Harry Potter Studio
Go behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films on an incredible visit to the Harry Potter Studio in London. In addition to the beautiful scenery, some secrets are also revealed, including special effects and animatronics, which tell the story of the young wizard and his class.
What makes the visit really special is that everything shown has actually been used in the Harry Potter films. All sets, props and costumes are authentic and show us the details and complexity of the task of bringing to life the story created by J.K. Rowling. All the films in the series were actually shot in these studios, it’s not an amusement park.
What will you see at the Harry Potter Studio?
A welcome video, of course, featuring the three main actors in the series, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint ;
- Entrance to the Great Hall at Hogwarts, one of the most unforgettable scenes in the series.
- Behind the scenes of the cinema with the costumes and special effects that brought to life, among other things, Mr. Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia, the many magic utensils and also the flying broomsticks ;
- Dumbledore’s office, Grifinoria’s common room, the men’s dormitory and the potion room;
- Hagrid’s hut, with its unique decoration of cages and strange animals;
- The Weasley kitchen, with its magical utensils such as the self-cleaning frying pan and the clock that allows Mrs. Weasley to know where each member of her family is;
- The Ministry of Magic;
- The most famous accessories, such as the Nimbus 2000, Hagrid’s motorbike and chopsticks;
- The “backlot”, an open space between the 2 studios, where the famous Dursley’s house in 4, Pivot Drive, part of the Hogwarts bridge created for the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Nôitibus Andante three-decker bus, built from parts of three old London buses and Sirius Black’s motorbike ;
- Platform 9 3/4 with the original Hogwarts train, including the carriage where the three wizards first met;
- Diagonal aisle including the Olivaras chopstick shop, bookshop, Weasley shop and Gringotts bank;
- Wonderful, highly detailed model of the exterior of Hogwarts;
- Discover the Forbidden Forest, with its giant trees and some fantastic animals such as the giant spider and the hypogriff;
- Gringotts – a new extension of the studios opened in 2019, the sets of the Wizards’ Bank, including the Lestrange vault and a Gobelins’ Gallery.
Video
All this will take you about 3.5 hours, but the most fancied can take the whole day!
The ticket has one hour for the start of the tour, but you can stay as long as you like. So for those who think they want to see all the details, it is recommended that you buy the tickets in advance.
Tickets with transport included from central London
Some companies offer a package including the ticket and transport to and from central London by coach. There are 2 departure options in London: Victoria Station and King’s Cross Station. Victoria Station is the most frequent departure point. For those who have the ticket for the studios, but do not want to take public transport, it is also possible to buy only the ticket by a special Harry Potter tour bus. There are buses, 1 per hour from Victoria Bus Station (also with a stop on Baker Street) and 3 buses per day from Kings Cross Station.
The return fare is £40 (€44, $52 per adult), £35 (5-15 years old).
Tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London
Visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London is a magical experience, but a few tips can help you avoid the classic mistakes and make your day even more enjoyable.
Getting there by bus from London city center
If you don’t want to complicate your life with trains and shuttles, some companies offer a direct bus ride from central London to the studios. It’s convenient, economical and you avoid correspondence. The departure is often from Victoria or King’s Cross, with timetables based on the entrances to the park.
Do not book your seats in advance
It is a common mistake to wait until the last minute to buy your tickets. The Harry Potter Studios are fully booked several weeks in advance, especially during the school holidays. It is therefore essential to book as early as possible to have the slot that suits you.
Choosing a time slot too late in the day
The entire route takes at least three hours, often more if you want to enjoy the scenery, shops and restaurants. If you take an entrance at the end of the afternoon, you may have to hurry to see everything. It is better to book a visit in the morning or early afternoon.
Eating on the spot is expensive
Plan a budget for lunch or afternoon tea on site: the studios have several dining areas, including the famous café where you can taste Butterbeer. It’s convenient and it allows you to extend the experience without leaving the site.
Buy your tickets on a resale website
Some platforms offer second-hand tickets, often resold by visitors who can no longer get there. This can be an option if all the official places are full, but we must remain vigilant: choose only certified and recognized dealers to avoid scams.
How to get to the Harry Potter Studio
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom
