It’s time that I officially put it out there! I’m happy to announce that I am a proud Harry Potter fan. Just like every other young teen, I’ve read all the books, watched all the movies countless times, and visited the Magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios twice.
So when it came to planning my first trip to England the first thing I did was book the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour in London I was super excited to see “The Making of Harry Potter” and all its magical glory.
Check Out Below For My Complete Muggles Guide to Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour In London!
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is essentially a walkthrough tour featuring: movie sets, props, costumes & animations from the Harry Potter movie franchise.
This place is beyond incredible! It really makes you feel like you have been transported or should I say ‘apparated’ into the wonderful Wizarding World.
Purchasing Tickets
So if you happen to be a massive Potter fan like myself and your lifelong dream is to visit the Harry Potter Studio and experience the magic first hand then this guide is for you!
Now let’s be real the Harry Potter Studio Tour is extremely popular and tickets sell out fast. So you will need to book your tickets far in advance so you can really choose the desired time and date that suits you.
You can only book tickets online and they don’t sell tickets at the door, so jump online and check out the next available dates. There are many different packages to choose from. A single adult ticket is £49.95 ($68.31 USD)
Book your Harry Potter Studio tickets here!
Make sure you bring with you your email confirmation and ID as you will need these to check in at the kiosk when you arrive. This is super important as you won’t be able to get on the tour without them. I forgot my ID and almost didn’t make it on the tour.
Getting There
The studio is located 20 miles northwest of London. About a 20 min train ride from London Euston to Watford Junction or a 43 min drive via the MI.
If you prefer to travel by train make sure you’re aware of which service you are using as some lines can take up to 50 mins to get there.
If you’re staying in the city then London Euston to Watford Junction express is the quickest line. I recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to save yourself time.
You can purchase your train ticket here.
We took the train from London and then boarded the Warner Bros shuttle bus at Watford Junction which is then another 15mins to the studio.
When you arrive at Watford Junction station the shuttle bus will be located just out the front. Don’t stress if you don’t see the bus right away as the shuttle arrives every 20mins and has big Harry Potter images all over it so you can’t miss it.
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You will also need to pay for the shuttle bus (which includes your return). So make sure you bring some cash as the bus doesn’t accept cards.
What To Expect
Once you arrive you can then go to the kiosk and print your tickets or you can do this inside the building. You will then need to wait in line for your allocated tour time.
Now, this is where it starts to get a little crazy and busy so make sure you give yourself enough time to print your tickets and wait in line. You will then be taken to a room to watch a brief film and then you will be escorted to the entrance doors to the great hall.
This is where the magic begins!
Now don’t be disheartened if you’re not the first to enter the hall and take all the cool pics. You won’t have to walk with the tour throughout the entire studio. The room will eventually clear so you can take all the pics you want.
The tour really allows you to move at your own pace so you can really take in all the Potter madness. Be prepared to be blown away!
Each room is so unique with props and movie sets like the Gryffindor Common Room, The Burrow, even Dumbledore’s Office. My favorite part is the moving props like the magic knitting needle in the Weasley’s Burrow and the flying minecart from the Gringotts Bank.
Handy Tips!
I highly recommend booking an early tour time so you can make the most of your visit. We spent a total of 3 hours walking around which is definitely enough time without feeling rushed.
I know some people stayed for 6 hours or more. It’s totally up to you, the earlier the better in my opinion.
Be sure to bring your camera!
You will want to take heaps of pics to show your fellow Potter fans back home.
Be sure to save some money for some yummy butterbeer at the end of your tour. The Studio has a cafe located just outside in the backlot.
Now you aren’t allowed to eat while you’re on the tour but you can pack some lunch in your bag and save it for the end if you don’t want to purchase food at the cafe.
“I solemnly swear that I’m up to no good!”
Want to get your photo on a broomstick? I highly recommend doing this first so you can beat the line. You will need to walk past all the rooms with the props but once you have taken your photo you can go back through and start again.
This last tip brings me to the gift shop. You may find yourself on a massive shopping spree. The gift shop has loads to offer and can be a bit pricy however, there are a few little items that make great memorabilia.
Just taking photos throughout the studio tour was enough for me so I can relive the Harry Potter experience forever.
“Anything off the trolley dears?” “We will take the lot”.
Overall I found the Harry Potter experience to be above and beyond amazing! The amount of detail in every prop and set is incredible. The staff at the studio really makes you feel a part of the Potter world.
I highly recommend this to family and friends whether you live around the London area or are visiting from overseas. It’s certainly an unforgettable experience and I would love to go back and visit again.
What did you think of the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London? What was your favorite part let me know below?
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