Inexhaustible Magic
Everything you need to know about the Warner Bros.
“The Making of Harry Potter” Studio Tour
I never received a letter by owl at the age of 11. I have never seen a game of Quidditch, been sorted by the sorting hat, or had a wand choose me. but, despite all of that, visiting Hogwarts at 25 years old was one of the most magical experiences of my life. I saw dragons and hippogriffs and giant spiders. I rode the Hogwarts express and ran through the wall at platform 9 3/4’s. I visited Hagrid’s Hut and the Burrow. Seeing the behind the scenes work that brought the magic of my childhood to life was I was absolutely mind blowing. I maybe went a little overboard in the giftshop. I absolutely cannot wait to come back to visit again. Maybe with people who have actually read the books this time...
Take a Step Through Platform 9 3/4
Buying Tickets.
Tickets can either be purchased at the Studio or in advance. I purchased me ticket a few months in advance and had them delivered to my house. I am all about keeping ticket stubs as mementos and these did not disappoint. When purchasing tickets, you have to know the exact date of your visit and once you select it, take a special note on the first bus, last bus, opening, and closing times as they do change based on the season and day of the week.
Getting There.
This is the tricky part. The only train that can take you to Euston from London is the Watford Junction station, which is where the Underground and the Above-ground trains meet. There is more than one train that goes from Watford to Euston, some are direct and take 20 minutes, while some stop at every single station in between and take an hour and a half. If you get on the wrong train you WILL be a stressed-out, nervous wreck the entire way there. Once you get to Euston, you will be able to board a very difficult to miss double-decker bus (some look like the Night Bus, others are just a driving Harry Potter advertisement) that will drop you off at the studio. This bus will also take you back to Euston at the end of your visit. Click on the link below for more info and other ways to get to the Studio.
What to Expect.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, come fully prepared to have your breath taken away. I may have shed a tear or two. Everything is life size, engaging, and so much fun. Don’t miss out on the interactive photo- op bits. You can learn how to duel (wizard style, of course), fly, ride the Hogwarts Express, and so much more!
The really cool thing about the Studio Tours is that you can see something different each trip you take, if you time it well. The vast majority is on tour year round, so don’t worry, you’re not going to miss out on seeing the Great Hall or Gryffindor Common Room. Certain things do change, however, based on season. When I was there in September, everything was set up for the Triwizard Tournament and the Goblet of Fire was on display in the Great Hall (very cool). They typically have an exhibition on the Dark Arts in September, and everything is snowy for the winter months.
Mischief Managed
Tips for Visiting-
The tour is estimated to take 3.5 hours. You can definitely spend more or less time there, depending on your enthusiasm level. For a deeper level, you can get an Activity Passport or download the Wizarding World App and interact with the exhibits and staff.
The Gift Shops (yes, more than one) are fantastic. Don’t blow all of your money at the first one you come across.
There is a Starbucks in the lobby- perfect for a quick caffeine fix before you start exploring, or after when you’re on your way back to the city.
There is a cafe halfway though the tour. You can get a cup of the iconic Butterbeer, or a snack. There are plenty of seats and benches, too, so you can rest your feet before you continue on.
Anything from the Trolley, Dears?
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Anything from the Trolley, Dears? 〰️
From Afternoon Tea to Cauldron Cakes and Butterbeer, the Warner Brother’s Studios offer an experience so magical, you’ll have to taste it to believe it.
