Exploring the UK: Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter

If you’re a big Harry Potter fan like me, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is easily one of the best experiences you can have in London.

1:10 scale of Hogwarts Castle

It’s not your regular museum, as it’s a walk through the sets, props, and behind-the-scenes magic that brought the Wizarding World to life.

Where to Get Tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The best place to buy tickets is directly from the Warner Bros. official website, where you’ll find the lowest prices. But tickets sell out very quickly, often months in advance. If you’re planning to go, make sure you secure your slot early.

my ticket and activity passport, which is free and makes for a cute souvenir

I made the mistake of booking less than two months before my trip, and by then, the official website was sold out. I ended up buying my ticket through Klook, which was around 30% more expensive. It did include a free Uber boat ride, which I actually enjoyed since I did it at sunset, but it still was a lot more expensive. Totally my mistake for not booking early, but at the end of the day, no regrets because the tour was worth every penny.

recreation of scenes in No.4 Privet Drive

If tickets are sold out on the official site, you can still get them from third-party platforms like Klook. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to buy tickets on the day itself, so no matter what, you need to book in advance.

How to Get to Warner Bros. Studio

The easiest way to get to the studio is by train from King’s Cross St. Pancras Station to Watford Junction. From there, a dedicated shuttle bus takes you straight to the studio entrance for free, as long as you show your confirmed tour ticket.

getting ready to board the Hogwarts Express

If you’re on a budget and don’t mind taking your time, the cheapest option is the Overground on the Lioness Line, which takes about an hour. This route is less crowded, so you’re almost guaranteed a seat, and it costs between £3.40 to £5.60 one-way, depending on peak or off-peak hours.

The faster train option is the London Northwestern Railway, which only takes 20 minutes. Fares start at £13.40 one-way, and like the Overground, it also departs from King’s Cross St. Pancras. Both train options accept Oyster Cards and contactless payment.

entrance to the Great Hall

If you’d rather not worry about transfers, you can also book a coach service from London that takes you directly to the studio. It’s convenient, but pricier, and your time inside the studio will be limited since you’ll need to return with the group at a set time.

What to Expect at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The studio is massive and there’s so much to see, so it’s best to take your time and explore each section at your own pace. Here’s a look at what you can expect during the tour:

See Actual Sets, Costumes, and Props Used for the Movies

This is where the magic really begins. Once you enter, you’re immediately immersed in the world of Harry Potter, starting with some of the most iconic sets from the films. Walking through the Great Hall feels surreal — the long tables, the costumes of professors, and even the floating candles overhead bring the movies to life in front of your eyes.

Dumbledore's office

You’ll also get to see detailed recreations of fan favorites like the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, Snape’s classroom, and the Weasleys’ Burrow complete with its magical moving objects. Each set is filled with props that were actually used in filming, so you really feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of the movies.

The costumes are equally impressive. From school robes to Quidditch uniforms to Voldemort’s chilling outfit, they’re all displayed up close. You’ll notice the amount of detail in each piece, much of which you might not have caught while watching the films.

our common room at Slytherin house

You could spend hours just taking it all in, and honestly, I found myself pausing at almost every corner to see all the details.

Learn About Different Tricks and Effects Used When Filming

One of the best parts of the tour is discovering how the magic was made. You’ll learn about special effects and camera tricks that made spells and magical creatures believable on screen. For example, the moving staircases and floating candles weren’t entirely CGI, as some had clever practical effects combined with post-production.

with Buckbeak

You also get to see animatronics and creature models used in the films, from Buckbeak the Hippogriff to Aragog the giant spider. Seeing these creations in person gives you a whole new appreciation for the artistry and effort behind each scene.

Interact with Some Parts of the Exhibit

Some areas are interactive, which makes the tour even more fun. You can push buttons to make props move, like the self-washing pans at the Burrow. In other spots, you can step into sets designed for photo opportunities, like standing at Platform 9¾ beside the Hogwarts Express or inside the Lestrange's Gringotts vault to get the sword of Gryffindor.

inside the Lestrange vault

These little touches make the tour feel less like a museum and more like an experience. You actually get to be part of the Wizarding World, even if only for a few moments.

Create Your Own Wizarding World Photos

Speaking of photos, there are dedicated photo booths where you can create your own magical memories. The most popular one is riding a broomstick in front of a green screen, where they’ll add a Quidditch scene in the background. It’s not free, but you can purchase the printed photo as a unique souvenir.

Dine at the Restaurant and Cafe

Midway through the tour, there’s a restaurant and cafe where you can take a break. Of course, one of the highlights here is trying Butterbeer, which was sweet, fizzy, and a must for any fan. The best part is that you can bring home the plastic cup as a souvenir. Alongside Butterbeer, the cafe serves meals, snacks, and pastries if you need something more filling.

trying butterbeer

There’s also a restaurant and cafe in the lobby area, so if you’d rather eat before starting the tour or after finishing, you have that option too. It’s convenient for grabbing a proper meal or a coffee without needing to leave the premises.

Shop for Harry Potter Merch

No trip would be complete without a stop at the gift shop. From wands and robes to stationery and plushies, the store has everything you can think of. It’s pricey, as expected, but if you’re looking for something special to take home, it’s hard to resist.

exploring Diagon Alley

Special Seasonal Events

The studio also hosts seasonal events throughout the year. When I visited, they were celebrating the Triwizard Tournament, complete with live performances by Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. At the end of the tour, you could even enter your name into the Goblet of Fire.

the delegates from Durmstrang and Beuxbatons

From September 12 to November 9, the studio will host its Dark Arts event in time for Halloween, with special decorations and a darker atmosphere fitting for the season. If you’re visiting around this time, it’s worth checking the schedule to see what’s on.

Most people spend about 3 to 4 hours at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, but I ended up staying for around 7 hours, including the time I spent eating. There’s just so much to see and do that I never felt rushed, and honestly, I could’ve stayed even longer.

Visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter was easily one of the highlights of my London trip. When I first stepped inside, my eyes welled up a little. It was that mix of nostalgia and amazement that made the whole experience unforgettable.

I would highly recommend booking this tour if you're visiting London. Even if you’re just a casual Harry Potter fan, you'll find that the scale, detail, and effort that went into creating the Wizarding World jaw-dropping. Just make sure to book well in advance because this is one experience you don’t want to miss.

Exploring the UK: Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter