Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a walkthrough exhibition and studio tour that is all based around the magical universe of Harry Potter. The Studio Tour is based in Leavesden, the very location where the movies were filmed.

It’s right next to the working film studios where all 8 of the Harry Potter films were made, and visitors are able to explore two soundstages and a backlot that has been filled with original sets, animatronic creatures, and amazing special effects from the making of the movies.

Where is the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

The Warner Bros Studio Tour is in Leavesden, Watford in London. The address for this location is Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR. You can get here by car, bus, coach, or train. If you are coming on public transport, the nearest train station to the Studio Tour is Watford Junction. From here, you can get the Harry Potter Shuttle Bus to the studio.

What Are the Opening Hours for the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

The Warner Bros Studio Tour is typically open from 8.30am until 10pm. However, this is subject to change, depending on the day or time of the year that you visit. You should double-check the opening hours before your visit through the website. The last tour available is at 6.30pm.

How Much Are Tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

Tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour cost £49.50 for adults, £39.50 for children, and £159 for a family ticket. Children under the age of 4 can enter for free. You will need to book your tickets in advance online through the website. 

Is There Parking At the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

Yes, there is free parking at the Warner Bros Studio Tour, which is just a short walk away from the entrance to the tour. You will need to have your booking confirmation ready before you enter the car park. 

Can You Buy Food and Drink at the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

Yes, there are plenty of places for you to buy food and drink at the Studio Tour. You can choose from the Chocolate Frog Cafe, the Hub Cafe, the Food Hall, the Backlot Cafe, and the Butterbeer Counter. 

Chocolate Frog Cafe

This cafe is inspired by the iconic wizarding confectionary from the films, and it serves a variety of sweets and treats. Some of the items that you can expect to find here include hot chocolate, ice cream, and cake. This cafe is located in the Studio Tour lobby, and it opens at the same time as the tour, remaining open throughout the day. 

Hub Cafe

The Hub Cafe serves a variety of Starbucks hot and cold drinks, as well as quick bites to eat like sandwiches and baked goods. This cafe is also located in the Studio Tour lobby. It opens at the same time as the Studio Tour and remains open throughout the day.

The Food Hall

The food hall can be found in the Studio Tour Hub, and it serves breakfast in the morning, as well as hot and cold dishes throughout the day. You can also find a selection of drinks and bakery options here. The Food Hall opens at the start of the tour, and it closes at 8pm when the tour closes at 10pm. Otherwise, the Food Hall will open until 5pm.

The Backlot Cafe

If you want to stop for food during your tour, then you can stop for a hot meal, sandwich, or snack at the Backlot Cafe. You will pass through this cafe halfway through the Studio Tour, and there is both indoor and outdoor seating available. This cafe is open from the beginning to the end of the tour.

Butterbeer Counter

Also in the Backlot Cafe is the Butterbeer Counter, where you will be able to buy a delicious frothy Butterbeer. This is a non-alcoholic drink that combines flavours of shortbread and butterscotch. You can also get Butterbeer flavour ice cream. The Butterbeer is gluten and nut free, but contains trace amounts of dairy.

Does the Warner Bros Studio Tour Cater for Dietary Requirements?

Yes, the Warner Bros Studio Tour does cater for many dietary requirements, including gluten-free options. If you do have a food allergy or other dietary requirement, then you should speak to a member of the catering team, who will be able to assist.

What Can You See at the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

The Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is home to various stunning costumes, breathtakingly detailed sets, and intricate props. You can fully immerse yourself into the Harry Potter Universe as you make your way around the tour.

Sets

You can step into iconic sets that were used for filming the Harry Potter movies, like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and even Platform 9 ¾. You’ll be able to walk through all of these places to experience them for yourself and soak in the magic.

Props

Hundreds of thousands of props were used in the making of the Harry Potter films, and tonnes of them are on display throughout different sections of the tour.Take a look at the 950 individually labelled potion jars in Snape’s potions class, see the 900 memory vials in the cabinet in Dumbledore’s office, and witness the thousands of other props that are on display.

Costumes

Throughout the 10 years of filming for the Harry Potter films, so many different costumes were used. Now’s your chance to see them up close. You will be able to see quidditch and school uniforms, professors costumes, and so much more. 

Special and Visual Effects

You might not be surprised to learn just how many scenes in these films were created by using special and visual effects, but you’ll definitely be blown away by how some of your favourite movie scenes were created using green screens, visual effects, and special effects.

Magical Creatures

The magical creatures in Harry Potter are a big part of what makes it so magical! Along the tour, you will be able to see Buckbeak, the Basilisk, Aragog, the Goblins, and more up close and find out how they were made and brought to life on screen.

Art Department

The art department is responsible for bringing much of the magic from the page to real life through technical drawings, scale models, set building, designing, and so much more. You can see the whole design and production process for yourself, including the incredible masterpiece of the Hogwarts Castle at the end of the tour.

Places to Stay Near the Warner Bros Studio Tour

Due to the fact that the Warner Bros Studio Tour is in a relatively remote location, it is typically best to stay in Watford if you are using public transport, or you want to stay somewhere close by. You can get the Harry Potter Shuttle bus from Watford Junction, or drive just 10-15 minutes.

Holiday Inn London – Watford Junction

The Holiday Inn at Watford Junction is a great family-friendly hotel that has an all day restaurant and is just a two minute walk away from the train station. It’s just a short drive away from the Warner Bros Studio tour, or 20 minutes on the train to Central London.

Jurys Inn London Watford

Jurys Inn is another hotel in Watford, and it is in the perfect location for transport links in and out of London. Watford Junction is just an 8 minute walk away from the hotel, and it’s in a great city centre location with various restaurants and shopping locations.

Best Western White House Hotel

The Best Western White House Hotel is a family run hotel that is just a two minute walk away from Watford High Street, which has everything you might need throughout your stay. This hotel is also a 15 minute walk away from Watford Junction if you want to get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour with ease.

Our Visit to the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

I can’t tell you how much I love the Warner Bros Studio Tour. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, and I don’t think there would ever be a time that I would turn down going back to the tour. I’ve been three times so far, and each time is just as magical as the first. Each time we have been, there’s always been something new and different to see too, which is great.

I don’t think you even have to be a fan to go once, as it’s so magical that anyone can enjoy it. My partner isn’t really a fan, but he’s still enjoyed going each time. 

It’s impossible for me to choose a favourite part of the tour because, for a Harry Potter fan, the whole thing is just amazing. Although I do think there’s no experience like walking through the amazing sets that were created for the films, walking through the Great Hall, Gringotts Bank, or down Diagon Alley is just an incredible experience.

You may also like

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a secure fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison in the heart of London. Tickets to this attraction allow you to explore this iconic castle and world heritage site, so you can find out everything there is to know about its history. If you…

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is a walk-through tour that allows you to discover some of London’s darkest history. It’s an intense and at times scary experience that isn’t for the faint hearted. You will take on the role of a traitor as you descend to the dungeon for your…

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London is a museum that is full of life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities, historic icons, and themed galleries. It is one of London’s most-loved attractions, allowing you to get up close and personal with wax figures of your favourite…