When I first read JK Rowling’s The Philosopher’s Stone back in 1997, I – along with what felt like the rest of the world – was completely hooked by the story of a young wizard whose adventures would go on to spawn a worldwide phenomenon.
Years later, I found myself sharing that same passion with my son, who started showing a keen interest in all things wizarding at around age five. And what better way to bring it to life than a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter?
I’ve now been several times, and I still get that flutter of excitement walking through the doors. I remember the first time the doors revealed the Great Hall, I actually burst into tears! Here’s my Harry Potter Studio Tour London review, plus everything you need to know before you go.
Quick facts
- Location: Leavesden, Watford – about 35km north of central London
- Getting there: Train to Watford Junction, then shuttle bus; or coach transfer from central London
- Tickets: Adults from £58.50, children from £47, family (up to 4) from £188 – must be booked in advance
- How long: Allow at least 3-4 hours; many visitors need longer
- Self-guided: Yes – explore at your own pace, no time limit once inside
- Best for: Harry Potter fans of all ages; children aged 6+ tend to get the most from it
What is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is based at the actual Leavesden Studios, where all eight Harry Potter films were shot over a decade. When filming wrapped in 2011, Warner Bros. transformed the site into a permanent behind-the-scenes experience.
This is not a theme park. There are no rides. What you get instead is something arguably more satisfying: the actual sets, the real costumes, the genuine props and a proper look at how the magic was brought to life on screen.
It works for die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike. Monkey was too young on our first visit to fully grasp the craft behind it all – but he still had an absolute blast. Each time we’ve been back, he’s taken something new from it.
What you’ll see inside
The Great Hall
The tour begins with a short introductory film, and then the doors swing open to reveal the Great Hall. Long dining tables stretch the length of the room, with the staff table at the far end and cast costumes displayed in glass cases along the sides. It’s worth pausing here before the crowds pile in behind you.
Look out for the individual place settings and the food props – everything is meticulously crafted, right down to the detail on each goblet.
The sets and props
Beyond the Great Hall, the tour winds through soundstages packed with original sets. Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, the Weasleys’ kitchen – all intact, all extraordinarily detailed. What gets me every time is the small stuff: the handwritten notes on Dumbledore’s desk, the worn fabric of the robes, the faded book spines on shelves. You start to understand just how many skilled people it took to build this world.
The broomstick experience
One of the highlights, particularly for children, is the green screen broomstick experience. You’re photographed or filmed riding an actual studio broomstick, then the footage is set against aerial shots of London and Hogwarts. We still have the keepsake of the kids flying over the city – it’s one of those videos that genuinely makes us smile every time we come across it. Monkey absolutely loved it. It does cost extra, but it’s worth budgeting for if you’re visiting with children.
Diagon Alley
The full-scale recreation of the wizarding shopping street is one of the most visually impressive sections. Ollivanders Wand Shop, Gringotts Bank, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes – all there in detail. It tends to get busy, so push through early if you can, or linger once the main crowd has moved on. It photographs brilliantly.
The Forbidden Forest
Atmospheric and genuinely a little eerie – low lighting, enormous animatronic spiders (Aragog included) and Buckbeak the hippogriff. A word of warning for parents of younger children: the spider section can be frightening. Our children were wide-eyed and gripping arms. Worth preparing them beforehand so it doesn’t catch anyone off guard.
The outdoor backlot
Head outside, and you’ll find a courtyard with some of the most photogenic set pieces: the actual Knight Bus, Privet Drive’s exterior and the Ford Anglia. Monkey made a beeline for the Knight Bus every single time – up the stairs before we’d even registered it was there.
My husband’s running joke is that he’s never quite sure which of us is having a better time.
Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express
My personal highlight, every single visit. The full-size Hogwarts Express sits in its own section, and you can board the actual train and walk through the carriages. Actors filmed scenes in these compartments, and the detail is spot on. Outside, a luggage trolley is set into a brick wall for the inevitable mid-disappearance photo.
Be aware: on our first visit, the Dementors that appeared in the train window gave the children quite a fright. It’s brief, but it’s effective – possibly too effective for very sensitive or young children. Again, worth a heads-up beforehand.
It never gets old. I don’t care how many times I’ve done it.
The Hogwarts castle model
The tour ends with the enormous Hogwarts castle model, used for exterior shots throughout the films. It’s lit to cycle through different times of day, from bright afternoon to deep winter night. Walk the full perimeter – most people move through too quickly. The craftsmanship genuinely rewards a slower look.
Seasonal events throughout the year
The studio runs themed events across the year, all included in the standard ticket price. The permanent line-up rotates through several recurring seasons:
- Dark Arts (typically autumn) – eerie lighting, Death Eater processions, floating pumpkins in the Great Hall and lurking Dementors in the Forbidden Forest. Atmospheric and impressive, though the overall experience is more intense for younger children.
- Hogwarts in the Snow (typically November to January) – the Great Hall draped in Christmas trees, a snow-covered Hogwarts castle model and a festive Forbidden Forest. We’ve been during this one and it genuinely adds something special.
- Spring and summer features – themes vary by year, often focusing on specific films, characters or behind-the-scenes craft. Check the official website for the current year’s programme.
Each seasonal event brings out props and costumes not on permanent display. If you can time your visit to coincide with one, it’s worth it – but the core tour is excellent regardless of the time of year.
Always check wbstudiotour.co.uk for the current year’s events and dates before booking.
First-timer tips
Book well in advance. This is not an attraction where you can turn up on the day. Tickets sell out weeks – sometimes months ahead, particularly during school holidays and seasonal events. Book directly through the official Warner Bros. website for the best prices.
Arrive on time, but don’t panic. You have a 30-minute entry window. Once inside, there’s no time limit – you can stay until closing.
Allow more time than you think. Three hours is the minimum; four hours is more realistic if you want to read the information boards, try the interactive experiences and browse the gift shop. We have never managed to get around everything in three hours.
Go on a weekday if you can. School holidays and weekends get very busy. A midweek visit in term time is noticeably quieter, and you’ll get better photos without other visitors in every shot.
Prepare younger children for a couple of moments. The Dementors on the Hogwarts Express and the spider section in the Forbidden Forest can genuinely frighten children – both of mine have had their moments there. It’s worth a calm heads-up before you go in, rather than leaving them to encounter it cold.
Try the Butterbeer – but go in with realistic expectations. It’s non-alcoholic, foamy and very sweet. Plenty of people love it; I’ll be honest and say it’s not to my taste. But it is absolutely part of the experience, and the children tend to enjoy it. Butterbeer ice cream is also available. It’s an extra cost on top of your ticket.
Download the digital guide. At £5.25 it’s better value than the £9.95 printed guidebook, and it’s available in nine languages. Useful for anyone who wants more detail on each set than the information boards provide.
Don’t rush the castle model. Most visitors are flagging by the time they reach it and move through too quickly. Walk the full perimeter.
Wear comfortable shoes. The tour involves a lot of walking on hard floors. By the time you reach the backlot, you’ll be glad you wore trainers.
How to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour from London
By train and shuttle bus
The most straightforward option is a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (around 20 minutes), then the Warner Bros. Studio Tour shuttle bus from outside the station. The shuttle runs regularly and takes around 15 minutes to the studios. Return shuttles run throughout the day.
This is the most cost-effective route from central London for independent visitors.
By coach transfer
Several operators run dedicated coach transfers from central London, departing from Victoria, Baker Street or King’s Cross. These packages typically include your entry ticket and return transfer, starting from around £85–£95 per adult. Useful if you’d rather have logistics handled for you, though more expensive than the train independently.
By car
Free parking is available at the studios, directly across from the main entrance. Priority parking (£10, booked online in advance only) gives you a space right next to the entrance – worth it if you’re travelling with very young children or have mobility requirements.
Ticket prices
Tickets must be booked in advance through the official website at wbstudiotour.co.uk. Walk-up tickets are not available.
- Adults: from £58.50
- Children (5–15): from £47
- Children under 5: free, but still require a booked ticket
- Family (up to 4 people): From £188
- Priority parking: £10 (online only, in advance)
- Digital guide: £4.75 (9 languages)
- Souvenir guidebook: £7.95
Prices are correct at the time of writing. Always check the official website for the most current pricing before booking.
Food and drink
The Backlot Café sits in the outdoor section between the two soundstages and is the main food stop midway through the tour. It serves hot food, sandwiches and snacks, with vegan and gluten-free options available. This is also where you’ll find Butterbeer in its various forms.
The Chocolate Frog Café near the entrance area offers lighter bites and coffee for when you arrive or while waiting to go in.
Food and drink pricing reflects the attraction, so budget accordingly – especially if you’re visiting with children who will spot the Butterbeer stand long before you do.
The gift shop
The shop comes at the end of the tour, and it is extensive. Wands, robes, house merchandise, stationery, chocolate frogs, branded homeware – all of it. Set a budget before you go in, particularly with children in tow, because it is very easy to leave considerably lighter of wallet than intended.
The quality is generally good. Monkey’s first wand, picked out with great solemnity, lasted years.
Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour worth it?
For Harry Potter fans, yes – without question. The level of detail in the sets and props is extraordinary, and the insight into how the films were made is genuinely fascinating at any age. I’ve been back multiple times and still find new things to look at each visit.
For visitors who are less familiar with the films, it’s still an impressive production design exhibition. But you’ll get considerably more from it with at least a passing knowledge of the story.
The cost is high, particularly for families. Budget carefully: entry alone for a family of four is £188, and food, the gift shop, and transport all add up. Plan for a full day and factor those extras in from the start.
Would I ever tire of going? I honestly can’t imagine it.
Practical information
- Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
- Getting there: Train to Watford Junction (from London Euston, approx. 20 mins), then shuttle bus (approx. 15 mins)
- Opening times: Vary throughout the year – check the official website before booking
- Tickets and booking: wbstudiotour.co.uk – book as early as possible
Harry Potter Studio Tour London review FAQs
Do you need to book the Harry Potter Studio Tour London in advance?
Yes. The studio tour operates on timed entry, and tickets are not available at the door. Book as far ahead as possible, especially during school holidays and seasonal events when slots sell out weeks in advance.
How long does the Harry Potter Studio Tour London take?
Allow a minimum of three hours; four hours is more realistic for a thorough visit. There is no time limit once you’re inside, so you can stay until closing if you want to.
Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour suitable for young children?
Yes, though children tend to get the most from it from around age 6 upwards. Two sections can frighten younger or more sensitive children: the Dementors that appear in the Hogwarts Express window, and the giant animatronic spiders in the Forbidden Forest. It’s worth preparing them gently beforehand. Under-5s enter free but require a booked ticket.
How do you get from London to the Harry Potter Studio Tour?
The most straightforward route is by train from London Euston to Watford Junction (around 20 minutes), then the Warner Bros. shuttle bus to the studios (around 15 minutes). Coach transfers from central London are also available if you’d prefer the logistics handled.
Is there parking at the Harry Potter Studio Tour?
Yes – free parking is available directly across from the main entrance. Priority parking (£10, advance online booking only) puts you right next to the entrance, which is useful for families with very young children.
What does Butterbeer taste like?
It’s a sweet, non-alcoholic drink with a cream foam on top, available cold, hot and frozen. Plenty of visitors love it. Personally, I find it very sweet – not really my thing. But it is part of the experience, and most children enjoy it.
What is the difference between the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Universal’s Wizarding World?
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is a behind-the-scenes exhibition at the actual filming location used for the Harry Potter films. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios (Florida and Hollywood) is a theme park with rides and character experiences. They are very different types of attraction.
Can you visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour without a tour guide?
Yes – the experience is self-guided, and you explore at your own pace. Optional audio and digital guides are available for an extra cost.
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