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The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour is a must-see for any fan of the beloved film series. Located just outside of London, the tour takes visitors behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films, offering a unique glimpse into the magic of movie-making. As a lover of all things Harry Potter, I’ve written my experience in this accessible guide to Warner Bros Studios London.
Warner Bros Studios London: Harry Potter Studio Tour Guide
Upon arriving at the studio, visitors are greeted by a giant model of Hogwarts Castle, setting the stage for the magical adventure to come. From there, visitors can explore the Great Hall, complete with authentic sets, costumes, and props from the films. The attention to detail is truly impressive, and fans will love seeing their favorite scenes come to life before their eyes.
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see the actual Hogwarts Express steam engine and carriages used in the films. Visitors can even step aboard and have their photo taken in the carriage just like Harry and his friends.
Another must-see exhibit is the Gryffindor common room and dormitory, which has been meticulously recreated down to the last detail. Visitors can even see Harry’s small, cramped cupboard under the stairs, which served as his bedroom in the first film.
In addition to the sets and costumes, the tour also includes special effects demonstrations, showing visitors how the filmmakers brought some of the most iconic scenes in the series to life. From the Quidditch matches to the epic battle at the Ministry of Magic, visitors can learn all about the tricks and techniques used to create these memorable moments.
But the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour is not just for die-hard fans – even those who are only casually familiar with the films will find plenty to enjoy. The tour is full of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, making it a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
One of the most popular exhibits is the creature effects workshop, where visitors can see how the filmmakers brought to life some of the series’ most memorable creatures, including the giant spiders and the majestic Hungarian Horntail dragon.
Blind Girl Adventures at the Harry Potter Studio Tours
I have been to the Harry Potter studio tours three times, and I promise it WON’T be the last. I thought I would share my experiences as a blind person going there.
The first time I went to Harry Potter studio tours was back in 2013, I was registered blind at this point but still had a lot of residual vision. This meant that unless it was the intricate details, I could pretty much see the entire tour, and let me tell you it was breathtaking.
As an avid Harry Potter fan, it lived up to everything I dreamed of and more!
My friend and I took the shuttle bus from Watford train station, and requested audio description headsets. The audio headsets were a mixture of explanations of the visual details of the props and sets, along with trips and interviews from the cast and crew who put together the entire Harry Potter film franchise. I suspect we were there well over three hours being absorbed and mesmerised by the design, costumes, sets and the incredible audio description.
I even got to ride a broom using a green screen! If there wasn’t an entire line of people watching me, I probably would have started yelling something A along the lines of: ll”Yer A wizard Sassy!”
Alas, I’m still waiting for my Hogwarts acceptance letter. I know, it doesn’t matter that I’m in my 30s.
This is when I tried Butterbeer for the first time, and I was absolutely appalled! It’s essentially cream soda with butterscotch flavourings. Not remotely what J. K. Rowling described within the Harry Potter books, for starters it was cold, and secondly what heathens like cream soda?!
I bought some strawberry honeycomb, and Bertie bots every flavour beans: as a keepsake. And if you’re wondering? Yes, I still have the unopened box today sitting on my bookshelf!
If you’ve ever read the Harry Potter books or watched the films with audio description you will know how much detail has been put together to bring the wizarding world to life. These are the real props, costumes, designs and sets used throughout the 10 year Harry Potter film. I promise if you go as A blind person, or sighted, you will have the best time!
My second visit to the Harry Potter studio tour in 2018 was as a totally blind person, accompanied by Grant and my gorgeous guide dog Ida!
Grant drove us to the Leavesden studios, and we were able to park at the front thanks to my blue badge. During this adventure I was given a real hands-on experience! Rebecca, a member of staff, gave me a one-on-one audio described tour where I was allowed to touch the props! See, sometimes being blind has its perks! I’ve got to touch/hold many props, but my three favourites were Lord Voldemort’s wand, Bellatrix Lestrange’s dagger and Luna Lovegood’s leg moulds (as she went barefoot in the forbidden forest). Rebecca was so knowledgeable and you could tell she loved Harry Potter, almost more than I do! This truly was a magical experience and I came away with way more knowledge about the behind-the-scenes, that I ever knew possible!
As a massive Harry Potter geek, there was a little bit of sadness that I could no longer see the beauty of the sets, and the props or life-size model scale.
I think as a blind person; if you’ve ever had Sight, and lost it. Especially if you have seen these things before you will potentially reminisce that the touch tour was beyond words, one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had in my life!
One on one tours cost more but if you have a sighted companion, you can purchase a carer ticket (essentially buy one get one free) and I think this is a wonderful way to enjoy it with someone else.
Here is where I tried Butterbeer ice cream for the first time. If you love butterscotch flavour and super creamy ice cream, this is the one for you! We also went through the forbidden Forest, and got to sit in Hogwarts express – re-enacting the scene from the Dementor on the Hogwarts express. Unfortunately me Hogwarts express is extremely narrow and has steps leading up to it, so if you are a wheelchair user this would not be accessible to you, and in this instance Rebecca waited on the platform with Ida as Grant and I reenacted the scene and gave Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint A run for their money!
Rebecca was super attentive, didn’t rush us in anyway and showed us where all the accessible bathrooms were, and offered Ida some water.
My most recent blind girl visit to Harry Potter studio tours was in 2021, honestly just to go and experience the Gringott’s set! Grant, Ida and I took our sweet time going through the Making of Harry Potter, we either spoke to several staff members’ positions throughout the entire exhibition, and got a super cool insight into the jobs they do, and what their favourite part of the studio tours were!
The Gringott’s set was absolutely phenomenal, more realistic than anything I could have imagined, my only negative is that I didn’t get to see it with eyes that worked.
I don’t want to spoil the surprise for anyone but Gringott’s is bloody fabulous!
At this time of our visit Covid procedures were still implemented, so unfortunately I could not access an audio description handset, or receive a one on one touch tour. I believe that it is now something that is back up and running for visually impaired visitors to enjoy.
Opening Times and Ticket Prices
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is open from Monday to Sunday, with varying opening times depending on the day of the week and the time of year.
During the peak tourist season, from April to October, the studio tour is typically open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, with last admission at 4:00pm. From November to March, the studio tour is usually open from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with last admission at 2:00pm. It is important to check the studio tour’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date opening times, as they may vary depending on public holidays and other events.
As for ticket prices, the standard admission price for the Harry Potter Studio Tour is £47 for adults, £39 for children (5-15 years old), and £45 for seniors (60+). Children under 5 years old are free. The ticket price includes access to all of the permanent exhibits and displays at the studio tour, as well as any seasonal exhibitions that may be on display.
Seasonal Tours and Temporary Exhibits
The studio tour also offers a range of special tours and experiences, which can be purchased in addition to a standard admission ticket. These tours and experiences include a behind-the-scenes tour, a VIP tour, and a one-on-one guided tour. Prices for these tours vary, and it is best to check the studio tour’s website for the latest information on pricing and availability.
It is important to note that tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, either online or by phone, to ensure that you are able to visit the studio tour on your desired date.
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is known for its permanent exhibits, which showcase authentic sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter films. However, the tour also features seasonal exhibitions, which are temporary displays that change periodically throughout the year. These exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to see even more behind-the-scenes content and further immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter.
Some past seasonal exhibitions at the Harry Potter Studio Tour have included:
- “The Hogwarts Express: Reliving the Magic” – This exhibition allowed visitors to step aboard the actual Hogwarts Express steam engine and carriages used in the films, as well as see authentic costumes and props from the train scenes.
- “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” – This exhibition, which traveled to various cities around the world, brought many of the most iconic sets and costumes from the Harry Potter films to the tour for a limited time. Visitors could see the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, and more, all filled with authentic artifacts from the movies.
- “The Art of Harry Potter” – This exhibition featured original concept art, storyboards, and sketches from the Harry Potter films, giving visitors a unique look at the creative process behind the movies.
- “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” – This exhibition, held in partnership with the British Library, featured rare books, manuscripts, and other magical artifacts from the collections of the library and the Harry Potter Studio Tour.
It is important to note that the seasonal exhibitions at the Harry Potter Studio Tour are temporary and often change, so it is best to check the tour’s website or social media pages for the latest information on what exhibitions are currently on display.
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London often celebrates Christmas and Easter with special events and exhibits. These celebrations give visitors the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season, and are a must-see for any fan of the Harry Potter series.
During Christmas, the studio tour is typically adorned with festive decorations, including Christmas trees and other holiday touches. In the past, the tour has also featured special exhibits and activities for visitors to enjoy, such as the chance to see authentic Christmas decorations from the Harry Potter films, and even meet Father Christmas himself.
Easter is also a special time at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, with the tour often offering Easter-themed activities and exhibits for visitors to enjoy. These activities have included Easter egg hunts, craft workshops, and more.
How to Get to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios
The easy way to get to the Warner Brothers Studios is by joining a tour that includes transfer to the studios from London and back.
The other option is to plan how to get there yourself using public transport (a train and then a shuttle bus) or by car.
If you don’t want to worry about transport, there are different options to choose from.
Tours Including Transport & Tickets
- A bus from Victoria Coach Station in London: The price includes both the ticket to the studios and transport to the studio and back to London.
- A bus from Kings Cross Station in London: This one also includes both the round trip and the entry ticket to the studios.
WB Studio Guided Tours
- A fully guided tour: This tour includes transport from London and back, entry ticket and a dedicated guide who’ll take you through the studios.
- A guided tour combining film locations and the WB Studios: This guided tour takes you on a walking tour around Harry Potter film locations in London and then continues with a tour of the Warner Bros. Studios.
How To Get To Warner Bros Studios On Your Own
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located just outside of London, in the town of Leavesden. There are several ways to get to the studio tour using public transportation, including coaches, trains, and tubes.
One option is to take a coach from central London to the studio tour. Several tour operators offer coach services from various locations in London, including Victoria Coach Station and Baker Street. The journey by coach typically takes around an hour, depending on traffic.
Another option is to take the train from London to the town of Watford Junction, and then transfer to a shuttle bus service, which will take you directly to the studio tour. Trains to Watford Junction depart from Euston Station in London and the journey takes around 20-30 minutes. The shuttle bus service from Watford Junction to the studio tour takes an additional 20-30 minutes.
If you prefer to travel by tube, you can take the Metropolitan Line from central London to the town of Watford, and then transfer to a local bus service, which will take you to the studio tour. The journey by tube from central London to Watford takes around 45 minutes, and the local bus journey from Watford to the studio tour takes an additional 20-30 minutes.
If you prefer to drive, the studio tour has a car park on site, which is free for visitors. The studio tour is easily accessible by car from the M1 motorway and is well signposted.
Instructions to Help You Get There:
- From central London, take the M1 motorway north towards Watford.
- Take exit 5 for the A41 towards Watford/Berkhamsted.
- Stay on the A41 for approximately 4 miles, until you see signs for the studio tour.
- Turn left onto the B4519, following the signs for the studio tour.
- Continue straight on the B4519 for approximately 1 mile until you reach the entrance to the studio tour on your left.
- Turn left into the studio tour entrance and follow the signs to the car park.
It is important to note that the studio tour is located just outside of London, in the town of Leavesden. The journey from central London takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Accessible Guide to Warner Bros Studios London for Disabled Guests
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is committed to making its facilities and exhibits accessible to all visitors. The tour has a number of accessibility features in place to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the magic of the Harry Potter films.
Here are some of the accessibility features at the Harry Potter Studio Tour:
- Wheelchair access: The majority of the Studio Tour is suitable for wheelchairs but some areas can be difficult to navigate, this includes Diagon Alley’s cobbled street, the Great Hall’s slate floor, the Forbidden Forest’s spongy surface, and Privet Drive’s narrow doorway. The Knight Bus also has a short boarding platform which cannot be accessed by wheelchairs. The Hogwarts Express™ can be accessed via a short staircase and alternative access cannot be provided as it is an original set piece with a narrow corridor which is unsuitable for wheelchair users. However, a viewing carriage can be found at the end of the Hogwarts Express. The green screen area provides visitors with two fully accessible photo opportunities, including the chance to fly a broomstick as members of the cast would have done during filming. Visitors must be able to transfer themselves on to a broomstick and seatbelts can be provided if required.
- Accessible toilets: There are accessible toilets located throughout the studio tour, including in the Great Hall and the cafeteria. They also have a Changing Place facility located in the lobby, which is accessed using a RADAR key. This fully accessible space provides a hoist, height adjustable changing bench, toilet and washbasin. The room is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair user and two carers. Please note, they do request that visitors bring their own slings to use with the hoist, as these are not provided.
- Audio description: The attractions handheld Digital Guides provide extra content for the Studio Tour rather than acting as an audio descriptive guide for those who are blind or visually impaired.Our handheld audio-visual guides bring the Studio Tour to life with fascinating filmmaking facts, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and cast and crew interviews. Narrated in English, they are also available in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Brazilian Portuguese and Russian.
- Sign language interpretation: The studio tour offers sign language interpretation for deaf or hard of hearing visitors. This service is available on selected dates and must be booked in advance.
- Mobility scooter hire: The studio tour has a limited number of mobility scooters available for hire, subject to availability. These scooters can be reserved in advance, either online or by phone. Please note that they cannot allow mobility vehicles or electric scooters wider than 86cm into the attraction, but do offer manual wheelchairs to borrow.
- SENSORY SUPPORT BAGS: which contain Sunflower Lanyards and Ear defenders can be picked up from the visitor reception.
- A Sensory Room is available within the Studio Tour. The room provides a calming environment for those with autism and other additional needs, it contains a Sensory Shell Chair, interactive light box, mirror ball and tactile mirrors. The room is located adjacent to the Backlot Café. If you would like to access the Sensory Room prior to reaching this point, you can speak to a member of staff who can assist you.
- Personal assistants: Visitors with disabilities are entitled to bring a personal assistant with them for free. This includes carers, interpreters, or other support workers.
- Seating: There is limited seating throughout the Studio Tour except at the Cafe. They have a number of free lightweight foldable stools available from the front desk.
- For guests with autism Warner Bros have created and in depth guide and further information https://s32508.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WBSTL-Autism-and-Visitor-Support-Guide-2023_LR.pdf
Quotations From the Cast and Crew After Seeing the Harry Potter studio Tours
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London has received praise from many members of the Harry Potter cast and crew, who have visited the tour and seen firsthand the hard work and dedication that went into making the beloved film series. Here are a few quotes from cast and crew members about the studio tour:
- “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since we started filming Harry Potter. It’s so lovely to come back and see everything that’s been preserved at the studio tour. It’s such a special place and it brings back so many memories.” – Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)
- “The studio tour is an amazing place. It’s like a museum of memories for all of us who were lucky enough to be a part of the Harry Potter films. I highly recommend it to any fans of the series.” – Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)
- “The studio tour is a really special place, not just for fans of the Harry Potter films, but for anyone who loves movies and the magic of movie-making. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting London.” – Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)
- “As a fan of the Harry Potter films, visiting the studio tour was a dream come true. Seeing all of the sets, costumes, and props up close was truly awe-inspiring. It’s a magical place that every fan should experience.” – Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)
- “The studio tour is an incredible place, full of so much history and so many amazing memories for all of us who worked on the Harry Potter films. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the series, and it’s a must-see for any fan.” – David Heyman (Producer)
- “The studio tour is a wonderful place, full of so much magic and wonder. It’s a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of everyone involved in the Harry Potter films, and it’s a must-see for any fan of the series.” – J.K. Rowling (Author)
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