Whether you’re an absolute fan of the Harry Potter saga or simply enjoy J.K. Rowling’s enchanting world, a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a magical experience to be enjoyed during your stay in London. Ready to don your cloak and dive into the wizarding world? Here’s a guide to making the most of this magical immersion.
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- Where can I buy tickets for the Harry Potter studios in London?
- How much does a visit to Harry Potter Studios cost?
- When is the best time to visit Harry Potter Studios?
- How do I get to Harry Potter Studios from London?
- How long does a visit to Harry Potter Studios last?
- What’s it like to visit the Harry Potter studios?
Just 30 kilometers from the capital, Harry Potter Studios takes youbehind the scenes of the eight films in the saga. Unlike a theme park like Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, London’s studios take you right to the heart of the filming, without rides, but with the authenticity of every set, costume and special effect. Here, you don’t just watch – you explore the
Where can I buy tickets for the Harry Potter studios in London?
To visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter If you’d like to visit us, it’s imperative that youbuy your tickets online before your visit, as no tickets are available on site. You have two choices:
Tickets without transport
- Official studio website: The safest way is to buy your tickets directly from the official Warner Bros. studios website, where you can choose your time slot and get up-to-date information on prices and current events.
- Visit Britain: The official website of the British Tourist Board also offers one-way tickets with an early booking option.
Tickets with transport included
- Online platforms: Platforms such as GetYourGuide, Viator, Tiqets or HelloTickets offer tickets including shuttle transport from central London.
- Bus companies: Companies such as Golden Tours and Evan Evans offer “ticket + transport” packages that include a return bus journey from London, with timetables to suit the length of the visit.
Whichever option you choose, tickets go fast, especially during school vacation periods. To guarantee your slot, plan your purchase several weeks or even months in advance.
For an even more memorable experience, look out for special events like “Christmas at Hogwarts” or “Halloween in the Forbidden Forest”, which transform the visit into an even more magical immersion in the wizarding world!
How much does a visit to Harry Potter Studios cost?
Rates for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potte r vary according to age, options chosen and whether or not transport is included. Here is an estimate of standard prices for 2024, although rates will fluctuate depending on the period and specific offers:
- Standard admission tickets (without transport)
- Adults (16+): Approx. £55-£60 (€63-69)
- Children (5-15): approx. £45-£50 (€52-58), free for children under 5
- Family tickets: around £200-£220 (or €230-255) for 2 adults and 2 children
- Tickets with transport included
- Adults (16+): Approx. £90-£100 (€104-115)
- Children (5-15 years): approx. £80-£85 (€92-98)
Prices may vary slightly, especially during busy periods. For exact rates and availability, visit the studios’ official website or booking platforms such as Visit Britain and GetYourGuide.
When is the best time to visit Harry Potter Studios?
The best time to visit Harry Potter Studios depends on your preferences in terms of atmosphere and crowds. We were lucky enough to go during the
For those who want to appreciate every detail and take a leisurely stroll down the aisles, we recommend scheduling a visit in spring orautumn, when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. It’s also advisable to avoid school vacations, as well as weekends and public holidays, which often attract larger crowds.
In any case, it’s essential to book your tickets in advance, especially for special events such as Christmas or Halloween, when demand is high and places fill up quickly.
How do I get to Harry Potter Studios from London?
There are several options for getting to Harry Potter Studios from central London, each with its advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of experience you’re looking for and the budget you decide to allocate to the journey.
Theorganized excursion with bus transfer is the most popular solution, as it requires no special organization. However, with an adult fare of around £105, the cost of transport is almost equivalent to that of the entrance ticket, which can be a deterrent. The excursion is about three hours round trip, and the on-site visit is limited to four hours, which may be enough for some, but not for all.
A more flexible and economical option is to take the train. West Midlands Trains run from Euston station to Watford Junction in just 20 minutes, with tickets from £6.60 off-peak. From Watford Junction, a
For those who have a car and prefer to drive, it’s also possible to reach the studios by car. The studios are located close to the
How long does a visit to Harry Potter Studios last?
Technically, the Harry Potter Studios website recommends a visit of 3 to 4 hours. This is the minimum recommended if you want to have enough time to fully explore the site. However, the tour is self-guided and there’s no time limit, which means you can stay as long as you like. On the other hand, if you choose a ticket with transport included, you can’t choose your return time; the allotted time on site is around 4h30.
To optimize the experience, it’s a good idea to opt for morning tickets to avoid the pressure of afternoon opening times. A late entry (after 4pm for 8pm closures, or after 6pm for 10pm closures) could force you to visit more quickly, as it’s so easy to get caught up in the magical atmosphere when you’re there!
If you’re on a tight schedule due to studio closures or transport at a specific time, avoid eating areas where queues can be long, or take a snack to go so you don’t waste too much time at the table.
What’s it like to visit the Harry Potter studios?
What wonders await visitors on a tour of Harry Potter Studios? For those who want to know more, here’s an overview of the different stages of the visit. The aim is not to reveal everything, but to highlight the must-see elements: the iconic sets, the striking settings and the not-to-be-missed experiences. However, for those who prefer to keep the surprise intact, it’s best to stop reading here! 😉
Arrival at the studios
To gain access to the studios, you must present your admission ticket. Once through security, you can explore the lobby and take advantage of the services offered by the Café Chocogrenouille, the Hub Café and the boutique, whatever your schedule.
After ticket control, visitors can purchase an audioguide for £5.25, useful for those who don’t speak English, as well as Harry Potter passports to collect souvenir stamps along the way.
The visit begins with a wait of around 10 to 30 minutes, but don’t panic, the experience starts right here! The waiting area features a number of emblematic settings, such as the famous cupboard under the stairs where Harry slept. Once inside, visitors are treated to an initial video presentation outlining the essential instructions for making the most of the visit. Then, a large screen lights up for a second video that plunges everyone into the magical world of the saga, and the adventure can begin. These steps, though perhaps a little lengthy, allow for better visitor management, ensuring a fluid, immersive visit from the very first moment.
Good to Know
- For those wishing to immerse themselves in the magical world, dressing up as a wizard is entirely possible. Hats, capes and clothes from the various houses are welcome, as are Muggle outfits 😉
- The studios offer a defined itinerary, allowing you to move from room to room and from universe to universe at your own pace. So it’s impossible to miss anything by following the usual route… It’s also possible to turn back to take a forgotten photo or stamp your passport.
La Grande Salle
The tour begins with a place that’s emblematic of the saga: the Great Hall. Who hasn’t dreamed of their school’s canteen being as spectacular as Hogwarts? In winter, the wizarding school is covered in a magnificent blanket of snow, enhancing the magic of the film’s settings. The magical atmosphere of the Hogwarts Christmas Ball is immediately apparent!
Decorated especially for the festive season, the long tables are set for a sumptuous feast whose realism impresses. You almost feel like joining in the celebration. In the background, the famous Professor Dumbledore sits behind his desk, ready to announce the houses of the new students. The candles floating in the air and the striking authenticity of the sets truly give the illusion of being part of the film.
Interior design
After leaving the Great Hall, the tour continues at your own pace, strolling through a multitude of iconic settings, including the Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, Dumbledore’s office, the entrance to the Ministry of Magic, the Burrow and even Hagrid’s cabin. It’s a real feast for the eyes, so impressive is the realism!
This area is clearly one of the places where we spend most of our time, as there are so many things to admire. There’s a magnificent collection of costumes and props from the films, including Hermione’s ball gown, the painting of the Fat Lady and the famous door to the Chamber of Secrets. And there are explanatory panels everywhere, revealing well-kept secrets and tricks of the trade, making the visit even more interesting.
To add to visitors’ enjoyment, a Quidditch animation on a green background means that, for an additional fee, they can leave with a personalized photo of themselves in action on a broom.
The Forbidden Forest and the Hogwarts Express
After the wonder of the interior settings, the mood changes completely as we venture into the mysterious atmosphere of the Forbidden Forest. Lurking in the shadows, Aragog’s animatronics are so realistic they give you the shivers. On the other side, Buck the hippogriff, in life-size, impresses with his meticulously detailed plumage. The atmosphere is chilling. It’s a thrill to plunge into memorable scenes from the Harry Potter universe.
Leaving the forest behind, we come upon a setting that has been the stuff of dreams for so many generations: the famous 9¾ track! Here you’ll find the student luggage carts and the Hogwarts Express locomotive. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a photo across the station wall before exploring the train’s interior, discovering the famous compartments where students have had so many adventures.
Close to the exit, a green screen set allows those who wish to put their acting skills to the test by re-enacting cult scenes inside the train. It’s an entertaining experience, even if it’s a shame to have to pay extra to get the photos back. The next stop is the café, the only place in the studios where you can eat and drink. At this point, we’re about halfway through the tour.
Outdoor settings
Although relatively compact, the outdoor area features some of the saga’s most impressive elements. The Dursley house allows you to explore its first floor and relive memorable scenes, such as Aunt Marge blowing up like a balloon, or the whirlwind of Hogwarts acceptance letters in the living room. In the courtyard, you’ll find the famous Magicobus, Mr. Weasley’s enchanted carriage, Hagrid’s motorcycle and even the greenhouse, where you’ll discover the Mandragores in full potting mode.
Magical creatures, Gringotts and Chemin de Traverse
Back inside to discover an impressive room dedicated to the creatures and special effects that bring them to life. Masks, prostheses, make-up and animations of all kinds are on display. The mechanism of the Book of Monsters is fascinating, as are the bluffing realism of the goblins, the frightening basilisk head from the Chamber of Secrets and a model of Graup’s face.
Then it’s on to Gringotts! Its grandiose hall with crystal chandeliers, faux marble columns, inkwells and feathers exudes an impressive ambience. It’s the kind of setting that reminds us just how magical cinema can be. Right next door, the same room is reproduced in its dragon-destroyed version in
Walking along the magnificent Chemin de Traverse, with its eccentric, colorful boutiques, is like being a sorcerer’s apprentice in search of your first magic wand. Every storefront, from Fleury et Bott to Ollivanders, inspires wonder and curiosity. It’s impossible not to stop in front of the Weasley twins’ joke store, where every detail reflects the facetious, inventive spirit of their unique creations.
The Great Hogwarts Model
To round off your visit to Harry Potter Studios, prepare to be dazzled by the huge model of Hogwarts Castle.
Measuring several meters in height, the imposing model was used for exterior views of the school in the films, making every scene unforgettable. Dressed in a white winter coat, it becomes even more magical, recalling the snowy landscapes of Hogwarts.
Illuminated to simulate different times of day, the model pays tribute to the titanic work of the artists who brought this iconic saga location to life. Majestic, every detail transports us into the fascinating world of the most famous school of witchcraft.
Magic memories
The visit ends on a high note in one of the largest stores dedicated to the Harry Potter universe! Here you’ll find an impressive variety of derivative products, as well as exclusive items that make this store almost unmissable! Fans of the different houses can find clothes in the colors of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. As for treats, the famous Chocogrenouilles, surprise Bertie Crochue sweets and packs of Bièraubeurre are waiting to be tasted.
The collection continues with must-have items: wands, writing quills, Hogwarts acceptance letters, the Magic Chooser and even the famous Marauder’s Map! There’s no shortage of accessories either, with a dedicated jewelry store, key rings, mugs, water bottles, notebooks and magnets featuring the emblematic characters (human and creature). For younger visitors, plush toys and even Harry Potter-edition models and Lego are also on offer. In short, even if you don’t intend to buy, you’ll enjoy wandering around, prolonging the magic of the adventure.
In conclusion, a visit to the Harry Potter studios is much more than just an attraction: it’s a journey behind the scenes of one of the most influential sagas of recent decades. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious, the experience is fascinating, and you’ll leave with stars in your eyes. So, are you ready to experience a little magic?
May the world of Hogwarts be with you!
