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Taking a Harry Potter Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: April 9, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 24 Comments

If you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting the UK, the chances are high that you want to take the Harry Potter Studio Tour near London. This tour, of the Warner Bros. Studio where the majority of the films were shot, is a fascinating experience, and well worth doing even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan.

You can visit places like the Great Hall, the railway station, various filming locations from inside Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, and even Diagon Alley.

As well as visiting the film sets, you will also learn all about how the films were made, see many of the props from the movies, get to participate in some green screen magic, have the opportunity to try Butterbeer, and of course, buy all the Harry Potter merchandise you can imagine!

In this guide we’re going to go through everything you need to know to visit the Harry Potter Studios, including how to get there, how to get tickets, information for making the most of your day, and lots more! Let’s get started by answering some questions you may have.

Where Was Harry Potter Filmed?

Harry Potter was filmed all across the UK, at real world locations such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, Alnwick Castle, Glencoe in Scotland and Leadenhall Market in London . See our full guide to Harry Potter filming locations in the UK for more.

The interior sets and the majority of the rest of the films were shot at the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, just outside London.

Where is the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

The Harry Potter Studio Tour takes place in the Warner Bros. Studio, which is found in Leavesden, England. This is around 20 miles northwest of London.

The Warner Bros. Studio is a fully working film studio, one of the largest in the UK, and many films have been shot here, including the whole Harry Potter franchise as well as some of the Star Wars,   Batman , and Mission: Impossible films.

Harry Potter Studio Opening Times

You will definitely want to check the website for up-to-date opening times, but generally throughout the year the studio is open from 8.30am through to 10pm. More specifically:

• Doors open at 8.30am
• First tour starts at 9am
• Final tour starts at 6.30pm
• Studio closes at 10pm

These times do vary by day. In terms of dates, the Studio is open every day of the week. There are some exceptions, it is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th and 26th of December).

How Much Does the Harry Potter Studio Tour Cost?

Prices for the standard tour are as follows (correct as of April 2024).

• Adult: £53.50
• Child aged 5-15: £43
• Childer Under 4: Free
• Family: £172
• Carer: Free

For a family, this can be either 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children.

You can also purchase more expensive tour packages, but these are the basic prices. Note that these are just entry prices, and don’t include any transport.

Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour Accessible?

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is accessible, and visitors can bring one carer free of charge with proof of entitlement.

For the studio itself, the majority of it is level and accessible for wheelchair users. There are some exceptions, such as the Hogwarts Bridge and the Knights Bus. Diagon Alley also includes an incline and cobbled streets.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted but mobility scooters cannot be wider than 86cm.

Visitors with assistance dogs are welcome and water bowls can be provided. There’s also a dedicated toilet area for assistance dogs.

For visitors with a hearing impairment, induction loops can be provided. A portable iPad is also available (this must be booked in advance), which can provide a subtitled version of some of the films. It’s also possible to book a BSL tour in advance.

For more information on accessibility and any other needs you have, please visit the accessibility section of the official website.

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour

You have two major options for getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour – you can take a tour which includes your transport, or you can make your own way there using either public transport or a car.

We’ll go through both of these options so you can make the right decision as to which is going to be best for you.

Certainly, the easiest option for getting to the Harry Potter Studios is to take a tour which includes your return transport.

These tours leave from various locations around London (and other parts of the UK), and included in the price of your tour will be pre-booked timed entry to the Studio Tour and return transport to and from a pick-up point.

Note that most tours do not include a guide inside the experience as it is largely self-guided. However, you can book a tour, such as this one , which does include a guide for the time inside the studio as well. When choosing tours, do check how long they give you at the studio. You will generally want a minimum of three hours, although you might find four hours will be more suitable if you want to experience everything.

Some options include:

• This tour  which departs from the Victoria Coach Station in London
• Another tour with departure from Victoria Coach Station in London
• A slightly longer tour giving you 4 hours at the studio, with departure from Kings Cross Station, London
• This is a fully guided tour which includes return transport and a guide throughout the experience.
• This tour of the Harry Potter studios , which includes return transport from central London hotels
• If you want to do more on your day, this tour includes a tour of Oxford as well as the Studios , with departures from Great Portland Street, London
• This tour , with one of our favorite walking tour companies Take Walks includes a short walking tour of central London (including some Harry Potter filming locations in London ), followed by round trip transport to the studio and entry to the Studio Tour for four hours. We’ve done this tour and it is a good option although does make for a full day.

As you can see, there are lots of options! We’ve got more on all of these in the section below on how to buy your tickets for the Studio Tour.

By Public Transport

From central London, it’s fairly easy to get to the Harry Potter Studios by public transport. You will take the train from Euston Station to Watford Junction.

Then you need to take a dedicated shuttle bus operated by the Studio Tour that runs from just outside Watford Junction Station (it is well sign posted), that takes you directly to the studios.

For the train, you can either buy your tickets in advance here , or you can pay on the day using a contactless or Oyster card. This will require you to tap in and tap out using the yellow card readers. Note that Oyster cards and contactless cards do not work beyond Watford Junction, so don’t go any further than this.

See our  guide to buying and using the Oyster card in London , and our  guide to paying for public transport in London  for more information on using these forms of payment for travel in and around London.

For the shuttle bus, this is included in the price of your entry ticket. To board the bus you will need to have a valid pre-purchased ticket to the Harry Potter Studios, or proof of a ticket booking confirmation (printed or on your phone).

Getting to the Harry Potter Studios by car is relatively easy. Depending on the time of day, exact departure location and traffic, the drive from central London takes around an hour to ninety minutes.

From Oxford it’s around an hour, and it’s around two hours from Birmingham. Visitors with valid pre-purchased Studio tickets can take advantage of free parking on site. Note you cannot enter the parking area without a valid ticket or booking confirmation for that day.

Where to Buy Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets

If you are making your own way to the Harry Potter studios, you have to buy your ticket in advance from the official website . You cannot turn up without a ticket, and tickets are not for sale on site.

Tickets go on sale well in advance, but despite the site having capacity for up to 6,000 people a day, they tend to sell out far in advance, so you will want to plan as far ahead as possible.

The summer months, weekends, and school holidays are the busiest days of the year for the Studio so we recommend that you book as far in advance as you can if you are visiting over those periods.

Weekdays often have better availability, so if you are flexible, look at different days of the week to maximise your chances of getting a ticket.

Tickets are for timed entry, which helps the studios manage visitor numbers throughout the day. Whilst there is no limit to how long you can stay after you enter, you do need to enter the attraction at the time you book. There is a little bit of flexibility in this, but it’s best not to show up hours later than your time to avoid disappointment.

The WB Studios Tour folks recommend you arrive at the site at least 20 minutes before your ticket time so you can go through the security checks.

If you can’t buy a ticket from the official site, don’t worry, you still have lots of options.

First, you can opt to take a tour with a tour company, as these have a different ticket allocation system. Whilst this will be slightly more expensive, at least you will still be able to go, and it will include transport as well. See here for some of the tour options available, and here for even more !

Another option is to book a Deluxe Tour, which includes a two-hour guided tour of the studios, a photo package, a hot meal, butterbeer, souvenir guidebook and special designated parking. Following the guided tour, you are free to explore yourself. As Deluxe Tours are more expensive, they tend to have better availability.

Deluxe Tours can be booked directly with the Studios, subject to availability, on the official site here .

How Long Does the Harry Potter Studio Tour take?

The regular tour itself is self-guided, other than an introduction at the beginning, so you can take as long as you like to wander the studios.

The average length of a visit is around three and a half hours, and that is what the studio estimates most people will take and forecast their capacity around.

This is also about the amount of time that most tour companies will give you, although some offer a bit more time on site, so if you think you will need more time, be sure to pick a tour company that offers more time.

Where to Stay Near the Harry Potter Studios

The majority of visitors to the Harry Potter Studios visit from London as a day trip, and choose a hotel in London. If you go down this route, you might want to consider a hotel that makes it easier to get to the studios, be that by public transport or on one of the tours.

We’ve suggested some options below, as well as some hotels near the Studios themselves if you want to be really close.

Note that hotels in London are relatively expensive, especially those located near major attractions, and rooms aren’t always huge. However, we’ve picked what we think are a good choice for you.

We also recommend reading our guide to where to stay in London for some suggested options across all budgets.

Hotels near London Victoria train station (where most bus tours depart)

• Comfort Inn Buckingham Palace Road – great value 3* property just 5 minutes walk from London Victoria train station
• The Resident Hotel – well reviewed 4* property, five minutes from London Victoria.
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• Walrus Bar and Hostel – it’s not too close to London Victoria (15-20 minutes by public transport, or a 35 minute walk), but it’s very central and is a great budget option for London in general

Hotels near Euston train station (for the train)

• YHA London St. Pancras – a good value budget option a short walk from both Euston and Kings Cross stations. Offers both private and dormitory style rooms
• Comfort Inn and Suites King Cross – a great mid-range option, with all rooms coming with a kitchenette
• Point A Hotels – comfortable, cosy rooms, part of the well rated budget-friendly Point A hotel chain
• Radisson Blu Edwardian – luxury, boutique accommodation, a short walk from Euston station

Hotels near the Harry Potter Studios

• Mercure London – one of the closest hotels to the actual studios, this would be a good option if you are driving and want to be as close as possible
• Holiday Inn Express London – right next to Watford Junction, this mid-range and well reviewed property is convenient for both trains to London, and for the studio shuttle
• Jurys Inn London Watford – another great mid-range option, just a short walk from Watford Junction train station

Our Harry Potter Studio Tour Review and Experience

Now for the fun stuff! Although, if you want your visit to be a surprise, you might want to skip this section, as you now have everything you need to know in order to visit.

Still, if you want an idea of what to expect from your visit, read on, and we’ll share our own experiences of visiting the Harry Potter Studios! We have actually visited a few times over the years, both via a tour and using our own transport, and well talk about that a bit as well.

The first time we visited the studios we came from central London, taking the train to Watford Junction and the Shuttle Bus to the studio. When we visited there was a fee for the shuttle bus, but this is now included in the price of the ticket. The train was easy, and the shuttle bus departure point was well marked just outside the train station.

We pre-booked our tickets on the official website, so with our email booking confirmation we picked up our tickets from the kiosks. They have both staffed ticket windows and automatic kiosks – both work!

Once we had our ticket, which had our entry time on it, we went through security and joined the line for entry.

On another visit we took a tour to central London to compare the experience, specifically this tour . Whilst getting to the studio ourselves was easy enough, obviously having a bus take us directly to and from the studio from central London did make things even easier. However as it wasn’t a guided tour, once we were on site the experience was the same as visiting ourselves.

All entries for the Harry Potter Studio Tour are timed, so you have to wait in line, as they let each group in all together. Still, waiting in line is made fun, as the line has the cupboard under the stairs set right next to it, meaning you can start getting excited about your upcoming adventure straight away (and start taking pictures!).

At the time of our entry, we were all ushered into a large waiting room with a series of screens around the walls and given a brief introduction as to what we might expect. We then went into a cinema where some of the key cast members shared their thoughts. Then, the cinema screen rolled away, revealing a giant wooden door before us. Here, a guide welcomed us, and prepared us for our journey.

The Great Hall and Beyond

After our introduction, the massive wooden doors we were standing in front of opened, and the Great Hall was revealed. I have to say, this was pretty amazing, to be able to step into the world of Harry Potter. The Great Hall set was used as the Great Hall for six of the films, with many scenes shot here.

It certainly felt like the most complete of the sets we visited, as it was totally immersive and all around us, and was quite an experience.

From the Great Hall we were essentially allowed to continue on our own into the first half of the tour building. This had so much to see that I won’t go into it all here.

To give you an idea though, you can do everything from practice your wand waving through to seeing the Womping Willow in action through to visiting the potions laboratory, meeting Buckbeak, hanging out on Platform 9 3/4, and wandering around the Forbidden Forest!

Food and Butterbeer

Around half way through the tour, you come to the Backlot Cafe. This serves hot and cold food, as well as that famous drink – Butterbeer! This is a non-alcoholic beverage that tastes sort of like a mix of marshmallows and popcorn. It is definitely a must-try when visiting! We can also recommend the Butterbeer icecream which is very good.

You don’t have to eat here, as there are other dining options on site, including the Studio Cafe. However, if you want to try Butterbeer, the Backlot Cafe is the place to do it.

Privet Drive and the Night Bus

Once you’ve finished your butterbeer experience, it’s time to head outside to Privet Drive! Here you can see the house where Harry grew up, as well as a number of other fairly large props and sets, including the Knight Bus and the bridge that led across the ravine outside Hogwarts.

This is the only outside part of the tour, and it isn’t a huge area, although if the weather isn’t great you might want a waterproof jacket to enjoy this part of the tour.

Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley and the Last of the Tour

After seeing the exterior part of the tour, you enter the final part of the tour. Don’t worry though, you’re only really half way though – there’s loads to see still! From here you’re going to see a lot of the props and costumes, as well as detailed information on how these were created, and the work that went into them.

You’re also going to have the opportunity to walk through Gringotts Bank, meet a dragon, walk right down Diagon Alley, and see such locations as Ollivanders Wand Shop!

Finally, and perhaps most impressively, you come to the 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts itself. This is a massive construction that fills a whole room, and is truly spectacular. You can also watch videos to see how the model was used and digitally merged into the final films, which is very impressive.

Once you’re done with all the above, you pop out into the shop, where you can buy pretty much any Harry Potter merchandise you can imagine!

Tips for Visiting the Harry Potter Studio

Based on our experiences visiting the Harry Potter Studio in London, we’ve put together the following tips to help you plan your visit and maximise your time.

Decide how you want to visit

As described earlier in detail, you have a number of options for visiting the Harry Potter Studios, although depending on ticket availability, you might not always have every option. However, the main options are:

• Book a standard tour and plan your own transport, either by train/shuttle or car
• Book a deluxe tour and plan your own transport, either by train/shuttle or car
• Book a tour that includes transport and entry like this

Whichever you choose to go for, you will definitely have a great time!

Book your tickets in advance

We can’t emphasise this enough – tickets are not available on site – you have to book in advance . If you’re travelling independently, you can do that through the official site .

If tickets are not available through the official site for the time you want to visit, or you’d rather let someone else handle your transport, here is a good selection of tours to choose from , and here are some more options .

Plan your time

The average visit time is three and a half hours, so make sure you give yourself at least this much time on site. Don’t forget there’s food on-site as well as a massive gift shop, so you’ll want to factor time in for these activities too. Some fans can easily spend 4 or 5 hours here.

Whilst the majority of tours that include transport give you at least three hours on site, some allow for longer visits, so make sure to book the right tour for you. There is a lot to do and see on site, so more time can definitely be put to good use and you don’t want to feel rushed!

One of the best parts of visiting the Harry Potter Studios is just how interactive the experience can be. Whilst it’s certainly not a theme park, there’s a lot to do, from practicing your wand skills through to pushing your own trolley through the wall at platform 9 3/4 through to riding and summoning your own broomstick!

Some of these experiences will have a short queue, but due to the timed system for entry, these will never be too long.

Many visitors also come in full Harry Potter outfits, so don’t be afraid to dress up and get into the swing of things. You won’t be alone, and it adds to the experience for many people!

Further Reading

And that’s it for our guide to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London. We hope you found it useful – we certainly had a lot of fun taking the tour and putting this post together!

As well as this post, we’ve also got a lot more content that we think you’ll find useful, both Harry Potter related, and other content to help you plan your time in London and the UK.

• Whilst this is one of the best places for Harry Potter fans to visit in the UK, it’s by no means the only Harry Potter location or activity you can take part in. Check out our guides to finding Harry Potter in London, Harry Potter in Edinburgh and Harry Potter in Scotland for more inspiration.
• We also have a complete guide to Harry Potter filming locations in the UK
• A  Two Day London Itinerary  to help you see all the highlights of London. There’s also a  1 day version  if you’re short on time, and both a  3 day  and a  six day itinerary  if you’re here for longer
• Our detailed  packing list for London , to help you prepare for your trip
• Our  guide to buying and using the London Oyster Card , and our  guide to public transport in London  to help you get around without spending too much money
• My tips for finding the  best Photography Locations in London
• Our full  review of the London Pass  to help you decide if this attractions pass can save you money on your visit to London
• The best Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• A review of a  one day walking tour in London , should you want a guided tour of all of London’s highlights
• Our  detailed itinerary for  two weeks in the UK , should you want to have London as the start of a bigger adventure. We also have a  one week UK itinerary  for a slightly shorter visit.
• Thoughts on taking a  day trip from London, taking in Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds , our  guide to visiting Oxford for a day, and our guide to things to do in Cambridge .
• The  Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip. We also recommend the  Rick Steve’s London 2019  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it! Are you a Harry Potter wanting to take the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour? Have any questions about a visit? Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

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There are 24 comments on this post

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15th August 2023 at 8:43 am

what an amazing detailed blog. really helped me understand and plan the trip. I am booked for 1st October 5:30 as didn’t get any other day or time slot on the website,, do you think I should look at going through a tour agent to get more time in the day time or evening is fine? hoping there will be no issues in taking public transport while coming back. we will be staying in Westminster.

Laurence Norah says

15th August 2023 at 9:08 am

Thanks very much! So I think you will be fine. On the 1st October it looks like the studio tour doesn’t close until 10pm, and I would say that 4.5 hours should be more than enough. The last bus to the station leaves at 10pm, so just be sure to be on that. In terms of trains, looking at the West Midlands train timetables, the last train on a Sunday back to central London is at quarter to 1 in the morning, so I think you will be fine.

Enjoy your visit!

George says

3rd May 2023 at 7:47 am

I just finished reading your post about taking a Harry Potter studio tour and I have to say it was incredibly informative and enjoyable to read! You provided a lot of helpful information for anyone planning on taking a tour, from practical tips on transportation and timing to advice on how to make the most out of the experience.

One of the things I really appreciated about your post was how you made it clear that the tour is not just for die-hard Harry Potter fans. Even for those who have only seen the movies, the tour can be a fascinating and immersive experience. I also liked how you emphasized the importance of taking your time and really exploring each exhibit and set, rather than rushing through them.

Your post was also full of helpful details, from what to expect on the tour to how to save money on tickets. I particularly appreciated your recommendation to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as well as your advice to avoid peak times if possible.

Overall, I thought your post was a fantastic resource for anyone planning on taking a Harry Potter studio tour. You provided a wealth of information and tips that will undoubtedly make the experience more enjoyable for anyone who reads your post. Thanks for sharing your insights and expertise with us!

4th May 2023 at 5:30 pm

Thanks very much George, I appreciate your feedback!

3rd April 2023 at 10:58 am

Hi there! I just read your blog post about taking a Harry Potter Studio Tour and I have to say, it’s an incredibly informative and detailed guide. I’ve been to the Studio Tour myself and I can attest to the accuracy of your tips and advice.

I particularly appreciate the way you organized your post into different sections, making it easy for readers to find the information they need. Your advice about booking tickets in advance and arriving early is spot on – it’s definitely worth taking those extra steps to avoid long lines and ensure the best possible experience.

Your photos are also amazing and really bring the tour to life. It’s wonderful to see all the different sets and props up close and your photos do a great job of capturing the intricate details that went into creating them.

Overall, I think this post is a fantastic resource for anyone planning a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. You’ve covered everything from transportation to food to the best photo opportunities, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to make the most of their visit. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!

Highly Recommended to all.

3rd April 2023 at 11:27 am

Thanks very much, I’m glad to hear you found the post useful and you enjoyed your Harry Potter Studio Tour 🙂

Jean searle says

25th October 2021 at 11:18 pm

My family live on the wirral it would take us about 3 1/ 2 hrs to get there with the price of fuel costly then the stay overnight in the hotel with bed and breakfast. Your outstanding entry price for an adult £48 Kids price extortionate my granddaughter is 8yrs old obsessed with Harry Potter reads the books loves the films she is desperate to come on the studio tour but can’t justify you outrageous prices. And then we have to pay for fuel to travel back. I am registered disabled but not in a wheelchair. My husband is my carer we are also pensioners do you honestly expect a disabled person to pay £48 to get in while OK my carer is free surely you should have compensation for the disabled person. As it stands we have to keep letting the 8yr old down as we can’t afford your prices. Then the added extras for the bus etc. I would ask you to see if you could establish a different rate for children under 10 and the disabled pensioner please as we would bring her but out of our pension we cannot afford your cost. Hope you take into account what I have said. Underprivileged children should be catered for I know.you have to make your money but at the cost of a child. Shame on you. My granddaughter may never get to see it now.xc

26th October 2021 at 10:13 am

Thanks for your message! So to be clear, this website is not associated with the Warner Bros Studio or Harry Potter tour. It’s just a guide to visiting. If you want to reach out to them directly, you’ll need to do so via their website. Their contact information can be found here: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/contact-us/

All the best,

Dave Gaudie says

23rd July 2021 at 6:54 pm

Can I take photos throughout the tour ?

23rd July 2021 at 7:02 pm

Yep photography is permitted pretty much everywhere in the Harry Potter studio tour. There are a few exceptions – you can’t do photography in the pre-show cinema, or in the green screen areas. You also can’t use a tripod.

Have a great visit, and let me know if you have any more questions!

13th October 2019 at 4:38 am

Hello! I am so excited to have found your blog. I plan to read the entire london portion. I booked tickets to the studio for 1/1. I thought it would be a fun way to start the new year. Now I am wondering if it will be a problem to get to the studio. TfL site states train will be running on a sunday schedule. How much extra travel time should we think about? Our tix are for 1230p. We are staying by the waterloo station. Thank you for your amazing insights!

13th October 2019 at 3:25 pm

Thanks very much, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time.

For the trains, all you’d have to do is check the timetables for a Sunday and this should give you an idea of how much time you will need 🙂 You shouldn’t have to worry too much I don’t think, 1230 should give you plenty of time to get there! Have a wonderful time!

Nurika Abdullah says

27th September 2019 at 12:33 am

Hi thank you for this it is so useful especially for first timers like me. My concern is on the age, in the studios website it says below 16 must be accompanied by adults. I am thinking of sending my 15 and 13 yr old kids on their own. Would this be possible if I take a guided tour instead? Many thanks Nurika

27th September 2019 at 7:02 pm

Unfortunately the policy is that all children must be accompanied by an adult, even on the guided tours

26th September 2019 at 7:33 am

Thank you for you site and sharing some great information!! It is just awesome!!

Would you happen to know the difference between the Studio’s VIP tour and the Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour. Looks like the Fully-Guided might have a couple more stops?

26th September 2019 at 10:49 pm

So the VIP tour (I guess you mean the Deluxe tour?) includes a few extras like butterbeer, souvenir photo, meal and guidebook. So quite a few extras. The fully guided tour includes the tour, but I believe it’s the same actual tour as the Deluxe tour, just without the extras. Of course, it also include round trip transport from London as well.

So it’s more about if you want the extras or not, or if you prefer the transport.

Have an amazing time, whichever you go for!

Dr. Abraham K. George says

2nd May 2019 at 10:15 pm

Wow! What lovely immersive writing, and lots of fine fine details. A pleasure to read. I’m so glad I stumbled on to this blog. My search is over. Have bookmarked it. Going to follow it faithfully for our first-time holiday to London + Scotland this month. The fully guided tour seems to be the best of the lot as it probably gives you the maximum time possible to spend at the studio (I hope). By the way, tickets are sold out on the official site. Thank you so much, Abraham

3rd May 2019 at 4:39 pm

Hi Abraham – my pleasure, and I hope you have a wonderful tour. For sure, the tours are very popular so they sell out far in advance on the official website, but there are a number of other ways to get a trip, so I hope you are able to visit still 🙂

27th March 2019 at 7:48 pm

Hi can i ask the extra activities you mentioned are they free or do I need to account for extra spending money Regard emma

27th March 2019 at 7:59 pm

So the activities like the wand workshop, broomstick summoning and other interactive things like that are included. The only thing you would need money for is the giftshop, or if you want to eat or try butter beer. For the green screen broomstick flying experience, where you are filmed on a broomstick against a green screen, that is an extra price as you get the experience as photos or a DVD. There are also some other opportunities to buy photos through the tour, but these are of course optional 🙂

Have a wonderful time!

Robert says

13th March 2019 at 4:51 pm

Excellent information! I’ve been to the WB Harry Potter Studios twice (2015, 2017), and you really covered everything in accurate detail.

One tiny error though it probably won’t confuse anyone: You wrote “Then you need to take a dedicated shuttle bus operated by the Studio Tour that runs from just outside Euston Station (it is well sign posted), that takes you directly to the studios.” I believe you meant “Watford Junction Station” instead of “Euston Station” in that sentence.

Thanks for your terrific work on the entire site. A colleague of mine sent me a link to it knowing I have led student/parent groups to London. I’ve enjoyed digging into it!

13th March 2019 at 5:00 pm

Thanks so much for your comment! We loved visiting and writing this post was a real pleasure 🙂 Thanks also for spotting that error – I’ve fixed it now 🙂

Thanks again!

Roslia santamaria says

28th November 2018 at 7:02 am

Thank you so much..This is very useful!!

28th November 2018 at 11:21 am

My pleasure Roslia 🙂

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter Questions & Answers

I had a slot for 3.30 pm and was told that it meant I could get in between 3.30 and 4.00 pm.

It can easily get crowded, so I wouldnt assume, that they let you in whenever you come outside your slot time.

I would call them and ask, they are very friendly and helpful.

It really depends how late - they let a certain number of people through at certain times and you can be in there for quite a few hours before the next group comes in. So I'm sure it's ok if you're not strictly on time.

Sorry, I don't know what happened when you are late. I went two times and was early by more than an hour and they let me in early and I don't have to wait till the time booked to get in.

Don’t think it’s a problem we were 40 minutes early and they let us in they let a certain number of people in at a time so there’s no way everyone can go in at their allotted time hope this helps enjoy

Really don’t know as we were there 15 minutes early, best thing I can suggest is set your alarm clock early! I’m sure they’d just let you go in as normal after all you have paid!

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A Magical Guide to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

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Fact: In my entire life, I’ve only cried once at a tourist attraction.

And judge me all you want, but this cryfest happened at a Harry Potter studio tour.

… Allow me to explain myself.

Like most children born in the 90s, much of my youth was spent daydreaming about the arrival of my Hogwart’s acceptance letter. As this dream dwindled with the hardships of adulting, I instead took comfort in carbs and magical movie marathons.

But, it didn’t take much for these childhood dreams to resurface. A trip to London was all it took to re-open the floodgates (literally).

Let me tell you: for a Harry Potter fan, there is no attraction on this Earth more overwhelming and amazing than the  Warner Bros Studio Tour London, (AKA London’s Harry Potter set tour), which brings you through the filming site for all 8 movies in the Harry Potter franchise.

In addition to sets, you’re also shown countless props, the best gift shop in the world, and even a chance to taste butter beer for yourself. Come on now, is it at all a surprise that I bawled when I got to the end?

Read onwards for important info to know about the tour, some tips to keep in mind and of course, a recap of the experience (with plenty of photos!) Be careful for this section, as spoilers are abound!

PS: Check out my full list of Harry Potter themed attractions and experiences in London for more nerdy goodness.

Basic information to know about the Harry Potter Set Tour

If you’re interested in booking the epic Warner Bros Studio Tour in London for yourself, then here are some basic must-knows.

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets Info:

I first visited this attraction in 2014 and it was a hot mess then, and has only grown in popularity in the past few years.

If this Harry Potter set tour is a must-do for you, then make sure you book your tickets WELL in advance or you risk not being able to go!

Luckily, even when tickets are sold out on the main site, there are tours you can book online that will have tickets available for sold out dates.

Sometimes, booking with a tour is worthwhile because you not only guarantee your tickets, you also get the convenience of private transport there, which is nice and much less stressful than using public transport yourself.

Here is a breakdown of different Harry Potter Studio tour options that include transport. For your convenience, I also lay out their costs and what they have to offer:

Tickets can also be purchased online from the studio itself  here.

How to Get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London:

Despite its name, the Warner Bros Studio London is actually located in Leavesden, which is northwest of London.

While booking a tour/private transport is the easiest and most convenient way to get there, it is still quite painless to reach via public transit, as a shuttle bus runs from Watford Junction railway station.

To get to the Watford Junction station, you need to make use of London’s overground system.

Not sure about the best route to get there? Check out this handy trip planner .  The tour’s website recommends that you arrive at Watford Junction 45 minutes prior to your tour time.  

Remember to bring change, as the cost for the shuttle bus is 2 pounds each way.

NOTE : Leave a lot of leeway for you to get there. We definitely got lost a few times due to the transfers, and were stressed to the max! For a more stress-free experience, consider prebooking a tour that comes with transport. Here’s one for under $100USD.

Tips for Doing the Harry Potter Set Tour Like a Pro

Having addressed the basics, here are some tips you should keep in mind when planning your visit:

1. Check on the Warner Bros Studio Tour website for special events

The studio tour often has special weeks during which there are specialized displays or demonstrations.

If you have quite some time in London, I suggest looking up when special events are happening and to plan accordingly.

I was luckily around for the beginning of Wand Week, so I got to see wandmakers do their thing and I even got to pose with some Death Eaters. Super cool!

2. Allow extra time for travel

Especially if you are new to London, trying to navigate the transit there can take time, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the studio.

That being said, do not hyperventilate if your ticketed time is fast approaching. While the reservation system does assign you a time, they won’t turn you away if you are a bit late.

3. Don’t forget to print your Warner Bros Studio Tour ticket

This will make the whole process smoother.

One girl that came with us didn’t print hers and upon arrival, she realized that her order never actually went through.

Luckily, even though they claim there is no box office at the attraction, she was able to purchase a ticket there, but do book in advance to save yourself the trouble.

4. Set yourself a budget for magical souvenirs

Trust me, when you enter the Harry Potter Studio Tour Shop for the first time, you will lose all sense of self control.

You will suddenly want all these things that you would never need.

Legit wizard robe? Okay!

Replica wand? Yes please.

There are so many amazingly crafted souvenirs for sale that you will easily empty your wallet.

For budget-conscious backpackers (like me) or large families with crying children, setting a budget beforehand is a must.

5. Grab yourself a free Warner Bros Studio Tour London passport

At some point during the tour, you might notice children getting awesome embossed stamps on a Harry Potter passport.

Uh, yeah, those are actually not just for kids!

I shamelessly (and sweetly) asked a staff member for one, and they kindly obliged.

Getting the stamps is fun and having a Harry Potter passport is pretty much the best souvenir ever.

6. Be sure to check out other Harry Potter filming locations around the UK too

If you’ve made it all the way to Leavesden, you’re actually pretty close to a variety of other Harry Potter filming locations!

While this set tour is of course incredible, there are dozens of other real-life filming locations scattered around the UK that you can visit for yourself. Click here for a full list.

Harry Potter Set Tour Recap with Photos

With those tips out of the way, I’d love to show you some photos and a brief overview of the experience from my visit in 2014. Note that they have added a lot since then, but still…

WARNING: spoilers, spoilers, spoilers. 

Some would say that the best way to experience this tour is by seeing everything first hand, but if you are curious to see photos and more, feel free to scroll further.

Your magical experience begins as soon as you walk into the building. All around the lobby are canvases with various Harry Potter characters, as well as props and other cool artifacts hanging off the walls.

Even the task of waiting in line (typically the most mundane thing ever) is a joy for this tour.

The queue moves very quickly and there is plenty for you to nerd out about as you wait.

Most notably, Harry’s  cupboard under the stairs , is right next to the queuing area, ensuring that you get a perfect view of this iconic set.

You’ll notice that groups are taken in based on their spot in line, rather than their timed reservation.

This is why there is some flexibility when it comes to your arrival time.

If you’re a few minutes late, no worries, just hop in the queue and you will make it in all-the-same.  

The tour begins with a brief video introduction to the franchise, followed by a preshow featuring Rupert, Daniel and Emma themselves.

As this preshow concludes, the screen reveals the doors to the  Great Hall!  During my tour, they invited any birthday kids to come up and help open the doors.

After  seriously  wishing it was my birthday, I bitterly watched two ecstatic kids live out their childhood dreams, revealing the first stop of the tour, the amazing…

1. Great Hall!

This is the the only part of the tour where your time will be limited, as they let tour groups in every few minutes.

As such, if you want photos, be sure to snap them  quickly !

Being in this room is an unreal feeling. In addition to the long tables, cutlery and elaborate set pieces, you also get to view costumes from students in each house, and important Hogwarts faculty as well!

2. The Big Room

After your time in the Great Hall, you are brought into the  Big Room , which houses a variety of sets, props and costumes.

Here, you are given free reign to explore for yourself and gawk at all the amazing pieces the room contains!

Highlights for me were definitely the  Potions classroom  (complete with a Snape costume on display),  the Gryffindor Common Room  and  the Weasley House .

Many of the sets also have interactive buttons where you can make objects move by pressing them.

This was especially cool in the Weasley kitchen, where the touch of a button could make an iron move on its own, make vegetables chop themselves, etc. Super neat!

For those seeking a sweet photo opp, there are several green screen opportunities to ride a broom as a Quidditch player and more! I didn’t wait in line for this bit, but it definitely looked like a lot of fun! Here are some photos from the Big Room:

3. The Backlot

After perusing the Big Room, you are brought outside to the  Backlot , home to a variety of sets including Harry’s  Privet Drive home , the  Hogwarts Bridge , the  Knight Bus  and of course,  the concession stands!  

It’s at this point in the tour that you can live out your childhood fantasy of sipping a nice, cold  butterbeer.  

Be sure to explore the bridge before you purchase a butterbeer, as no food or drink is allowed on that set. 

Now, while public opinion seems to be split on the taste of butterbeer, I have to say that  I. loved. every. single. sip.  

It’s very possible that I was blinded by the magic of my surroundings, but I would argue that it’s worth a try regardless!

NOTE: If you want to purchase a souvenir cup, remember to bring a bag or something to wrap it in, as that stuff can get mighty sticky. Here’s a sample of the cool things you’ll see in the backlot!

4. Art Department, Creature Effects and Diagon Alley

When you’re ready to go back inside, countless wonders from the  creature effects & art department  await you. Here, you really get to appreciate the depth of work put into creating a whole magical world.

I was really wowed by everything.

In this area, you will see masks, wigs, models and more of your favourite magical creatures.

In this second half of the tour as well, you get to walk through Diagon Alley. The details and work in the set will absolutely blow you away. The shops look so real, you’ll be tempted to go knocking on their doors.

5. Hogwarts Castle Model

And lastly, the grand finale of the Harry Potter set tour… The model of Hogwarts!

This one here is a real showstopper.

A walkway surrounding the model allows you to view it from all angles, taking in the fine details of this wonderful school.

For many Harry Potter fans, seeing the castle like this is a dream come true. Now, if only it were real!

At the end of the tour, just before the entrance of the Harry Potter Studio Tour Shop, you will see this wonderfully beautiful quote appear on the screen:

It was at this point that  I began to bawl.  I couldn’t help it!

Everything that I loved about the series had been shown to me in the past few hours, and for that short period of time, I got to live out my dream of seeing the magical world that made my childhood.

Messy and gross, I walked into the gift shop, which was a massive treasure trove of things you never knew you wanted or needed. Wands for every character? I’ll take 100.

And there you have it,  the most magical experience ever . One day, I  will   visit the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but until then, I think this tour has given me enough happy & geeky memories to last. …. At least for the next little while.

Any more questions about visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London?

 Over to you – have you ever been to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London? IF NOT, THEN WTF ARE YOU WAITING FOR? No jk, uh I meant to ask, which part would you most look forward to?!

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7 thoughts on “A Magical Guide to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know”

Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

Thanks for reading! 🙂

bookmarked!!, I like your blog!

thanks Jane!! 😀

Hi Christina! I’m going to be traveling alone to London this week, would the Harry Potter tour be fun for a solo traveler? Also, I was considering buying a groupon for a night tour, but the picture of you holding the butter beer appears to be outside? I guess we would be missing this part of the tour if I went at night then eh?

hi Lisa, I hope this comment isn’t too late! but YES YES YES the tour would 100% still be fun as a solo traveler (provided that you like Harry Potter haha). I didn’t realize they had a special night tour, but the butterbeer was outside in a special lot where they had lots of big props and set pieces (it’s part of the tour) so I can’t imagine they would leave it out for any reason. I have my fingers crossed for you!

Thank you for this article and the pics. I always need to take a peek of the atmosphere beforehand since I’m going solo. I hope they will let me use my selfie stick inside.

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Exclusive Late Entry at Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Champagne

• Private Champagne reception in the Great Hall
• Entry to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
• Return transfers by executive coach from Central London
• 1 glass of Champagne per person (or non-alcoholic options)
• Entry/Admission - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
• Melcombe Place, Melcombe Pl, Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ, UK Please ensure you arrive at The Landmark London Hotel entrance in Melcombe Place (opposite Marylebone Station) at least 10 minutes before your departure time.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• The remaining hours are for travel from and to the studios as well as the time it takes to hand out the tickets and get the customers into the Warner Bros. Studio
• DISCLAIMER: Alcoholic beverage is only allowed for travelers 18 years old and up
• Please note, food opportunities are available half way through the tour. However, due to the tour timings we advise taking snacks if you would like to eat earlier.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
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• You'll start at Melcombe Place Melcombe Pl, Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ, UK Please ensure you arrive at The Landmark London Hotel entrance in Melcombe Place (opposite Marylebone Station) at least 10 minutes before your departure time. See address & details
• 1 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter Stop: 4 hours - Admission included Immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment with an exclusive Champagne reception and late-night tour at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter During Friday Lates, a select group of just 50 attendees will have private time in the Great Hall, allowing for ample time to explore, capture photographs, and discover the breath-taking details up close. Following this immersive experience, revel in the freedom to leisurely explore the entire Studio admiring authentic sets and an opportunity to uncover the mesmerizing secrets of spellbinding special effects behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film series. Visit Platform 9 ¾, board the original Hogwarts Express, and even nurture a Mandrake within Professor Sprout's greenhouse. Treat yourself to a refreshing Butterbeer at the backlot café while marveling at the grandeur of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, before taking a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Diagon Alley. Read more
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• Q3BVsharonm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Best! Our guide, Amber, was amazing! She was very knowledgeable with photos from the Downton Abbey series and films for each location we visited. She definitely made the whole trip fun! We kept to a fairly strict timetable but never felt too rushed! Fantastic tour!! Read more Written May 31, 2024
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• Sherpa07225683948 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Harry Potter with International Friends: Thank you!! Thank you so much to International Friends for the wonderful experience at the Harry Potter Studios. My friends and I had a great time, the tour guide was extremely understanding, friendly, knowledgeable, and met all of our expectations. I highly recommend booking with International Friends for Harry Potter :) Read more Written May 30, 2024
• Jet10322284339 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great guide! Amber was a great guide! Very knowledgeable and entertaining. She clearly loves to give tours. Just the right amount of info and “guiding” and plenty of time on our own. Locations were all beautiful too! It was a fun Downton day Read more Written May 28, 2024
• X9606XGheatherb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Tour EVER! Highly recommend! This was a spectacular tour for Downton Abbey fans and “very interesting” to those who were lovingly sacrificing a day for the fans they love. Our guide Michelle was very knowledgeable, and funny. Our driver kept us safe and on time. All the stops were filled with trivia and the Abbey of course exceeded all expectations. We even got to see Lady Carnarvon! We love small group tours and we always meet sweet people which makes the experience that much more special. Read more Written May 28, 2024
• Traveler324655 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Semi private late night tour with International Friends Last night, my daughter Lilly-Rose and I had the best evening at the Warner Bros Studio tour, The Making of Harry Potter, courtesy of a semi-private experience with the always amazing International Friends. Thank you to our guide, who was helpful and made sure we knew what we were doing. If you're a Harry Potter fan, this is a must-do! ✨ Magical Details: The tour was semi-private, which means that instead of the usual crowds, you get to see more of this incredible attraction. It was far less busy than my previous trips to the Warner Bros studios, which meant we could fly broomsticks, ride the train, have time in the Great Hall and get all the photos we liked. Late on Fridays: This special tour is available every Friday, perfect for ending the week on a magical note. The Great Hall: Our journey started with a private welcome talk and a glass of champagne in the iconic Great Hall. The Warner Bros. 'Interactor' staff shared fascinating insights about turning J.K. Rowling’s books into blockbuster films. 🍾 Highlights: Exploring the Great Hall with extra time for photos and no rushing around hoping to get a moment for a picture. Wandering through iconic sets, from Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express to Professor Sprout's greenhouse and Diagon Alley. Sipping on Butterbeer in the backlot café and marvelling at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. This tour really brought the magic of the Wizarding World to life. Lilly-Rose (and I) were absolutely enchanted, and the experience made us both feel like we were stepping into the world of Harry Potter. Lilly-Rose did her best Hermione Granger, and I did my best Rubeus Hagrid (I should not have said that); photos below 😂 I highly recommend Friday Lates at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Go check out International Friends for the next tours. #WarnerBrosStudioTour #HarryPotter #FridayLates #MagicalExperience #FamilyTime #WarnerBrosMagic #MustDoLondon #InternationalFriends Read more Written May 25, 2024
• Venture15315491193 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great night out for all ages! WOW! Purely magical! Incredible experience! We had so much time and space to explore the studios. Champagne was a really nice touch! Non -alcoholic version available for my sons. couldn't recommend it enough… still buzzing! Read more Written May 24, 2024
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• goingmyway4429 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Two Good Attractions in One Tour My daughter really wanted to go on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter which was sold out on their website and booking this day trip, which also included Oxford, was the only way I could make it happen. So glad we did it as the city of Oxford is beautiful and the walking tour portion turned out to be interesting and only added to the Studio Tour Harry Potter experience which followed, as many parts of the films were filmed in Oxford. The Studio Tour portion did not disappoint and was most enjoyable (even though it was a bit crowded, but they do a good job of moving people along). Our tour guide, Mike, was interesting and engaging and proved to be a wealth of information regarding additional things to see and do during our holiday. Kudos to our bus driver, Paul, who did a great job of driving and getting us up-close to each location. Read more Written May 20, 2024
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• 372kimberleem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous Salisbury, Stonehenge and Windsor all wrapped up in one!! It was a fantastic trip. We had a very informative guide, Eva, but unfortunately she had to leave after seeing Stonehenge as she got ill. :( Our bus driver, Carlos was fantastic and got us to Windsor castle and our hotel in fabulous fashion and time. We would recommend this tour to anyone and everyone!!! Read more Written May 14, 2024
• F1689DOvirginiac 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle Review The day trip was very nice with Valentina and Dominic. It was a nice way to get around to see Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle without a renting a car. My suggestion is not to buy a ticket into the Roman Bath (you can decide day of) and take the free time to explore the city and grab lunch. It’s a very long day, so I suggest not doing anything the night before and getting a good nights sleep. Pick up time was 7:30am and we got back into London around 6:30pm. Read more Written May 13, 2024
• Krigel925 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour to Stonehenge on way to cruise port. The pick up at our hotel was seemless and on time. Our guide, Jenn, was very knowledgeable and patient. Our driver Carl was great and got us safely to the cruise terminal. We never had to touch our luggage once we left our hotel. It was a perfect tour at Stonehenge. Read more Written May 13, 2024

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20 tips for visiting the harry potter studios in london.

Looking for some useful tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London ? We are here to help!

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is a must-do.

Located in Watford, the WB Harry Potter Studios are where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

Here you will find everything that was used to make the films. This includes some of the sets (such as the Grand Hall), the props, the costumes but also many interactive attractions.

It’s important to note that this is not a theme park like you would find in Orlando. These were the actual studios and they were turned into more of an exhibition for visitors to learn more about the movies and how they were made.

So, are you ready to discover all our Harry Potter studios tips? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Book your tickets in advance

The Studio Tour is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions , and tickets often sell out.

There are two ways you can book tickets for the Harry Potter Studios.

The first one is to book your ticket directly on the Warner Bros studios website . This is ideal if you are booking well in advance and don’t want transport included.

The second option is to book a tour from London . This will include the entrance to the studios as well as transportation from central London.

As a general thing, it is advisable to book at least 2 or 3 months in advance if you are booking direct.

As previously mentioned, tickets sell out fast! Also, it’s important to take into consideration the season since some periods are busier than others.

The studios are open most days but they do close for a few days in November and around Christmas time so make sure to check this beforehand.

Click here to book your ticket

2. Book a tour from London if you are looking for last-minute tickets

If you’re looking for tickets last minute and none of them is available on the website, don’t worry! You can also book a tour from London that includes the entrance to the studios and transportation.

You can book these tours even if they are tickets on the website since they include transportation so they work out about the same price as paying for everything separately (Ticket, tube, train and shuttle) but they are particularly convenient when you want to score some last-minute tickets.

The fact is that we can’t always plan months or weeks in advance so if you are already in London or are going soon and really want to visit the Harry Potter studios, make sure to book one of these tours.

3. Book an early slot and arrive early to maximize your time at the Studios

When you book your ticket, you will be asked to choose a timed entrance.

The studios open at 10 AM so you can book anytime from then.

In average, visitors spend 4 hours in the studios however, you are actually free to stay as long as you want.

This means that if you want to get there at 10AM and stay until it closes in the evening, you can do so!

For this reason, I highly recommend to book an early slot (10AM, 10:30AM and 11AM are ideal).

That way, you will have loads of time to explore, take your time for lunch and will have more than enough time.

If you are a huge Harry Potter fan, this is the best tip you’ll find!

Regardless, even if you don’t want to spend more than 4 hours, you can always leave whenever you wish and will have the afternoon to enjoy your time in London.

If you take a midday slot, you will need to dedicate the entire day to the Harry Potter Studios since it will take a couple of hours to get there and back.

3. Plan your journey from London

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located in Leavesden, which is about 30 miles from London.

While this doesn’t seem too far away, you will actually need between 1 and 2 hours to get there from central London.

There are different ways to get there but the most convenient is by taking a tour that includes transportation.

This way, you don’t have to worry about anything and will be taken straight to the studios.

If you want to do it yourself, then head to Euston station and take a train to Watford junction (you can use your Oyster card for that but it’s one of the furthest zones so the cap will be a bit high).

From Watford Junction, simply walk across to the carpark and you will see the Harry Potter buses. They are impossible to miss since they are entirely decorated.

The shuttle will take you straight to the studios and costs £6 return.

Make sure to keep your ticket for the return!

READ MORE: 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London

4. Consider driving (if you have a car and are not in London)

If you are not in London and have a car, driving is definitely a good way to go. You can easily get there and the area is not busy. It’s actually pretty remote.

There is free parking at the studios so that’s definitely a plus!

If you’ve been on the website, you may have seen that there is a closer carpark for £10 but the free carpark is very close. It only takes 1 minute (if even) to get to the entrance so unless you or one of your passengers can’t walk 100 yards, you can simply use the free carpark.

When you get there, follow the signs to the carpark. You will be asked to show your ticket to enter so keep it handy.

If you get there before 11 AM, it should be pretty empty too.

5. Dress appropriately

Since you will be walking around a lot, it’s advisable to dress comfortably.

The studios are air-conditioned so you might feel cold in the beginning but once you start walking, you will warm up.

It’s also important to take into consideration that there might be some rain and since some parts of the studios are outdoors, you may want to take a good jacket.

There is a fair bit of walking around so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Finally, I would advise you not to wear straight or short skirts since it could be uncomfortable if you are trying the Quidditch activities.

6. Wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories!

This one is a no-brainer. If you’re dressing up for the occasion, why not go all out and wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories?

You will fit right in and will feel like you are a part of the magic!

Also, you will be taking a lot of photos and they will look even better if you are a bit dressed up!

Rest reassured, you don’t actually need to rock your cape but don’t hesitate to wear your Hogwarts house scarf or a hat.

7. Ask loads of questions!

The staff working at the Harry Potter studios are really friendly and they love answering questions.

There are people in each room and although it may look like they are watching everything, they are actually here to answer your questions and tell you more about what you see.

Don’t hesitate to go see them and ask your questions. If you don’t have any questions, then just ask them if they have any interesting facts to share with you. They will have loads!

For example, if you are in the Gringotts Bank, they will tell you how it was built. They may also mention the Harry Potter reunion since it was filmed in the studios and Tom Felton was sitting there for parts of it.

They will also show you some hidden gems.

Basically, they have extensive knowledge and talking with them will make your experience even better.

They all speak English but a lot of people also speak other languages. Make sure to look at their badge to see which language they speak.

8. Take loads of photos!

This is another no-brainer. The Harry Potter Studios are a paradise when it comes to photo opportunities.

You will want to take loads of photos and you should not refrain.

This is your one chance to get loads of Harry Potter themed pictures!

There are so many photo spots in the studios including Platform 9 3/4, the Great Hall, the Gringotts Bank and more.

Take your time and if you need someone else to take a photo, don’t hesitate to ask one of the other visitors.

Everyone is here to enjoy the studios and nobody would run with your phone. Also, they may ask you to take a picture of them in return. Win-Win!

9. Take your time

This is probably the most important tip I can give you.

The Harry Potter studios are a lot to take in and there is so much to see!

I would advise you to not rush through it and to take your time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you should enjoy it!

As previously mentioned, you are not being rushed for time here. You can stay as long as you want so take your time and enjoy.

If you are scared you are taking too much time and will then have to rush, here is a tip.

The restaurant is located halfway through the tour so as long as you don’t reach it, that means you haven’t done half.

Once you do, you can consider it will take you as much time to finish.

10. Get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps!

The Warner Bros studios were built in a very interactive way. They did everything they could to make sure that visitors would have fun and would bring back loads of memories

If you want, you can get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps of all the places you visit!

You can get them at the entrance or by the first stamp station.

You will find different pages with stories and games as well as a spot to get your stamps.

The stamp stations are located all around the studios. You can see where is the next one by simply turning the pages.

It’s very fun and you will enjoy looking for the stamp stations. Also, it’s free and you get to take it back home!

11. Do a Harry Potter Quiz

If you want to add a bit of fun to the experience, you could consider playing a bit and doing a Harry Potter quiz!

You can find a free Harry Potter quiz here . Get it on your phone or print it beforehand and ask your crew the questions.

This will test your knowledge of Harry Potter and will create a fun atmosphere during the visit.

12. Get food at the Harry Potter Studios or bring your own

The Harry Potter Studios have a restaurant located on the premises. This is a great opportunity to get some food and relax for a bit, especially since it’s located about halfway through the tour.

The restaurant has a wide variety of food, including vegan and vegetarian options. It’s also really affordable! Your meal should cost under £10 and can be paid cash or on card.

This is a pleasant surprise since usually restaurants are very expensive in this kind of things.

Since it’s so easy and affordable, I recommend to get food there.

However, it’s important to know that you are allowed to bring food in. If you are travelling with kids, this will be a cheaper option.

You can find picnic areas outside, just next to the knight bus and the bridge.

Please note that you will also find a Starbucks and a snack place at the entrance (once you went through the security control but before starting the tour itself).

You can fill out bottles of water as well so I would highly recommend to take a bottle beforehand.

13. Try a butterbeer

It doesn’t get any more Harry Pottery than a good butterbeer.

Butterbeer is the ultimate wizarding drink and you can’t get it in many places since the recipe is secret. The Harry Potter Studios in London are one of the rare places in the world where you can get a real butterbeer.

Getting one is a must-do! You will either love it or hate but this is not really the point. It’s just a cool thing to do and to experience at least once.

Also, if you get it in the butterbeer mug, it will be a great prop for photos!

The butterbeer bar is located right by the restaurant (Backlot Café). You can get it in a regular plastic class or in a butterbeer mug (it costs £3 more but it’s a nice souvenir).

Since it’s right by the knight bus and the Dursley house, you can take beautiful photos holding your butterbeer.

Please note that a butterbeer is alcohol-free and therefore suitable for children.

That having been said, it’s very sweet so you may want to share it with someone. You may not manage to finish it on your own.

14. Use the Harry Potter Fan Club App

The Harry Potter Fan Club App is a great way to get extra content and make the most of your visit.

Available on both Android and iOS, it includes a map of the studios, videos, photos and more.

15. Do all the green screen attractions

A lot of scenes in the Harry Potter movies were created using special effects and CGI. Amongst them, you will find all the Quidditch scenes.

Basically, and without being spoiler, the actors would ride their broom in front of a green screen and the images in the background would be added in post production.

You will find these green screen sets in the studios and not only do you get to see them, but you can also try them!

There are two of them, the Quidditch and the train carriages right by the Hogwarts Express.

As you get there, you will realise that photos are being taken and you have to pay extra to get them. While this is true, it’s important to note that you can do them and not buy the photos.

The photos are nice souvenirs but there will be no pressure to buy them.

Knowing that, you might as well make the best of the experience and get in line to play some quidditch!

This is important to note because these attractions are very good fun and super interactive. You will have such a good time doing them but yet, a lot of people skip thinking they have to pay.

You do not have to pay to do it. You simply have to pay if you want to buy the photos but once again, there is no obligation to do so.

16. Get a digital guide if you speak another language

The Harry Potter Studios are all in English and while this is not an issue for some, if English is not your first language, you may struggle with some of the explanations or even names (all names were translated differently).

For this reason, it could be a great idea to get a digital guide. They can be hired at the entrance for less than £5 and provide information and facts in many languages including French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and more.

You can book it with your ticket beforehand or simply head to the reception desk and ask for one. You will be provided a small digital screen and headphone and can go around the studios while learning even more about the world of Harry Potter.

17. Use the free Wi-Fi

The Harry Potter Studios offer free Wi-Fi which is great because it means you won’t have to use your data roaming while you’re there!

Also, the coverage is not always great in certain parts of the studios so it comes very handy to have free Wi-Fi available.

18. Use the cloakroom

Located at the entrance, the cloakroom is free of charge which is perfect if you want to leave your bag or coat.

They will be safe and sound at the cloakroom and you won’t have to lug things around.

That having been said, it can be a bit cold in certain parts of the studios and of course outside, so I wouldn’t leave everything there.

19. Watch the movies before you go

If you want to make the most of your visit, watching the Harry Potter movies is a must.

As you know, the Harry Potter Studios are entirely dedicated to the movies. This is not about the books.

Of course the movies were based on the books but the WB are very much about the movies.

If you want to learn more about the books, make sure to visit Edinburgh. It will be a much better place for that.

Knowing that you will discover everything about the movies, it would be much better if you watch them before going.

Not only will you recognise many of the sets and props but you will also understand more of the references.

It will get you excited and you will have the images very fresh in your mind which will enhance your experience.

20. Get some souvenirs

The gift shop at the studios is great and it’s definitely worth leaving with a few souvenirs.

There are many different items available, including clothes, wands, prop replicas and more.

While they are not cheap, they are definitely worth buying as they will remind you of your amazing day at the Harry Potter Studios!

You may also be interested in:

• The Ultimate Guide for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London: tips, tricks & Review
• 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London
• Harry Potter in Scotland: 13 Harry Potter locations & experiences you can only have in Scotland
• Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Ultimate Guide to riding the Jacobite train in real life

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England