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Do we have any Harry Potter fans? Can I get a show of wands? Well, you’re in good company because all 7 Wayfinders are huge HP fans! I specifically border on obsession with the books and films and all the lore of it. Not only do I host an annual Harry Potter party with a movie marathon, but we are constantly re-reading the books and quizzing ourselves on the trivia.
We’ve been lucky enough to visit a lot in the UK, and we also love the Harry Potter magic found in Scotland! I see J.K. Rowling’s mind all over Edinburgh. Did you know she even lives there? However, much of the series is set in London, and it is equally exciting to chase all things HP in London.
Ok, being totally upfront: I didn’t love the Studio Tour the first time I went. Why? I felt it ruined some of the magic! I love visiting Universal Studios’ Harry Potter World and pushing my mind that little extra to feel like it’s all real! I didn’t love seeing some of the props and the “magic behind the scenes.”
However, only my husband and I visited the first time (it is quite spendy!). So, on our last trip this year with the kids, I decided to see if visiting with them would make it more magical. Spoiler! It made it super fun. We went in full HP garb (we are nearly all Hufflepuffs, BTW) and really soaked it up! The studio tour has improved since my last visit, and they now have an entire bar dedicated to butterbeer, which won me over, for sure.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the enchanting universe of Harry Potter, we highly recommend checking out the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour just outside of London. It’s an incredible experience where the magic truly comes to life. You can find more details about the tour here.
Trust me, even if you’re not a die-hard fan like the members of our family, the tour is still an exciting adventure through all eight movies of the series.
Question before we continue: What is your favorite Harry Potter Film and why? Leave it in the comments.
Step behind the scenes and into the enchanting world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter. Located in Leavesden, just outside London, you might be surprised how long it takes you to get there! I’d highly recommend a bus instead of an Uber (our first trip, a mistake!). On our second trip, we rented a car and this was easy, although you do have to show tickets to park there.
Explore legendary locations like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest on a self-guided tour that immerses you in the artistry and craftsmanship behind the beloved series. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the wizarding world, this tour offers an inspiring look at the creativity that made Harry Potter a global phenomenon.
So, if you are a Muggle dreaming of stepping into the magical world of Harry Potter? The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter offers a behind-the-scenes experience that brings the wizarding world to life like never before. While booking directly with the studio is always an option, there are other convenient ways to visit, including full-day tours that include round-trip transportation, added comfort and a little extra magic. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best way to experience this unforgettable adventure.
Embark on a full-day tour with round-trip transportation from central London to the Warner Bros. Studio. Discover the magic behind the Harry Potter films as you explore authentic sets, iconic props and original costumes used throughout the series.
Duration: The journey begins with a 1.5-hour bus ride from Bulleid Way to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Upon arrival, visitors will have four full hours to explore the enchanting world of Harry Potter. There’s also time to enjoy a Butterbeer and browse the souvenir shops. After the magical experience, a 1.5-hour return trip brings you back to Bulleid Way, wrapping up an unforgettable day.
Price: Tickets are priced at around €124 per person.
Family highlights: Perfect for families, the tour offers an immersive journey through the world of Harry Potter. Step onto iconic film sets like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office and the Gryffindor common room. Wander the cobblestoned streets of Diagon Alley, explore Platform 9¾ and see the original Hogwarts Express up close. Along the way, discover fascinating props, intricate costumes and mind-blowing special effects that brought the magic to life on screen. Don’t miss the chance to taste Butterbeer or capture a photo of yourself riding a broomstick!
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers a magical full-day experience, transporting visitors from central London straight into the heart of the Harry Potter films.
Duration: Your day begins at Victoria Coach Station in London, where you’ll board a bus or coach for a 1.5-hour journey to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter. Upon arrival, you’ll have four hours to explore the magical world. After immersing yourself in the magic, you’ll take another 1.5-hour coach ride back, concluding your trip at Victoria, London SW1W 0SJ.
Price: Tickets are priced at around €107 per person.
Family Highlights: This enchanting tour offers an immersive journey into the wizarding world. Step onto iconic film sets like the Great Hall and Gringotts, marvel at the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾ and explore a treasure trove of authentic props and costumes.
Planning a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter is a dream for fans, but you can’t just show up and expect to get in. As one of the UK’s most in-demand attractions, time slots regularly sell out weeks (and often months) ahead, with school holidays and peak travel periods vanishing fastest. To be sure you board the Hogwarts Express, your most important first move is to book early.
I did NOT book early enough for our April trip and was panicking that I might not get tickets! I had to use one of their “packages” to get tickets, which included a night at a local hotel. This wasn’t a bad experience at all, in fact we liked the hotel a lot! It was a converted mansion. However, it made it quite expensive, and we had friends in London we could stay with for free. Moral of the story? BOOK EARLY, especially in peak seasons.
There are several options to choose from:
Standard Studio Tour: General admission begins at £56 (around €64.62 per person), granting you access to explore the magic of the Studio Tour. Discounts are available for families, and children under 4 as well as registered carers can enter free of charge.
Tour with Transfers: From £109 (around €125.78 per person), enjoy both your studio entry and round-trip transportation from central London, ideal for stress-free planning.
Overnight Stay with Breakfast: Starting at £76 (around €87.60 per person), this package includes your Studio Tour ticket, hotel accommodation for one nigh, and breakfast the next morning.
Relaxed Tour: Priced from £56 (around €64.62 per person), this version of the tour is tailored for visitors with autism, featuring lower lighting and reduced noise for a more comfortable experience.
Twilight Tour: Available from £99 (around €114.24 per person), this includes a welcome drink in the Great Hall followed by a partly guided evening tour.
Deluxe Tour: Treat yourself to the ultimate VIP experience for £250 (around €288.50 per person), a 2.5-hour guided journey with exclusive perks like priority parking, Butterbeer, green screen photo and video souvenir and a printed guidebook.
Audience with the Filmmakers is a premium event starting at £165 (€190.41 per person). This exclusive package includes full access to the Studio Tour, a special behind-the-scenes Q&A session with the filmmakers and a grazing-style dinner set in the iconic Great Hall. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary cocktail or mocktail. With limited availability, this unforgettable evening offers a rare glimpse into the creative minds behind the magic.
If you are planning a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter, please note that opening hours can change based on the season, day of the week or any special events at the Studio.
Weekdays (Monday to Friday): Usually the studio opens from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM, the first tour is at 10:00 AM and the last tour is at 6:30 PM. The last bus leaves at 10:00 PM.
Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): The studio opens at 8:30 AM and the first tour usually starts at 9:00 AM, with tours continuing until some time between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
First Tour: Usually starts about 30 to 60 minutes after the doors open. So, if the Studio opens at 8:30 AM, your tour might begin around 9:00 AM.
Last Entry: This can also vary, but it typically falls between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM, depending on the day.
Busy Seasons mean Longer Hours: Expect extended hours during school breaks, summer holidays and special events.
Annual Closures: The Studio usually closes for a few days in January, some time in November for maintenance and on December 25 and 26 for the holidays.
Bottom line? Double-check the Studio’s website before you go to make sure you’re all set. You don’t want to miss a minute of the magic!
The nearest railway station to the Studio Tour is Watford Junction, which is served by direct trains from both London Euston (a journey of around 20 minutes) and Birmingham New Street (approximately 1 hour).
While other non-direct services from London Euston are available, they may take longer to reach Watford Junction. Please note that Oyster cards are valid for travel between London Euston and Watford Junction.
Parking is provided free of charge at the car park directly outside the Studio Tour. When entering the car park, please make sure you have your booking confirmation ready to show the car parking team. If visiting as part of a group traveling independently, each vehicle will require a booking confirmation to show at the car park entrance.
Priority Parking is located next to the Studio Tour entrance and is available to purchase online with your Studio Tour tickets for an additional £10. Priority Parking is only available to pre-book online ahead of your visit and cannot be purchased on the same day. Personally, I wouldn’t opt for this.
If you have chosen to receive e-tickets, your Priority Parking ticket will be delivered with your admission tickets as an email attachment. If you have chosen to receive your tickets via the post, you will receive a printed Priority Parking ticket.
On arrival to the Studio Tour, please present your Priority Parking ticket. You will receive a windscreen sticker and be directed to the Priority Parking bays close to the entrance.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is located at postcode WD25 7LR. As you approach the area, keep an eye out for brown traffic signs marked “Warner Bros. Studio Tour.” These will guide you directly to the entrance.
For a modern navigation option, use the What3Words app and enter ///grabs.intent.movies to pinpoint the exact location of the Studio Tour entrance.
Only pre-booked licensed taxis are recommended for safety, and taxi drivers must show a valid booking confirmation to access the car park. If you need help arranging a taxi, visit the Information Desk onsite.
To reach Warner Bros. Studio Tour London by car, exit the M1 at Junction 6a and merge onto the M25 heading towards Heathrow. Then, exit the M25 at Junction 20 and follow the A41 southeast towards London (NW & C). At the Hunton Bridge roundabout, stay in the left-hand lane and continue onto the A405 towards St Albans. Take the left-hand fork ahead and then the first exit at the next roundabout to enter the Studio Tour.
If you are travelling clockwise on the M25, exit at Junction 19. At the Hunton Bridge roundabout, take the second exit onto the A41 towards Central London, then move into the left-hand lane for the A405 towards St Albans. Take the left-hand fork ahead and then the first exit at the roundabout to enter the Studio Tour.
If you are travelling counter-clockwise, exit at Junction 20 and head southeast on the A41 towards London (NW & C). At the Hunton Bridge roundabout, stay in the left-hand lane and continue onto the A405 (St Albans). Take the left-hand fork ahead and then the first exit at the roundabout into the Studio Tour.
Exit the M1 at Junction 5 and follow signs for the A41 towards North Watford. Continue along the A41 for approximately three miles. When you reach the Hunton Bridge Roundabout, take the fourth exit to rejoin the A41. Stay in the left-hand lane and take the very next exit. Keep left at the Y-shaped junction, then take the first exit at the roundabout to arrive at the entrance to the Studio Tour.
Why not make your journey hassle-free by travelling directly from central London to the Studio Tour by bus? Our preferred partner, Golden Tours, offers convenient return transfers with inclusive ticket packages, making your visit seamless from start to finish. Already have your tickets? No problem, transfer-only options are also available.
We want your Harry Potter Studio Tour to begin as smoothly as possible. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time. This gives you plenty of time to check out the great facilities available before your adventure officially begins! In fact, plan a meal here before your tour as little tummies will get hungry. There is amazing themed food! We only had time for some sweets, but we loved them all.
Before you enter the tour, you’ll have access to the Food Hall, Hub Café, Studio Shop, cloakroom and restrooms. Just a heads-up: the Studio Shop opens at 10 AM, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping to visit.
Pro Tip: If you arrive after the final tour of the day, the staff may not be able to accommodate your entry.
When you arrive at the Studio, there will be a security screening of you and your bags. For everyone’s safety, photography is not allowed during this process.
To make your arrival easier, avoid bringing large or multiple pieces of luggage. All suitcases and large bags will need to be scanned and some items may not be allowed inside the Studio Tour.
We began our magical journey at the iconic Great Hall, and just like in the Harry Potter films, candles floated gracefully in the air, setting an enchanting atmosphere that instantly transported us back to the beginning of each schoolyear at Hogwarts. Honestly, this is the BEST part of the tour (outside of the Butterbeer). We visited in October the first time, and the Halloween decorations were amazing.
It felt like stepping straight into the pages of the books and the heart of the movies, surrounded by the costumes of beloved characters like Albus Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Hagrid, Professor Flitwick and even Filch.
From there, we wandered through the interior sets, where the magic only deepened. We saw costumes worn by Harry, Ron and Hermione in The Prisoner of Azkaban, complete Quidditch uniforms, broomsticks included, and the grand staircase leading to the students’ common rooms (though sadly, these ones didn’t move like in the films). Everywhere we turned, there were portraits of witches and wizards, including the unforgettable Fat Lady guarding the entrance to Gryffindor Tower with her ever-changing passwords.
We explored detailed recreations of key locations, from the cozy common rooms and costumes from The Goblet of Fire to the awe-inspiring Dumbledore’s office. If you are a big fan, being in that Gryffindor Common Room is just magical (you can’t exactly go IN, but you get close). Also, touring Dumbledore Office and the Potions Classroom are top-notch!
Intricate props filled the space, wands, books and even a golden snitch, each piece filled with stories and memories.
The tour also featured a behind-the-scenes look at how special effects are created, with a green screen setup where visitors can “fly” on a broomstick or ride in Hagrid’s motorbike, just like in The Sorcerer’s Stone.
Next, we ventured into the eerie Forbidden Forest, and let me just say, thank goodness those giant spiders are fictional! Seeing Aragog and his monstrous family up close was both thrilling and terrifying, vividly bringing to life that spine-chilling scene from The Chamber of Secrets.
We also met Buckbeak the Hippogriff, one of the most beautiful creatures in the wizarding world, remembered fondly from The Prisoner of Azkaban. Another highlight was Snape’s classroom, filled with bubbling cauldrons, ancient books and potion bottles… it felt like we had walked into one of his dark, mysterious lessons.
A relatively new addition that we enjoyed this year: Quidditch Flying Lessons! You can take some pictures of yourself on a broomstick, flying through London. Taking the pictures is free, but buying them is not. We did get a little disappointed when my husband got VERY into the flying and fell off his broom! He was totally fine, but it turned into a HR nightmare. Not only did we have to sign a release form, but they magically “lost” his photos (garbage!) and said we would have to re-take them. The line was already more than 30 minutes and I was so fed up, we skipped it. We got posters of ourselves on wanted posters instead.
Wandering through the dark and mysterious depths of Snape’s potions classroom.
As we continued, we reached Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express. You can learn how to make a screaming letter, like Ron gets in the book from his mom after stealing the car.
Stepping into the train and seeing the compartments where Harry, Ron and Hermione once sat was such a nostalgic moment. We love this ride at Universal Studios’ Harry Potter World. We then explored 4 Privet Drive, saw Harry’s cupboard under the stairs, the Knight Bus and even the wooden bridge from the films.
Wandering down Diagon Alley, we passed shops like Ollivanders and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, surrounded by magical storefronts and whimsical details. We then visited the creature and art departments, where trolls, werewolves, mermaids and more were brought to life through detailed models, animatronics and props.
Towards the end of the tour, we entered the majestic Gringotts Wizarding Bank, with goblins and glittering chandeliers. And just when we thought the magic couldn’t get any stronger, we were led to the breathtaking model of Hogwarts Castle: a stunning finale that perfectly captured the essence of the entire experience.
At the Hub Café and the Food Hall, located at the entrance and exit of the tour, you can enjoy a wide variety of food options. These range from full meals like British classics, burgers and pizzas to lighter fare such as pastries and snacks. Starbucks coffee is also available here. During seasonal events, the Food Hall often features special themed menus that tie into the magical world of Harry Potter.
The Backlot Café, situated about halfway through the tour, is the main stop for food once you’re inside the attraction. It offers hot dogs, burgers, salads and other hearty meal options. This is also the iconic location to try the famous Butterbeer, which comes as a drink or a creamy ice cream. The area features some great photo opportunities as well, including the Knight Bus and Privet Drive.
At the end of the tour, just before the gift shop, you’ll find the Chocolate Frog Café. This café specializes in sweet treats and is perfect for a final indulgence. It serves a selection of cakes and pastries, themed ice creams and luxurious hot chocolate, a fitting finale to your magical experience.
There are also breakfast and dinner options you can choose from:
Breakfast at the Hogwarts Table: For a magical morning experience, this £124.50 (around €143.67 per person) package includes premium breakfast served at the iconic Hogwarts dining table, Butterbeer and a keepsake guidebook.
Dinner in the Great Hall: At £155 (around €178.87 per person), this immersive evening includes a three-course dinner at the Hogwarts Table, Butterbeer and a souvenir guidebook to take home.
The Afternoon Tea experience, priced from £39.95 (around €46.10 per person), is a delightful add-on for a minimum of two guests. It features a selection of sweet and savoury treats, including classic scones, and can be enjoyed either before or after your Studio Tour. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, with the opportunity to upgrade your experience with a glass of champagne.
You can also bring your own food, though it must be eaten in designated areas. These include the Backlot area and the outdoor picnic spaces, providing convenient spots to enjoy a packed meal during your visit.
If you’re planning a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, prepare yourself, not just for magic on set, but for an unforgettable shopping experience. It’s not just one shop, but several, and they’re brimming with exclusive merchandise you won’t find anywhere else.
Think of it as a department store for wizards. You’ll find nearly everything here to bring the magic home.
One of the biggest draws is the extensive wand collection. Whether you’re after Harry’s, Hermione’s, or something more niche like Luna Lovegood’s or Professor McGonagall’s, chances are you’ll find it here. The wand boxes themselves are beautifully designed and make for a fantastic display piece or collector’s item.
If you want to wear your house pride, there’s no shortage of Hogwarts-themed apparel. From robes and sweaters to scarves and socks, each house is well represented with high-quality merchandise. The clothing is stylish enough to wear in everyday life, but magical enough to make you feel like a student at Hogwarts.
Sweet tooth? The shop carries a variety of iconic wizarding treats. Pick up some Chocolate Frogs, complete with collectible cards, or brave a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. They’re fun, whimsical and perfect for gifting (or testing your friends’ bravery).
For collectors, this shop is a dream. You’ll find everything from detailed mugs and keychains to plush creatures, books, jewelry, and even high-end replicas of props from the films. Whether you’re after a golden snitch or a replica of the Triwizard Cup, you’re likely to find something extraordinary.
Many of the items available in the Studio Tour shops are exclusive and can’t be found in regular retail stores, making them perfect souvenirs or gifts. It’s a good idea to plan some extra time, and budget, at the end of your visit to explore the shops. Prefer to shop later? Many of these unique items are also available through the Studio Tour’s official online store.
A trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a magical experience for fans of all ages, but if you’re bringing kids along, a bit of planning can make the day even more enjoyable (and a lot less stressful). Here’s how to make the most of it with little witches and wizards in tow.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is more than just a walk through a film set; it’s a journey through imagination, storytelling and the creativity that brought a beloved world to life. For families, it’s an opportunity to experience that wonder together, to watch your kids light up at the sight of the Great Hall or gasp when Buckbeak bows.
While it’s not a theme park, the magic here lies in the details. From the carefully crafted sets to the chance to fly a broomstick or sip a frothy Butterbeer, there are moments of joy for every age.
So grab your wand, don your house scarf and let your little witches and wizards lead the way. The magic is real, if you know where to look.
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
Find a nice hotel near London from Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)
Discover more of London while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator
Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com.
Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best memories in London as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
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