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harry potter studio tour london

Embark On An Adventure At The Filming Studios in London

The Harry Potter Studio Tour London is a wizarding experience you will not want to miss! If you ever watched the Harry Potter Series then this is your golden ticket to experiencing the magic like never before. If you are planning your holiday to London, then this marvellous experience must be on your itinerary.

In this guide we will walk through all the things you need to know before visiting; from where the studio is located to how to get there and also what to expect when arriving.

table of contents - harry potter studio tour london

Exterior of Harry Potter Studios

where is the harry potter studio tour london?

The Harry Potter Studio is a little over 30 miles, northwest of central London. It is just off the M1 and A41. This is the main studio where several parts of the Harry Potter franchise were filmed.

Official Studio Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive Leavesden, WD25 7LR

where to stay near warner brothers studios

Since you will visit Harry Potter for one day, you can travel to the studios from London as it is only around an hour away. Finding accommodation close to the studios just to be near the premises is not recommended as London is not far. Most probably you will visit Harry Potter Studios when you are in London, so it is essential to find a hotel in the heart of London. When we visited London, we stayed in Paddington and then got a taxi that took us straight to the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden.

Check out our guide on the best areas to stay in London.

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Harry Potter Studios London - The Great Hall

Things to know about the tour

Before booking your tickets and coming to the tour, there are essential tips you must be aware of to ensure you have a fun and exciting experience.

how to buy tickets to warner brothers studio tour

Tickets can be bought both online and in person. We highly recommend that you pre-book your tickets online so that you will have them in hand and prevent waiting in a queue to purchase your tickets.

You can either book the tickets through their official website or purchase them from the link below which includes transfers to and from central London.

Book Now: Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour including Transfers

Harry Potter Studio Tour London - Cupboard Under the Stairs

how accessible is the studio

For every paying disabled visitor, a single free carer ticket will be provided. The carer ticket will not be added for children under 4 years old since they enter the studios for free. A carer ticket is to be collected from the upon arriving from the ticket area. There will still be carer tickets available if online tickets sell out. There needs to be some proof provided in order to get hold of these ticket upon entry to the studio.

Fully trained guide dogs are also fully permitted inside the premises.

Manual and electric wheelchairs are also allowed inside the premises.

Check the full information on accessibility at the Warner Brothers Studio website here.

Security and checks

Upon entering the studio, safety checks are present for the safety of the public. During the checks, visitors might be entitled to a bag and/or personal search.

Certain items are prohibited inside the premises so ensure you do not carry any of the said items here. The use of photography is not allowed in the security area.

amenities at the studio

To help make your experience more smooth, these are the amenities you will find at the Harry Potter Studios:

Cloakroom
Public restrooms
Cash Machine
Parent and Baby Room
Shopping
Food and Drink

Harry Potter Studio Tour - Gift Shop

what to expect in the tour round the studio

Note: The following is an introduction to what we experienced and saw when we went on the tour. At the time you visit things may vary depending on when you go, so unexpected changes can happen. Do remember that the studio changes the theme depending on the time of year.

At the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London, you will get to see the wizarding world behind the scenes of one of the most popular film series there is. There will be an introductory video, studio sets, costumes and props, workshops and much more. Read below to have an idea of what to expect.

Arrival and Entrance: On arrival at the studio of Warner Bros. in Leavesden, head to the lobby where there is a large suspended dragon. Head to the ticket booth to purchase your tickets (if you haven't purchased them beforehand) or head to the entrance where they will check your tickets. Before entering, explore the lobby.

London Harry Potter Tour - Studio Sets

Introductory Video: Upon entering the tour, you will watch a video providing an introduction to the Harry Potter cast and crew. You are about to embark on a journey through the magical world of filmmaking after watching this video.

The Great Hall: The tour starts with a visit to the Great Hall. This is where many iconic scenes were filmed. You will have the chance to walk around, take photos and see original costumes and props from the movies, as well as learn about the set design and the inspiration behind it.

Studio Sets: Along the tour, you will move through various studio sets that have been preserved for the tour. These sets include Diagon Alley, the Gryffindor Common Room, the Potions Classroom, and plenty more. You can walk through these detailed recreations and get a sense of the craftsmanship that went into creating the wizarding world.

Harry Potter Props

Costumes and Props: Throughout the tour, you will encounter an impressive collection of costumes, props, and magical creatures from the films. From the Sorting Hat to Hagrid's motorcycle, you will get up close to the items that brought the Harry Potter universe to life on screen.

Creature Workshop: Discover the artistry behind the magical creatures of the series. Learn about the creation of animatronic creatures, including Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog the Acromantula.

Green Screen and Special Effects: Explore how green screen technology was used to create some of the most memorable scenes in the films. You will have the opportunity to participate in interactive exhibits that demonstrate how flying on a broomstick or riding the Hogwarts Express was achieved on screen.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour London - Film Props

Hogwarts Castle Model: One of the main highlights of the tour is the breathtakingly detailed model of Hogwarts Castle. This enormous model was used for various aerial shots in the films and showcased the intricate architecture and landscapes of the magical school.

Outdoor Sets: There are a few outdoor sets that you can explore, including Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, and the iconic Hogwarts Bridge. These outdoor spaces provide another layer of immersion into the world of Harry Potter.

Backlot Café and Souvenirs: Take a break at the Backlot Café and taste the delicious Butterbeer (non-alcoholic beverage), where you can also enjoy a variety of refreshments and snacks. There is also a shop where you can purchase Harry Potter merchandise, including wands, clothing, and collectables.

Hogwarts London Harry Potter Studios Tour

Hogwarts Castle Model

Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express: Step onto Platform 9¾ and see the original Hogwarts Express steam engine. This is a fantastic opportunity to take photos and experience the magic of boarding the train to Hogwarts.

Diagon Alley and Gringotts Bank: Explore the intricacies of Diagon Alley, with its magical shops and storefronts. You will also have the chance to enter Gringotts Bank, complete with its impressive marble interior and the awe-inspiring Lestrange Vault.

Final Exhibition Area: The tour concludes with a final exhibition area featuring a display of the stunning Death Eater masks and an overview of the graphic design and visual effects that contributed to the films.

Gift Shop: The tour ends in the expansive Harry Potter Studio Tour gift shop, where you can purchase a wide range of official Harry Potter merchandise, including wands, clothing, souvenirs, and more.

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Hogwarts Express Platform 9 3/4 London Tour.

Harry Potter Studio Tour - Hogwarts Express

How To Get to Warner brothers studios london

Harry Potter Studios London is in Leavesden, around 30 miles from central London. Even though it is a bit far, there are still several ways how to reach the studios. Below are the modes of transport available:

Metro/Underground/Tube: Closest metro station is Watford station in Watford which is around 3.5 miles (5.6 km) away from the Warner Brother Studio. This is within Zone 7 of the metro zoning map. To travel to this zone, the fare price of the metro might be higher than the standard pricing in central London. There is no underground station within meters of the studio.
Train Station: The closest train station is Watford Junction. Get the train from London Euston (20 minute journey) or Birmingham New Street (1 hour journey). From Watford, you are still 25 minutes away by bus from the studio.
Taxi: Grabbing a taxi from London is simple and easy. Before getting a taxi, make sure you ask about the price. The price differs depending on where you are catching it.
Private Car: Into your GPS enter "Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom". On arrival, there is a large car park where to leave your car.

We have come to the end of our guide to Harry Potter Studios Tour London. We hope this guide has given you more excitement about visiting these studios. Before you leave, there are some questions and answers below that might be of interest to you. We hope you will enjoy your time and have a wizardry experience just like we did!

Wands at the Gift Shop

common questions about harry potter tour

How do I get tickets?

Tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour can be purchased online, or in person before entering the studio. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time slot.

What's included in the ticket price?

The basic ticket includes access to all the studio sets, exhibits, and interactive experiences. It also covers a self-guided tour of the various attractions within the studio.

What is the expected duration of the tour?

When we went, our visit took around 4 hours. The amount of time spent depends on how much time you take to go around. The place is quite big so do not expect to finish the tour in less than an hour.

Is there a guided tour?

The tour is self-guided, but there are members of staff around the premises in case you have any questions.

Can I take photos?

Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed throughout the entire tour, except in specific designated areas where it is restricted for copyright reasons.

Are there any age restrictions?

The Harry Potter Tour is suitable for all ages, and there are no specific age restrictions. Since there are a few exhibits along the way, these might be more suitable for older children and adults who are familiar with the Harry Potter series.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is wheelchair accessible. The majority of the tour is on flat surfaces, and there are ramps and elevators available for accessibility.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

No, you are not allowed to bring food and drinks from the outside inside the premises. There is a Backlot Café where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.

Is there a dress code?

There is no strict dress code, but many visitors enjoy wearing wizarding-themed clothing, such as Harry Potter scarves and robes, or even dressing up as their favourite characters.

Can I buy souvenirs?

Yes, there is a gift shop at the end of the tour where you can purchase a wide range of Harry Potter merchandise, including wands, clothing, collectables, and more.

Can I bring bags?

Bags are allowed, but there are restrictions on the size of bags that can be brought into the tour. Large backpacks and suitcases are not permitted, but smaller bags are allowed.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is on-site parking available for visitors however a fee might apply.

Can I bring my own wand?

Yes, you can bring your own wand if you have one. It can enhance your experience as you explore the sets and exhibits.

Is the tour suitable for someone who hasn't read/watched Harry Potter?

Yes indeed! Even though you might not have watched any or all of the Harry Potter movies, this tour is still extremely fascinating to experience.

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Harry Potter Experience in London England.