The Academy Award-winning Production Designer who conceptualised the forest’s look for all eight films.
Defy Professor Dumbledore’s orders and venture deep into the Forbidden Forest, a permanent expansion at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. This immersive set recreates the atmospheric woodland seen throughout the film series, from the foggy depths of The Philosopher’s Stone to the climactic battles of The Deathly Hallows.
The Forbidden Forest is located within the soundstages of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden, situated between the Backlot Cafe and the Platform 9¾ section.
Access to the Forbidden Forest is included in all standard admission tickets to the Studio Tour. You do not need a separate ticket to enter the forest; it is a walk-through part of the main tour route.
| Ticket type | Is Forbidden Forest access included? | Why go for it? | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard entry | Yes | Best value/Self-paced | From €117.04 |
| Guided tour | Yes | Expert insights | From €173.39 |
| Transport package | Yes | Stress-free travel | From €117.04 |
You are welcomed at the entrance by an original costume of Rubeus Hagrid (worn by Robbie Coltrane), standing with his lantern to guide you into the dark.
Deep in the foliage, you’ll find Buckbeak the Hippogriff. The animatronic is so detailed that it actually bows to visitors—be sure to bow back!
The atmosphere darkens as you approach the home of the Acromantulas. Here, an 18-foot Aragog emerges from his cave while smaller spiders drop from the canopy above.
Near the end of the path, you can interact with buttons and levers that demonstrate how the special effects team created the forest's "unnatural" weather.
Aragog, the acromantula raised by Hagrid, looms large in the Forbidden Forest. His animatronic form has an 18-foot leg span and dozens of twitching limbs and mandibles, brought to life using intricate puppetry and movement coordination.
A life-sized animatronic Buckbeak bows gracefully from his clearing in the forest. Covered in individually placed feathers, he features subtle head movements, wing shifts and blinking eyes that reflect his noble personality from the films.
These skeletal winged horses appear quietly in the shadows of the forest. With translucent wings, protruding bones and glowing eyes, the Thestrals are a hauntingly beautiful addition to the forest and a nod to the darker themes of the series.
The forest follows the standard Studio Tour hours (typically 9am–8pm or 10pm).
It takes approximately 15–20 minutes to walk through the forest at a steady pace.
No, entry is included in your standard Warner Bros. Studio Tour London admission.
It uses full environmental effects, animatronics and sound design to make it feel alive, not just like a static display.
Most visitors spend 15 to 20 minutes exploring the creatures and interactive effects.
No, the set is self-guided and untimed. You can explore at your own pace and spend as long as you like inside.
It is designed to be eerie. The Aragog section can be intense for young children, but the "spider-free" path is available.
While you can’t touch them, Buckbeak and Aragog respond to sensors or programmed triggers, offering a more lifelike experience as you pass.
While the forest is themed around the creatures, the primary animatronic focus is on Buckbeak and Aragog. Look out for Grawp’s footprints!
The one on display was built using the original moulds and techniques, offering nearly identical scale and detailing as seen in Chamber of Secrets.
Yes! During Hogwarts in the Snow, the forest is covered in filmmaking snow, and during Dark Arts, it becomes even spookier.
The Forbidden Forest at the Studio Tour is an indoor, climate-controlled set within a soundstage.
The fog is water-based and non-toxic, but those with respiratory issues or sensory sensitivities may want to check with staff first.
Yes, there is a bypass route available for those who prefer not to enter. Staff can direct you at the entry point.
The Academy Award-winning Production Designer who conceptualised the forest’s look for all eight films.
The Creature and Make-Up Effects Designer responsible for the lifelike animatronics of Buckbeak and Aragog.
The Special Effects Supervisor who created the practical "weather" and atmospheric effects within the set.
This 2017 expansion offers a rare look at how filmmakers blended practical sets with groundbreaking creature effects.
Though it looks like a natural woodland, the forest is a masterpiece of construction led by Production Designer Stuart Craig and Construction Manager Paul Hayes.
This scene from Prisoner of Azkaban is brought to life with a detailed forest clearing, where Buckbeak bows to guests just as he did to Harry. It captures the magic and nerves of their first interaction.
A highlight from Chamber of Secrets, the moment visitors enter Aragog’s webbed lair is recreated with hanging silk threads, creepy crawlies and Aragog himself nestled in a shadowy corner of the forest.
Inspired by Order of the Phoenix, this section features glimpses of Thestrals in a shadowy grove, evoking Luna’s introduction of the creatures and Harry’s growing awareness of life and death.
Included with Warner Bros. Studio London tickets
Timings
RECOMMENDED DURATION
5 hours
Lock I
Mirko T
Anna K
+5 more
Candy E
+1 more
Gianpaolo L
Vladimir M
Kadi I
Sophie L
What to bring
What's not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions #
Entry ticket to The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Access to the First Year at Hogwarts event (May 7 to Sept 7, 2026)
Round-trip transfers to the studios either via coach, train, or hotel pick up (as per option selected)
Round-trip coach transfers from Victoria Station, Baker's Street, King's Cross, Paddington Station, near the British Museum, or Marble Arch (as per option selected)
Round-trip train transfers between Euston and Watford Junction Station [Get directions] and then a shuttle service to the Studios (as per option selected)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off from central London (as per option selected)
Guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio (as per option selected)
English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 8 or fewer people (as per option selected)
Exclusions #
Personal expenses
Lunch
What to bring
What's not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions #
Half-day tour of The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
Round-trip coach transfers from Victoria, Baker’s Street, King’s Cross, British Museum, Paddington, or Marble Arch (as per option selected)
Exclusions #
Personal purchases at the shop
Guided tour
Food and drink
Pair Warner Bros. Studio entry & a guided Oxford tour in one day, with round-trip coach included.
Inclusions #
Full-day tour of Oxford and Harry Potter™ Warner Bros. Studio
Guided walking tour of Oxford
Entry tickets to the Harry Potter™ Warner Bros. Studio
Round-trip coach transfers from Gloucester Road Tube Station
What to bring
What's not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
What to bring
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions #
Guided tour of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
Escort at the Euston train station
Round-trip train transfers between Euston and Watford Junction Station [Get directions]
Shuttle bus from Watford Junction Station to the studio
Small group of 8 or fewer people
English-speaking guide
What to bring
What's not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions #
Half-day tour of The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
Round-trip coach transfers from Victoria Station
Access to the First Year at Hogwarts event (May 7 to Sept 7, 2026)
Exclusions #
Personal purchases at the shop
Guided tour
Food and drink
