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I have no shame in revealing my love for Harry Potter. I was born in the 90s, so the magical universe was a huge part of my childhood and, to be honest, my adulthood. Most nights, I still fall asleep to the audiobooks!
It’s safe to say I’ve done a lot of things around the world that have a link to my favourite trio. The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios in London (Watford really!) are no different!
This Harry Potter set tour is sensory overload in a truly magical way! It will take you through the entire film series and make you love it even more!
First things first, get your tickets! (They don’t accept platform 9 3/4 tickets, sadly)
This can be easier said than done. Personally, I would check availability before booking your flights as it can get extremely busy! If your desired date is not available, keep checking back over the next few days. Tickets become suddenly come up and don’t hang around for long!
When you do buy them you will need to select an entrance time; although they are strict about keeping this scheduled spot to keep the flow moving, the rest of the tour can be done at your own speed.
Check the website for special events! They put a lot of effort into them and it can enhance your experience, especially during Halloween & Christmas.
Being a working film studio, still in use today, I might add, they had to be built where there was space, aka in the middle of nowhere!
Luckily, the tour is so popular that everything has been put in place to make your journey as smooth as possible.
BY CAR
If you are visiting by car then you will be happy to know that all you have to do is enter “Warner Bros. Studios, The Making of Harry Potter” into Google Maps and follow the directions. Being part of a big studio complex, there is free parking, but have your confirmation number ready at the gate, they will ask for it!
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Sadly, no railway station is within walking distance. You need to get the direct train from Euston (see my tips about Euston here) to Watford Junction Railway Station where a bus will be waiting to meet you. Kind of like your own Knight Bus!
The shuttle bus is well sign-posted; it’s also plastered in Harry Potter posters so you really can’t miss it! It’s free and they even play the movie soundtrack during the 15-minute ride to get you in the mood!
I suggest planning to arrive at Watford Station 45 minutes before your tour start time!
The best way to describe the entire Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios experience would be like a theme park. Every detail is accounted for and there is something everywhere you look.
The tour is a loop, so you exit into the same hall as you enter. If you do it before or after it’s up to you, but take a moment and admire the entrance hall. It was recently renovated and gives a real wow factor! (No spoiling pictures here)
95% of the tour is self-guided; however, they do get you in the mood at the start. As per my theme park description above, there is plenty to look at while you wait for your turn.
I won’t reveal any secrets about the opening; all I’ll say is that it happens in two stages. You will have a good view no matter where you are standing, and the team of highly trained witches & wizards manage it all extremely well!
You will have a great view, but try and be in the middle of the pack in the first room, which gives you an advantage in the following space. Also, have your camera ready by the end of the second room, trust me!
As mentioned, the tour is self-guided and incredibly well laid out.
During your time at the studios, you will see original props, sets, costumes, special effects, and so much more. If you like to know what you’re in for, they do have the breakdown on their website.
The tour suits any person who is interested in the books, the film, the actors, and the behind-the-scenes at every level.
Take your time looking at everything and get lost among the sets. Unlike Ikea, there isn’t a common direction to follow in each room, so ensure you don’t miss anything!
In the first exhibition hall, hang around for at least 30 minutes, which will be easy to do as they have special 5-minute shows.
Be ready to take lots of photos during the entire day, but also be prepared to be in them, and get creative!
Although you can’t touch many of the exhibits, you can play with angles! We had great fun running around trying to find fun photos! (We even gathered a little following by the end!)
Throughout the tour, you will see interactive props where you can get a real photo, there might be a small queue but take full advantage when it’s your turn!
If you feel like living out your childhood fantasy and dressing up then you will not look out of place! Go get your Hogwarts robes on!
Each section varies in size and relates to an aspect of the making of the films. This can be full-blown sets like Gringotts, Diagon Alley, Forbidden Forest… Some are more for general design features including costumes, props… You will also have the chance to see behind-the-scenes in the special effects & visual departments, revealing the secrets to some of the magic.
This is the amazing part of the tour; there is something for everyone in each room. It’s for all ages and all interested (except if they are full muggles, in which case they might be a little worried).
I’ve been to Warner Bros Studios a few times and the final room still takes my breath away. It is usually quiet and incredibly peaceful. Everybody is in awe and I personally have to say props to the design and lighting team!
During your time here, you will come across some benches… Sit! Relax! Enjoy a moment! You need to take in the spectacular view (small sneak peak above!).
The huge gift shop is the next and final part, so come prepared with a budget and/or an idea of what you want to get before you enter. This will ensure you are strict and don’t buy everything on offer like I want to do! Current wands in my possession… 3!
“I’ve always wanted to use that spell.” ― Minerva McGonagall
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