The Harry Potter Studio Tour
Everything you need to know to plan your visit
The Harry Potter Studios London Tour is a bucket list activity for every serious Harry Potter fan. But even if you’ve only ever watched a couple of the movies you’ll still find so much to enjoy here. If the Harry Potter London Studios are on your itinerary and you’re wondering “What do you actually see?” “How do you get there?” and “How much does it cost?”, I’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know. From transport and tickets to dining options and what to expect on the day, it’s all covered so you can get the most out of your visit.
What is the Harry Potter Studio Tour?
The Harry Potter film franchise was shot on location all across the UK. The interior shots and much of the rest of the films however were shot at the Warner Brothers studio in Leavesden. The Warner Brothers Studio is one of the largest in the UK and is still a real working studio. Part of the lot however has now been transformed to house “The Making of Harry Potter” studio tour experience.
The experience itself is more like a museum than anything else. There are no theme park elements or rides to go on. During your visit you will enjoy a (mostly) self-guided tour through different “zones”, exploring the amazing sets, props and costumes used to create the Harry Potter universe.
Once inside you can take as much time as you like exploring the various displays and enjoying the interactive elements like summoning your broom. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic of the famous films was created in areas like the Green Screen Experience and Creature Effects.
You’ll also have access to multiple food and drink outlets during your visit, including the chance to try Butterbeer! And of course, no visit would be complete without a trip to the Studio Tour Shop for all your Harry Potter-themed merchandise.
What do you see at the Harry Potter London Studios?
(Spoiler Alert)
If you enjoy a surprise and would prefer to discover everything on offer at the studios for yourself then skip to the next section. You won’t find anything here that will affect the planning of your visit. But if you’re interested to know what you’ll actually get to see, read on.
I won’t reveal everything (for starters there’s far too much to list!) but for those who are curious some of the highlights include:
The Cupboard Under the Stairs
The Great Hall
The Potions Laboratory
Dumbledore’s Office
The Burrow
The Forbidden Forest
Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express
The Knight Bus
Privet Drive
Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse
Diagon Alley
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
Hogwarts Castle (scale model)
Plus 1000’s of props, costumes, models and more.
And while there is a lot to look at there are also some interactive components as well. You can try out your wand skills, summon a broomstick, and push your trolley through the platform wall. For an extra charge you can also ride a broomstick and travel on the Hogwarts Express through the magic of green screen.
How long does the Harry Potter Studio Tour take?
The general recommendation for a visit to the studios is 3-4 hours. This would give you enough time to see all of the different areas. If you’re someone who likes to take their time or enjoys taking lots of photos though you could spend all day here. Remember to allow time to eat (if you choose to) and some time to browse the studio shop of course.
If you decide to book your tickets as part of a tour remember to check how much time they actually allow at the studios to make sure it fits in with your plans for the day.
Is there Food and Drink available?
You won’t go hungry at the Warner Brothers London Studio. There’s plenty of options on offer and they’re spread throughout the experience so you’re covered no matter when hunger strikes. Keep in mind though that prices are what you’d expect at a tourist attraction of this scale.
The Chocolate Frog Cafe
This cafe is located in the main lobby before you enter the tour and serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, ice cream and sweet treats.
The Food Hall
Also located in the main lobby this restaurant serves breakfast until 11.30am as well as a full lunch menu including some Harry Potter-themed options (Crispy Duck and Gillyweed Pizza anyone?).
The Backlot Cafe
Located at the halfway point of the tour this quick-service restaurant offers breakfast baps, and your usual selection of burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs. But its biggest seller is Butterbeer (and Butterbeer ice cream!). It’s the only location at the studios where you can taste the famous brew so if you’re wanting to try some make sure to stop by the Backlot Cafe.
The Hub Cafe
Located in the lobby the Hub Cafe will satisfy your coffee cravings and offers cakes and snacks to-go.
The Studio Shop / The Forbidden Forest Shop / The Railway Shop
There are 3 gift shops at the Harry Potter London Studios. The largest located in the main lobby and 2 smaller shops within the tour. As well as a huge selection of themed merchandise you will find an amazing collection of treats from the wizarding world. Why not pick up some Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees or Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans for the ride home.
You can also bring along your own food and drink if you’d prefer. Just note that it can only be eaten at the Backlot Cafe or the designated picnic area.
How do I get to the Harry Potter Studios from London?
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is located in the suburb of Leavesden, 34km (21 mi) outside of central London. Depending on your location and preference there are a number of ways to get there.
By Car
The Studios have a large parking lot on-site and free parking is available when you show your booking confirmation. The address for the studios is:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Studio Tour Drive
Leavesden
WD25 7LR
Public Transport
The direct train from London’s Euston Station to Watford Junction (the closest to the Studio) takes 20 mins. A shuttle bus is then available to drive you the extra 15 minutes to the Studio. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes and are free for studio ticket holders.
This is the option I chose when visiting and I found it easy to navigate and a hassle-free way to get to the studios.
Coach Transfers
Golden Tours is the Studio’s preferred partner and offer return coach transfers from central London. You can choose to depart from the Golden Tours Visitor Centre in Victoria, Baker Street Station or Kings Cross Station. A return transfer ticket is around $92 ($62usd).
Note - These transfers do not include entrance to the studios, you will need to purchase your ticket online separately. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket and transfer together see “Package Tours” below.
Package Tours
For those who’d prefer the ease of having everything taken care of in one purchase, a package tour may be your best option. There are multiple companies that offer a Harry Potter London Studios Day Tour. These tours include your return transport from central London and entry to the studios.
Some examples and approximate prices are listed below:
Golden Tours - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter (inc Return Transportation) - $196 ($133usd)
Evan Evans - Harry Potter Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter - $193 ($131usd)
Premium Tours - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter - $223 ($151usd)
Remember - If you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the studios make sure to check how long your return transfer allows before making your choice.
How much are Tickets to the Harry Potter London Studios?
All tickets to the Harry Potter Studio Tour must be purchased in advance. There are no tickets available on the day when you arrive. They also tend to sell out quickly so make sure to book well ahead of your travel date.
Current ticket prices can be found on the studio's website.
At the time of writing they are:
Adults - £51.50 ($95aud / $64usd)
Children (5 to 15) £40 ($74aud / $50usd)
When booking your ticket you’ll select a timeslot for entry, this is to spread out the flow of visitors throughout the day. You can only enter during your allocated timeslot but once you’re inside you’re free to stay as long as you like.
A standard entry ticket will give you access to the studio tour with all of its exhibits and activities (excluding a couple of experiences that charge an additional fee), as well as all of the on-site facilities including dining and shopping options.
There is also an upgraded package available called the Deluxe Tour which includes a 2.5 hour guided tour of the studios, the green screen experience and some other perks including free Butterbeer. This experience will cost you £250 pounds ($465aud / $315usd).
Top Tips
Buy tickets in advance! If you only have limited days available for your visit make sure to book well in advance as tickets sell out fast.
Try and visit outside of peak times. Weekends and school holidays can get pretty crowded. If your plans permit, try and book your tickets for a weekday during the school term.
Check for special seasonal dates. If you’re visiting during certain times of the year you may be able to time your visit to catch one of the special seasonal displays like Hogwarts in the Snow (Christmas) or the Dark Arts (Halloween).
If you’re having trouble getting tickets for your preferred dates check the day tour options (see Package Tours above). You’ll need to purchase a day tour package that may cost you a little more but they can often have tickets available even when the studio is fully booked.
Check the weather. About 10% of the studio tour is outside. If you don’t want to have to rush through this section on a cold day make sure to bring your coat.
It’s a one-way tour. Make sure you’ve seen everything you want to in each section before moving on. Generally, once you’ve entered the next “zone” you can’t go back.
Plan your shopping. If you don’t want to carry your souvenirs around with you all day, leave your visit to the Studio Store until after your tour.
Watch one (or all) of the movies before your visit. You’ll appreciate the sets so much more when they’re fresh in your mind.
Feel free to wear your Hogwarts robes if you have them, you won’t be the only one!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Map - as published on www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
With so much to see and do at the Harry Potter London Studios, you don’t need to be a die-hard fan to enjoy your visit. Test your wand skills, try some butterbeer, say hi to Dobby and take a ride on Hagrid’s motorbike. With new exhibits being added over time and the stunning seasonal displays, I know I’ll be back for visit number 3 in no time!
Are the Harry Potter London Studios on your travel wish list? Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited any other Harry Potter attractions around the world.
This post is not sponsored. As always all views and opinions expressed are my own.
