be sure to love the free wand-duelling class next to the Forbidden Forest.
• Do the extra things like attempting to pick up the broomstick while muttering ‘Wingardium Leviosa’.

4. Grab your Harry Potter merchandise before your tour

If you want to keep the costs down during your visit to the Harry Potter Studios, you should consider buying any Harry Potter merch beforehand.

Items in the store at the studios are more expensive and if you’re visiting with kids, sometimes it can be hard to say no. Buying in advance gets around this issue.

Another thing to consider if you are going to by a gift is that buying it beforehand will mean that you will have it in your photos. You obviously can’t have your wand in your photos if you wait until the end of the tour to visit the store.

There is plenty of official merchandise on Amazon which you can browse here .

If you want other gift ideas for Harry Potter fans, take a look at this post on Harry Potter themed gifts for kids .

Having just said all this….just bear in mind that some of stuff in the shop is exclusive to the Harry Potter tour and you won’t be able to get it once you leave.

A final note on this, you can also visit the Harry Potter store at Platform 9 3/4 at London’s Kings Cross Station if you are staying in London. There you will find the trolley that passes through the wall and you can have your photo taken.

It is one of the best free things to do in London with kids (who are Harry Potter fans).

5. Buying professional photos at Harry Potter Studios

If you do want to buy the professional photos, wait until the end of the tour to do so.

You can collect the tickets as you go and then buy all together once you have seen them all. This will also save you time.

Just a word of warning here. The professional photos are very expensive (£14 for a photo).

You can sometimes take your own pictures but in some places (the train ride next to the Hogwarts Express) – it seemed to be strictly monitored.

In fact, I got told off for taking a photo before the experience had even started.

6. Take your time

You have to book a timeslot when you buy your Harry Potter tickets, but once you are in, you can take as long as you like.

Actually, once you are past The Great Hall, you can take as long as you like. Up until this point, you are on a guided tour and you need to stick with your group.

After this point, you are free to wander as you please.

Spend some time chatting to the staff. This guy in the photo below was great. He pretended to be a Goblin in Gringotts Bank and fooled a few people who were rushing by. They are so knowledgeable and interesting.

People tend to rush through to try to get ahead of the pack but if you hang back, you can often get better photos without loads of people in them.

Consider buying tickets towards the end of the day so that you are one of the last to leave.

You can, of course, be the first ones in but then there will be a steady stream of visitors all day. To be in with a chance of having the place almost to yourself, it is best to go later.

Last admission is 6.30pm and by about 8pm it starts to get quieter. The Studios close at 10pm.

7. The best bits of the tour at WB Studios

People ask what the best bits about the Harry Potter Studio tour were.

This is quite subjective because everyone’s opinions will differ. These are just our favourite bits of the Harry Potter Studios Tour:

• The dragon encounter in the vault under Gringotts Bank was pretty spectacular. We won’t spoil it but it is a little scary, especially for little ones.
• Pulling a potted Mandrake in Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse (in the outside area just after the Backlot Café).
• Wandering through the Forbidden Forest – watch out for those pesky spiders!
• Making Dobby dance.
• Taking a ride on the Hogwarts Express.

Tip for Diagon Alley at Harry Potter Studio Tour London

People come in waves so if this is your favourite part, hang around and see if you can get a photo without people in it.

This was the view just a few minutes later.

8. Consider taking food with you to save time

We would recommend taking your own food. Not only does it help keep costs down but it will also save time if you are in a rush. The queues can be quite long in the cafés and you won’t want to spend a long time waiting for food.

If you prefer to buy food at the Studios, here is some information on the restaurants at Harry Potter Studios.

There are a few places to eat at the Harry Potter Studios and they are reasonably priced. You can read more about the eateries here .

• Chocolate Frog Café  – in the main lobby serves a selection of hot and cold drinks and sweet treats.
• The Food Hall – in the main lobby serves a fairly comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu.
• The Backlot Café – at the half way point of the tour serves breakfast and lunch and, of course, Butterbeer.
• The Hub Café – in the main lobby serves hot and cold drinks and baked goods.

If you are having lunch there, the kids will love the Harry Potter bus shaped sandwich boxes.

If you want to try the Butterbeer, you probably only want to get one per family. You can ONLY buy the Butterbeer at the Backlot Café which is around the half way point (after seeing the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4).

Note – Butterbeer does not taste good! Children will probably prefer the Butterbeer Ice Cream.

Here are some FAQs about visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

We are often asked about our Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Understandably, when you’re spending a lot of money on something, you want to make sure it is worth it. And once you’ve made the decision to go, you want to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

Here are some of the questions we get asked about the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Where are the Warner Bros Studios?

We thought we would start with this for anyone unaware that the Warner Bros Studios are actually NOT IN LONDON.

It is easy to get to the Harry Potter studios from London though.

Note that the Warner Bros Studio Tour is right next door to the Warner Bros Studios.

The address for WB Studios is :

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Studio Tour Drive Leavesden WD25 7LR.

The easiest way to reach the WB Studios from London is by train.

The closest train station to Harry Potter Studios is Watford Junction . Trains depart from London Euston and take around 20 minutes.

You can get a WB Studios shuttle bus from Watford Junction. The journey is included in your ticket price.

You can also arrange guided tours from London if you don’t want to take the train. We recommend this one.

We live very close to the studios so we drove. There is an enormous car park and parking is free.

There are also hotels nearby if you prefer to stay in the area. Here is a list of hotels near the Warner Bros Studios for families .

See here for our recommendations for hotels in London for families .

If you are staying in London with kids, there are loads of fun Harry Potter experiences in London . We also have a whole section on the blog for visiting London with kids .

Do you need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy the Harry Potter studio tour?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the Harry Potter Studio tour is whether or not you need to like Harry Potter.

Based on our experience with one child who loves Harry Potter and the other who doesn’t, I would say it really does help to be a Harry Potter fan.

I love the Harry Potter films. Admittedly, I haven’t read the books and am told by my son that the books are better.

Either way, I would class myself as a Harry Potter fan (although not fanatical) and I enjoyed the tour.

It is an interesting experience and unless you actually dislike Harry Potter, I can’t think that you wouldn’t enjoy the tour.

How long does the Harry Potter tour take?

The Harry Potter tour lasts as long as you want it to really. You could be the first one in and the last one out.

There are parts that you cannot go back to and do again though (like the Hogwarts Dining Hall) so make sure you have completed each area fully before you move on.

Ideally you should allow at least 3 – 4 hours to do the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Is Harry Potter Studio Tour all inside?

We thought that the tour was all inside but actually, around 10% of the WB Studio tour is outside.

This is something you need to consider if you are visiting in the winter or when it is raining.

When you arrive, you have the option of storing your coats in the cloakroom but you might not want to store your coats if you think you will get cold easily.

Having said that, you will only spend around 10-15 minutes outside so weigh up the need to carry your coat around the rest of the tour.

We kept our coats but they were just lightweight puffer jackets by Mountain Warehouse . They were easy to fold down into our Osprey day bag .

What age is best for the Harry Potter Studio tour?

There is no age restriction at the Harry Potter Studio tour.

We mentioned briefly above, however, that children under 4 are free because the tour isn’t really suited to young children.

Firstly, it is best if they have a slight concept at least of Harry Potter. Secondly, there is a lot of walking involved.

If you are thinking about taking kids on the WB Studio tour, we would recommend waiting until they have seen the films or read the books before taking them.

Having said that, children aged 6+ will get something out of the visit. But then you need to think whether it is worth paying that money for them to potentially not enjoy it.

When is the best time to visit Harry Potter World London?

If at all possible, go on a weekday during term time. Easier said than done when you have school aged kids. If you have an inset day, maybe consider using it to visit the Studios.

We visited on a Monday and booked one of the last tickets of the day.

Don’t be fooled when you arrive and there is no queue for the ‘Tour Entrance’.

From here, you pass through into a holding area and it will fill up. We got so excited when we saw there was no queue (photo below).

We also visited during Hogwarts in the Snow. It is one of the things we recommend for kids to do at Christmas in London . It was so pretty seeing the sets covered in snow. You even get to see how they make the snow at the end of the tour.

If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the special events. The best are the Dark Arts which is a great Halloween event for kids . See other places to visit at Halloween in London with kids . Hogwarts in the Snow (around Christmas) is also great.

And finally – is the Harry Potter Studio Tour London worth it?

We thought we would leave this to the end so that you have enough information to make up your own mind.

For so  many, the London Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of the best Harry Potter experiences in the UK .

Personally, we have mixed opinions.

For Harry Potter fans, yes it is worth it. For younger children, no it probably isn’t.

It is a lot of money but you can spend an entire day there if you want which makes it seem more reasonable.

We hope you found our review of the Harry Potter Studio Tour helpful. If you have any questions that we haven’t covered, please drop us a line and we’d be happy to help.

If you’re thinking of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, don’t miss our recommendations for family-friendly hotels near Universal Orlando .

We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Most popular posts

Guide to visiting Lake Louise, Canada

Jordan itinerary

Sri Lanka’s best beaches

Things to do in Suffolk with kids

Free things to do in London for kids

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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

Last updated: July 21, 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!

Jess and I have been lucky enough to visit the Harry Potter Studios a number of times over the years, and we’ve always had a great time. In this guide we’re going to go through everything you need to know to visit the Harry Potter Studios, based on our personal experiences.

We’ll include information on 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.

Table of Contents:

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 – we’ve visited nearly all the real-world filming locations across the UK as well as the studio itself!

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 July 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:

• A slightly longer tour giving you 4 hours at the studio, with departure from Kings Cross Station, London
• Another tour with departure from Victoria Coach Station in 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.

Is Food Available at the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

Yes, there are multiple options for food at the Harry Potter tour. These are as follows:

• The Chocolate Frog Cafe – serves drinks and cakes all day, found in the main lobby area
• The Food Hall – a large restaurant with various food options such as pizzas and burgers. Found in the main lobby area
• The Backlot Cafe – found half way through the Studio Tour, serving hot dogs, burgers. Also the only place to get a draft butterbeer as well as butterbeer icecream.
• The Hub Cafe – another cafe option which serves Starbucks hot and cold drinks as well as bakery snacks

There is also the option to book a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea at the Harry Potter Studio Tour when booking your studio tour tickets. This is served in a special section of the Food Hall. This is only available to holders of Studio Tour tickets.

The afternoon tea lasts up to 90 minutes and includes everything you would expect from an afternoon tea including sandwiches, sweet treats, scones, and tea or coffee.

Is there a Gift Shop at the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

There most certainly is a gift shop at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, as you would expect! In fact, there’s more than one. So, if you are planning on shopping for Harry Potter themed merchandise, you have a few options.

First, there’s a massive gift shop at the exit of the tour, which you can also visit prior to starting your tour. This shop is divided into multiple themed areas and is well worth exploring even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything as it’s so well themed.

There’s also the Railway Shop, which is found by the Platform 9 3/4 installation in the tour.

This has specific railway themed items that you won’t find anywhere else, so is worth checking out.

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. If you are visiting from London and not taking a tour, this is definitely our recommended option over taking a car as it will be quicker and easier.

Note that you can use an Oyster card to travel to Watford Junction from central London, this is as far as you can go with Oyster card.

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 to the Harry Potter Studio we took a tour from central London to compare the experience. We specifically took this tour . When we took the tour it included a short sightseeing tour of central London with a serious Harry Potter fan.

He even had a first edition copy of the book for us to see! Whilst this walking tour wasn’t specific to Harry Potter locations in London , it did include some interesting Harry Potter trivia as well as lot of information about central London sights.

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.

Regardless of whether or not you visit the Studio as part of a tour or get there on your own, the experience on site is going to be largely the same, unless you book one of the specific fully guided tours like this .

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.

Prior to entry you can also visit the information desk to rent an audio guide if you want. You can also pick up a free Harry Potter passport which you can stamp as you go round, and there’s also a cloakroom to leave any coats or small bags.

Then, join the actual line. 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 halfway 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.

The first time we visited the studio tour, the butterbeer was served in a plastic cup, which wasn’t very exciting. However, since then you now get a plastic tankard, which you get to keep as a souvenir, which is pretty cool.

We can also recommend the Butterbeer flight, which on our last visit included butterbeer, butterbeer ice-cream and a butterbeer muffin.

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 halfway 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 Ollivander’s 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 emphasize 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.

If you plan on having afternoon tea, you’ll need to add in at least an extra 90 minutes for that as well.

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 pushing your own trolley through the wall at platform 9 3/4 through to riding and summoning your own broomstick! There are also multiple photo opportunities throughout.

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!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 24 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

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 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

Harry Potter Studio Tour London – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

The London Warner Bros. Studio at Leavesden Studios offers ‘The Making of Harry Potter’ tour, popular with both kids and adults.

Over the ten years during which the Harry Potter movies were released, the crew constructed more than 500 different Harry Potter sets at the studio, including thousands of props. 

After the movies were filmed in 2012, Warner Bros. decided to develop the location into a permanent tour called ‘The Making of Harry Potter.’

With more than two million Harry Potter fans visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London annually, it is now a must-visit family destination. 

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London.

Top Harry Potter Studio Tour London Tickets

# Warner Brothers Studio Tour with Transfers # Harry Potter Studio Family Package # Harry Potter Studio Tour + Oxford Day Tour

Table of contents

What to expect on the harry potter tour.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is not a theme park, and it doesn’t have rides and other adrenaline-pumping activities. 

The studio provides guests with the ultimate opportunity to explore the actual sets, see the brilliance behind stunning visual effects, and uncover the behind-the-scenes mysteries of the Harry Potter films.

Along the journey, you will participate in interactive activities like ‘flying’ a broomstick and even buying a frothy cup of butterbeer!

The initial part of the tour is guided, and you can explore the rest on your own. 

First, you will see two short films, after which the guide will round up everyone and make them stand at the doors of the Great Hall. 

Once inside the door of the magnificent room, visitors are free to explore the Harry Potter tour by themselves. 

Back to Top

Where to book tickets

Tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour are only available online. Do note that there are no ticket counters at the venue.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How online tickets work

Go to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour ticket booking page, select the number of tickets, preferred date, and time slot, and buy the tickets.

Immediately after purchase, your tour tickets are emailed to you. 

You don’t need to take any printouts. 

All you must do is, reach the coach at least 20 minutes before the starting time.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone and start your journey.

Note: Most of the time, a Harry Potter movie gets screened on the bus.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour prices

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour tickets for individuals aged 16 years and older are priced at £105.

Youth tickets, designed for those between 5 and 15 years of age, are available at a reduced price of £100.

Child tickets for children aged 3 to 4 are offered at a discounted rate of £59.

Infants up to 2 years old can enter for free.

Tour prices for kids: Children aged four can enter the studio for free, but they must pay a discounted rate for transport. Kids aged five to 15 years get a small discount on the tour price. All visitors above 16 years pay the full adult price for their entry and transport. 

Warner Brothers Studio Tour with Transfers

This spectacular full-day tour of the Warner Brothers Studio begins with a bus ride from just outside Victoria Station in downtown London.

You enjoy the spellbinding settings at the studio, the most famous items used in the movies, and the outfits worn by the trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Find out about Hogwarts’ best-kept secrets, including interesting tidbits and trivia about special effects and animatronics.

The trip lasts 7.5 hours, and you get to spend four or more at the studio.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (16+ years): £105 Youth ticket (5 to 15+ years): £100 Child Ticket ( 3 to 4 years): £59 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

If you want more time options, check out these # King’s Cross to Warner Bros. Studio # Warner Bros. Studio Rail Package

Harry Potter Studio Family Package

With transportation from London, spend a wonderful day with your family at the Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden. 

If you are a family of four, this is the perfect Harry Potter studio tour for you. 

You get the family entrance ticket to the studio, valid for two adults and two children under 15 years old.

You also get a family photo taken at the Great Hall or at Dumbledore’s office. Learn more about Warner Bros. family ticket .

Cost for a family of four: from £400 (£100 per person)

Harry Potter Studio Tour + Oxford Day Tour

This 12-hour tour starts with a two-hour bus trip out of London to the ancient city of Oxford, home to England’s oldest university.

After a beautiful guided tour and free time in Oxford, it’s around an hour’s drive to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, where your magical adventure will begin with The Making of Harry Potter.

After a wonderful day, it is time to board your coach and return to London, where you will be dropped off at your original starting location.

Check out more details about the Harry Potter Studio tour and Oxford day tour .

Adult ticket (16+ years): £139 Child ticket (5 to 15+ years): £135 Infant ticket (up to 4 years): Free

There are some more major attractions of London, which can be visited along with the Warner Bros. Studio under one ticket. They are:

1. Tower of London and Warner Bros. Studio 2. Madame Tussauds and Warner Bros. Studio 3. London Eye and Warner Bros. Studio 4. Warner Bros. Studio and Kew Gardens

Other popular Harry Potter tours

How to reach warner bros. studio.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is at Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR.

It is 32 km (20 miles) northwest of London and less than 5 km (3 miles) from the M1 and M25 motorways.

Watford Junction is the closest railway station to Warner Bros. Studio.

If you board a train from  London Euston , in 20 minutes, you will reach Watford Junction. 

If you board a train from  Birmingham New Street , the journey to Watford Junction is 70 minutes.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from Watford Junction, and it is best to take a shuttle bus. 

Shuttle from Watford Junction

Mullany’s Coaches run regular shuttle buses from Watford Junction to the Studio Tour.

These buses run every 30 minutes and take around 15 minutes to reach the attraction. 

When the Warner Bros. Studio opens at 8.30 am during the peak season, the first bus starts from the station at 8.15 am. 

When the studios open at 9.30 am during the lean season, the first bus leaves the station at 9.20 am.

The last studio tour shuttle back to Watford Junction is always after the studio shuts down for the day. 

This is a free service; you only need to show a valid Studio Tour ticket  or booking confirmation for the travel date.

Bus tour packages

Several tour operators offer a packaged tour of Warner Bros. Studio, including entry tickets and return transport. 

Two such tours are most popular with Harry Potter fans – one that starts  from outside Victoria Station  and another  from outside Kings Cross Station .

We recommend the  Harry Potter Family Package  from London if you are a family.

Visitors who don’t mind stretching the day opt for the  Harry Potter and Oxford Tour , where they also see Oxford University besides the Warner Bros. Studios. 

Car parking

If you plan to drive to the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, it is best to fire up your Google Maps and  follow directions . 

Brown traffic signs labeled ‘Warner Bros. Studio Tour’ will direct you to the car park entrance as you approach the attraction.

All ticket holders are entitled to free parking. Keep your booking confirmation on hand to present at the door.

Planning a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and feeling unsure about where to stay, how far the hotels are from the studios, or the best way to get there? Don’t worry! Check out information about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with hotel packages .

Warner Bros. Studio hours

During the peak tourist months of May to October, the Warner Bros. Studio opens at 8.30 am, and the first tour begins at 9 am. 

The final tour starts at 6.30 pm during these months, and the studio closes at 10 pm. 

During the lean months of November to April, the Warner Bros. Studio opens at 9.30 am, and the first tour begins at 10 am. 

The day’s final tour begins at 4 pm, and by 8 pm, the studio closes.

How long does the tour take

With newer sections added to the attraction, visitors tend to spend at least four hours exploring the Harry Potter Studio.

But if you’re a hardcore Harry Potter fan, allowing time for lunch and the extras such as Riding a Broomstick (which involves queuing time), you might spend as long as five to six hours strolling around the studio.

During peak seasons and times, there is a 15 to 30-minute wait before you can enter the world of Harry Potter.  

Besides visiting Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio, tourists also take  walking tours of Harry Potter filming locations in London . 

What to see at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, London

There is much to see at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Harry Potter tour.

Visitors can see fascinating sets, props used in the movies, costumes the characters wore, special and visual effects, the creature effects that made the animals come alive on screen, and the creative process of the art department. 

The Great Hall is the setting for several of the most memorable moments in the Harry Potter films, including the Yule Ball and the Battle of Hogwarts.

It was created in 2000 for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and has since been utilized as a significant set for six more films.

The magnificent Great Hall houses students’ costumes from each Hogwarts house and two huge tables prepared for supper. The Hogwarts professors sat at the top of the room at the instructors’ table.

Forbidden Forest

The Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was shot on-site and in the studio.

It was relocated to the Studio for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to house Aragog’s lair and grew throughout the film series.

Scenic designers built backgrounds up to 600 feet long for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The Forbidden Forest has 19 trees, each with a diameter of more than 12 feet.

Platform 9¾

The Hogwarts Express locomotive carried Hundreds of students from Platform 9¾ to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Most of the sequences on Platform 9¾ were filmed at King’s Cross Station in London.

However, during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—Part 2, the art team built a portion of the station platform on a set at Leavesden, complete with the track and the train.

The Hogwarts Express served as the backdrop for the first shot ever taken for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the final scene of the whole series in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows— Part 2.

Diagon Alley

Throughout the film series, the Diagon Alley set was continually changing.

Many Diagon Alley set pieces were also re-dressed for the Hogsmeade village in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The street’s initial design included rich features from the Harry Potter novels and influence from the roads depicted in Charles Dickens’ writings.

Diagon Alley is home to the dusty Ollivanders wand store, where Harry’s wand famously selected him, as well as Gringotts Bank, Flourish and Blotts, and Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary.

Props at the Studios

Four of the numerous props you can see at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London stand out – the Potions Classroom, the Memory Cabinet, Professor Umbridge’s office, and Puking Pastilles.

Potions Classroom:  Over 950 potion jars line the classroom walls, each containing a unique item, such as baked animal bones from a local butcher shop, dried plants, herbs, and shrunken heads created by the props department.

Memory Cabinet:  Vials and labels were designed for the cabinet in Professor Dumbledore’s office. The Graphics Department hand-designed each label before sending it to the Props team, who applied it to each bottle.

Professor Umbridge’s office:  The interior of Professor Dolores Umbridge’s pink office at the Ministry of Magic was meticulously designed. Make sure to check out her 130-plate collection showcasing different moving kitties.

Puking Pastilles:  Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which sold everything from Extendable Ears to fireworks, was built to appear like an 18th-century shop. Head Propmaker Pierre Bohanna designed the Puking Pastilles dispenser to be both funny and disgusting.

Costumes at the studio

Of all the costumes on display at the Harry Potter Studio Tour Warner Bros, four get the most attention – the Quidditch uniform, the clothes worn by the gang in the final scene 19 years later, the Yule Ball costume, and the Beauxbatons uniform.

Special & Visual Effects

Take advantage of the Chamber of Secrets door, the Invisibility Cloak, and the Whomping Willow during your visit. 

Most  Harry Potter  fans mistake the Chamber of Secrets door for a visual effect, and on tour, you will see why it is not. 

Remember seeing branches that would ‘whomp’ Mr. Weasley’s flying car? 

During your tour, you will see how the team created this Whomping Willow special effect.

Green Screen:  Don’t pass up the chance to participate in our green screen experience and fly a broomstick over London as the actors did during the shooting.

Creature Effects

One of the things young visitors on the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio tour love is the creatures they saw in the movies.

The imaginary creatures to look for are Basilisk, Buckbeak, Goblin Heads, and Aragog.

When you stand before the Goblin heads during the tour, think of how 140 make-up artists from Europe turned 60 actors into goblins daily in just four hours.

Art Department

For most people, the effort required to create all the artwork for the movies is challenging to comprehend.

Remember Hogwarts Castle? During your Warner Bros. Studio tour in London, you will see the model built by 86 artists and crewmembers for the first movie.

If we were to add up all the person-hours spent building and modifying the model, it would amount to over 74 years.

You will also see a lot of graphic designs, white card models, and technical drawings.

Digital Guide & Souvenir Guidebook

Before entering, you may rent a Digital Guide for approximately £5 from the counter in the foyer, providing you with more information on the Studio Tour.

For about £10, you can buy a Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Souvenir Guidebook, which includes behind-the-scenes secrets and stunning photographs.

Map of the Warner Bros. Studio tour in London

Only the initial part of the Harry Potter London studio tour is guided, after which you can explore.

Since there is so much to see, visitors tend to get lost and miss important sets and props.

That’s why keeping a map of Warner Bros. Studio comes in handy.

Besides the location of the sets and exhibits, a layout of the studio tour will also help you find visitor services such as restrooms, cafes, audio guide desks, information desks, etc.

Food and drinks

The Harry Potter Studio Tour in London has four places to eat and drink – Chocolate Frog Cafe, Hub Cafe, Food Hall, and Backlot Cafe.

Most of these cafes open when the Studio Tours begin for the day and remain open till the tours end.

If you want to enjoy a frothy Butterbeer, you must get to the Backlot Cafe, located halfway through the Studio Tour.

FAQs about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London:

Do the WB Studio Tour tickets include transfers to and from London?

Yes, the tickets for this tour include convenient round-trip transfers from central London to the studio, making it easier for visitors to reach the location.

Can I visit the Warner Bros. Studio without purchasing the transfer option from London?

It is possible to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour independently by arranging your transportation. The transfer option is provided for convenience.

Is the Warner Bros Studio Tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, the tour is designed to be enjoyable for all ages, making it a great experience for families and Harry Potter fans of all generations.

What can I expect to see at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?

During the tour, you can expect to see the actual film sets, costumes, props, and other behind-the-scenes elements from the Harry Potter movies, including iconic locations like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley.

Are there food and dining options at the Warner Bros. Studio?

Yes, the studio has a café where you can enjoy various food and beverages. You can also try butterbeer, a popular Harry Potter-themed drink.

Sources # Wbstudiotour.co.uk # Tripadvisor.com # Visitlondon.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in London

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in London

This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours HOHO Bus Tours Best Cruises Best Zoos Travel Tips Visual Stories

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

A Harry Potter Studio Tour Review & Must-Know Tips

For Harry Potter fans visiting London, it’s common to wonder: is the Harry Potter studio tour really worth it? 

I’m a lifelong Potter fan (midnight book release parties, anyone?) and frequent traveler to London (I even lived there for a little while!), and I’m here to answer all your questions about the studio tour. I have visited the Harry Potter studios twice within the last five years, both with and without a child in tow, and I’m ready to share all my insights for fellow Potter fans. 

After all, if you’re spending the money to visit a place like London, where there’s so much to see and do and often not enough time or money to do it all, you have to be selective. 

In this guide, I’ll tell you in detail what you can expect from a trip to the Harry Potter studios in London along with my honest opinions about various aspects of the tour. I’ll also give you my tips to make the most of your experience if you decide to go, and who will get the most out of it ( tdlr ; hardcore fans will enjoy it; casual fans are more likely to get overwhelmed and worn out), as well as the various options you have for how to get to the Harry Potter studios and other frequently asked questions. 

Basically, this is your one-stop shop to decide if this Potter fan experience is for you, how to plan your visist, and how to set your expectations. Let’s get started.

In This Post

Don’t forget to pin this post so you can reference it later! 

As always, this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, shopping from them may generate small commissions to support the operations of this blog.

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org , because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

What to expect from the London Harry Potter Studio Tour

I’ve done the London Harry Potter studios tour twice in the last five years, and after taking my time both times through, I’m fully prepared to let you know what the experience is like and what you can expect from your visit. 

Essentially, the studio tour is exactly what it sounds like — a walk-through of two soundstages and a backlot, all crammed with leftover sets, costumes, and props used in filming the eight Harry Potter movies.

What makes this London Harry Potter experience unique from any others in the world essentially boils down to these five elements:

• Original sets, props, and costumes used in the movies on display (more than at the traveling exhibits)
• Interactive photo and video opportunities 
• Genuine Butterbeer and Butterbeer ice cream for sale
• Rotating interactive exhibits about different aspects of making of the films
• Arguably the best Harry Potter shop in the world

Related : The Harry Potter studio tour is just one of the many Harry Potter activities to do in London if you’re a fan. Make sure you check out my complete round up for more ideas to fill your itinerary.

A Quick Walk-Through of the Tour Experience

Now that you have an overview of the experience, let’s get into the details of what a visit entails.

Tickets are only by timed entry . At the designated time, you’ll queue in appropriate line and begin with a short guided portion of the visit. Your guide will welcome you and take you into the first film set, the Hogwarts Great Hall.

Tip : If you’re there to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other mile marker, be sure to let them know! You’ll get to be one of the people who opens the massive oak doors to enter the Great Hall first. 

Inside the Great Hall, your guide will share some behind-the-scenes anecdotes about filming the first Harry Potter movie, like how they originally tried to hang real, lit candles from the ceiling (and why the ultimately switched to CGI). 

Tip : The decorations in the Great Hall change depending on the season! For my second visit, I was there while Christmas decorations were up. I highly recommend doing so if you can, because it was magical!

Your time to look around the Great Hall and take pictures is limited, though, as they will shuffle you out to make room for the next group. So don’t dawdle too long in one area of the massive room. Make sure you go up to the Professors’ Table and take in the amazing costumes and props there, like Dumbledore’s podium. 

After the Great Hall, the rest of the Harry Potter Studio Tour is self-guided (unless you’ve paid for a third party guided tour or an audioguide). You can take as long as you want to go through it, at least until closing time. 

Tip : The first sound stage is a bit of a maze, and there’s not necessarily one clear way through, so move carefully to ensure you don’t accidentally bypass an entire section of props and sets.

On our own after leaving the Great Hall, you will wander through a huge soundstage full of actual film sets. They are crammed somewhat haphazardly into this massive building, with no clear rhyme or reason to what goes where. Some of them have informative placards in front of them that will tell you some fun behind-the-scenes details about a particular set or costume.

Some of the highlights in this first soundstage area include:

• The potions classroom
• The Gryffindor dormitory

• The Gryffindor common room
• The Slytherin common room
• The kitchen of the Burrow

• Dumbledore’s office

Related : Did you know that film producers used a Manchester library for inspiration in designing Dumbledore’s office? The similarities are remarkable, and it was one of my favorite stops during a bookish weekend in Manchester .

• The actual Hogwarts Express (which you can walk through)

Along the way, there are several interactive elements you can take part in if you so choose. Many of these were added just in the last couple of years. Some of the interactive elements you can do on the first soundstage include:

• Summoning a broomstick to your hand (say “up!”) 
• Taking a size distortion photo at Hagrid’s table
• Taking your very own Wanted Poster photo
• Flying a broomstick through London in front of a green screen, then receiving it as a video of you flying through London and the Hogwarts grounds

If this sounds like a lot for the first half of the tour, you’re right, because it is! This first sound stage alone can take hours to cover in its entirety.

Luckily, at about the half-way point, you’ll be able to stop and rest in a large cafeteria. Here, you can buy food, Butterbeer (in a souvenir mug), and Butterbeer ice cream (in a souvenir dish). If you pre-book it, you can also have a wizarding afternoon tea experience . 

Related : This is just one of the many unique London afternoon teas you can enjoy during your trip. Check out my list of bloggers’ favorites, most of which have a fun book tie-in.  

Tip : If you’re not getting food, bypass the long food line and go straight to the Butterbeer bar to just order drinks and a couple of select snacks. 

At the Backlot cafe, you’ll find bathrooms and plenty of seating, both outdoors and inside. Take your time to rest and recover before tackling the backlot and the second soundstage (trust me, you’re going to need it). 

If you buy Butterbeer, make sure to stop at the convenient washing station where you can rinse out your Butterbeer mugs and cups before advancing through the rest of the tour. This is much appreciated. 

Once you’ve eaten and recovered, you continue the tour at your own leisure. The next part will take you outside into the backlot. Here, you can see more sets, like the famous Hogwarts bridge, the exterior (and interior) of 4 Privet Drive, the Hogwarts greenhouses, the Knight Bus, and more. 

Next, it’s back inside to explore the second and final soundstage. In this second indoor area, you’ll see some absolutely iconic sets, my favorite of which is the Gringott’s Bank lobby , both before and after the blind dragon destroys it in Deathly Hallows. The destroyed set of Gringott’s even has a cool effect that makes it appear as though the dragon is emerging from the rubble. 

You’ll also get to stroll down Diagon Alley exactly as it appeared in the movies, peering into the magical window displays. You can check out lots of props in the second sounstage as well, including seeing the details of how various creatures’ masks and looks were developed. 

You’ll also get to see a rotating exhibit that dives into a certain aspect of making the Harry Potter films. Finally, one of the last things you see is a breathtaking replica of the entire exterior of Hogwarts and its surrounding grounds. It might be in miniature, but it’s still massive — and, for a lifelong fan, quite moving. 

This castle was one used to film exterior shots of Hogwarts Castle, and the detail is spectacular. It’s a lovely way to conclude your studio tour before, of course, exiting through the gift shop (take all my money!).

Related : The shop at the Harry Potter Studio tour is basically worth the price of admission all on its own. I have visited so many London Harry Potter shops , and this one is by far the best, selling the best quality, licensed merchandise. 

Verdict: Is the London Harry Potter studio tour worth it?

If you’ve visited any of the traveling Harry Potter exhibitions (like the one in New York ), then you may already feel like you’ve seen plenty of set pieces and costumes. However, the London Harry Potter studio tour is massive in comparison. That makes sense, really. The London tour includes huge set pieces that can’t easily be taken on the road. 

Similarly, if you’ve already visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, you might feel like your experience at the studio tour is much the same, or in some ways, not as good. Indeed, they did such a fantastic job recreating the shops at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at Universal that walking through the Diagon Alley film set loses a little bit of its “wow” factor (at Universal, you can go inside the shops, after all, unlike the studio tour). The same could also be said for the Gringott’s lobby and even Dumbledore’s office.

So really, it comes down to your level of fandom. For a casual fan, seeing a traveling exhibit or visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter might be all the behind-the-scenes experience you feel you need. After all, the London Harry Potter studio tour is enormous, time-consuming, and honestly pretty exhausting. Even the most enthusiastic fans are likely to get fatigued at a certain point. One can only take in so much. 

For a die-hard Harry Potter fan , however, there’s no other experience that can fully compare to a visit to the London Harry Potter Studios. For those fans, it’s a must-do experience .

But what about kids? Is the Harry Potter studio tour in London good for kids? Again, it depends. As I said, the tour is massive and takes several hours to get through. If you grew up with the series but your kids are indifferent, you might want to consider going without them — harsh, maybe, but just true! They will likely get tired and complain while you’re still immersed in the magic. These tickets are not cheap, and for many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So consider how enjoyable it will be for your kids, and how enjoyable it will be for you if they are not enjoying themselves (Parents will get exactly what I mean!). 

I waited to bring my son until he was 11 (the perfect age!) and had already read the entire book series and watched all the movies, so he appreciated it all, too. Even still, he got pretty worn out and ready to be done before we’d gotten through it all.

As for whether or not it’s worth it to pay extra for the interactive elements, the price on this has surprisingly improved in the last couple of years. On my first visit five years ago, you had to pay 50 pounds just for your broom video, and any other photos or videos cost extra. Now, you pay one price — 50 pounds — for all of your interactive photos and videos, to also include your custom Wanted Wizard poster.

Related : One of the big highlights of our Harry Potter trip in London was taking a Harry Potter walking tour . Check out my complete breakdown of the options that are currently available and how to choose the best one.

Essential Tips for Visiting 

• Reserve your tickets the moment you have your dates for travel, because they literally sell out months in advance. 
• Book the first tour of the day, if you can, to avoid crowds as much as possible. Entry is timed, but people can take as long as they want in the tour, so it can get quite crowded. Even going on a weekday, it was filled with local school groups doing field trips. Also, arriving early will give you a chance to shop before it gets really busy, and you can wear your new swag on the tour. 
• If the weather’s cold or at all questionable — and this is England, after all — don’t check your coat or jacket at the coat check. You’ll be miserable during the outside portion of the tour. As annoying as it is, just carry it with you during the tour.
• If it’s your birthday, though, stop by coat check and get a birthday pin. Also, be sure to tell your guide at the beginning of the tour so you can help open the doors to the Great Hall. 
• Be well-rested and well-hydrated and don’t plan too many other activities on the same day. This might sound dramatic, but one of the most common observations of the studio tour is how LONG and LARGE it is. It really is pretty exhausting spending all day here. You’re likely to be grumpy after too long if you’re not well-rested and feeling good when you start the tour. Be prepared for a long day. This can be the sole activity for your day and it will feel incredibly full. Also, if you’re traveling internationally to come to London, you might not want to do it directly after a red-eye flight, or when you’re recovering from jet lag.
• Wear your fan gear! This is the time to go all out, because you are among your people. Just like at the theme parks, this is the perfect opportunity to wear your cosplay, or just a house scarf, or any other kind of HP items you might have. 

How long does the Harry Potter tour take?

I’d plan for a minimum of 4 hours, or more if you plan to eat in the middle of the tour (I recommend it), and still more for shopping at the massive fan shops. This time does not include travel to and from London.

When should I book HP studio tour tickets?

As soon as possible, especially if you are planning a trip during peak times, like summer or over any holiday periods. At minimum, plan to book two months in advance.

Can I still get tickets if it’s sold out?

If your desired time sells out, your best option is to book through a third party tour company. I had to use this option on my first visit, and it worked out okay.

The tour I chose included transportation to and from the studios from London as well as a walking tour in Oxford, which has several sights to interest not just Potter fans but also book lovers. This can be an advantage — you don’t have to worry about transportation, and you get to see another sight as well. The disadvantage of using a third party tour is that you must keep to their set time limit for the studio tour or risk getting left behind. 

How do I get to the Harry Potter Studios?

What you may not realize is that the Harry Potter studios are not actually in London, but outside of London in Watford. So you need to factor in travel time when planning your trip there.

The cheapest way to get to the Harry Potter studios from London is by train followed by a free shuttle bus. You’ll first need to catch a train (not the tube) to Watford Junction. It’s a 20-minute train ride from London Euston and a 1-hour train ride from Birmingham New Street.

You don’t need to buy train tickets in advance; just check the schedules online and arrive with enough time to buy them at the station. There are self-service kiosks, or look for someone sitting in an info booth. They are used to Harry Potter fans being unsure of which train to take, and usually just outright ask, “Going to Watford?” and tell you exactly which ticket to buy.

Once you’re at Watford Junction, look for the free shuttle bus to the studios — it’s covered in Harry Potter film art, so you can’t miss it. Show your timed entry ticket to the driver, and settle in. Tom Felton even greets you in a pre-recorded video welcome message as you head toward the studios.

Related : I love how Tom Felton still embraces his role in the Harry Potter film franchise. His memoir about filming the eight movies was one of my favorite reads of 2022.

Other options for getting to the Harry Potter studios include:

• Driving (there’s a free car park available, or priority parking for £10, which must be booked online)
• Taking a taxi (not recommended, as you’ll pay a fortune)
• Booking through a third party that includes transport from London

Where can I stay near the Harry Potter studios?

If you don’t want to add the hassle of a long train ride to an already long day of touring the Harry Potter studios, you can always find lodgings closer to the studios in Watford.

Budget travelers might want to consider the Holiday Inn Express in Watford , which has affordable rooms and is less than 2 miles from the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

There’s also been an uptick in private vacation rentals with a Harry Potter theme located near the studio tours. One popular one is a 9 3/4 themed apartment for rent very close to the studio tour. This is a great option for groups to consider, as it can house up to 6 people in its two themed bedrooms.

You can search for the best hotel options by typing in the studios as the location in Expedia or Hotels.com and sorting them by the closest distance.

Travel Resources At-A-Glance

All of the following are links to sites and services I actually use to book and plan my travel or to purchase books or travel gear.

For flights : Skyscanner is my number one go-to resource for booking flights. I love using the “explore” function to find the cheapest places I can fly during a given time or using the fare calendar to identify the cheapest days to fly.

For hotels and lodgings : For hotels, hotels.com , and for vacation rentals, VRBO.com . I’ve had much better experiences with private rentals through this website than through other popular private vacation rental websites.

For car rentals : Kayak allows comparisons across a wide range of booking agencies and lists reviews of companies as well. I’ve found this to be the most user-friendly and efficient way to compare car rental prices.

For tours & excursions : Viator and Get Your Guide are my top choices for booking excursions and tour experiences in a new destination.

For travel gear : Amazon.com and REI for more outdoorsy items. Check out my travel gear recs here.

For booking trains & buses : I find the Omio app and website to be the most easily navigable for comparing options for public transportation, especially in Europe,

Best travel credit card : My favorite travel rewards credit card for European travel has been the Chase Sapphire Rewards card . Visa is accepted just about everywhere in Europe, and there are no foreign transaction fees on the card. Some of the travel benefits I love on the Chase Sapphire include free TSA pre-check or Global Entry (worth it every time), an annual $200 travel credit, an annual $200 hotel benefit, built-in rental car, and trip insurance, and points are worth 50% more when used to book travel. I travel around Europe a LOT, and I end up with many free flights and hotel stays from using my points on my Chase Sapphire.

For books : Bookshop.org often has prices as good as Amazon or sometimes better, but profits go to indie bookstores all over the country. Whenever possible, consider buying your books from this online indie bookshop resource.

Hopefully I’ve answered all your questions about the Harry Potter studio tour in London and helped you decide if it’s worth the visit for you or not. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me or reach out through my contact form!

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss out on any Harry Potter travel or other bookish content.

Don't miss anything! Subscribe now

By subscribing, you will be automatically notified of new blog posts. I'll never spam you or sell your email address. For more information, read my privacy policy .

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

I'm Constance, an avid reader and traveler. I love tracking down the best literary sights everywhere I go, from the best indie bookstores to author's homes and fictional locations you can visit in real life. I'm also passionate about all things tea and chocolate. I have a BA in English literature and an MS in Nutrition Science.

Similar Posts

The Surprising F. Scott Fitzgerald Sights in Maryland

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald were the Kardashians of the Jazz Age.  The Fitzgeralds were the embodiment of the Flapper lifestyle that took the US and Europe by storm in the 1920s. In fact, F. Scott is even credited with inventing the term “Flapper,” and Zelda…

The Ultimate List of Harry Potter things to do in London

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, then taking a Harry Potter tour of London is an absolute bucket list necessity. Sure, you can hire a tour company to arrange it for you, but it’s not hard to plan a great Harry Potter trip to London…

5 Best Places to Celebrate Halloween (book-inspired haunts)

Do you love the Halloween season, and everything creepy and frightful? October is just around the corner, and there’s so many spooky Halloween places to choose from this year. When I first started this list, I focused on virtual Halloween events, since the world was still…

Literary Events & Festivals to attend this December

December is a time for Dickens, or that’s how things usually go. Each December, countless cities across the world host Dickens-inspired events and festivals. This year, most festivals have been canceled or moved online, but there are still many bookish happenings and literary events still going…

Visiting Chetham’s Library: the Devil, Karl Marx, and You

Chetham’s Library, the oldest public library in England, is one of the most fascinating destinations in Manchester. But this isn’t just any stuff old library. It’s been home to notorious 16th century sorcerers, political innovators, ghosts, and even the Devil Himself, if stories are to be…

Savannah, Georgia: A Unique Literary Tour

I like to think I’m a pretty well-rounded traveler. I like to experience it all. Still, I have to say that whenever I visit a new town or city, I can’t help incorporating the following three things into my itinerary: I’ve always heard glowing reviews from…

Harry Potter Studio London Frequently Asked Questions

Location & Access

Food & drinks, last-minute tickets, official website, christmas season.

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

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

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?!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

A Complete Guide to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

For fans of the Harry Potter film series a trip to the place where the films were made is the ultimate bucket-list destination. The films were filmed in various locations around the UK, with many Harry Potter filming destinations in London accessible for fans to visit. However, the Warner Brothers Studios were where the real magic took place. Located a short ride from London, fans of the Harry Potter films can enjoy taking a closer look at the beautiful sets that were used in the actual films, see behind-the-scenes props, and jump into an immersive world of Harry Potter.

Related articles:

18 most magical harry potter locations in london.

• The Ultimate Harry Potter London Guide

This informative guide takes you through The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, with tips on what to see and advice on how to get there so you won’t miss a thing.

table of content

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is located northwest of London in Leavesden just outside Watford town. Based on the world-famous Harry Potter book series written by JK Rowling, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is the ultimate place to visit where the filming for all eight films took place.

The expansive studio attraction has been open since March 2012 and includes the authentic sets, props and costumes used in the Harry Potter film series. The team responsible for the Studio Tour has excellently preserved the iconic props and sets from the films so fans can experience the magic and nostalgia the films created.

Tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour

• Buy your tickets to the Harry Potter Studio Tickets as soon as possible to ensure you secure the date you want.
• As the Harry Potter Studio Tour is located just outside of London, booking a ticket that includes transportation to and from London is advised .
• Tickets including transport and offers that combine the Harry Potter Studio Tour with other UK tourist spots such as Oxford can be bought easily online.
• Some tours may still have spots available even if tickets on the official website are sold out. I suggest consulting various tour operators to find available tickets.

Best tours to Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios in London

How to arrive at the harry potter studios.

You can reach the Warner Brothers Studio by car, coach, or public transport.

• If you are driving you can find directions on the Studio website and there is plenty of parking available.
• If you are using public transport, you can take a train to Watford Junction from London Euston station, and then take the complimentary shuttle bus to the Studios Tour.
• Alternatively, you can book tickets that include a coach transfer to and from London.

Highlights of the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour

What can you see in the Studios? There is plenty to see at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour making it the perfect place to take a Harry Potter fan.

The magic begins as you enter the building with a giant dragon model greeting guests as they arrive. You then are given a short safety briefing and introduction to the Studio Tour. The doors then open to reveal the entrance to the Great Hall , one of the Harry Potter films’ most famous and important sets.

Entering the Great Hall is spectacular with the tables set and the hall dressed just like in the films. Around the tables, the school uniform costumes for each house are displayed (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin). As you walk around you begin to feel like you are actually at Hogwarts . The teacher’s costumes including Professor Dumbledore stand proudly at the front of the hall and the tables are set for a great dinner banquet.

As you follow the tour you pass Harry’s ‘cupboard under the stairs’ bedroom , although you can only peer inside and can not enter due to the small size. You also get to peek at the sets and props used throughout the films such as the Gryffindor common room , Dumbledore’s office , and a display including the wands for all the wizards and witches that appear in the films.

Highlights include Professor Snape’s Potion Classroom filled with over 950 prop potion jars and the colourful Great Yule Ball drinks fountain. As you continue through the tour there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the magic of the Making of Harry Potter with green screen photo opportunities .

Further along the tour, you can enter the Forbidden Forest , an immersive section where you can walk past giant tree props into the deep forest. The iconic Hogwarts Express and the 9 ¾ Platform are also a great place to take photos with luggage trolley props available to pose with.

Other great sets to see on the tour include 4 Privet Drive where you can go inside and see the living room full of Hogwarts Letters to Harry suspended mid-air. You can also see the three-decker London Knight Bus , where you can jump on the back for a picture and walk along the Hogwarts Bridge as if you were a student at the school.

A great part of the tour is the grand banking hall of Gringotts Bank , adorned with three crystal chandeliers, and decorated with quills, inkwells and piles of Galleons. Here you can see life-like models of the Gringotts Goblins and look through the treasures held in the vaults. Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse is a new addition to the tour and is a great place to check how magically green-fingered you are.

The tour is filled with many behind-the-scenes exhibits that include prosthetic masks, lifelike models and technical drawings of the sets before they were made into life-size versions. It is a treasure trove of fantastic details ideal for any Harry Potter fan who wants to know how they brought the magic to life.

As the tour nears the end, visitors can wander down the famous Diagon Alley , where Harry first learned about the fantastic Wizarding World. Here you can peer into Ollivander’s wand shop , and Flourish and Blotts book shop. The tour ends with a spectacular miniature model of Hogwarts Castle before visitors proceed to the gift shop to pick up souvenirs from their visit to the Studio Tour.

The Best Things to Do at the Harry Potter Studio Tour

• Grab a Butterbeer at the Studio Tour Backlot Cafe
• Take a photo inside the Weasley’s Ford Anglia flying car or jump on Hagrid’s motorbike.
• Fly a broomstick over London at the Studio Tour Green Screen Experience.
• Visit Buckbeak, the animatronic Hippogriff in the Forbidden Forest.
• Jump on the Hogwarts Express for a photo in the train carriage.
• Come face to face with a special effects dragon in the vaults of Gringotts Bank.

Tips for the Harry Potter Studio Tour

• Arrive as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to see everything.
• Pick up a free Activity Passport when you enter and collect souvenir stamps as you walk through the tour.
• Be prepared to queue to be able to take photos with the props or in green screen areas.
• The Studio Tour caters to Additional Needs with plenty of areas for wheelchair users to enjoy and additional support available for Autistic people and their carers.
• During summer (July to September) visitors are welcomed by a Frog Choir and they can experience pulling out a Mandrake at Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse.
• For a special experience visit during Halloween: To mark Halloween, if you visit between late September and early November the Studio Tour will be decorated with pumpkins and have a spooky vibe. Death Eaters also make an appearance including interactive wand combat displays. During Halloween, adults can attend Hogwarts After Dark which includes Halloween festivities and a two-course dinner.
• From November to January each year the Studio Tour is adorned with Christmas decorations and faux snow covers some of the sets. During Christmas visitors can also book onto special Christmas experiences and enjoy a full-course Christmas dinner in The Great Hall.
• The tour can take up to three hours and even though children are welcome to attend, smaller children may struggle with the long queues to take photos.

Is the visit worth it?

If you are a fan of the Harry Potter books and specifically the Harry Potter movies you will enjoy the Studio Tour. The sets used in the movies have been carefully preserved by the crew and adapted to allow as much intersection for fans as possible. Mega-fans will enjoy seeing the behind-the-scenes props and exhibits which include costumes, models and graphics that can not be seen anywhere else.

Some people may be disappointed to find out that the Studio Tour is not fully interactive and many of the sets are for display only. For example, you can not enter any of the shops on Diagon Alley and you can only view the sets from behind protective glass. With that being said the tour will be enjoyed by people who love the Harry Potter films and want to see the authentic sets. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is worth a visit at least once to be able to witness a piece of Harry Potter history for yourself.

FAQ about The Making of Harry Potter in London

Is there gift shop on the harry potter studio tour.

At the end of the tour, you can buy some souvenirs at the Harry Potter Gift Shop. Here you can pick up some unique Harry Potter memorabilia that changes seasonally. There is something for everyone in the gift shop with items ranging from Harry Potter house uniforms to Lego sets.

Gift shop highlights include choosing your very own magic wand, presented in attractive wand boxes, exclusive Forbidden Forest gifts and special Harry Potter sweets such as Peppermint Toads, Bertie Bott’s Jelly Beans and Chocolate Frogs. The gift shop is a wonderful way to end your day at the Studio Tour.

How much does it cost to visit the Harry Potter Studios in London?

The prices vary slightly. The most popular tours cost between 100 EUR and 160 EUR and include transportation from London to the studios. Even though it’s a lot of money, it’s 100% worth it!

Where were the Harry Potter films shot in London?

Most of the Harry Potter films were shot at Warner Bros. Studios, located just north of London. You can also explore various filming locations throughout London itself, including iconic scenes filmed at Piccadilly Circus and the Millennium Bridge.

Does the Harry Potter tour in London include transportation?

PARTLY. There are options for tours both with and without transportation. We find the tours that include transportation to be very convenient and recommend choosing one of these.

Can I explore the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London independently?

Yes, you absolutely can. Once you’ve arrived at the Warner Bros. Studios, you have the freedom to navigate through the enchanting sets at your own pace. This allows you to immerse yourself fully in the magical world of Harry Potter, taking the time to appreciate the intricate details of the sets, costumes, and props used in the films.

The Ultimate Harry Potter London guide

I love traveling in Europe and I am passionate about writing about my travels. The cultural peculiarities of each region always fascinate me. I enjoy exploring and discovering the best-kept secrets of each town or village. I love road trips as much as city breaks; I love visiting an art gallery and also the magic of musicals or discovering new delicacies in a street market. In this blog, I write about all my travel adventures and my best tips and tricks! Auf Loving Travel schreibe ich über alle meine Reiseerlebnisse und gebe euch meine besten Tipps und Tricks!

Get exclusive content, real insider info and the best travel deals completely FREE!

Your trip start: We’ll provide you with little reminders to prepare for your trip and up-to-the-minute events when you’re traveling!

You have disabled JavaScript

JavaScript is required to use this website. Therefore, please enable JavaScript in your browser to visit this website.

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook . To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

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

• Experience the wonder of the Wizarding World with admission and timed entry to Warner Bros. Studios. You'll have exclusive access to explore the iconic sets, props, and costumes from the beloved Harry Potter series.
• Your journey begins with an accompanied entrance from Central London to the Studios, ensuring a hassle-free and magical start to your adventure.
• Flexibility is key, and with our self-guided tour, you can choose your own pace and explore the magic of Warner Bros. Studios at your leisure . Capture picture-perfect moments and uncover behind-the-scenes secrets – all on your own schedule!

Tour Description

What's included.

• Admission with timed entry to Warner Bros Studios.
• Accompanied Entrance from Central London to the Studios.
• Transportation to and from the meeting point in central London.
• Guide inside the Warner Bros studios
• Digital guide
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Sites Visited

• Warners Brothers Studios

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our self-guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter! Experience the Wizarding World like never before as you explore the iconic Studio Tour at your own pace, for however long you'd like. Immerse yourself in the captivating sets, props, and costumes from the beloved Harry Potter™ films, and let the magic of the enchanting world unfold before your eyes. Start your magical journey in Central London, where you’ll meet a City Wonders representative that will provide escorted train transportation to the Studio Tour. Upon arrival, with timed access, you'll immediately step into a world of enchantment, surrounded by the behind-the-scenes magic of the Harry Potter™ film series. Experience all the magical wonders and let your imagination soar as you make your way through the intricately detailed Studio Tour. Marvel at the iconic Great Hall set, where the magic begins. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley™, home to beloved shops such as Ollivanders™, Flourish and Blotts™, and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Snap a photo at Platform 9¾™, capturing the thrill of stepping into the Wizarding World. Delve into the intricate details of Dumbledore's office, explore the Gryffindor™ common room, and witness the whimsical charm of Hagrid's™ Hut. Experience the eerie ambiance of the Potions classroom and even visit Professor Umbridge's™ office at the Ministry of Magic. Each step unveils the artistry behind the beloved film series, leaving you spellbound. After your visit, use your open train ticket to travel back to central London. We've designed this unique self-guided tour to provide you with the freedom to discover the Studio Tour at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is unlike any other, and this self-guided tour allows you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the magic and embark on a truly enchanting adventure that will transport you to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

Tripadvisor

Know before you go, meeting point.

Euston War Memorial - Open in Google Maps

Important Notes

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

We strongly advise against arriving at the meeting point without a booking as we cannot guarantee that there will be space left on the tour. Our guides are unable to accept payment for tours so any bookings made on the spot will still need to be processed over the phone with payment by credit card.

To amend your booking, please contact our Customer Care team by phone , chat or email us at [email protected] . If you have booked your tour through a third-party distributor, please contact them directly to amend your booking.

We are happy to assist with this request - availability permitting. Please contact our Customer Care Team who can check availability on the tour and take payment for the additional booking, as payment details are not saved in our system for security reasons.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

You Might Also Like...

Unique Fully Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

WWII Secrets of Westminster, Churchill’s War Rooms & Museum Walking Tour

Interior Tour of Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard - Limited Time Availability!

London tours, the making of harry potter, get to know city wonders.

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

• All of our guides are experts in their field
• We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
• We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special