London, United Kingdom | Fall 2023

Calling All Witches, Wizards, and Muggles!

If you’re planning a London adventure and have ever dreamed of stepping into the magical world of Harry Potter, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is an absolute must. As lifelong Potter fans who grew up eagerly awaiting each book release, this enchanting experience felt like stepping directly into the pages of our beloved series. Let us guide you through our spellbinding journey at the studios, where movie magic meets reality.

Getting There: The Muggle Way

Our magical adventure began at The Tower Hotel, by Thistle, where we set off at 9:35 AM like eager first-years heading to Platform 9¾. We took the tube to Euston Station, then caught the train to Watford Junction, much more reliable than a flying Ford Anglia! From there, the Warner Bros. Studio shuttle bus, decorated with enough magical flair to make the Knight Bus jealous whisked us away to our destination.
Pro tip: The shuttle runs regularly and the journey is part of the excitement!

Entering the Magical World

Remember that feeling when Harry first stepped into the Great Hall? That’s exactly how we felt walking through those massive wooden doors. Our visit coincided with the Christmas season (late November) and the hall was decked out in full festive splendor, just like the magical holiday scenes from the books. The attention to detail was absolutely mind-blowing, from the “floating” candles to the eerily realistic prop food that looked good enough to rival a Hogwarts feast. It truly felt like we were standing right there with Harry on his first day at Hogwarts.

Exploring Iconic Sets

If you’ve ever wanted to peek inside the magical world of Harry Potter, this is your chance. We spent hours exploring:

• The Great Hall: Complete with house tables and the staff table, looking exactly as it did when Harry first arrived at Hogwarts. The Christmas decor added an extra touch of magic, just like the Great Hall during holiday feasts.
• 4 Privet Drive: Yes, you can actually step inside and see Harry’s cupboard under the stairs! It brought back memories of those countless Hogwarts letters bursting through the Dursleys’ door.
• The Burrow: The Weasleys’ charmingly crooked home feels just as cozy as the books describe. Seeing the everyday magic the Weasleys used, like enchanted knitting needles, was delightful.
• Snape’s Potions Classroom: Filled with hundreds of hand-labeled bottles and authentic props, it felt like Snape could walk in at any moment, ready to dock points from Gryffindor.
• Gringotts Bank: Just as grand and intimidating as when Harry first visited with Hagrid. We imagined the trio breaking in to retrieve a Horcrux as we marveled at the goblin craftsmanship.
• Hagrid’s Hut: There was even a life-size mannequin of Hagrid—he’s enormous! Standing next to him really drove home just how big he is compared to everyone else.

Interactive Magic Moments

Unlike the portraits at Hogwarts, you don’t just look at these exhibits, you can actually interact with them! Some highlights include:

• Riding a broomstick: Thanks to green screen magic, you can finally live out your Quidditch dreams. The photos turned out amazing, we were riding along side the buses in London
• Pulling Mandrakes in the Herbology greenhouse: It really felt like we were in Professor Sprout’s class.
• Climbing aboard the actual Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾. Walking through the train compartments felt like stepping into a scene with Harry, Ron and Hermione.
• Posing with the flying Ford Anglia: The iconic blue Ford Anglia from “Chamber of Secrets” was one of our favorite photo ops. We even got to sit inside and snap some pics!
• Taking photos on Hagrid’s motorcycle: With the help of green screen magic, it looked like we were flying just like in the “Philosopher’s Stone.”

Hogsmeade and Other Magical Spots

We also walked through Hogsmeade, where all the shops were decorated with snowy roofs and festive touches, capturing the essence of the wizarding village. Though we couldn’t enter the shops, peering through the windows was enough to make us feel like Harry and his friends during a school visit to Hogsmeade. We also saw iconic props like broomsticks, cloaks, and the various outfits worn by the Hogwarts students.

We visited Snape’s Potions Classroom, where we saw all the potions and herbs featured in the films. We even got to explore The Burrow, where the Weasleys lived. Although the set is smaller than you’d expect, it was packed with all the charming details that made it feel like a home.

Time for a Break: Butterbeers and Treats

No visit would be complete without sampling butterbeer! While I savored every sweet, butterscotch-y sip, my friend wasn’t quite as convinced (more for me!). The café offered plenty of muggle-friendly options too, perfect for refueling during our magical exploration. After all, no one wants to explore Diagon Alley on an empty stomach!

Must-Know Tips for Future Wizards

Here’s a crucial piece of magic we discovered: If you find the official Warner Bros. Studio website sold out (which happens frequently), visit holidayextras.com. They often have tickets available as part of their hotel packages, even when the official site shows no availability. We secured our tickets by booking a one-night hotel stay through Holiday Extras, a small price to pay for such an unforgettable experience. This trick saved us a lot of stress and made sure we could stick to our tight schedule while still experiencing the magic.

Making the Most of Your Visit

We arrived around 1:00 PM and didn’t leave until 6:00 PM and we could have easily spent longer! Plan for at least 4-5 hours to fully immerse yourself in the experience. After the tour, we headed to King’s Cross Station to visit the famous Platform 9¾ (because what’s a Harry Potter day without trying to run through that wall?), followed by a tasty dinner at Cote St. Martin’s Lane.

Why You Can’t Miss Warner Bros. Studio London

For anyone who has ever dreamed of receiving their Hogwarts letter, this tour is pure magic. Whether you’re a devoted fan who can quote every book or someone who simply enjoys the films, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers an immersive experience that brings the wizarding world to life in spectacular fashion.

Walking through the Great Hall was like reliving the scenes from “The Philosopher’s Stone” when Harry and his classmates first saw Hogwarts in all its grandeur. Stepping into 4 Privet Drive brought back memories of the countless letters Harry received before Hagrid burst through the door. We even imagined the trio sneaking into Gringotts as we admired the grand goblin bank.

We also climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express, which was one of the absolute highlights. Being able to sit in the train compartment brought scenes from “The Prisoner of Azkaban” vividly to life. Riding the broomstick was an emotional moment for me, seeing myself flying above Hogwarts just like Harry made me feel like I was truly living out my childhood dreams.

This was the absolute most rewarding day trip, something we had both been dreaming about for years. To me, it felt like stepping into the pages of “The Sorcerer’s Stone” and finally living a part of Harry’s story. My best friend, who is just as obsessed with the books and movies, loved every second of it too. We couldn’t stop taking pictures and soaking in all the magical details.

Planning Your Visit Warner Bros. Studio London?

• Book well in advance, tickets sell out quickly.
• Remember the holidayextras.com tip if official tickets are sold out.
• Allow at least 4-5 hours for your visit.
• Don’t forget your camera, photo opportunities are endless.
• Consider visiting during the holiday season for extra magical decorations.