As a massive Harry Potter fan I’ve dreamt of visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London since it opened in 2012. But I knew I wanted to wait until my husband and I had successfully passed on our obsession to all three of our boys. And finally, the time had come! 🪄
For our eldest son’s 10th birthday, we decided there was no better way to celebrate than a trip to the Wizarding World itself. We booked our tour three months in advance—this isn’t a last-minute type of place, so if you’re planning a visit, be sure to book well ahead.
Getting There
We flew out early on a Monday morning from Shannon to Stansted, hired a car, and drove to Watford. This worked out the best value option for us as a family of 5 as opposed to getting trains and buses. The drive took about 1 hour and 20 minutes—expect some traffic if you’re traveling during rush hour. We had lunch and a wander around the shops at Atria Shopping centre before heading to Warner Bros. Studios, where parking is free.
What to Expect at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is an absolute dream for any Harry Potter fan. It’s a self-guided tour through some of the most iconic sets from the films, including the Great Hall, the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, and Hagrid’s Hut. You’ll see actual props and costumes used in the movies, learn about special effects and animatronics, and even step onto Platform 9 ¾ to see the Hogwarts Express up close. There are interactive elements throughout, and the experience is packed with behind-the-scenes secrets that make you appreciate the magic even more.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments comes towards the end of the tour when you enter the room housing the breathtaking scale model of Hogwarts—it’s simply stunning. The tour takes about 3–4 hours, but if you’re a big fan, you could easily spend longer exploring every detail!
The Studio Tour – A Dream Come True
From the moment we stepped into the Great Hall, it was pure magic. The boys were in awe of everything—the floating candles, the long house tables, and the intricate details that brought the world of Hogwarts to life. Walking through the Forbidden Forest, boarding the Hogwarts Express, and exploring Diagon Alley felt like stepping straight into the pages of the books. And, of course, we had to try butterbeer (verdict: a very sweet, must-try treat!) during our visit and got to keep the souvenir mugs, which are really cool!
One of our favorite moments was seeing the scale model of Hogwarts at the end of the tour—it was breathtaking. I can honestly say this experience was everything I had imagined and more. Seeing the excitement on the boys’ faces was worth the wait, and we know this is a trip we’ll be talking about for years to come! ✨
A Hogwarts Invitation
Before our trip, I wanted to add a little extra magic to the experience, so I found this amazing template for a personalized Hogwarts acceptance letter on morethanthursdays.com. It was such a fun way to build excitement for the trip, and the boys absolutely loved it!
Where We Stayed
After the tour, we were exhausted, so we checked into the Novotel London Stansted, where we had an interconnecting room—a perfect setup for families. I had to ring to organise interconnecting rooms as they were not available to book online. We ordered room service (because no one had the energy to find a restaurant!) and just chilled for the evening. The next morning, we returned the car at 8 AM and caught a morning flight home, still buzzing from the experience.
Souvenirs and Shopping
The gift shop at the studio tour is amazing but quite expensive, so we picked up a few souvenirs in the nearby Atria shopping centre in Watford, and the kids were delighted with their finds. If you’re looking for Harry Potter merchandise at a slightly lower price, it’s worth checking out the shops in the area before or after your visit!
Top Tips for Visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
If you’re planning your own magical trip to experience all things Harry Potter, here are a few things that will help along the way:
- Book Early – Tickets sell out fast, so book well in advance.
- Choose Your Time Slot Wisely – We opted for a 1:30 PM slot, which worked well as we weren’t rushed in the morning, but still had plenty of time to explore – the studio is open until 8pm.
- Give Yourself Enough Time – The tour takes about 3–4 hours, but if you’re a big fan, allow even longer!
- Bring a Portable Charger – You’ll take a million photos and videos, and you don’t want your phone dying halfway through.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be walking a lot, so comfy footwear is a must.
- Budget for the Gift Shop – It’s full of amazing souvenirs, but it’s pricey, so consider shopping around if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options.
This was truly a bucket list experience for our family, and I’m so glad we waited until the boys were old enough to fully appreciate it. If you’re a fellow Harry Potter fan, this is an absolute must-do!
