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- Harry Potter London Tours
- King's Cross Station
- Platform 9¾
- Harry Potter Sets
- History
- Creature Effects
- Harry Potter Props
- Costumes
- Walking tour locations
- Forbidden Forest
- Special Effects
- Facilities
- Diagon Alley
- Arts Department
- Great Hall
- Walking Tours
- Highlights
- Shopping
- Events
- Christmas
- Christmas in London
- London Theatre Tickets
- London Eye
- Tower of London
- Madame Tussauds London
- Westminster Abbey
- London To Windsor Castle Tours
- Up At The O2 Climb
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- London To Stonehenge Tours
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Frameless London
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Kew Gardens
- Hampton Court Palace
- Downton Abbey
- Churchill War Rooms
Contents
Harry Potter™ Studio tips and FAQs you need to know before visiting
Top 10 Harry Potter™ Studio tour tips
1. Visit on a weekday or during early hours
Harry Potter™ Studio tours are booked several months in advance so the best way to maximize your chances of getting tickets is to go on a weekday. They typically have better availability, so look at different days of the week to get your preferred slot. During the day, it is also recommended that you visit in the early hours. You will need 3 to 7 hours to explore the studio.
2. Choose your boarding time if you are taking a bus
If you are taking the bus, make sure you select your boarding time in advance for when you would like to board the bus from London. Keep in mind that once you board the bus, you will reach Warner Bros. Studio in approximately 2 hours and entry into the studio will be on arrival.
3. Be prepared to wait
Anticipate a wait of at least 15-30 minutes before gaining access to the studio on a standard tour. However, the wait itself can be enjoyable, as the 'Cupboard Under the Stairs' is right next to the waiting line. During peak hours, the crowds can be huge so waiting time might increase at each attraction too.
4. Skip the lines with guided tours
Consider opting for the Harry Potter™ Studio guided tours to bypass the hassle of waiting in lengthy queues at various studio attractions. This guided experience ensures you won't miss out on any highlights, and an expert guide will accompany you, providing fascinating insights and secrets related to the production of all eight movies.
Book guided tours
5. Take your time to explore
The best part of going on a Harry Potter™ Studio tour is that you can stay as long as you like after the tour. Explore the vast expanses at your own pace and walk through the Great Hall, Professor Dumbledore’s office, or any of your favorite attractions. You can expect to finish the entire tour in just under 3 hours. However, if you are a diehard fan, stick around for at least 5 hours to experience all the wonders of the Potterverse.
Plan your visit to Harry Potter Studio
6. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
Touring Harry Potter™ Studio is thrilling but exhausting at the same time. Waiting lines can get longer than expected. So, wear comfortable footwear, preferably shoes, to help you walk for long durations with ease. Avoid heels and footwear with hard soles. It is also recommended to dress in casual and comfortable clothes while keeping in mind the weather conditions. During winter, you must wear warm clothes. Layering is your best friend!
7. Don’t hesitate to dress up
Many die-hard fans cosplay in their finest Harry Potter outfits. So go ahead and visit the tour dressed as your favorite character from the series. Hogwarts In The Snow is another brilliant opportunity for you to dress up and attend the famous Yule Ball. It will be an unforgettable Hogwarts experience that every Potterhead yearns for.
8. Upload your photos
Be #instaready. Don't forget to capture your favorite moments on your studio tour. And if you are uploading pictures from your visit on Instagram and Twitter, use the hashtag #WBTourLondon and your content might just be featured on the official studio page!
9. Accessibility
Although a majority of the studio tour is wheelchair-friendly, certain sections like the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Bridge, or the slate floor of the Great Hall would be difficult to access for those with a disability. The studio provides a free carer ticket for disabled visitors. Fully trained assistance dogs are allowed into the studio and digital guides are available for visitors who are visually impaired or hard of hearing. Sun Flower Lanyards are provided to visitors with hidden disabilities.
10. Grab a mug of Butterbeer
You can buy yourself a mug of the famed Butterbeer at the studio's Backlot Cafe. Please note that Butterbeer may contain nuts and other ingredients that may cause allergies. The tour operator will not be responsible for adverse side effects. The Warner Bros. Studio offers several dining options. Choose from the Backlot Cafe, which serves hot and cold Western food. You can also head to the Studio Cafe or the Starbucks on the lot.
Book your tickets to Harry Potter™ Studio
Frequently Asked Questions about Harry Potter™ Studio tips and hacks
How long does it take to complete a Harry Potter™ Studio tour?
The recommended time to complete the entire tour is 3-4 hours. However, if you are a hardcore fan, you might want to stick around for at least 5-6 hours for a more in-depth look at the Harry Potter universe.
Does my Harry Potter™ Studio tour include a tour guide?
Depending on the tickets you purchase and the tour package you choose, you can get access to fully guided tours with a professional studio tour guide or tours where only certain sections are guided. Check out Harry Potter™ Studio guided tours to know more.
Can I purchase tickets at the Harry Potter Studio?
No, owing to the limited number of visitors at the studio at any given time, pre-booking your Harry Potter™ Studio Tours is mandatory.
Are any rides or attractions available at the Harry Potter Studio?
A Harry Potter™ Studio tour does not include any rides. However, you will experience a behind-the-scenes look at the costumes, props, special effects, sets, and much more, including the chance to play Quidditch, choose your wand, or drink Butterbeer.
What are the attractions at Harry Potter™ Studio?
Harry Potter™ Studio is a walkthrough exhibition known for its massive sets, original costumes, authentic props, etc. You also get to experience the special effects and creature effects used in the movies and a sneak peek into the works of the Arts Department. Along with these, you can buy your favorite Harry Potter merchandise at the Studio shops and dine at some iconic Harry Potter-themed restaurants.
What language is a Harry Potter™ Studio tour in?
The entire Harry Potter™ Studio tour is in English.
Can I access the tour if I am disabled?
Although most areas of the Harry Potter™ Studio tour offer easy wheelchair access, certain sections, like the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Bridge, and the slate flooring in the Great Hall are more difficult to navigate. For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, British Sign Language tours and digital guides are also provided at no extra cost. The British Sign Language tours are available at any time and must be booked at least 14 days in advance. Registered guide dogs, hearing dogs, and medical alert dogs are also welcome on the studio tour. Please ensure that you carry formal identification for your pet with you at the entrance.
What should I wear on a Harry Potter™ Studio tour?
Many fans choose to dress up as their favorite characters from the series. Don’t be afraid to get creative and wear your fandom on your sleeve. However, do keep the weather in mind while choosing what to wear.
Is there an age restriction to attend a Harry Potter™ Studio tour?
No, a Harry Potter™ Studio tour is open to all ages. However, all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Are outside food and drinks allowed on the premises of the Harry Potter™ Studio?
You are welcome to bring your own food and consume it in the Backlot or picnic area. You can also eat at the Studio Cafe Starbucks in the lobby, or the Backlot Cafe located halfway through the studio tour.
Is smoking allowed at the Harry Potter™ Studio?
Although smoking is strictly prohibited in the indoor areas, there are several designated smoking areas outside the main entrance and at the Backlot.
Is Wi-Fi available at the Harry Potter™ Studio?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for all persons who purchase a Harry Potter™ Studio tour.
Are childcare facilities available at the studio?
Yes, baby changing facilities are available in every washroom block. There is also a private nursing area located near the Backlot Cafe.
Where is the Harry Potter™ Studio located?
The Harry Potter™ Studio is located about 20 miles (32 km) from London at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR.
What is the best way to get to the Harry Potter™ Studio?
While you can take a bus and/or train to reach the Harry Potter™ Studios in London, the best commute option is a return transfer as part of your tour. This way you don't have to plan to commute back and forth to London.
Is parking available?
Yes. You can avail of free parking services outside the Harry Potter™ Studio by displaying your ticket. Priority parking is also available for visitors next to the studio entrance; however, you have to book and pay for your spot in advance.
What are the Harry Potter™ Studio opening times?
The Harry Potter™ Studio opening times are from 8:30am to 10pm. However, timings may vary seasonally, so please refer to the Harry Potter™ Studio calendar.
When is the Harry Potter™ Studio closed?
The Harry Potter™ Studio is closed on March 30, November 11 to 15, and December 25 and 26.
What is the best time to opt for a Harry Potter™ Studio tour?
If you're looking for smaller crowds, November to March is the best time for a Harry Potter™ Studio tour. However, if you're looking for a magical experience, you can go for a tour during the Christmas season and witness the magical festivities first-hand.
Is it worth visiting Harry Potter™ Studio?
Absolutely. Harry Potter™ Studio tours are a dream come true for any Harry Potter fan. You get to experience the magic of the wizarding world firsthand and make memories for a lifetime.
