I love Harry Potter. Perhaps not as much as some people (shout out to the super fans), but I have read all the books and adore watching the films. I am proud to be part of the Harry Potter generation and find great joy in the wizarding world J.K. Rowling and the filmmakers created. That’s why a tour of Warner Bros. Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter was a must once I moved here.
I booked far in advance due to its popularity and the fact that I needed to go on a Saturday (notoriously busy, of course) but it was a simple process, and the 4-month wait between securing tickets and arriving at the Studios was well worth it! I went with my good friend Jaz, and we had the most magical day.
The first thing I noticed when we arrived at the Studios was just how friendly and welcoming the staff were. From the first person who checked our tickets to the security guards and then the workers inside the venue, the customer service was top-notch. I kept thinking to myself how joyous they all were, which makes sense I guess, considering how joyous of a place it is.
You enter the tour within your allocated time and are ushered through a few rooms with a guide. Here you learn about what the Studios entail and see a few familiar faces on the screens, before entering the Great Hall. Every quarter the Studios host a different experience and when we went it was Magical Mischief. This immersed us in the filmmaking trickery used to pull off the magical mishaps in the films, notably the scene in which the Weasley twins cause havoc during the O.W.L examinations in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. It had pyrotechnics, practical effects, and sound effects, and was an incredible way to kickstart the adventure.
After the Great Hall, there are no guides (unless you book a deluxe ticket) and you are free to wander the Studios at your leisure. Upon entry, there is information about the filmmakers, editors, and writers with interesting quotes and videos. I loved reading about the directors of each film and why they felt compelled to participate in the franchise.
As you walk through you come across incredible costumes such as Hermione’s dress from the Yule Ball, and Hogwarts uniforms, as well as amazing sets and props. This part of the tour was very busy and filled with people trying to get the best picture of sets such as the Gryffindor dormitory and Slytherin common room, so if you struggle with crowds, then I recommend booking a weekday ticket to avoid this. I snapped a few pictures of Dumbledore’s office and marvelled at the craftsmanship that went into building it. When I tell you that I was blown away by the talent of the designers, I mean it. Moving through the sets, I was constantly dumbfounded at just how elaborate they were.
A personal favourite was The Forbidden Forest. It was eerie and atmospheric and just the right amount of creepy. Keep an eye out for Buckbeak and Aragog (and his children!) who live in the forest. Jaz scooted past the giant spider VERY fast.
Trekking a little further in, we finally made it to Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express station. Of course, Jaz took many pictures of me posing with the trolley going into the wall before we found our way to the Backlot Café for lunch. This is where you can try Butterbeer and Butterbeer ice cream served in a souvenir cup.
Beyond the café is a great area where you can walk through the Dursley’s house and Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse, take pictures of the Knight Bus, walk across the wooden Hogwarts bridge, sit in Hagrid’s motorbike and so much more. It’s a lovely spot to catch your breath before continuing the fantastical tour.
Moving through the incredible make-up and creature effects section you arrive at another favourite of mine, Gringotts Wizarding Bank. This set is something to behold – and no, it’s not just because I am an Aussie, and the bank was originally filmed in Australia House in London. Although, I do love this crossover!
The grand banking hall is decorated with three stunning crystal chandeliers and lined by two towering marble pillars, as well as all the intricate details you will remember from the films such as quills, ledgers and piles of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts. People were lining up for a photo with one of the goblins, but I instead chose to move on to another part I was looking forward to – the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon. If you know, you know, if you don’t, enjoy the surprise!
The Diagon Alley set was up next and of course, it did not disappoint. From Ollivanders wand shop to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, walking through the pretend street was like stepping into the film itself. The attention to detail and pure creativity behind each shop front is truly remarkable.
Speaking of remarkable (can you tell how much I loved this tour, yet?!), the Hogwarts castle model is unlike anything I have ever seen in my life. In this part of the tour, you get to walk around the entire model and see the precision and meticulousness that went into creating it. My suggestion is to take your time in this section and don’t rush, the model deserves your undivided attention.
The rest of the tour involves technical drawings and paintings and finally, the wand room which contains a wand for each member of the cast and crew on the Harry Potter films. It’s such a nice touch! As you exit, you will enter the gift shop where I purchased a Dumbledore wand pen and bookmark, and a Christmas decoration – the perfect souvenirs to remember an epic day.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter was one of the best experiences of my life, and I think whether you are a local or here on holiday, everyone should visit.
If you are ready for a spellbinding day out, purchase tickets for the Harry Potter Studios on the Golden Tours website.