The first time I visited the Harry Potter Studios London was in January 2014. We were there during their annual Hogwarts in the Snow Christmas season event and it was magical. So many new areas have been added to the tour since then. For years me and my family have been desperate to go back, so to celebrate my baby sister's 16th birthday we hopped in the car and made the journey down to Watford for the day.
As a lot had changed since our first visit, I thought I'd put together a mini guide for those who are thinking about visiting soon. If (like me) you went years ago but haven't been since then hopefully you'll also find the below tips useful!
1. What is the Harry Potter Studio Tour London?
So for those completely in the dark, what is the Harry Potter Studio tour London? If you've ever visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando in Florida then please be aware that the Studio Tour is a completely different experience.
The Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter (to give its full name) takes you on a journey behind-the-scenes to learn how the wizarding world was brought to life on-screen. Expect to see some of the actual sets, props and costumes from the Harry Potter films! What's really cool is the Studio Tour is located right next to the working film studios in Leavesden, where all eight of the Harry Potter movies were made.
2. It's a lot bigger than you think
The official website advises that an average visit to the Studio Tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Although you're welcome to spend as long as you like there. Depending on where you're travelling from, you might want to allocate a full day to make sure you have time to experience everything the tour has to offer. Our entry time slot was booked for 12.30pm then we left at around 5pm.
3. What shouldn't you miss?
The Studio Tour is split into distinct areas where you can explore the sets used in the Harry Potter films. You can also see some of the iconic props and actual costumes worn by the cast. Just some of the areas you get to explore include;
- The Great Hall and various Hogwarts sets
- The Forbidden Forest
- Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express
- Gringotts Bank (*NEW* for 2019)
- Diagon Alley
Throughout the tour there are also opportunities to learn how the special and visual effects teams bought the magic to life.
My best piece of advice is to take your time and don't rush anything. There are plenty of photo opportunities to take advantage of so make sure your phone/camera battery is fully charged before you arrive!
In some areas you do have to queue, but the lines move quickly. I really enjoyed walking down the train used as the original Hogwarts Express, and the new Gringotts area is stunning.
4. Where to eat and drink
There are a couple of cafés onsite where you can purchase food and drink. The Studio Café is located in the lobby before you start the tour, and the Backlot Café is about halfway through. It was great to see plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are available. You're also welcome to bring your own food and drink.
Me and my sister decided to buy our lunch onsite, whereas my mum and rest of my family packed a picnic. While the food was nice and not horrendously priced (I paid £8.50 for a chickpea burger and fries), the queue experience was awful. It might be better if you visit out of season, but we had to wait over half an hour just to place our order. This was at around 2pm on a Sunday during school holidays. Drinks were pretty expensive too, so I'd recommend bringing a refillable water bottle if you have one.
5. Skip the gift shop if you're on a budget
One thing that hasn't changed since I last visited the Studio Tour is the cost of souvenirs. My sister picked up a few keyrings which ranged from £5-£8 each, but otherwise we stuck to window shopping.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is a popular attraction, so I don't expect the souvenirs to be cheap. I also appreciate they're largely catering to tourists, many of which will have travelling from outside the UK. However £8+ for a tiny box of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans is ridiculous in my opinion. £70 for a basic jumper is extortionate. And the quality didn't feel any better than what you find in Primark.
Have you ever visited the Harry Potter Studios London? Click here to book your tickets.
Pin it for later...
Ahhh this brought back such good memories for me! I traveled to the UK in 2016 and got to visit the Studio Tour and it was just amazing! I wish I had had your blog post to help me out though, since I kind of went in their blind and wandered. Though I really want to go back and visit the Gringotts display. AND the Hogwarts in the Snow around winter! Basically, I think I just need another UK vacation. But your post was great and your pics were so fun!
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
Thank you so much! If you're ever back in the UK then it's definitely worth another visit to the Harry Potter Studios - so much had changed since my last visit!
By coincidence, I was looking this up so I'm glad I found your post. Great to read about tips before you go so you can prepare. Good to know what we shouldn't miss and hoping the forbidden forest has spiders as the kids would looooove that!!!!!
Yay, I hope you found my tips helpful! I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say your kids won't be disappointed with the Forbidden Forest area!
I went to the studios once a long time back, but I haven't even seen all the movies so it didn't mean as much to me. But I do work right across the street from the studio so I drive past there every single day x
We love visiting the Harry Potter studios, especially with the children. Some great tips for those who are looking to visit for the first time.
We have been and great tip about the size. The place is so much bigger than you think and you need a good day there for sure xx
This brought back so many memories. I adore Harry Potter and absolutely loved my visit to the studios in 2016. I definitely agree that it is better to plan for a longer visit than they suggest on the website :)
We've been a few times now and I love that they often mix things up with new exhibits. We haven't seen the Gringotts bank yet, so we'll probably do that later in the year. Mich x
I couldn't agree with you more regarding the prices in the gift shop, they'r really beyond a joke. I do love going to the studios though and you're right, it is HUGE!! xxx
We have visited a few times, but nor for quite a while now. It is such an incredible place - so much to see! I would say take your time and just soak it all in! Kaz
These are great tips, I am always a sucker for the gift shops! Good that HP is such a huge franchise that you can actually pick up nice bits elsewhere without having to pay a huge amount of money. I haven't ever been here but my sons dad has taken him before and said it was amazing.
This is one destination that's right near the top of my 'must visit' list. I'm a HUGE Harry Potter lover and definitely need to check it out someday soon!