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Warner Bros. Studio London

Visit Platform 9¾ at the Harry Potter Studio London

Included with Warner Bros. Studio London tickets

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

4 hours

harry potter studio tours platform 9¾

What is the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ set?

Inside Soundstage J at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, the Platform 9 ¾ set recreates the exact platform used for filming scenes from several Harry Potter movies. With the full-sized Hogwarts Express, period luggage, and the famous brick entrance, this set captured unforgettable moments from Harry’s first journey to Hogwarts and the emotional closing scene from the final film.

Things to see on the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ set

Hogwarts Express in Harry potter wizarding world
Harry Potter film set tour in London featuring iconic locations and props.
Harry Potter Studio Shop merchandise display with wands and Hogwarts house scarves.
Platform 9¾ sign at Harry Potter Studio, London, with luggage trolley halfway through the wall.
Visitors exploring Platform 9¾ at Harry Potter Studio Tour, London.
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The real locomotive

The recreated platform features the full Hogwarts Express engine and a section of track, with select carriages open for display. Inside, compartments are dressed with scene-specific props like the trolley snack cart and newspapers, reflecting moments such as Harry’s first journey or the Dementor encounter.

Luggage trolley & the disappearing wall effect

Next to the brick archway, a half-embedded luggage trolley appears mid-disappearance into the wall. This optical illusion recreates the look of students vanishing onto the platform. You can pose with it, mimicking Harry’s iconic run in the first film. It’s one of the most popular photo spots on the entire Studio Tour.

Movie accurate props

Scattered around the platform are small props that were either used on-screen or faithfully recreated. You’ll find trunks tagged with character names, owl cages, and striped scarves, all arranged as if students had just arrived. These items were carefully matched to each house and character during filming to maintain continuity between scenes.

The architecture & lighting

The Platform 9 ¾ set replicates real British train stations with Victorian brickwork, iron pillars, and industrial lights. The team used references from King’s Cross and modernised the set over different films. The lighting design mimics natural daylight and steam glow, shifting across scenes to match the changing moods of the story.

Key signage & plaques

Hanging from the beams, the red and gold Platform 9 ¾ sign is the same one seen in scenes across multiple films. The surrounding signage includes vintage-style train timetables and platform number signs. These were printed on weathered boards by the production to give the platform an aged, lived-in feel that matched the magical world.

Behind the scene facts

Real steam engine

The train used for Platform 9 ¾ scenes is a real GWR 4900 Class locomotive named Olton Hall. It was repainted and renamed Hogwarts Express exclusively for the Harry Potter films.

Moving backdrops

To simulate travel during compartment scenes, filmmakers used rolling scenic backdrops outside the windows and gently rocked the carriage. This helped replicate realistic movement without requiring the train to be in motion.

Haind-painted bricks

Every brick on the Platform 9 ¾ set was individually hand-painted to resemble aged Victorian brickwork. This detail ensured the platform looked authentic even during close-up shots and wide-angle camera work.

Practical trolley trick

In the disappearing trolley scene, Daniel Radcliffe ran at a movable wall. The seam was later erased digitally, but the actual trolley was split in half to create the illusion practically on set.

Aged signage

The Platform 9 ¾ sign was custom-built with painted wood and mounted on iron brackets. Set designers added weathering effects to help it blend into the aged look of the station set.

Controlled lighting rigs

Adjustable lighting rigs were installed above the replica platform set. These allowed the crew to simulate different times of day consistently, avoiding reliance on unpredictable natural light conditions during filming.

Visitor tips

  • Photo crowds peak: This area gets very busy, especially around the photo-op trolley wall. Expect crowds during weekends and afternoons, so early morning slots offer a better chance for clear photos.
  • Time allocation: Set aside at least 15-20 minutes to explore this set. Between interactive photo spots and the detailed compartments, it’s worth slowing down and absorbing every small feature.
  • Trolley photo advice: The disappearing trolley is free to photograph with your own camera. However, professional photos are also available at the marked photo station just beside the arch wall.
  • No queue re-entry: Once you move past Platform 9 ¾ and onto the next section, you cannot double back. Take all your photos and time here before continuing the tour.
  • Lighting for photos: Lighting in this section is designed to mimic daylight, but overhead lights and steam effects can create glare. Use HDR mode or adjust angle to reduce reflections.
  • Theming continues nearby: Props and signs from the platform extend slightly beyond the train area. Don’t rush out because there are character trunks, owl cages, and signs even near the exit walkway.

Is this different from the King’s Cross photo spot in London?

Many visitors confuse the two, but they’re very different experiences. The Studio Tour features the full Platform 9 ¾ film set, complete with the actual train and filming props. The King’s Cross location offers only a themed wall for souvenir photos and is not a working set or part of the film’s production locations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾

No, the Hogwarts Express is stationary. Movement in the films was created with special effects and simulated backdrops. Visitors can view the train up close but it doesn’t operate.