Harry Potter Studio Opening Times
You will definitely want to check the website for up-to-date opening times, but generally throughout the year the studio is open from 8.30am through to 10pm. More specifically:
- Doors open at 8.30am
- First tour starts at 9am
- Final tour starts at 6.30pm
- Studio closes at 10pm
These times do vary by day. In terms of dates, the Studio is open every day of the week. There are some exceptions, it is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day .
Interactive Opportunities At Harry Potter Studio Including Free And Paid For
Warner Bros Studio Tour interactive signs
As well as the sets and props there are also a few interactive things you can do at the Studio. For example, at Weasley’s Burrow there is plenty to do.
There is a wand choreography demonstration , 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 wish to ride a broomstick you can pay extra , to perform in front of a green screen, on to which a marvellous Hogwarts background is super imposed, and as a memento take home with you your choice of photograph, DVD or HD USB. This attraction is a highlight so it is best to check out the queues and make your timings accordingly. Note,
Outside you can also have your photo taken in the original Ford Anglia car, like Harry and Ron, and even wobble yourself over Hogwarts Bridge!
Throughout there are interactive touch-screen boards which play videos showing the cast and crew, or information about the making of the films, such as the ‘Marauder’s Map‘ board, and around the magnificent Hogwarts Castle.
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts for their second year, which proves to be more challenging than the last. The has been opened, leaving students and ghosts petrified by an unleashed monster. Harry must face up to claims that he is the heir of , learn that he can speak , and also discover the properties of a mysterious diary, only to find himself trapped within the Chamber itself.
Prisoner of Azkaban
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What Will I See At The Harry Potter Studios London
Anyone for chess?
Featuring the original Studio sets of the critically acclaimed film franchise, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London â 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.
Further down on this page we describe in more detail the sets you will see on this breathtaking Harry Potter walking tour.
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.
Arriving From The M25
Clockwise: Exit the M25 at Junction 19. At the Hunton Bridge roundabout take the second exit onto the A41 and move into the left hand lane for the A405 . Take the left hand fork ahead and then take the first exit at the roundabout into the Studio Tour.
Anti-Clockwise: Exit the M25 at Junction 20 and head south east on the A41 towards London . Keep in the left hand lane at the Hunton Bridge roundabout. Move into the left hand lane for the A405 . Take the left hand fork ahead and then take the first exit at the roundabout into the Studio Tour.
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Bus To Warner Bros Studio Tour From London
no hidden fees
Our bus to Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour departs every day from London Victoria and Baker Street. It also departs from Kings Cross Station on selected dates. This is a hassle-free way of getting to the Studio Tour from London. Depart London on a branded bus with one of the Harry Potter movies showing onboard. And after enjoying your Studio Tour, take the return bus back to London!
Mandrakes And Magical Creatures: 1st July 12th September 2022
Brand-new for 2022, Mandrakes and Magical Creatures will shine a spotlight on how your favourite creature effects were brought to life on screen.
Start your journey in the Great Hall watching the Frog Choir scene as seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, featuring the costume of conductor of the choir, Professor Flitwick, as worn by Warwick Davis.
During your tour you’ll see plenty of magical creatures including as Cornish Pixies, Dumbledores beloved Fawkes and the animatronic Monster Book of Monsters can be spotted during your visit. In addition, you will learn how Thestrals and Mandrakes were brought to life using a mixture of scale models and CGI in the Creatures Workshop.
Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse
Professor Sproutâs greenhouse will now be open for the very first time! Step into the greenhouse, home to many exotic and magical plants, and stop to pull out a potted Mandrake as part of an interactive display.
Based on the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will recognise the Venomous Tentacula hanging from the ceiling as you walk through the greenhouse.
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Our Harry Potter Studio Tour Review And Experience
Now for the fun stuff! Although, if you want your visit to be a surprise, you might want to skip this section, as you now have everything you need to know in order to visit.
Still, if you want an idea of what to expect from your visit, read on, and well share our own experiences of visiting the Harry Potter Studios!
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2
After destroying one Horcrux and discovering the significance of the three Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron and Hermione continue to seek the other Horcruxes in an attempt to destroy Voldemort, who has now obtained the powerful . The Dark Lord discovers Harry’s hunt for his Horcruxes and launches an attack on Hogwarts, where the trio return for one last stand against the dark forces that threaten both the Wizarding and Muggle worlds.
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How Do I Get From The Hotels To Warner Bros Studio Tour London
- Jurys Inn Watford – By car the hotel is approx. 10-15 minutes away. Alternatively, it’s an 8 minute walk to Watford Junction, where you can hop on the official Studio Tour Shuttle Bus and it will take you straight there. Buses run every 20 minutes, take 15 minutes and cost £3.00 pp for a return.
- Leonardo Tower Bridge Hotel – If you’re driving the journey will typically take between 55 minutes – 1hr 20 minutes. By public transport the journey will take around 1 hr 30 minutes.
Arriving At Warner Bros Studio Tour London
J.K. Rowling quote
If coming by bus, it will take you to just a hundred metres or so from the entrance, and then you are left to walk inside independently.
There are now more queues for security if you didn’t get your tickets delivered to your home address, you will need to pick them up from the ticket machines and a box office outside, you will need to queue for this.
You will then need to queue to go through security which includes a bag check and personal scan. If you are going on an organised tour, your arrival time will allow you about twenty minutes to queue, ready for your pre-booked entry time into the Studio itself.
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Dine In The Hogwarts Great Hall
13th 15th December 2022
Dine as the students of Hogwarts did, as our popular Dinner in the Great Hall events return for another magical year.
Each night, you are invited for a drinks reception under the imposing Dragon in the Studio Tours lobby before moving through to the magnificent Great Hall for a mouth-watering two-course seated dinner.
You will have the chance to explore the depths of the Studio Tour, exclusively after hours, marvelling at the original sets whilst enjoying dessert bowl food and the wizards drink of choice, Butterbeer!
To top the night off, you can dance the night away with a disco by the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ before heading to the Studio Tour shop to select a wand of your choice to take home.
Tickets include:
- Welcome drinks and canapés on arrival
- Exclusive after-hours access to the Studio Tour
- Two-course dinner in the Great Hall set
- A character wand from our gift shop
- A selection of dessert bowls on Platform 9 ¾
- A tankard of Butterbeer in the Backlot Café
- A complimentary souvenir green screen photograph
The Dinner in the Great Hall events will take place in December, and are open to over 18s only. Guests will be seated at tables of 10 or 12 and tickets are priced at £260pp.
*Guests will be contacted in advance of the event to provide any dietary requirements.
hourglass Flourish Here
- Studio Tour commences in two groups
- 7:15pmTake your seats in the Great Hall set
- 9:00pmEnjoy desserts and a disco on Platform 9 ¾
What Sets Are There Outside At Harry Potter Studios
Knight Bus and Privet Drive Walk over the rickety Hogwarts Bridge
There is seating outside just beyond the Backlot Cafe where you are allowed to bring your own food to eat. Here you also get a nice view of the Knight Bus, the houses in Privet Drive, Hogwarts Bridge, Godric’s Hollow, and further down the Ford Anglia car too!
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Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
Harry’s fifth year begins with him being attacked by Dementors in Little Whinging. Later, he finds out that the Ministry of Magic is in denial of Lord Voldemort’s return. Harry is also beset by disturbing and realistic nightmares, while Professor , a representative of Minister for Magic , is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Harry becomes aware that Voldemort is after a prophecy which reveals: “neither can live while the other survives”. The rebellion involving the students of Hogwarts, secret organisation , the Ministry of Magic, and the Death Eaters begins.
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.
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Hogwarts In The Snow: 12th November 2022 15th January 2023
Hogwarts in the Snow is back in 2022. 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 and a blanket of film-making snow will cover the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and the magnificent Hogwarts castle model.
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
During Harry’s fourth year, Hogwarts plays host to the . Three European schools participate in the tournament, with three ‘champions’ representing each school in the deadly tasks. The chooses , , and to compete against each other. However, Harry’s name is also produced from the Goblet thus making him a fourth champion, which leads to a terrifying encounter with a reborn Lord Voldemort.
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Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
is an orphaned boy brought up by his unkind Muggle aunt and uncle. At the age of eleven, half-giant informs him that he is actually a and that his parents were murdered by an evil wizard named . Voldemort also attempted to kill one-year-old Harry on the same night, but his killing curse mysteriously rebounded and reduced him to a weak and helpless form. Harry became extremely famous in the as a result. Harry begins his first year at and learns about magic. During the year, Harry and his friends and become entangled in the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone which is being kept within the school.
Hotels Near Euston Train Station
- YHA London St. Pancras a good value budget option a short walk from both Euston and Kings Cross stations. Offers both private and dormitory style rooms
- Comfort Inn and Suites King Cross a great mid-range option, with all rooms coming with a kitchenette
- Point A Hotels comfortable, cosy rooms, part of the well rated budget-friendly Point A hotel chain
- Radisson Blu Edwardian luxury, boutique accommodation, a short walk from Euston station
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Discover The Dark Arts: 23rd September 6th November 2022
The ever-popular Dark Arts fest will return for Halloween in 2022 with the Great Hall ceiling decorated with over 100 floating pumpkins, as well as a Halloween feast of lollipops and red apples dressed along the tables.
You can follow the Dark Mark trail, and even try your wand combat moves against Death Eaters in a live duel as they storm the Studio Tour.
Even Platform 9 ¾ and the terrific Diagon Alley become a little darker…
Journey Through Memories Captured During Years Of Magical Filmmaking
Housing iconic photographs, the Photographic Exhibition takes fans behind-the-scenes of key moments in the film series, from Harrys first day at Hogwarts through to the Battle of Hogwarts.
Located in Covent Garden, the Photographic Exhibition is home to Londons only bottled Butterbeer bar. During their visit, fans can purchase the wizards drink of choice served in a souvenir tankard, or take a bottle away to enjoy at home!
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How Long Does The Harry Potter Studio Tour Take
The regular tour itself is self-guided, other than an introduction at the beginning, so you can take as long as you like to wander the studios.
The average length of a visit is around three and a half hours, and that is what the studio estimates most people will take and forecast their capacity around.
This is also about the amount of time that most tour companies will give you, although some offer a bit more time on site, so if you think you will need more time, be sure to pick a tour company that offers more time.
Booking Tickets For Warner Bros Studio Tour London
Ticket collection at Harry Potter Studio, Watford
This Harry Potter attraction is always very popular. Unfortunately it is not an attraction that you can just arrive at on the day and gain entry. You will need to book your tickets in advance.
The further in advance you book your tickets the more choice of dates and times you will have. However, you may find late availability on some dates, so it is always worth checking.
You have two choices when it comes to tickets: you can book independently direct from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour website, or alternatively, you can book a combined transport and Studio entrance ticket , which will take you from central London to the Studios in Watford. For the latter option you pay extra for the convenience per ticket.
See our page Warner Bros Studio independently by public transport for more details on how to do it on your own.
There are currently three London tour operators who will take you to the Harry Potter Studio in a luxury coach, from Victoria in Central London, with around 4-4.5 hours Studio time.
Other tickets options are available for example:
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How To Get To The Harry Potter Studio Tour
You have two major options for getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour you can take a tour which includes your transport, or you can make your own way there using either public transport or a car.
Well go through both of these options so you can make the right decision as to which is going to be best for you.
Where Was Harry Potter Filmed
Harry Potter was filmed all across the UK, at real world locations such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, Alnwick Castle, Glencoe in Scotland and Leadenhall Market in London. See our full guide to Harry Potter filming locations in the UK for more.
The interior sets and the majority of the rest of the films were shot at the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, just outside London.
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Hogwarts Castle The Original Scale Model Used In The Films
Hogwarts
When you enter the next room there is, in a quietly blue lit room, a very wonderful scene: Hogwarts Castle, the original large castle used for the films, resplendent on its mountain side, with pine forests surrounding.
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.
Every part was detailed so you can see the astronomy tower, the Owlery, the bridge and the courtyard as well as the Great Hall.
Around the model castle are many interactive screens â great for kids â giving information on how it was constructed and how it was used in filming.