What to expect at Harry Potter Studio Tour London
Firstly, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to travel to the Studio. Moreover, don’t forget to set aside enough time to discover the vast selection of sets and props. In this way, you can fill your day with unforgettable magic!
On the Studio Tour, you can dive into the real sets from the Harry Potter films and see a wide selection of costumes and special effects that made the enchanting world come alive.
Be sure to treat yourself to a delicious cup of Butterbeer while you enjoy your visit!
You should allow at least 4 hours to immerse yourself in the incredible world of the studios.
Marvel at the intricately designed sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank, Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse, the Forbidden Forest, and Platform 9 ¾.
The Studio Tour offers a mostly self-guided experience, allowing you to explore at your leisure. While certain areas are interactive and encourage hands-on engagement, there are also sections that are for viewing only.
Arriving at Warner Bros Studios
If travelling by bus, you will be dropped off just a short distance from the entrance. From there, you can make your way inside on your own.
There are currently longer queues for security. If your tickets weren’t sent to your home, you’ll be required to collect them from the ticket machines or the box office outside.
You will then pass through security, which includes a bag check and personal scan.
Note, if you are on an organized tour, your arrival time will give you approximately twenty minutes to pick up your tickets before your scheduled entry time into the Studio.
What’s on at The Making of Harry Potter in 2025
Magical Mischief: 25 January – 28 April 2025
Magical Mischief returns, inviting guests to dive into the filmmaking magic and trickery, behind the enchanting scenes featured in the Harry Potter movies.
Visitors will have the chance to uncover the secrets and mysteries behind the Invisibility Cloak and the magical flying acceptance letters that Harry received, and much more.
The Relaxed Tour: 9 February 2025
The organizers scheduled this special experience, designed for visitors with autism and similar conditions, for Sunday, February 9th, 2025, starting at 8am. Relaxed Tours provide fans the opportunity to enjoy the Studio Tour with fewer visitors, adjusted lighting, and lower sound levels throughout the event.
Summer Feature: 15 May – 8 September 2025
Get ready for an enchanting adventure in 2025, as the Studio Tour will debut a brand-new wizarding Summer Feature.
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at the new Triwizard Tournament. Discover new behind-the-scenes secrets and spellbinding special effects.
Experience the excitement in the newly designed indoor venue, featuring a digital screen, stage, and tiered seating, where you can witness filmmaking magic like never before!
Dark Arts: 12 September – 9 November 2025
Experience Halloween at Hogwarts. Like every Halloween, The Warner Bros. Studio knows how to deliver a thrilling exploration of all things Dark Arts.
Those famous floating pumpkins will of course make their annual appearance, over the great tables laden with the spooky feast, and beware of the Death Eaters’.
As always you can follow the Dark Mark – the symbol of Lord Voldemort projected throughout the Studio Tour – mark them on your passport as you go around.
Enjoy learning wand combat with the interactive display of the wand choreographer Paul Harris (he of Order of the Phoenix through to Deathly Hallows fame).
Hogwarts in the Snow: 15 November 2025 – 18 January 2026
Planning your Christmas fun for next year? Hogwarts in the Snow will be back in 2025; hold the dates from 15 Nov 2025 – 18 Jan 2026.
The festive makeover will see the Great Hall transformed with the icy silvers of the iconic Yule Ball scenes. The Gryffindor common room will be dressed for the season. While a soft layer of cinematic snow will blanket the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and the stunning Hogwarts castle, creating a winter wonderland.
What will I see?
Featuring the original Studio sets of the critically acclaimed film franchise, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a fan and family friendly day out not to be missed! As a self-guided walking tour, you will get the chance to wander down Diagon Alley, peeping into sets such as the Weasley’s Joke shop, and Ollivanders. You’ll get the chance to step into the actual Great Hall, complete with banqueting table and fireplace.
See our What will I see at the Harry Potter Studio Tour? YouTube video for further information.
While the Studio Tour is aimed primarily at fans of the Harry Potter film series, if you have an interest in special effects and film sets more generally, there would be plenty to get out of this tour.
The detail you can see in the sets and props on show is awe inspiring and the information on offer as to the process of film making is very instructive. The guides are friendly and helpful and happy to chat if you want a bit of extra information. Some of them were extras from the films themselves so have a bit of insider knowledge.
Only the beginning part of the Studio Tour is guided (although guided Harry Potter tours are available) You will see two short films and then the guide gathers everyone at the doors of the great hall. If you’re lucky (like it’s your birthday!) you might even be picked to open the doors. After you step into the hall, they will explain a little about this magnificent room; following this you are free to take the rest of the tour at your own pace.
Entering the Studio and the Great Hall at Hogwarts
There are several ‘holding rooms’ before you enter the Studio itself. One you have gone through the lobby area, you queue to enter a smallish room featuring props and memories on screens of the Harry Potter films, and even Harry’s cupboard under the stairs from Privet Drive – where the Story Begins…
The main cast of Harry Potter warmly welcome you to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
As you start your tour, a guide will lead you into a spacious room adorned with captivating cinematography on the walls, along with an introduction that delves into the original inspirations behind the films.
Additionally, you’ll have the chance to watch interviews that feature the producer, the visionary who brought Harry Potter to life, the production consultant, and many others who played a crucial role from the very start.
Enter the cinema room, where you settle into your seat to enjoy a short film presented by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
Step inside the Great Hall at Hogwarts School
The magic really comes alive as you step in through the doors of the Great Hall, of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
As you stroll across the authentic stone floor, you step into the expansive hall, featuring a soaring ceiling and impressive Gothic windows.
Long tables are set up, each adorned with unique place settings crafted specifically for the films. Along the perimeter of the hall, you’ll notice models clad in Hogwarts robes, a magnificent fireplace, and winged creatures grasping lanterns.
At the top of the room is the high table where you can see Dumbledore at his Owl Lectern, Professors McGonagall and Snape, in their robes, and the huge Hagrid.
Here too is the famous Sorting Hat, sitting at the front, just as it did in the films. Although you only get 10 minutes to view the Great Hall, you are free to come back later if you wish.
Explore the main Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter at your leisure
You are then free to go at your leisure into the rest of the studios. There is so much to see here it is great to be able to take your time and wander at your own pace. One of the first things you see as you go in is the ‘ice palace‘ used in the film The Goblet of Fire, for the Yule Ball.
What sets will I see at the Harry Potter Studio London?
In the studios, large sets intermingle with smaller props, all of which took months to create.
Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse
Visit Professor Sprouts Greenhouse and pull out a potted Mandrake as part of an interactive display.
Let exotic and magical plants enthral you as you learn Herbology lessons with Professor Sprout.
Look out for the Venomous Tentacula hanging from the ceiling!
Gringotts Bank
Featuring the magnificent banking hall, with crystal chandeliers. Come face to face with the goblin bankers, peering down at you. Visit the Lestrange vault, including the Sword of Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes.
Find out about our experience of the exhibition by reading our blog on the Gringotts Bank expansion.
Other top sets at the Harry Potter Studio
You will see the boys’ dormitory complete with made up beds around the central fire-burner.
Snape’s Potions room
Containing over 950 potions jars, as well as cauldrons ready for mixing on the table, dried herbs and even shrunken heads!
Dumbledore’s Tower
Here there is one of the most expensive set pieces created – the telescope – only featured in a background scene.
Explore the display of Dumbledore mannequins dressed in his elegant robes, surrounded by countless shelves filled with books and intriguing magical artifacts, including the enigmatic pensieve.
Weasley’s Burrow
At the enchanting Weasley’s Burrow, you can wave your hands over various boards, and they will ‘magically’ start performing mundane household chores such as chopping carrots, knitting, and ironing!
Furthermore, you can see the Weasley magical clock with its nine golden hands, each indicating the whereabouts of one member of the Weasley family.
Hagrid’s Hut
Nearby is Hagrid’s hut with its quirky roof; a cosy indoor scene complete with mannequin of Hagrid, table and chairs, furs, lanterns and cauldron on the fireplace.
Gryffindor common room
See more life size mannequins of Ron, Hermione and Harry. Chairs by the fire, with real tapestries and portraits (all created for the films) and the wireless radio, with ‘moving lips’!
Catch a glimpse of the Fat Lady’s portrait, The Mirror of Erised, and the massive pendulum from the Hogwarts Clock Tower just around the corner.
If you’re curious about the unique wands of each character, the wand dial showcases all the main ones, allowing you to appreciate the distinct craftsmanship up close. In total, over 3000 wands were created for the films.
Ministry of Magic
You’ll get to explore the scene featuring the Ministry of Magic and the imposing Magic is Might monument. Here muggles are depicted as being dominated by the statue, from the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Malfoy’s Manor
Featuring the long table with assembled Death Eaters, Voldemort at the head with Nagini the 20 foot long snake, slithering down underneath a suspended victim.
Dolores Umbridge’s pink office
Professor Dolores Umbridge’s pink office, complete with all the painted kitten plates you remember from the films.
The Forbidden Forest
It is in this area where the famous winged-boar gates of Hogwarts stand, (the gates are based on Il Porcellino, a bronze fountain of a boar, made in the 1630s in Florence, Italy).
They guard the entrance to The Forbidden Forest. Hagrid stands just inside the gates, you can peek through and see him holding his lantern as you wait for the gates to open – to enter if you dare!
In the Forbidden Forest you’ll see 19 enormous trees each with a diameter of over 12 feet and a full size model of Buckbeak as well as the magnificent Hippogriff and Aragog the giant spider, and his rather large babies.
Hogwarts Express
Your next part of the tour takes you through to a recreation of Kings Cross Station, with its own ‘Platform 9 ¾’. Here you can pose for a photo, of yourself, pushing the model luggage trolley ‘through’ the wall, just like in the films.
The Hogwarts Express is a stunning red steam locomotive. You can actually step aboard the original train featured in the films!
This attraction is quite popular, so you can usually expect a bit of a wait to get on. Once you’re aboard, you can stroll down the corridor and take a look into the compartments filled with student items like sweet wrappers from the trolley lady, satchels, and even an owl cage.
Near the train, the Railway Shop awaits you, a delightful souvenir store with a train theme that offers a variety of Harry Potter memorabilia for you to buy.
What sets are located outside at Harry Potter studios?
Knight Bus
At the Knight Bus you can go inside the back door and look inside… see Bert and Ernie – the shrunken heads!
Number 4, Privet Drive
The famous house where it all began… Step inside Number 4, Privet Drive.
See the Dursleys’ living room with a flurry of Hogwarts letters from the iconic scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, plus their kitchen and the Aunt Marge dinner scene from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Hogwarts Bridge
The bridge itself is a highlight – you can wander along it yourself and imagine you are walking up to the famous castle.
Lily and James’ house in Godric’s Hollow
See the fated house that Harry lived in until he was one – when he was attacked by Lord Voldemort himself. You can even see the blast in the roof where the attack claimed the lives of Lily and James Potter.
Ford Anglia and chess game
Outside there is the famous large scale chess pieces from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the original Ford Anglia, in which you are free to sit and have your picture taken.
The Creature Shop
After leaving the courtyard area, you enter the second part of your tour, the Creature Shop, where there are displays of the animatronics used, and waxworks of main cast.
Here you can see suspended up high the huge model of Aragog, the giant spider and the basilisk’s head.
There is also the animatronic Buckbeak, and Hagrid, masks of the Gringotts Goblins, models of Dobby and Kreacher, as well as a moving Book of Monsters.
Diagon Alley
One of the highlights of the Studio Tour, a walk down the actual Diagon Alley!
Entering at Gringotts Bank with all its wonky charm; next door is Ollivanders, the famous shop where Harry gets his first wand.
Shops located along the alley feature Eeylops Owl Emporium, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, and Flourish and Blotts Bookseller. Standing out with its vibrant colours is the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, the joke shop run by Fred and George.
This is a lovely area to take photos.
Set designs and paintings from the Harry Potter films
If you’re a fan of art, you’ll love the white gallery filled with stunning paintings of the characters, showcasing memorable scenes from the books.
Additionally, If you’re interested in architecture, you’ll be delighted to find incredible scaled models of all the buildings showcased in the films. You can explore detailed replicas of places like Diagon Alley, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Hogsmeade, and the classrooms at Hogwarts.
Hogwarts Castle, the original scale model used in the films
As you step into the next room, you’ll find yourself in a softly illuminated blue space that reveals a breathtaking sight: Hogwarts Castle, the iconic large castle featured in the films, majestically perched on its mountainside, embraced by lush pine forests.
It is a 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts; this is very large and fills a great space, allowing you to walk all the way around it. The lighting is very effective, changing through ‘day-time’ to ‘night-time,’ giving very different perspectives.
Each section was intricately designed, allowing you to view the astronomy tower, the Owlery, the bridge, the courtyard, and the Great Hall.
Interactive screens are located around the Castle – great for kids – giving information on how it was constructed and how it was used in filming.
Wand Tribute Room
Following the Castle room you exit via an impressive Wand Room, stacked high with thousands of wand boxes.
This is a lovely tribute room where each member of the cast and crew of all eight films has their name inscribed on a wand box. Appropriately, J.K. Rowling herself has a place here.
See if you can locate J.K. Rowling’s Wand box.
This room leads you back out to the lobby, through the gift shop where you can pick up a memento of your Harry Potter day.
And so ends your Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
A truly enchanting day filled with countless chances to discover more about the films at every turn. Like Hogwarts, it might just be somewhere you wish to return to again.
Cafes and dining options at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
If you have any extra spare time before your tour begins, you can grab a drink or snack at one of the Cafés located around the studios, including the The Chocolate Frog Café at the beginning of your tour, serving indulgent treats such as the specialty hot chocolate and ice cream.
Breakfast, sandwiches and hot and cold meals are also available at the Hub Café located at the Food Hall.
You’re welcome to bring your own food, but please enjoy it only in the Backlot area or the outdoor picnic space.
The Backlot Café, situated about halfway through the tour, is the perfect spot to try the famous Butterbeer!
Butterbeer is non -alcoholic and has quite a sweet froth to it, with a slight taste of butterscotch.
In addition the Backlot also serves hot food – both children’s and adult’s – from a daily specials board, sandwiches and salads, snacks and hot and cold drinks.
You can choose to eat and drink inside or out, where there are nice views of the next section of the tour – the Knight Bus, Hogwarts Bridge, Godric’s Hollow and Privet Drive.
Gift shops
Three gift shops are located at the Studio Tour.
Railway Shop: a train-themed souvenir shop.
Forbidden Forest Shop: selling Forbidden Forest related items.
Studio Shop: located near the exit.
You can purchase Harry Potter merchandise such as the books, Hogwarts T-shirts and robes, house jumpers, pens, key rings, postcards, sweets, wands and cuddly toys.
One part of the service includes personalization, adding a unique touch to make that gift even more special.
Toilets
There’s a toilet block in the car park (by the bus stop), and a bigger rest room in the lobby, plus a couple of small toilets in the first half of the tour and more toilets by the Backlot Café, halfway round the tour.
Luggage
If you need somewhere to store any small suitcases (or coats and bags) you may have, you can do this free of charge in the lobby cloakroom.
Pushchairs are also encouraged to be left here if possible due to the restricted amount of space in the Studio Tour.
Wi-Fi
There is free Wi-Fi throughout the Studio Tour – so you can share your photos as you go (see below for restrictions).
Digital guide hire and souvenir guidebook
If you wish you can hire a Digital Guide, with extra information on the Studio Tour, for around £5 from the desk in the lobby before you go in. You can also purchase a Souvenir Guidebook of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for around £10, with behind-the-scenes secrets and beautiful photography.
Photography and video footage
The cinema areas and the green-screen areas are the only parts where you are not allowed to take photographs or video footage. Otherwise, you are free to do so in all other areas of the Studio Tour.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London encourages you to share your photos with them on social media and there are signs up around the Studio telling you how to do this.
Interactive opportunities at Harry Potter Studio
In addition to the sets and props, there are several interactive activities available at the Studio. For instance, at Weasley’s Burrow, you’ll find a lot of fun things to engage with.
There is a wand choreography demonstration (free), featuring a video demonstrating correct wand moves; very popular with the kids as they see themselves perform in front of two mirrors, much like the mirror of ‘Erised.’
If you’re interested in experiencing the thrill of ‘riding a broomstick,’ you can opt for an additional fee to perform in front of a green screen. With a stunning Hogwarts backdrop added to your video. Additionally, you’ll have the option to take home a photograph, DVD, or HD USB as a keepsake.
This attraction is a must-see, so be sure to check the wait times and plan your visit accordingly.
Note, photography is not allowed in this area.
You can also snap a photo outside in the iconic Ford Anglia car, just like Harry and Ron. Furthermore, try and wobble yourself over Hogwarts Bridge!
Throughout there are interactive touch-screen boards which play videos showing the cast and crew. Additionally, information about the making of the films, such as the ‘Marauder’s Map‘ board, and the magnificent Hogwarts Castle.
The Studio Tour offers a few interactive activities for younger kids, but due to the extensive information presented, it’s likely best suited for children aged eight and older.
Accessibility and children
Accessibility
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has made significant efforts to make the Studio Tour accessible for wheelchair users. They have installed a lower window for ticket collection and provide step-free access throughout the attraction.
The entire Studio Tour, including restrooms, the gift shop, and the special effects green screen area, is fully accessible. Fold up chairs are available from the lobby.
Younger Children
If you have younger children or just need a break yourself, there are seats dotted around inside where they can sit and rest if needed. Toilets are located around the Studio Tour.
At the start of the tour, if you’re accompanied by children, they’ll each receive a Studio Tour Passport. This A5-sized booklet allows kids to gather stamps as they explore the Studio Tour. Furthermore, they can hunt for the Golden Snitch by following the clues found on each page.
Tickets to Harry Potter Studio London
This Harry Potter attraction is incredibly popular. Unfortunately, you can’t just show up on the day and expect to get in. It’s essential to book your tickets ahead of time.
You have a couple of options for purchasing tickets:
- Book directly through the Warner Bros. Studio Tour website
- Purchase a combined ticket that includes both transport and entry to the Studio (details below). The combined ticket will take you from central London to the Studios in Watford, but keep in mind that there is an additional fee for this convenience.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Combined Ticket
Multiple choices of departure location including Victoria, Russell Square, Baker Street and Kings Cross.
Select your preferred option on booking page for full details.
- Frequent bus departures daily
- Entrance to the Warner Bros Studio Tour
- Return luxury air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi from Central London
- Cheaper tickets available off-peak
Be aware this is one of the most popular tours from Central London; tickets are often booked months ahead.
There are currently three tour companies who offer Harry Potter Studio tickets plus transfers from Central London.
All the tour companies provide a similar experience; air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, multiple daily departures from an accessible London location and around 4 hours at the Studio.
If you’re a devoted Harry Potter enthusiast, consider adding a trip to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour in London, along with a visit to Oxford, to your itinerary.
Additionally, other Harry Potter Tours are available.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour with hotel pick-up from Central London
Harry Potter Studios and Film Locations Guided Tour from London
Where is Warner Bros Studio Tour London?
The Warner Bros Studio Tour isn’t situated in central London; instead, it’s found in Leavesden, roughly 20 miles away from the city.
The closest train station to London is Watford Junction, where you can catch a dedicated shuttle (which does have a fee) that takes you directly to the studio.
For detailed information on how to find the Warner Bros. Studio please see our dedicated page Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – visiting independently
Visitors staying in Central London can take advantage of various tour operators that provide a special shuttle bus service to the studios, which also includes tickets. These tours typically have a greater ticket availability.
For detailed information on how to find the Warner Bros. Studio, visit our dedicated page Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – visiting independently
Georgian House Hotel near Victoria – with Wizard Chambers
If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast planning to take the bus from Victoria to the Harry Potter Studio, you’ll want to consider this delightful 4-star hotel.
Boasting whimsical Wizard Chambers that are designed to evoke the charm of Hogwarts’ dormitories. Rooms can accommodate up to six guests, making it a perfect choice for families or groups of friends.
This unique, award-winning property offers the charm of an English country hotel in the city – just a 10-min walk from London Victoria Station.
Beautifully and individually styled rooms feature modern comforts, such as rainfall showers, large flat screen TVs, a choice of delicious refreshments and The White Company toiletries.
Enjoy an award-winning breakfast daily, with a focus on locally sourced, artisan ingredients.
Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Award winning restaurant • On-site coffee house • Bar • Family rooms & Wizard Chambers available • 24-hr front desk • Special diet menus
Nearest tube: 10-min walk to Victoria.
