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If you’re a Harry Potter fan (or even just someone who enjoys a good behind-the-scenes experience), the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is an absolute must-visit.
I’ve had the chance to go on the Harry Potter Studio Tour twice, and it was everything I hoped for. From stepping into the Great Hall to sipping Butterbeer and flying a broomstick (virtually!), here’s what made the day truly magical.
Tips for your visit
There are a few things you should know about planning your visit to the Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Getting There
The studio is not in London. That’s right, the lot is actually called Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden and you will find it in Watford, Hertfordshire, Northwest of London. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to get there,.
By Train
Take a direct train from London Euston to Watford Junction. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From Watford Junction, there’s a dedicated shuttle bus to the studio, which runs every 20 minutes and takes about 15 minutes. (Make sure to bring your tour booking confirmation to board the shuttle.)
By Car
If you’re driving, the studio offers free parking, but you’ll need to book a space when you purchase your ticket. The address for GPS:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
By Tour Package
Combo Tickets
Several companies offer combo tickets that include coach transport from Central London and entrance to the studio. This is a great stress-free option if you don’t want to navigate trains or buses.
I’ve booked the same Harry Potter Studio Tour twice. The tour includes admission, pick up from London, pick up at the studio, and plays the Harry Potter movies on the drive.
If you’re worried about getting lost and not finding the designated pick up spot, this tour will pick up at most hotels.
Deluxe or VIP Tours
Book in Advance
Slots fill up quickly, especially on the weekends and holidays. When you know when you want to visit, book right away.
Plan for at least a half day or a full day
I first visited the studio in 2017 and a half day was plenty of time. When I returned again in 2022 they had added even more to see. You can now go Inside Privet Dr, Professor Sprouts’ classroom, Gringotts to name a few more additions. Had I known these additions, I would’ve allotted for more time.
Depending on the time you go, the set will be decorated differently.
The first time I visited was in Spring 2017, and the theme was all about Hagrid. From all of his costumes, to learning about his double and seeing all his props, that was a really cool exhibit and I learned more about the character and actors.
In the winter months which was when I visited for the second time, the theme was “Hogwarts in the Snow”, to my knowledge is a reoccurring winter theme. As you can imagine, everything was in the wintry ambiance, from the Hogwarts castle in snow, to the great hall decorating for not only Christmas but the Yule Ball.
You can see the theme announcement on the homepage of the Studio Site.
The Studio
Every detail of the Harry Potter Studio Tour is intentional and thought out.
First Impressions
From the moment you approach the entrance, the excitement starts to build. The exterior is lined with massive posters of the films, and once inside, you’re greeted by props, photos, and an enormous dragon suspended from the ceiling.
As you wait in line, you see the cupboard under the stairs. It’s so much smaller in person! After a short introduction film, the doors to the Great Hall open – and it’s hard not to get goosebumps.
Walking Through the Sets
One of the best things about the studio tour is the sheer amount of detail. You get to walk through actual sets used in the films!
- The Great Hall: It’s smaller than it looks on screen but just as impressive, with costumes from all four Hogwarts houses.
- The Gryffindor Common Room: Cozy, detailed, and exactly how you’d imagine it.
- Dumbledore’s Office: The moving staircases and the Pensieve are just as mysterious in person.
- The Forbidden Forest: Dark, foggy, and yes, there’s a very realistic animatronic Buckbeak.
- Platform 9 ¾ & The Hogwarts Express: You can even board the train!
Behind the Magic – Props, Costumes & Special Effects
What makes this tour unique is how much it reveals about the filmmaking process. You’ll see intricate props (like the Horcruxes), hand-drawn concept art, animatronics, and even how they made Hagrid appear larger than life. There are interactive sections too – like trying your hand at wand choreography or riding a broomstick against a green screen.
Butterbeer Break & Gift Shop Temptations
Midway through the tour is the cafe, where you can try the famous Butterbeer or Butterbeer ice cream. (Spoiler: it’s very sweet, but worth trying once!) The gift shop at the end is huge and filled with everything from wands and house scarves to chocolate frogs and Marauder’s Maps. It’s easy to spend a small fortune here, but also hard to resist.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about movie magic, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is an unforgettable experience. It gave me a new appreciation for the incredible work that went into making the films, and honestly, it felt like stepping into my childhood daydreams.
Have you been to the studio tour? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below!
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