travel tips: warner bros Studio Tour LOndon: the making of harry potter
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a permanent exhibition and walk-through experience located at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, just outside London. It offers fans an unparalleled opportunity to delve behind the scenes of all eight Harry Potter films.
Unlike a theme park, the Studio Tour focuses on showcasing the authentic sets, original costumes, and intricate props used in the beloved movie series. Visitors can explore iconic locations like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, Platform 9 ¾ with the Hogwarts Express, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The tour also reveals the incredible British talent, imagination, and artistry that brought J.K. Rowling's wizarding world to life, including insights into special effects, creature design, and set construction. It's a self-guided experience that typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers.
As a five-time visitor (and clear Harry Potter enthusiast!), I can confidently say the Studio Tour consistently delivers magic. Every visit feels just as enchanting as the first, particularly when I've had the chance to experience their fantastic themed events, from "Animals from the Films" to the "Triwizard Tournament," Halloween, and festive Christmas setups. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this incredible place. From dedicated Harry Potter fans (like me!) to those with just a casual interest, there's a fascinating experience for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
Ready to learn more? Here's what's on this page:
- History of the Warner Bros Studio Tour London
- Tickets & Admission
- Timing of Your Visit
- Exploration of the Tour
- Transport Options
- Dress Appropriately
- Key Experiences
- Food & Drink
- Accessibility
history of Warner Bros Studio Tour LOndon
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which opened on 31 March 2012, is located at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, a site with a long history.
Originally a World War II airfield and factory, it later transitioned into a film studio, notably hosting James Bond's GoldenEye. The pivotal moment came in 1999 when it became the primary filming location for all eight Harry Potter films (2000-2010), housing 588 sets, props, and costumes.
Recognising the immense fan interest as the films concluded, Warner Bros. purchased the 200-acre site in 2010. They then developed a permanent exhibition, designed in collaboration with original filmmakers, within newly constructed soundstages. This preserved the authentic sets and props, creating an immersive behind-the-scenes experience that has since become a highly popular UK attraction.
Tickets & admission
- This is the most crucial tip! Tickets are for specific dates and times and cannot be bought at the door. They sell out months in advance, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special events (like "Hogwarts in the Snow" or "Dark Arts").
- Check the official website for availability and book as soon as your travel dates are firm. If your desired time is sold out, check back for cancellations or consider booking a package through a reputable tour company which often have their own ticket allocations that include bus transfers from London.
choose your time wisely
- For fewer crowds: Aim for a weekday, especially Tuesday to Thursday, during off-peak seasons (January, February, or late September to early November, excluding school holidays). The very first entry slots of the day are often the quietest.
- For special atmosphere: Visit during themed events (e.g., "Hogwarts in the Snow" for Christmas decorations, or "Dark Arts" for Halloween). These are incredibly popular and will be busier, but offer unique photo opportunities and enhanced set dressings.
give yourself enough time to explore
- While the official recommendation might be 3.5 to 4 hours, many fans find they need 4 to 6 hours or even more to fully explore, read all the information, watch videos, and take photos without rushing.
- The first part of the tour (pre-show and Great Hall) is guided, but the rest is self-paced. Take your time!
getting to the studio tour
Note: This WB Studio Tour London, is not actually located in central London, so please see below the travel options from there, but they are also available from other parts of the UK.
- Train + Shuttle Bus: Take a direct train from London Euston to Watford Junction (approx. 20 minutes). From Watford Junction, a dedicated, branded shuttle bus runs frequently (every 20-30 minutes) directly to the Studio Tour. Expect the shuttle bus to cost approximately £2.50 for a return journey (cash only, as of June 2025). I've used this option once myself, travelling from another part of the UK to Watford Junction and then utilising the convenient shuttle bus service. It's a very convenient option!
- Organised Coach Tours: Many companies offer combined ticket and return bus transfers from central London locations (e.g. Victoria, Baker Street, King's Cross). This is often the most hassle-free option.
- Car: Free on-site parking is available. Use postcode WD25 7LR for sat nav. Priority parking is also available for an extra charge.Driving has been my go-to for the other four visits – and for good reason! Living roughly two hours away, the free parking at the WB Studio Tour makes it incredibly convenient and a truly fab option.
dress appropriately
- You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Wear comfortable shoes.
- A small part of the tour is outdoors (the Backlot area with Privet Drive, Knight Bus, etc.), so check the weather and bring an umbrella or light jacket if rain is forecast.
- Embrace the Magic: Don't hesitate to dress up in your wizarding robes or other Harry Potter-themed attire! Many visitors do, and it adds to the fun and photo opportunities.
key experiences within the tour
- Butterbeer: Try the famous Butterbeer (available as a drink, ice cream, or even a vegan option) at the Backlot Cafe. It's a must-try!
- Green Screen Experiences: Take advantage of the green screen photo opportunities (e.g. riding a broomstick or flying the Ford Anglia). These are paid extras but make for fantastic souvenirs.
- Activity Passport: Pick up a free activity passport at the start of the tour. It includes a Golden Snitch hunt and stamps, making it a fun interactive element, especially for children.
- Hogwarts Model: Spend ample time in the final room with the incredibly detailed Hogwarts Castle model. It's truly breathtaking and changes from day to night.
food & drink
The Food Hall (Studio Tour Hub)
- Location: Near the entrance/exit in the Studio Tour Hub.
- Offerings: This is the most comprehensive dining option. It serves breakfast until around 11:30 AM, including full English breakfasts, Butterbeer pancakes, and toasted English breakfast muffins. For lunch and dinner, you'll find classic British meals like fish and chips, pies, burgers, salads, stone-fired pizzas, and children's meals. The menu sometimes updates with special features.
- Atmosphere: Often inspired by the Great Hall.
- Special Packages: The Food Hall also hosts pre-booked Breakfast at The Hogwarts Table and Afternoon Tea experiences on selected dates, offering themed menus. These are more premium, sit-down dining experiences and need to be booked well in advance, often with your tour tickets.
The Backlot Cafe (Mid-Tour)
- Location: Approximately halfway through the tour, in the Backlot area (after Platform 9 ¾). This is a crucial stop for many visitors.
- Offerings: Quick service meals including burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries, salads, and filled bread options. They also serve breakfast items until around 11 AM.
- Butterbeer Central: This is the place to get your Butterbeer fix! You can find it on tap (frothy drink), as Butterbeer ice cream, and sometimes as frozen Butterbeer (the only place in Europe to get the frozen version). Vegan Butterbeer is also available here.
- Atmosphere: Offers both indoor and outdoor seating with fantastic views of iconic exterior sets and props, such as the Knight Bus, Number Four, Privet Drive, and the Hogwarts Bridge. This is where you'll see many people enjoying their Butterbeer outdoors.
The Hub Cafe (Studio Tour Hub)
- Location: In the Studio Tour Hub, near the entrance/exit, often under the watchful gaze of the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon.
- Offerings: Primarily a Starbucks outlet, offering a range of hot and cold drinks, speciality coffees, and bakery items like pastries and sandwiches. Perfect for a quick caffeine boost or a light snack before or after your tour.
The Chocolate Frog Cafe (Studio Tour Hub)
- Location: Also in the Studio Tour Hub.
- Offerings: Focuses on sweet treats! You'll find luxury hot chocolate, ice creams, milkshakes, and an extensive range of expertly hand-crafted cakes and desserts. It also features fun photo opportunities with Chocolate Frog Card Mirrors.
dietary requirements
- Allergens and Dietary Needs: The catering teams are generally accommodating. If you have specific dietary requirements, allergies, or need vegan/gluten-free options, it's best to speak directly to a staff member at any of the food outlets. They strive to offer various options, and menus will typically have allergen information.
- Bringing Your Own Food: The Studio Tour does allow visitors to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. However, these must be consumed only in designated areas. The primary locations for eating your own packed lunch are:
- The Backlot area (including the outdoor seating near the Backlot Cafe).
- The outdoor picnic area (usually clearly marked).
- You cannot consume your own food or drink inside the main tour areas (e.g., sets, stages).
- This is an excellent option for those on a budget or with very specific dietary needs.
exclusive treats
- Butterbeer: A non-alcoholic, sweet beverage (often described as tasting like shortbread and butterscotch) with a frothy top. It's a must-try experience. Available as a drink (served in a souvenir tankard you can keep), ice cream, and sometimes frozen. It's also vegan-friendly.
- Other Themed Sweets: Look out for items like Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and other confectionery familiar from the books and films in the gift shops and smaller cafes.
accessibility
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter provides comprehensive accessibility and support for visitors with additional needs. This includes free carer tickets, wheelchair accessibility throughout the tour, and permission for assistance dogs. For those with autism and related conditions, the tour offers relaxed tours with reduced numbers and adjusted sensory elements, as well as sensory rooms and sensory support bags. Visitors with hearing impairments can utilise digital guides with subtitles, personal induction loops, and British Sign Language (BSL) tours, while those with visual impairments can benefit from accessible image books, tactile tours, and audio descriptive tours. More detailed information is available on their official website.
Last Updated: 23 June '25