A trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a chance to step behind the scenes, explore the magic that brought the beloved books and films to life, and immerse yourself in the world of witchcraft and wizardry. We recently had the opportunity to visit, and we're here to share our experience and tips for making the most of your own magical journey.
As our visit was during the Christmas season the Harry Potter Studio was transformed into a winter wonderland called Hogwarts in the Snow. It is absolutely essential that you book tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons and can be fully booked for months in advance. Tickets start at £56 for an adult but there are also family tickets available and packages that include hotels. Children 4 and under go free, as do carers which we will cover in our blog about accessibility at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Entrance to the Tour
The trip was purchased for us as a gift so I hadn't done much research online about what to expect from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. When we arrived and stepped into the lobby, we were immediately struck with a sense of wonder. The sheer scale of the operation is impressive, but it's the attention to detail that truly captivates. You then enter a large hall where you're greeted by a huge dragon suspended from the ceiling, there's a large food hall, the entrance to the tour and the gift shop (you'll exit here after the tour).
We joined the queue for the tour, as it winds around you'll see lots of artwork on the walls and some displays from the sets, such as the cupboard under the stairs. Then, the magic begins, the tour starts with a short introductory film featuring the cast and crew, setting the stage for what's to come. Then 2 people from the room are invited to assist with opening the doors, my brothers partner was chosen for this.
The Great Hall and Beyond
The grand doors revealed the magnificent Great Hall, and it was breathtaking. Seeing the long tables set for a Christmas feast, the house banners hanging proudly, and the intricate details of the architecture is truly awe-inspiring. It's hard not to feel like you've just walked into Hogwarts itself. From the Great Hall, the tour flows seamlessly through various sets, each one as impressive as the last. You can wander through the Gryffindor common room, imagining Harry, Ron, and Hermione relaxing by the fire, explore Dumbledore's office, and brave the Forbidden Forest. My favourite part was standing before the Hogwarts Express, we were even able step aboard to explore the carriages, each representing a different film.
Top Tip - Don't forget to collect a complimentary activity passport when you start the studio tour. With this you can collect souvenir stamps at key points throughout the tour but be careful to only stamp one page at a time, we didn't realise at first and the embossed stamp went through the whole book.
Food & Drink
Midway through the tour, you'll find the Backlot Cafe and the Butterbeer Bar, where you can take a break and grab a bite to eat and a Butterbeer. As it was our first time trying Butterbeer we didn't know what to expect so we decided to share the Butterbeer Sharing flight, It came with a Butterbeer in a souvenir tankard, a Butterbeer Ice Cream in a souvenir sundae dish and a Butterbeer cupcake, all of which were delicious.
The Tour Continues
From there, we explored the ouside attractions including Privet Drive and Ron's flying car, back inside the tour led us into a magical Diagon Alley. The dusting of snow created a charming winter village atmosphere, and we loved getting a close look at all the shops. Finally, we entered the grandeur of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. With its goblin tellers' desks and dazzling chandeliers, it felt incredibly real. We were amazed to learn that Gringotts housed the most props of any set, including over 200,000 prop coins!
Interactive Experiences
Throughout the tour, there are various interactive experiences that add another layer of fun to the experience and are perfect for families with children.. You can try your hand at wand combat, create your own wanted poster, pose for photos in the Hogwarts Express carriage, and even learn how to fly a broomstick over London and Hogwarts. You can't take photos or videos here but you can purchase them at the end,
Props, Costumes, and Creatures
One of the highlights of the tour is the sheer volume of props and costumes on display, from the quidditch robes to Harry's Nimbus 2000 and the Weasley family clock. We learnt all about how the sets and props were designed and created and saw how the magical creatures were brought to life on screen. The detail and craftsmanship are remarkable, and it really brings home the artistry that went into creating the films and gives a deeper appreciation for the visual effects.
Studio Shop
At the end of the tour, you'll find the Studio Shop. It's a treasure trove of Harry Potter merchandise. From wands and robes to house scarves and collectibles, there's something for every fan. Louie chose Buckbeak teddy and Charlie opted for the Chocolate frog which came in a collectible tin with some holographic cards. Be warned, it's easy to spend a fortune!
Tips for Your Visit
- Book your tickets well in advance. They sell out quickly, especially during holidays and school breaks.
- Arrive early. This will give you more time to explore and avoid the biggest crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Allow plenty of time. The recommended time to allow is 3-4 hours but it took us 5-6 hours.
- Bring your camera! There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the tour.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the films.
Conclusion
Our visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour was a truly magical experience. It's a must-see for any fan of the books or films, and we would highly recommend it. It's a chance to step into the world of Harry Potter and experience the magic for yourself.
If you would like to book a tour you can book tickets directly with Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. You can also find packages including hotels and/or transport at viator.com.
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