Harry Potter World London: Everything You Need to Know

Seeing your favourite film on screen is one thing, but getting to visit the actual sets behind the scenes?

It’s magic – quite literally.

When Harry Potter first hit our screens in November 2001 (was it really that long ago!?) the world fell in love with a franchise that would change the face of pop culture and book publishing forever. 

If you’re just one of the millions of Harry Potter fans who found yourself captivated by the school of witchcraft and wizardry, it’s time you treated yourself, and your family, to a spellbinding trip to Harry Potter World (if you need somewhere to stay, check out our guide on hotels near the exhibition). 

What Is Harry Potter World? 

Harry Potter World in London, also known as the Warner Bros Studio, can be found in the city of Leavesden, Watford.

The studio is accessible by bus, car, and train from London, and tours are available almost every day of the year (for a guide to London train stations, read here). 

At Harry Potter World, you can explore behind the scenes of one of the greatest franchises in modern history.

Explore the incredible sets, props, and costumes that went into filming the movies, and see some of its most iconic treats for yourself, including the infamous Platform 9 ¾, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and the Great Hall.

Tours last for approximately three hours and offer fans a unique insight into the magical world of Hogwarts. Here’s what to expect from some of Harry Potter World’s top attractions: 

Diagon Alley 

The Studio Tour has recreated some of the most iconic places in the Potter world, including Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and the Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.

When you stroll through Diagon Alley for yourself, you’ll find its winding street bursting with the shops, restaurants, and other remarkable sights you can see in the movie. 

Potions Classroom 

The classic potions classroom was centred in the dungeons of Hogwarts, and in the films, it was the very room where students took their potions class.

Potions class was famously taught by Severus Snape, and the classroom itself is littered with cauldrons that the students would whip up their magic in.

The room you’ll see in the studio was the same one used in The Order of the Phoenix and the Half-Blood Prince.

Like the studio’s other attractions, the Potions Classroom holds a number of props and attractions, including ingredients, cauldrons, archways, and a number of intriguing bottles… 

The Great Hall 

Harry Potter’s Great Hall is arguably one of the finest attractions on the whole tour.

The Great Hall became the backdrop to some of the film’s most notable scenes, including the infamous Battle of Hogwarts.

As you walk through The Great Hall, you’ll get to see the student’s costumes, the iconic large tables, and see the Throne Chair where the headmasters sat.

You’ll also get to see some of those classic decorations, including the classic floating candles! Prepare to be utterly enthralled. 

Diagon Alley 

Diagon Alley is Harry Potter’s most iconic cobblestoned alley. You can browse the magic of the wizarding shopping street for yourself at the Harry Potter Studio.

The set famously changed numerous times throughout the series and since its initial construction, it has been tweaked, shifted, and entire buildings have been adjusted to create the classic scene we see for ourselves in the movie.

You’ll see cauldrons, Quidditch supplies, and even Pygmy Puffs! Don’t forget to take a peek inside Ollivanders wand shop, either, where you’ll see pikes of dusty wand boxes. 

Other Notable Highlights

Don’t worry – the fun doesn’t stop there! There’s plenty more to see and do on the Harry Potter Tour, including:

• Dumbledore’s Office 
• A detailed model of Hogwarts  
• An impressive start to the tour which leads to The Great Hall (we won’t ruin the surprise…) 
• Broomstick Rides (yes, really!) 

If you’re taking your kids to the Harry Potter Tour, they’ll also be given their very own Harry Potter Passport when they arrive.

These passports encourage the kids to stamp them at the machines throughout the tour to complete their passports and list off the attractions they’ve visited. 

The Studio Shop 

When you’re finished soaking up the remarkable sights of the tour, you can take a trip to the Studio Shop. Here, you’ll find a specially selected mix of replica wands, clothing apparel, collectibles, and much more. 

Don’t forget to visit the Forbidden Forest Shop, either! Here, you’ll find plenty of seasonal items to choose from, which are regularly updated to complement new ranges and features at the tour. 

If you’re all about Platform 9 ¾, you’ll be pleased to know that the studio also has its very own Railway Shop!

It’s another great place to pick up some souvenirs, homeware, gifts, and sweet treats, including peppermint toads or chocolate frogs. It’s pure magic. 

Some of the items found throughout the shops include: 

• Backpacks 
• Robe Clutches 
• Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Backpacks 
• Books 
• Collectible model monuments, including Gringotts Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium 
• Replica gold bars 
• Cosmetics 
• Jewellery 
• Soft toys 
• Stationary 
• Wands 

Harry Potter World London: Tickets 

If you’re planning a trip to Harry Potter World, you’ll need to plan in advance. Due to high demand and the complexity of the tour, you cannot turn up without a ticket.

Harry Potter World London is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, and it receives a massive 6,000 visitors per day! 

Tour tickets can be bought directly from the Warner Bros Studio Tour website, and we’d recommend buying them at least a month in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Studio tour tickets start from £51.50, and under 4’s go free. Carers can also receive free tickets! 

If you want to make the experience truly magical, you can opt for the Deluxe Tour for £250.

With these tickets, you’ll be granted a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the sights, get priority parking, butterbeer, a guidebook, and a green screen photograph and broom flight video are included! 

Harry Potter World: Hotel Package 

If you’re not local to the area, you can select a tickets and hotel package from the studios starting at just £65.

Although you won’t get to stay on the grounds, the studio will offer you an overnight stay at a nearby hotel, with breakfast included.

Hotels will have no less than a 3* rating, but if you want something a little fancier, you can expect to pay extract. Hotel and tour package tickets are limited, so act fast to avoid disappointment. 

Other ticket options include: 

• Afternoon Teas Tickets: You can add this option to your booking to enjoy a complete afternoon tea after your tour. You’ll be greeted with a decadent array of sweets, scones, and savoury treats, with vegan options and champagne available. Tickets start from £60.
  
• Souvenir Gift Ticket: These tickets don’t grant you any extras on the tour. Instead, you’ll receive a personalised souvenir ticket inspired by the Hogwarts Acceptance Letter, and all tickets must be redeemed within 12 months. Tickets start from £51.50, and UK delivery is £5.95.
  
• Group Tickets: If you’re travelling with a group of ten or more, you can get a discount on your tickets. If you have between 10-24 visitors, you can book your tickets online, but for groups over 25, you’ll need to contact visitor services. As always, under 4’s go free, and tickets start from £49.50. 

A Note On Arrival Practices 

When you first arrive at the studio tour, you’ll be subject to a bag search, and you’re advised not to bring large or multiple bags. Some items are prohibited from the tour, including: 

• Knives
• Alcohol 
• Scissors
• Other items deemed a security risk 

Such items, including illegal drugs, will be confiscated. 

Parking 

If you’re parking at the studios, you can use the free parking provided by the studio, which is situated just a short walk from the tour itself.

When you enter the car park, you’ll need to show your booking confirmation to the staff, and if you’re travelling with multiple vehicles, each will require its own reference. 

Guide dogs are permitted on the tour, but other pets are not permitted for safety reasons.

Due to the nature of the visit, you’ll be unable to return to the car park until the end of the trip, so ensure you have everything with you.

Electric charging stations are also available, and blue badge spaces are also available next to the entrance. If you wish to secure priority parking near the entrance, you can pay an extra £10 to do so. 

The Bottom Line 

Harry Potter World is a truly immersive, unique, and enthralling experience for any die-hard Harry Potter lover.

Whether you’re young or old, you’ll appreciate the care, dedication, and magic that goes on behind the scenes of the movies and feel privileged to witness it yourself.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any Potter fan, and we can’t recommend it enough!