Whether you’re a muggle or a wizard, Gryffindor or Slytherin, everyone’s welcome on the magical Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden. Located opposite the film studios where eight of the Harry Potter films were made, the tour showcases a variety of props, costumes, intricate artefacts and mind blowing sets used in the blockbuster films. Full of memories and magic, fans can now see the wonders of filmmaking right before their eyes with opportunities to see special effects, animatronic creatures, the Hogwarts Express and Ron Weasley’s flying car. More than just a studio tour, there are ticketed exhibitions running too, allowing you to delve further into Hogwarts. And if a full day of wand-pointing and broomstick-riding leaves you feeling tired, our Premier Inn hotel near the Harry Potter Studio Tour is just over a mile away, so you can rest up afterwards.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Nearest Premier Inn hotels
Essential Information
The Harry Potter studio has been designed to meet every visitor’s needs and there are friendly staff roaming the halls to help wherever they can, too. In the Studio Lobby, there is a cloakroom as well as a cash machine that’s free to use.
Top tip
Don’t be afraid to ask the tour guides as many questions as you like. They really do know their stuff so don’t shy away from picking their brains - they know the most obscure facts!
Did you know?
Harry Potter’s cupboard bedroom in Privet Drive was actually filled with real-life props from the set decorator's own basement at home.
Important Infomation
On your ticket you’ll be given a time slot. Make sure you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your tour as this will give you ample time to visit the toilet, collect any tickets and have your bags checked. Plus, you’ll get the most out of your time slot if things are running a bit slow.
Tickets
Tickets can cost around £52 per adult although family packages that include digital guides and souvenir guidebooks can work out cheaper. The Studio Tour is suitable for all ages, and children aged four and under can visit for free - although they will still need a ticket.
Gift shop
From replica wands and chocolate frogs to official Gryffindor scarves, hoodies and baseball caps, visit the gift shop you’ll be a wizard in no time. A wonderland full of keyrings, magnets and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, your pocket money well spent for sure.
Accessibility
Pre-visit notice is required for wheelchair users as only a certain number of can be on the tours at one time. While the majority of the studio is accessible, Diagon Alley has an uneven floor and Hogwarts Bridge is only accessible via a small staircase. Accessible toilets can be found near the main entrance.
Things to see
If you thought you knew Harry Potter inside out, prepare to feel like a super fan after this. With the tour taking around 3.5 hours on average to complete, there is so much to get excited about. Not only are there all the carefully designed props, sets and costumes you can also visit the spectacular art department filled with sketches and handmade models.
Props
You’ll be amazed at the level of intricate detail. Read old copies of the Daily Prophet, see the different wands of then marvel at the contents of the 950 tiny jars in the potions classroom. Other favourites to look out for are the 15 Golden Snitches, hidden throughout the studios.
Sets
Visit the Great Hall for a banquet, stroll down Privet Drive and browse the shop windows at Diagon Alley. Get spooked by all of the huge, foreboding trees in the Forbidden Forest before heading to Platform 9 ¾ for a look at the Hogwarts Express.
Special effects
Ever wondered how the Invisibility Cloak actually worked? Or how they got the Whomping Willow to lash out at Ron Weasley’s flying car? Or how they created the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall? Just because you know how it works, doesn’t make it any less impressive!
Hands-on experiences
Don’t miss your chance to try Butterbear, or climb aboard your very own Nimbus 2000 or Firebolt. Using the same ‘green-screen’ technology as in the films, you can soar above the Hogwarts Express, the River Thames and through the streets of London and buy the photos afterwards.
Eating and Drinking
Whether you want to grab a bite to eat before or after your tour, there are two places on site to grab some food and drink.
The Backlot Cafe
Serving hot meals, sandwiches and snacks, the Backlot Cafe is located halfway through the studio tour. With Privet Drive and Hogwarts Bridge nearby, you can choose to sit inside or outside in the outdoor seating area where there are also spots to enjoy your own picnic. This is also the spot for Butterbeer fans to get their fill of the sweet-tasting non-alcoholic beverage before they head back on the tour.
The Studio Tour Cafe
Open until 8pm on weekends, the Studio Tour Cafe is the perfect spot to eat something a little more substantial. Choose from jacket potatoes, soups and salads, while little ones can enjoy children’s lunch boxes and desserts. Afternoon tea and a side of fizz makes the experience even more memorable. With scones, clotted cream and chocolate truffles, you’ll be wishing for a spell that whip it up again!
Staying in one of our London hotels? With bus and rail options a-plenty, getting to the Warner Bros. Studios is easier than trying to find the platform for the Hogwarts Express.
Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour
By car
If you’re using a sat nav, the actual postcode WD25 7LR may not work, so punch in ‘Studio Tour Drive’ instead. When you get there parking is free. Just make sure you have your tour ticket or booking confirmation ready to show the parking attendants.
By bus
Golden Tours offer pre-booked studio tour ticket and bus transfer packages. The air-conditioned buses pick you up from either London King’s Cross or London Victoria and take you right to the studio door entrance. Return coaches leave every hour, too.
By train
Take the train to Watford Junction from London Euston. From here, grab a shuttle bus for just £2.50 (cash only). Run by Mullany’s Coaches, the bus takes around 15 minutes and you must have your tour ticket or confirmation ready before you board.