A bit of history
The Leavesden studios were converted into film studios in the 1990s. When the production of the Harry Potter films began in 2000, Warner Bros. chose these studios to film the majority of scenes for all the movies.
After the production of the eight films concluded, Warner Bros. decided to keep the iconic sets, props, and costumes used during filming. Instead of dismantling and selling these elements, they transformed the studios into a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the behind-the-scenes world of J.K. Rowling’s magical universe.
This completely immersive experience literally plunges you into the films! As a Harry Potter fan, it’s a must-see, and this is our second visit to the studios. Ten years have passed since our first visit, bringing many changes and expansions to the studios!
How to get to the Harry Potter Studios
There are two ways to get to the studios:
With transport included in your ticket
When booking your ticket for the studios (make sure to book on the official site), the site will offer you the option to add transport, which will be by bus! The buses are beautifully designed, all featuring Harry Potter themes; these routes depart from several stations in London.
Even though it might seem like the easiest option at first, it is also the most expensive! Plus, you will only have 4 hours from the moment the bus drops you off at the studios to visit! And believe us, 4 hours is really, really not enough! Unless you’re running, maybe?
On your own
This is the best option for us, having done it twice! This method is, for us, the most cost-effective and also allows you to spend as much time as you want at the studios, as you won’t have any time constraints!
Just an hour from London, you will discover the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios. To get there, you can book a bus via the studios’ website that will take you directly from London, but be careful, you will then have a time slot! Or you can do as we did and go there on your own. A train from Euston station will take you to Watford Junction. From there, you will find shuttles organized by the studios that will take you there with very frequent services.
It’s honestly very easy to get there, and at least you can stay at the studios until closing time if you wish! Note that the parking accepts camper vans for the day only. To see everything and take your time wandering between the various sets, you will need the entire day!
Dive into the World of the Harry Potter Films
And what sets! A direct plunge into the films of the saga! It’s so beautiful! You’ll move from the spectacular Great Hall of Hogwarts to Hagrid’s hut, passing through Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express!
Put on your cloak and enter through the Great Hall where the tables will be set for your arrival, and then go see Professor Dumbledore in his office where Fawkes the phoenix and the Sorting Hat await you at the top of his shelf.
It feels like you are inside the films. The sets are almost all there, and especially with all the little details that can be seen in the films, it’s a bit like a freeze-frame.
The visit starts in the Great Hall and then follows the films in chronological order, from the first to the last.
We highly recommend booking the audio guide on the studios’ website when purchasing your ticket. It will be in your language and is extremely comprehensive. For each set, you will learn about the making and filming secrets, as well as many anecdotes. For instance, you’ll find out that Daniel loved using his wand to play the drums, which led him to break about 80 of them! The audio guide is very well done: it’s a tablet where you’ll see interviews with the actors and behind-the-scenes clips… Not to be missed!
Discovering the secrets of the Harry Potter films
In addition to the various complete sets, you can discover iconic objects such as the door to the Chamber of Secrets and Alastor Moody’s magical trunk. Not to mention many costumes!
You will also learn more about special effects and magical creatures like the Mandrake or Hedwig, how to create an animatronic, the secrets behind FX makeup, the time it takes to transform into a goblin, and how to computer-animate a fantastical creature…
For those who, like Adrien, are not huge fans of the saga, the visit remains extremely interesting in itself, as it also provides a deep dive into the world of fantasy cinema and all the trades it encompasses.
Some sets are located outdoors, such as the Knight Bus and 4 Privet Drive. At the end of your visit, before heading to the shop, take your time to admire the model of the castle and its surroundings.
I believe the most spectacular and emotional experience, if you are a fan, is visiting Diagon Alley, where, like Harry, you will discover all the shops to do your back-to-school shopping. Buy your wand at Ollivander’s and pop into the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes joke shop!
Indulge in a few attractions to discover the secrets behind the filming of the movies: hop into Mr. Weasley’s flying car, strike a pose in a Hogwarts Express carriage, take a ride on a broom… And to end the day perfectly, enjoy a Butterbeer! You will also uncover many secrets that you may not have even noticed while watching the films!
Some of these attractions come at an additional cost, and it can add up quickly if you’re not careful. If you have to choose, we recommend doing the green screen photos, as the results are really cool, and of course, trying the Butterbeer! Well, to be honest, the taste isn’t great, but still! Who can say, “I’ve tasted Butterbeer”?
How to organize your visit to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios?
The visit is truly very long! Even more so if you take an audio guide and take the time to listen and watch the clips provided for each of the sets.
On our side, we spent 7 hours there! And we only left because it was closing time! It all depends on how you choose to explore, but to be on the safe side, we recommend booking your visit slot in the morning and spending the whole day there.
Can you eat at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios?
In this case, you will need to eat on-site, as bringing your own food is unfortunately not allowed. You will find four dining options within the studios:
- The Chocolate Frog Café
This stand, shaped like a Chocolate Frog, is located at the entrance of the studios. You will mainly find treats, ice creams, pastries, and hot drinks there.
- The Hub Café
Still located at the entrance, beneath the dragon. Here you will find Starbucks specialties, baked goods, and sandwiches.
- The Great Hall Café
Located next to the Chocolate Frog Café, this cafeteria offers hot and cold meals throughout the day, until 8 PM, along with a tea room.
- The Outdoor Set Café
Located halfway through the studio tour, you will find hot and cold dishes like burgers, pizzas… But it’s also here that you can taste the famous Butterbeer!
Our visit in video
What to do in a day at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios?
You certainly won’t be bored, that’s for sure! In addition to touring the sets, the studios offer “extra” activities that you can do for an additional fee with your entrance ticket:
- Souvenir photos on a green screen
You will find two spots for taking these photos: the first near the potions class and the second in front of the Hogwarts Express. The first photo spot will allow you to recreate the famous “Have you seen this Wizard?” wanted poster for Sirius Black. The second will have you pose in a train carriage while the train is being attacked by Dementors!
- A souvenir movie on a green screen
At the first photo spot, you can also make a short film of a few minutes where you will get on a static broom in front of a green screen. You will then choose the background and pretend to be flying!
- Taste Butterbeer
A must-try, even if most visitors don’t like its very sweet taste!
- Activity Passport
Do not miss this; it’s free and you can find it at the entrance of the studios, in the dragon room. It allows you to collect 3D stamps throughout the tour and conduct a little investigation! During our visit, we had to find Scabbers!
- The Souvenir Guide
Unfortunately, it is only available in English! It’s a shame that it’s not offered in multiple languages, as many tourist spots do!
You can reserve it when purchasing your tickets, but don’t worry if you forgot; it’s also available in the studios’ shop!
Practical information: Prices and parking at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
- Parking
Parking is free, and you can park there without worry, even if you’re in a camper van. Upon your arrival, you will be directed by a security agent.
- Tickets
We recommend purchasing your tickets on the official website; you will find the best prices and packages, such as family and group tickets.
Book your tickets at least 2 months in advance! You’ll be surprised by the number of visitors and how quickly the entrance tickets sell out! Consider yourself warned!
