Warner Bros Studios Tour: behind the scenes of Harry Potter

The Harry Potter saga has been a popular phenomenon for an entire generation. The first book appeared in the UK in 1997, and the film adaptation was released in cinemas in 2001. Since then, almost everyone has heard the story of the young wizard with the round glasses, Harry Potter.

The seven books in the saga and the eight films they are adapted from have been a huge success, and fans have grown with them. Ten years separate the release of the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and the last, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. A veritable social phenomenon the world over, fans are now flocking to the UK to follow in the footsteps of the heroes of their youth.

The Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, just outside London, is a must-see for any self-respecting Potterhead! Here you can discover the settings of the saga: you can wander around the Great Hall before going to the magic potions classroom or wandering off into the Forbidden Forest. You can pass through Hogsmeade or along the chemin de Traverse, then hop on the Magicobus to visit the Dursley house at 4 Privet Drive.

Throughout the tour, the actors' real costumes are on display, along with various props such as the wands that Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) actually used during filming.

Visitors can also discover all the secrets behind the filming: anecdotes about the actors, the first sketches used to design the model of Hogwarts and all the special effects that gave the films their magic. You can see the impressive door to the Chamber of Secrets, find out what goes on underneath the invisibility cloak or see how the Hopping Willow works.

The secrets of quidditch are also revealed: no, flying brooms never existed! Most of the magical creatures are animatronics. So you might come face to face with a larger-than-life basilisk or meet Buck the hippogriff during your visit. Arachnophobes can rest assured, however, that it is possible to avoid Aragog the giant spider!

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a must for all Potterheads and pop culture fans visiting London! Allow around 3 and a half hours to visit the site, but allow a good half-day if you include travel time.

🚌 How do I get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

The Making of Harry Potter is not exactly in London but 32 kilometres away, in Leavesden. You can take the train from London Euston station to Watford Junction station, the journey taking around twenty minutes. From there, there are free shuttle buses to the Warner Bros Studio Tour.

You can of course come by car, as parking is free. But the easiest way is to buy a ticket directly, which includes shuttle transport from London.

⏰ Warner Bros Studio Tour opening times

The Warner Bros Studio Tour is open every day from 8.30am to 10pm. However, opening times and closing days may vary, so check the Making of Harry Potter diary for more information.

👛 Warner Bros Studio Tour prices

• Full price: £51.5
• Under 16s: £40
• Under 5s: free
• Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £160

To find out all the prices and book your ticket online, go directly to the official Warner Bros Studio Tour website!

👉 Please note that tickets will not be sold on site, so it's essential to book your ticket in advance! Tickets include transport between Watford Junction station and the studios, as well as a visit to the Making of Harry Potter.