📌 Read in / Lire en : Français (French)
Ready for a game of quidditch? As if London didn’t already have enough magical spots and film locations, there’s one that especially delights Harry Potter fans: the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter (yes, the name is a bit long). This behind-the-scenes tour offers a complete immersion into the wizarding world, where you can explore authentic sets, costumes, and props that brought the beloved film series to life.
Get ready to walk in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and uncover the secrets of how the Harry Potter films were made. Here’s how to visit the Harry Potter Studios in London under the best conditions.
🔝 In need of inspiration? Here’s everything you need to do in London for a getaway.
Planning your visit to the Harry Potter Studios is important
You’ll quickly understand that this isn’t just any attraction. Some planning is required.
The entrance ticket, your golden pass
The first step in your magical adventure starts, of course, with purchasing tickets for the Harry Potter Studios. It’s essential to book well in advance because tickets are limited and highly sought after, despite the cost.
To buy tickets, the official website is, of course, the best place. But there are other resellers, like Get Your Guide, Viator, and Klook. Some travel agencies offer packages that include tickets for the studio tour along with other activities and accommodations in London.
⚠️ Important: You must purchase your tickets online, otherwise, you’ll find yourself stuck at the door. No tickets are sold on-site. That’s why we insist: Plan ahead!
How much does entry to Harry Potter Studios cost?
Let’s be honest, it’s not cheap. But for Harry Potter fans, such a visit is priceless. Here are the ticket prices:
Adult: from £53 (or 60 euros)
Child (5-15 years): from £43
Child under 4 years old: free
Family package (2 adults and 2 children): from £172
There are also various options that can increase the final budget.
- The Souvenir Guide: Preserve memories of your visit with this guide filled with information on the Harry Potter films, filming secrets and photos (£9.95).
- Priority parking: Park near the studio entrance with this pass (£10).
- Digital Visitor Guides: individual or collective, with filming anecdotes, exclusive images and interviews in French.
- Catering options : vegan, gluten-free, champagne (from £39.95 to £54.95), during “afternoon tea”.
- Digital photo and video packages : Immortalize your visit with this pack including photos and a video of the green screen Broomstick area and photos of the Wanted Poster area, download only (£20).
💸 Visiting London on a budget. If you need to save a bit on your trip, here is a list of cheap hotels in London.
What’s the best time to visit the studios?
Choosing the best time to visit the Harry Potter Studios can greatly enhance your experience. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Keep an eye out for special events like Hogwarts in the Snow or Dark Arts for an even more thematic visit.
How to get to Harry Potter Studios in London
Harry Potter Studios is actually in Leavesden (🗺️ map), about 30 kilometres northwest of London. Here’s how to get there.
Take the train
Take a train from London Euston to Watford Junction, the nearest station to the studios. Buy your tickets in advance, and at Watford Junction, take the free Harry Potter-themed shuttle bus to the studio entrance.
Getting there by bus
Opt for an excursion organized by companies like Golden Tours. These packages include transport from central London and entry tickets. Compare the offers to choose the one that meets your needs.
Take a car
Rent a vehicle for a more flexible experience. Plan your route and enjoy free parking on-site. As mentioned earlier, you can park near the entrance for an additional fee.
You can also visit the Harry Potter Studios with organized tours available on sites like Get Your Guide.
What will you see during your visit to the Harry Potter Studios?
Visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London requires a certain budget. But what do you get for this price? Here are the main attractions:
- The big room. Follow in the footsteps of wizards as you enter the Great Hall of Hogwarts, decorated with the crests of the four houses.
- Diagon Alley. Explore the Wizarding Market, discover Ollivander’s Shop and admire the details of this impressive recreation.
- The Hogwarts Express. Board the iconic train at King’s Cross Station, a must-do experience for any Harry Potter fan.
- Special effects. Discover the secrets of special effects used in films, from fantastical creatures to magical transformations.
- Track 9 ¾™. Immerse yourself in the magical world of Track 9 ¾™, the mysterious passage of the Hogwarts Express, a key element of the films.
- Gringotts. Explore Gringotts, the Wizarding Bank, an imposing attraction covering 604 square meters, with meticulously designed sets.
- The model of Hogwarts. This is the final bouquet of your visit. This masterpiece required the intervention of around a hundred people. Just that.
Interactions and activities
The studios offer more than just sets to admire. Participate in interactive activities like tasting Butterbeer or taking a magical duel lesson. Temporary exhibits and workshops add an extra layer of engagement and fun for visitors of all ages.
Three tips for a magical visit
- Don’t wait until the last moment. You often have to book well in advance. This is measured in months, not days. So, remember to get your tickets at the same time as your flight and hotel reservations in London.
- Plan plenty of time for your visit. On average, visitors spend around three and a half hours there.
- Download the Warner Bros. Studios app. For practical information and maps during your visit.
- Take an audio guide. This is not often recommended, but here it takes on its importance by providing a whole series of anecdotes about the rooms you visit.
In conclusion, visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London is a must-do experience for fans of the series. By planning well in advance, choosing the right time for your visit, and fully immersing yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter (make the effort if it’s for your kids…), you’re sure to have an unforgettable, or at least very enjoyable day. (Featured photo: Orangeaurochs / Flickr / CC)
