harry potter studio tours in london

Posted on 1st July 2021 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour (+ Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip)

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Love Harry Potter? The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is an absolutely magical day out for children and adults alike. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Harry Potter. You may have noticed that I’m low-level obsessed with both the films and the books. The story that captured our imaginations 20 years ago is no less magical today.

London is filled with Harry Potter spots – whether that’s filming locations, cool graphics stores or Potter-inspired bars , there’s plenty to keep your wands busy. Even so, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is phenomenal.

I’ll admit that I put visiting the tour off for a while because I never quite got round to booking my ticket. Mistake . Now that I’ve been I can say hand on heart that it is a must for anyone who loves Harry Potter.

I’ve written this step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect, how to book your tickets, plan your journey and have a brilliant time. No pressure then…

OK, So the Big Question is… Are the Harry Potter Studios Worth the Money?

In short – yes. The Harry Potter Studios are worth the money.

It’s pretty much impossible to talk about why you should go on the Harry Potter Studio Tour without confronting the fact that tickets are hella expensive.

£47 for adults and £38 for children over 5 is no laughing matter – particularly when you add transport and (if necessary) accommodation to that too.

Even though the tickets are expensive, I’d say that the experience is absolutely worth it – it’s been brilliantly done – so much so that I know people who’ve been back a couple of times over the years.

Want to book a tour instead? Choose from these tours from London .

Exploring the Magical World of Harry Potter at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in London: What to Expect

All eight of the films were filmed in the Leavesden Studios over a period spanning more than a decade.

There’s nowhere else that you can visit where you can see so many of the places, costumes and details that made the iconic films the biggest movie series in history.

How to Get Your Hands on Harry Potter London Tickets

Buy tickets on the website.

Now, I’m not going to lie – trying to get your hands on the Harry Potter studio tickets is like trying to conjure a genuine smile from Professor Umbrige. As in, it will take all of your wits and whiles to make it happen. Unlike trying to coax a smile from Umbridge though, it will be totally worth the effort.

First of all, let me be clear. You have to buy tickets in advance – there will be no turning up on the day and hoping to strike lucky.

That shizz just doesn’t fly (as in they don’t even sell tickets on the door, so you’ll have schlepped out to Leavesden for no reason – and I’ll warn you, apart from the studio tour, Leavesden isn’t the kind of place where you go to have a lot of fun).

So, you need to plan your trip in advance. Preferably as far in advance as you possibly can.

Tickets for the Warner Brothers Harry Potter tour sell like hotcakes – and months ahead.

Don’t be all blasé like me, hopping onto the website and thinking you’ll pick one up for the next day. I was totally sucker punched when I saw that tickets were pretty much booked out for two months in advance. That’s not a typo and yes you’re reading it right. Two months.

Now, there are a couple of workarounds, which I am going to go into more detail below but that is the standard position.

So if you’re thinking about taking a trip to London and you want to get a ticket, do it the moment you book your flights. I only wish I were joking.

Book Tickets Here

Sneaky Trick Number One for Getting a Ticket to the Warner Bros Studio Tour

Book a tour – or transport inclusive ticket from a tour operator.

I have to be honest – I am prettyyyyyy disorganised a lot of the time and I’ve often found that hunting around for a tour can mean that you can nab a last minute spot when all other hope is lost.

Have a look on Get Your Guide and simply work your way through the different operators until you can find one with a ticket for the date that you want. Simple and oh so crafty * cackles uncontrollably in the manner of Bellatrix Lestrange *.

PS – I talk more about tours and transport inclusive options in the How to Get to the Harry Potter Studios Section Below.

Sneaky Trick Number Two For Getting Your Hands on Harry Potter Studio Tickets

You’ll have better luck if you can visit on a weekday outside of school holidays, but as you’re likely to be grown-ass adults with actual jobs, whether you can do that depends on exactly how much magic you’re willing to practice to get yourself a spot.

Sneaky Trick Number Three for Nabbing Those Tickets

Now I know that I said that you have next to zero chance for nabbing tickets to Harry Potter land in London without booking them at least a couple of months in advance but guess what… I lied.

Well, kind of.

You can get last-minute tickets on the website if you’re willing to be flexible and just take whatever day and time is available. I booked my tickets on Tuesday to go on the Sunday of the same week – and was pretty lucky that the tour started at 2pm so I had loads of time to make my way around.

There were only a couple of tickets for the Sunday available – and a few more for the following Monday and Tuesday… after which the earliest I could book was 2.5 months later.

It’s a big gamble – definitely not one I’d recommend taking if you’re only in the country for a short period but it is always worth checking.

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to London’s Magical Harry Potter Spots

Tips for Making the Most of Your Time in the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour

If you’re more of an adult than me and actually book your tickets far enough in advance that you get a choice about which slot to choose rather than having to take whichever one’s available because you’re trying to find a ticket for this weekend, I have a tip.

Go as early in the day as possible – and try and avoid the last slot or two.

Much as I’d love to pretend that these are sage words I winkled out of prophecy buried in that creepy vault in the Ministry of Magic, the boring truth is there are very good reasons for this advice.

One is that the tour is untimed. Once you’re in, you’re in for however long it takes you to make your way around.

Considering that some people (ME) literally won’t rest until they’ve read / played with / googled at / photographed / posed with every tiny little bit on every single set, you can understand how later slots can get pretty busy.

The second reason I say to go as early as possible is kind of the same – you want to make sure that you have all the sweet sweet time that you need to make your way around that tour.

They suggest three to four hours but who knows, you may end up taking more (particularly if you kick back with a butterbeer in Hogsmeade).

Someone once spent over thirteen hours in the tour, which seems a liiiitttttle excessive – what were they doing? Reenacting the films? Actually, that’s a brilliant idea.  

Either way, with the earlier slots you pretty much have all the time you want. It would be a real shame to have to rush any of the experience – you paid enough to justify squeezing every last second of pleasure from your well-spent galleons.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Did you see that bit above where I said that the average person takes three to four hours walking around the studios?

Now imagine doing that in some flimsy-ass high heels that make you want to cast a spell and set your own feet on fire after half an hour and I think you’ll get my point about comfortable shoes.

Unless you have your own flying broomstick that is, in which case you can wear those heels as you zip around the tour with your cape billowing in the breeze behind you.

Dress Up (If You Want, but Why Wouldn’t You Want to…)

I have one regret about my trip to the making of Harry Potter and that is that I didn’t dress up. There were so many kids (and adults!) rocking cool Harry Potter attire that the moment I saw them, I knew that I a) wanted to be them and b) would feel so sad about it for the whole time I was there.

So dust off your capes, your house scarf, your Potter-style glasses etc with free abandon – ain’t no one going to judge you for it.

Swot Up on the Films (and the Books for Extra House Points)

This will only apply if you haven’t watched the film in a little while (in which case, who even are you?).

There are so many cool spots here but there’s no point if you can only dimly remember the films from some time a few years ago when you watched it as you did your knitting.

No. That is not good enough. You want to make sure that you’ve watched the films recently, that they’re fresh in your mind, that you recall every detail – and preferably you can do some short reenactments as you go around…

And, if you want to get extra mega-nerdy house points, breeze through the books so you can say sage things comparing the books to the films and the sets and totally blowing everyone’s minds with your crazy levels of knowledge.

Don’t Whizz Through the Great Hall too Fast – In Fact, Don’t Whizz Through Any of the Tour too Fast

The tour starts with a couple of short intros – one in a small room where you can see the cast on small screens above you and marvel at how much older they look. Then start thinking about how much older you must be too and actually get so wrapped up in this that you actually end up missing everything they say.

The second intro film is a much grander affair and in an actual cinema. Now, once you finish that second film, the doors beyond open and you’re let into the Hogwarts Dining Hall.

What do you get when you take lots and lots of very keen Harry Potter fans, lock them in a dark room and then let them loose onto one of the film’s most exciting sets?

I think mayhem is the word that you’re looking for. I had a whole family push into my photo, pretty much stampeding over me to nab a picture with a statue of Dumbledore.

No worries though, jokes on them because I just waited behind until almost all of the people had trampled their way through to the next room and quietly (and rather smugly, channeling my best Hermione knows it all face) took my pictures and had a nose around the now empty hall.

Don’t take too long though – you only have a certain period of time until the next group of people are released from the cinema room and into the frenzy.

That advice applies to all of the tour actually – unless you’re in one of the later slots you have all the time that you need to make your way around, take millions of pictures and absolutely live your best Harry Potter life.

There’s no need to rush that – if you do, you won’t have anything good to put into your pensieve.

Read Next: Mischief Managed: This is What it’s Really Like to Visit the Harry Potter Inspired Bar in London

Pick the Guides’ Brains

No, not literally. The guides in the Warner Bros studios take Harry Potter fandom to. another. level. You will bow in the face of their superior and all out geeky knowledge of the things on the set.

I totally encourage you to sidle up to one and ask a really niche question about a tiny piece of the set buried in the back of a scene, then watch as *poof* all their magical knowledge comes out. It’s BEAUTIFUL.

Do Fill in Your Making of Harry Potter Passport

You’re handed a Harry Potter Passport with your tickets. I tried to be all cool and dismissive about it – what do they think we are? Children who are going to run around getting stamps and filling in the questions in our magical books? Damned right we are.

Now is not the time to pretend that you’re in any way not excited about finding the 13 golden snitches that are hidden throughout the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Finding those snitches and getting those stamps is better than that moment when everyone thinks that Harry’s dead and he bursts out of Hagrid’s arms to turn Voldemort into tiny pieces of ash. I shizz you not.

Highlights of the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London

Now that you’ve booked your tickets and are incredibly excited, I thought I’d help fuel the fire with a few sneak peeks at some of my favourite spots from the set 😀

The Great Hall

Feasts, howlers, ominous speeches – Hogwarts’ Great Hall has seen it all. It’s pretty cool to see the hall in real life (though if you’ve ever visited Christ Church in Oxford – another city with many Harry Potter filming locations , you’ll notice the strong resemblance).

I won’t let you in on all of the little secrets but you get to peek behind the scenes to find out how they created the floating candles and enchanted ceiling effects, plus there’s a cool display of the house uniforms and details on how they changed throughout the films.

The Gryffindor Dormitory

Lush velvet, wooden four poster beds – welcome to the Gryffindor Dorm. Biggest surprise? The beds are absolutely tiny as they were designed for the kids for The Philosopher’s Stone but ended up being used in all the films.

Dumbledore’s Office

So much wisdom, so little time.

The calm retreat in which many of the films’ most memorable scenes took place – Dumbledore’s Office is adorned with rows and rows of books and many portraits of former Hogwarts headmasters.

Though it brought up all the feels from that awful moment when Snape kills Dumbledore and you feel like your soul has been split in two.

The Potions Room

Press it, don’t squeeze it Hermoine. The potions room is lined with all manner of tinctures and strange ingredients – ready to be made into love potions or poisons… let’s hope it’s the first of the two!

The Forbidden Forest

The Forbidden Forest is a real eye opener – dark, ominous and more realistic than I’d like to admit, it’s crazy walking through the forest as giant spiders descend from the ceiling, accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning.

Malfoy Manor

The ominous tone of Malfoy Manor is set by a dummy of Charity Burbage hanging over the long table at which the death eaters sit. Who can forget the poor teacher’s death – brutally attacked by Nagini while the whole table watched.

The Ministry of Magic

Glimpses of the Ministry of Magic peep out from the giant sets – one of the largest ever created for a film. The larger-than-life Magic is Might statue stands to remind Muggles of their rightful place. Creepy.

Read Next: The House of Minalima – Step into a World of Harry Potter in Soho

Platform 9 ¾

It’s real! All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Many of the scenes on Platform 9 ¾ were actually shot in King’s Cross (one of the filming locations in London) but part of the station was reconstructed in the studio – complete with a Hogwarts Express that you can jump aboard and trolleys buried in the walls for that iconic shot of you running through to the secret platform.

Diagon Alley  

Hop into Ollivanders and get your wand at the ridiculously lifelike set for Diagon Alley . The set changed significantly throughout the progress of the films – the final version is a cross between a Victorian shopping street and a weird, wacky emporium.

Hogwarts Castle

The last stop on the Harry Potter studio tour is IMHO the best – the scale model of Hogwarts Castle. Each of the films directors changed bits on the castle to suit the mood of their film – the result? An incredible sprawling model, complete with intricately-designed details. When can we move in?

What’s The Best Way to Get to the Harry Potter Studios from London?

Where is harry potter studios.

The Harry Potter Studios are actually situated just outside of London in Leavesden, Watford. There’s not too much to do in this area besides visiting the studio tour but there’s plenty to do inside, so you can still make a day of it.

Have no fear though – no matter which part of London you’re in, the Harry Potter Studios are pretty easy to get to. I’ve outlined the easiest ways for you below…

Getting to the Harry Potter studios isn’t difficult if you have a car. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Central London and parking is free.

Like many places outside of the city, Sat Nav does tend to lose its way a little when you put in the postcode, so you’re better off entering in Warner Bros Studios Leavesden to make sure that it takes you to the right place. We don’t want any Diagonelly / Diagon Alley mix ups here.

Make sure that you have your booking confirmation to hand as you go into the car park as they need to check it before you go in.

By Bus from London

Did I mention that the studios are kind of in the middle of nowhere? Upshot is that your options for getting to them are far more limited than for places in central London.

If you’re not driving, the easiest thing to do is to buy a Bus and Entrance Package. The package covers your bus from a central London location and your ticket for the tour. Mischief managed!

There are a few different operators offering buses from different London locations – t his one does them from Victoria coach station , or browse here for other options . Most bus and tour packages cost around £85 for adults.

On a Guided Tour

This is different (and a lot more expensive) to the Bus and Ticket Combos. I’m talking fully guided tours for those who want that next-level Harry Potter knowledge and aren’t afraid to make it rain pounds and pennies in order to get it.

This guided tour includes transport from London, a fully-guided tour around the studios plus re-entry to the studios so that you can go back and explore them at your own leisure before heading with your guide back to London again.

Book your spot for £89 pounds – and no, you can’t rob Gringotts to fund the cost of the tickets.

By Train (and Bus)

In my opinion, getting to the studios by train is the most awkward option, though it isn’t too bad. You need to hop on a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (this takes about 20 minutes) and then catch a bus (£2.50 extra – cash only) from Watford Junction to the Studios (this takes about 15 minutes).

In theory, you could do the trip in 35 minutes but everyone I’ve spoken to says it takes a bit longer and there’s the hassle of having to change at Watford Junction.

I’d rather hop on one bus to do the full journey but that’s just me. You don’t need to book ahead but check train times to make sure you’re not waiting around in Euston for the next one.

Hotels Near Harry Potter Studios London

Premier inn watford north (budget).

I tend to prefer Premier Inns over Travelodges but it’s the same deal – a comfortable budget option that’s only a short distance from the studios. Check availability.

Hemel Hempstead Holiday Inn (Budget)

The Hemel Hempstead Holiday Inn is everything that you’d expect from a Holiday Inn (as in basic but clean and comfortable). The real draw is that it’s less than a ten-minute drive (seven minutes to be exact) away from the Studios – particularly perfect if you’ve got an early morning start. Check availability.

The Grove (High End)

The Grove is hella pricey but what else do you expect when you opt to stay in a gorgeous country manor house? Stylish interiors, ridiculously snuggly beds and a fabulous in-house restaurant. Totally your pick if you really want to push the boat out. Check prices and availability.

Other Hotels in Watford

I should point out that there are quite a few hotels in and around Watford Junction, where it totally makes sense to stay if you are getting the train to the station but don’t want to hurry there and back the same day.

Compare prices and availability for hotels in Watford.

Harry Potter Studio Tour London Map

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Looking for More Harry Potter Guides?

Check these out…

Harry Potter Filming Spots in London

Guide to Leadenhall Market

Soho’s Magical House of Minalima

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10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

If you fancy leaving reality for a few hours and indulging in one of the best Harry Potter tours in London, who are we to argue? In fact, we think it’s a great idea and have put together a list of the best places to go on a wizardry extravaganza across the capital of England.

From first-hand studio experiences to free tours and everything in between, this is your comprehensive guide to the best Harry Potter tours in London.

1 – Harry Potter Studios tour

What should you expect on a harry potter studio tour.

The most popular type of Harry Potter tour, a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio invites you into the world of Hogwarts and lets you discover the magic behind the movies across a 200-acre complex. See breathtaking sets like the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley and get up close and personal with authentic props and costumes from every Harry Potter movie.

How much is a Harry Potter Studio tour?

There are several tickets available for the studio tour, which is, without doubt, one of the best Harry Potter tours in London. If you’re going on a studio tour, expect to pay:

• Adult tickets (16-plus) cost £47 ($58)
• Child tickets (5-15) cost £38 ($47)
• Family tickets (2 children & 2 adults) cost £150 ($186)
• Infant tickets (0-4) are free
• Book Harry Potter Studio Tours

2 – Harry Potter walking tours

What should you expect on a Harry Potter walking tour?

Make London magical with a Harry Potter walking tour in The Big Smoke. This interactive trip sees you wandering central London with an expert guide who will take you deep into the world of wizardry. As you head around Muggle London, you’ll see Diagon Alley, Leaky Cauldron and discover which Hogwarts House you belong in while testing your HP knowledge.

How much is a Harry Potter walking tour?

Some of the best Harry Potter tours are walking tours with an expert guide. The price starts from £20 ($25) per person, depending on the time of the year, though prices can vary if you add extras to the tour. The River Thames boat trip, for example, is often a popular add-on for tourists who want to see more of London.

• Book Harry Potter Locations Tours

Read more: Best walking tours in London

3 – Harry Potter tours by black taxi cab

What should you expect on a harry potter black taxi cab tour.

Hail a taxi and journey much further than your usual route with the Harry Potter black taxi cab tour. Discover film set locations across the city as you swap your broomstick for a black cab. Up to six people can hop in the taxi, and the tour includes famous London sights as well as a ton of Harry Potter treats.

How much is a Harry Potter black cab tour?

The Harry Potter black cab tour is a private tour and costs £300 ($372) for up to six guests, which works out as £50 ($62) per person. It runs from 6 am until 9 pm and lasts four hours. Bespoke tours are available.

• Harry Potter Taxi Tours

4 – Harry Potter bus tours

What should you expect on a harry potter bus tour.

Discover the famous sights from the movies with a Harry Potter bus tour. It starts at King’s Cross station, where Platform 9 ¾ is located, and continues through to the Millennium Bridge, otherwise known as the Harry Potter Bridge.

How much is a Harry Potter bus tour?

Several companies run Harry Potter bus tours. Expect to pay around £30 ($37) per person on average, with trips lasting for about three hours.

• Harry Potter Bus Tours

See also: Best bus tours in London

5 – Harry Potter free tours

What should you expect on harry potter free tours.

Free Harry Potter tours offer plenty of magical moments without needing to pay for the reservation of the tour. An expert guide is on hand to take you through the world of Muggle London as you discover the real-life counterparts of the magical locations on the big screen. Highlights include Ministry of Magic (Westminster Tube), Geometrical Staircase (St. Paul’s), Muggle Prime Minister’s Office (Downing Street), and many more.

Is there any charge for a Harry Potter free tour?

There’s no charge for the booking of Harry Potter free tours, though you are expected to tip the guide for all their excellent work during the tour.

• Book Harry Potter Free Tours

6 – Harry Potter self-guided tours

What should you expect on harry potter self-guided tours.

If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, why not go on a self-guided tour and discover all the best movie locations in London? Visit key spots such as Diagon Alley (Leadenhall), Number 12 Grimmauld Place (Lincoln’s Inn Fields), The Ministry of Magic (Old Scotland Yard) and more.

Are Harry Potter self-guided tours really free?

You won’t have to pay a penny on a self-guided tour and can go at your own leisure. You might lose some of the details about each location without a tour guide, however.

7 – Harry Potter app tours and World of Wizards tour

What should you expect on harry potter app tours.

Wizardry might be amazing, but technology also happens to be pretty impressive. And you can enhance your Harry Potter tours thanks to several apps. These are especially helpful if you’re taking a self-guided tour around London.

London Map and Walks , for example, includes 22 guided tours around the capital, including a Harry Potter tour. While the World of Wizards app tour lets you enjoy an interactive experience, using the app to solve clues and stop an evil wizard from destroying the world.

How much is a Harry Potter app tour?

Apps that offer maps for the world of Harry Potter, including London Map, are free to download. World of Wizards tour prices vary, though can you expect to pay £9 ($11) per person for the self-guided treasure hunt tour.

8 – Harry Potter tours outside of London

What should you expect on harry potter tours outside of london.

While the capital might be the scene for some of the best Harry Potter tours in London, it’s not the only place to go on a wizardry quest. Hogwarts itself was filmed over several locations that include Christ Church College and Bodleian Library in Oxford. The Potter’s House is located in Lacock Village, Wiltshire, while Godric’s Hollow can be found in Lavenham, Suffolk.

How much is a Harry Potter tour outside of London?

Many different tours take place outside of London, some of which are self-guided. Prices vary and depend on the tour type. Harry Potter Oxford tours typically start from £20 ($25), while day tours from London to Oxford start from £42 ($52).

 9 – Harry Potter combo tours

What should you expect on Harry Potter combo tours?

If you can’t get enough of Harry Potter, it’s worth combining tours to create the ultimate trip. You can mix and match tour types and go on a combined trip that includes a trip around the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio plus a visit to Oxford to see Hogwarts. Other combo tours feature a jaunt around London before hopping on a river cruise to explore the world of Harry Potter from the Thames.

How much is a Harry Potter combo tour?

Again, tour prices vary depending on the type you choose. However, combining two or more tours means you’ll save in the long run, as it’s often cheaper to do multiple ones at the same time. For example, the Harry Potter studio and Oxford tour typically cost around £100 ($125) per person.

• Harry Potter Studio Tour + Oxford

10 – Harry Potter private tours

What should you expect on a harry potter private tour.

A private tour is your chance to cater to the Harry Potter experience to your interests. Choose the best bits from each tour and enjoy a private tour guide who will take your around Harry Potter movie locations while providing expert knowledge.

How much is a Harry Potter private tour?

If you prefer to delve into the world of Hogwarts and more, the private option is one of the best Harry Potter tours in London, as it’s crafted for your personal experience. Expect to pay between £100 and £150 for two people on a private tour, which typically lasts around three hours if you’re going around London.

• Book Private Harry Potter Tours

Diagon Alley

The Diagon Alley set constantly changed throughout the Harry Potter series. Though, the street’s initial design included rich elements from the Harry Potter books with influence from streets described in Charles Dickens’ works. Since its construction, walls have shifted, shop fronts have moved and entire buildings have been carefully tweaked, to make them look slightly leaning, to create the street that is seen in the films. For Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, several of the Diagon Alley set pieces were re-dressed for usage in the village of Hogsmeade. 

Gringotts Bank, Flourish and Blotts, and Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary are all located in Diagon Alley, as is the famous Harry Potter London shop for wands, Ollivanders. 

Fun fact – During filming, the wand shop had over 17,000 individually labeled wand boxes.

Forbidden Forest

The Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was shot on location as well as in the studio. For Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, this was moved entirely to the Studio to house the infamous acromantula spider Aragog’s lair, and it grew throughout the film series. Scenic artists created backdrops that were up to 600 feet long for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. 

Fun fact – The Harry Potter Studio Tour Forbidden Forest contains 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet.

Platform 9 ¾

In the movies, hundreds of students were taken from Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross station, London to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland by the Hogwarts Express. Most of the scenes on Platform 9 ¾ were shot on location at King’s Cross Station in London, however for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, a section of the station platform was reconstructed on a stage at Leavesden, complete with track and the train. 

The external views of the train were created using actual trains and passenger carriages on sites across the United Kingdom, while all the sequences that take place inside the train were created using a built-in set of interior carriage sets. The green screen background in the windows was changed with moving backdrops and special effects such as hopping Chocolate Frogs and flying Dementors by visual effects teams working on the movies.

Fun fact – The Hogwarts Express served as the backdrop for the series’ very first shot in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as well as the series’ very last scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, ten years later.

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Warner Bros Studio London Harry Potter™ Tour

From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets

• Explore the wonders of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio with round-trip transfers from London – a perfect day trip for Potterheads of all ages!
• Choose your pick-up point and spend a magical 4 hours exploring the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter™ film series.
• While wandering Diagon Alley™, you'll spot famed shopfronts! Fancy a wand from Ollivanders or a peek into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?
• Step into Gringotts Bank, and keep a sharp eye out; goblins are known to be a tad protective of their treasures!
• All aboard the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾™! Pose with the luggage trolley and relive that iconic moment, a scene shot at these studios.
• 4-hour tour of The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
• Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
• Round-trip transfers from Victoria, Baker’s Street, King’s Cross, or Russell Square
• Guided tour
• Tip: Don't pass up the Backlot Cafe without trying Butterbeer. For a twist, try the Butterbeer ice cream too!
• Guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
• This experience is accessible for wheelchair users who can board the coach.
• The Kings Cross pick-up location may not be accessible for wheelchair users.
• The experience, including round-trip transfers from London, lasts approximately 7 hours. Inside the Studio, you will spend up to 4 hours.
• During booking, choose your preferred pick-up time from four locations in London. This will determine your departure time for the studio tour.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Warner Bros. Studio: Expert Guided Small Group Tour with Transfers

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Explore the enchanting world of The Making of Harry Potter with a fully-guided tour. Discover film secrets with an expert!
• Enjoy round-trip transfers from Central London and explore the world of wizardry in an intimate group of 8 or fewer.
• Walk the storied cobblestones of Diagon Alley, step onto Platform 9¾, and brave the Forbidden Forest with its cinematic wonders.
• From the cozy Gryffindor common room to Dumbledore's office, here is your chance to explore it all with an expert English-speaking guide.
• Plan your trip for Halloween to delve deep into the Dark Arts, or bask in the Yule Ball's festive shimmer during Christmas.
• Guided tour of The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studios
• Train transfers to/from the meeting point
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Small group of 8 people or fewer

Euston War Memorial outside of Euston Station

• Tip: Make sure to grab your free Activity Passport for a Golden Snitch hunt, puzzles, and trivia during your visit.
• Note: Expect 4 hours inside the Studio. Travel to/from London takes 1-1.5 hours one way. Plan roughly 7 hours for the entire tour experience.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Harry Potter Studio Tour with London Film Locations Walking Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Step into Harry Potter's magic-filled universe with this day-long tour of filming spots and Warner Bros Studio.
• This experience is a mix of London's real-life filming locations and behind-the-scenes studio tour.
• Worry less, explore more with round-trip transfers to the studio aboard a luxury AC bus with an expert guide leading the way.
• Unveil movie secrets with access to real sets, costumes, and special effects, and a visit to the famed Platform 9¾.
• Walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations
• Round-trip transfers to Warner Bros Studio
• Entry to Warner Bros Studio
• Tip: Don't forget to try Butterbeer at the Warner Bros Studio, it's a must-have for any Harry Potter fan.
• Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tickets

• Step into J.K. Rowling's magical world and witness Harry Potter's story continue on stage in 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child'.
• Harry is all grown up and a Ministry of Magic employee, yet past and future collide as his son, Albus, faces legacy-laden struggles.
• Be a part of this immersive theatre experience at the historic Palace Theatre where top talent from Broadway and West End conjures a spellbinding performance.
• Muggles are welcome too! Even if you're not a Potterhead, the enchanting spectacle of this 9-time Olivier Award winner, hailed as a 'game-changer', will dazzle you.
• This is your chance to revisit Hogwarts in a way you never have before. The twists, turns, and magic are simply too irresistible to miss.

Entry to 2 part performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

• Tip: Wearing your house colors might not get you extra points, but it sure does add to the excitement. Don your Gryffindor red or Slytherin green and show some house pride!
• The play is recommended for individuals older than 10 years.
• A parent or legal guardian has to be present with any customers under the age of 15.
• Infants are not permitted in the auditorium.
• Tickets are non-refundable, exchanges can be requested up until 48 hours in advance of the production.

The Making of Harry Potter Tickets with Timed Entry & Escorted Train Transfers

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Unleash your inner wizard with this self-guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio – The Making of Harry Potter!
• With escorted round-trip train transfers from Central London, your journey will be as smooth as a dementor-free Hogwarts Express ride.
• Admire the leatherbound books and astrology charts at Dumbledore's office, and stroll down Diagon Alley, home to the beloved Ollivanders. Fancy a wand?
• Get a peek into the Gryffindor™ common room, and snap a photo at the magical Platform 9¾, where the Hogwarts Express awaits the next batch of wizards.
• Timed entry to Warner Bros Studios
• Round-trip train transfers from Central London
• Guide during transfers
• Guide in the studio
• Tip: Don’t miss spotting the Sorting Hat and the Sword of Gryffindor at Dumbledore's office!
• This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Top things to do in London

Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studio tours: Your Hogwarts letter has arrived!

"It's not Hogwarts if it doesn't move," said Fred Weasley. Well, prepare to be spellbound, because at the Harry Potter™ Studio tours, everything does! Explore iconic sets meticulously recreated from the films, including the amazing Great Hall, the cosy Gryffindor common room , and the bustling Diagon Alley . "Honestly, I think I could spend the rest of my life exploring Diagon Alley," remarked Miss Granger, and you might just agree!

As Dumbledore reminds us, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live," so grab your wand, book your ticket, and "Accio, adventure!" Your Hogwarts awaits.

Things to know before booking your tickets to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio tour

• Book Early: Tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter sell fast, especially in peak season. Secure yours in advance online for cheaper rates and skip the box office queue.
• Special Effects : The tour employs haze and lighting effects, creating immersive features resembling clouds. If unsure or wish to avoid these areas, notify staff upon arrival.
• Guided Tours: The 3.5-hour Studio Tour can be overwhelming; opt for guided tours for a deeper Harry Potter film experience.
• Height Restrictions : Children under 10 require adult supervision, and some attractions have height restrictions.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available for rent.
• Luggage Restrictions: Luggage and personal checks may be conducted for safety and tour preservation. Photography is strictly prohibited in this area.

Harry Potter™ Studio Tours map

Plan and navigate Warner Bros. Harry Potter™ Studio Tour London using this map.

Which Warner Bros Harry Potter™ tour is best for you?

Tour with transfers

Go for: If you are a Potterhead Duration: 6-7 hours Transfer available: Yes

• Witness the magic of filmmaking with this Harry Potter tour that includes transfers from London.
• Walk through iconic locations and get a chance to see actual props and costumes from all the Harry Potter films.
• Travel to central London on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour London branded bus with the opportunity to watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone during your journey.

Flexible Cancellation Policy : You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Recommended tours

Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Transfers from London

The Making of Harry Potter Timed Entry Tickets with Escorted Train Transfers

Small Group Expert Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transfers

Walking tours

Go for: If you are short on time

Duration: 2-3 Hours

• There’s no better way to explore the wizarding world than by opting for a guided walking tour.
• Your Harry Potter Studio tour includes a visit to the costume, art, and prop departments, along with sets of all eight films , including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾™ , and Dumbledore’s Office among many others.
• Your professional tour guide will accompany you along the way, enlightening you with interesting trivia about the film-making process.

Flexible Cancellation Policy : You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Recommended Tours:

Harry Potter Studios Tour with Walking Tour of London Film Locations

Behind the scenes at Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studios in London

• Sets: Step INSIDE the movies! Walk the Great Hall, tiptoe into the forbidden forest, shop Diagon Alley – it's all REAL (well, almost)! Can you spot the hidden stair that leads to Dumbledore's office?
• Props : Hold the real deal! Grab Harry's wand, peek at the Marauder's Map, and even stir potions in Snape's classroom (minus the sass, hopefully). Every detail is insane, from wands to Hogwarts letters
• Costumes : Yule Ball, Quidditch, and Beauxtons are some of the many costumes you'll witness during your tour. Check out costumes for everyone– robes, Time-Turner dress, even Voldemort's creepy getup.
• Special Effects : See how spells were cast, Quidditch came alive, and dragons took flight. Green screens, animatronics, CGI – it's absolutely 'stupefying'! Wanna ride a broomstick or hop on the Hogwarts Express? You're in the right place!
• Creature Effects : Buckbeak the hippogriff, the giant Basilisk, even our beloved Dobby – they're all there! Discover how they were brought to life with puppets and prosthetics.
• Art Department : See sketches, storyboards, and set designs that brought the Wizarding World to life. See how imagination transformed into the iconic sets you know and love.

Explore Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studios in London

King's Cross Station

• Although it's not a fully recreated version of London's King's Cross Station, the set captures the essence of the magical gateway with a hidden entrance through a brick wall, a luggage trolley disappearing, and the Hogwarts Express steam engine waiting to whisk you away.

The Great Hall

• The Great Hall at Hogwarts is a pivotal location for Harry and friends; their first sorting ceremonies, the Yule Ball, essential conversations over meals, O.W.L examinations and of course, the battle of Hogwarts took place here.
• Walk the same steps as your favorite witches and wizards and soak in the fine details of the location design and props in the Great Hall.

The Forbidden Forest

• The Harry Potter Studios have created a remarkable version of the Forbidden Forest; walk around and examine the imposing trees that have been designed to represent an eerie atmosphere.
• Meet Buckbeak and Aragog, and take photographs with a life-size Hagrid costume who would be waiting to welcome you in.

Diagon Alley™

• Dotted with shops selling books, potions ingredients, robes and of course wands, it’s a one-stop location for all essentials a witch or wizard needs.
• The Diagon Alley set was redone to shoot scenes at Hogsmeade Village for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban film.   

Platform 9 ¾

• For filming, most scenes were shot at King’s Cross Station in London, while remaining parts were recreated at the Harry Potter Studios to shoot the famous scene between Harry and Dumbledore at the end of The Deathly Hallows Part II.
• You would get to see the actual Hogwarts Express and picture gliding dementors, or Trevor the Frog hopping about.

Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios experiences

On a Harry Potter Studios tour, visitors can further indulge in the wizarding world by engaging in specifically curated seasonal experiences.

Hogwarts Express

Warner Bros. Studios launched a 20,000 sq. ft. addition in March 2015, which included a replica of Platform 9¾ and the original Hogwarts Express steam engine. You may hop onboard the train carriage and pose with a baggage trolley as it vanishes through the station wall in the new, permanent exhibit, which shows how some of the movie' most famous moments were made.

Stroll through the wizarding street of the movies- Diagon Alley to admire the beautiful shops and the carefully crafted props on their windows. Step inside the iconic shops that played a key role in the series like the Ollivanders wand shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Madame Malkin’s shop, and more.

Magcial Mischief

At Magical Mischief, get to know how they filmed some of the famous mischievous moments shown in the movie. Find out about the camera trickery behind the disappearing scene with the invisibility cloak, and much more.

Ongoing . Dates : 20TH JANUARY – 16TH APRIL 2024

Harry Potter Studio Tour London's Dark Arts feature is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. As they lower the lights and prepare the stage for Hallowe'en, you'll be whisked away to the haunted replicas of the famous settings from the Harry Potter films, a darker Platform 9 ¾, and a spookier Diagon Alley and Great Hall.

Follow the Dark Mark trail and try your wand combat moves as you engage in duels against Death Eaters.

Dates : 13TH SEPTEMBER – 10TH NOVEMBER 2024

Hogwarts in the Snow

The Studio Tour hosts Hogwarts in the Snow, a spectacular event where the famous Harry Potter sets are adorned with a layer of cinematic snow for the holiday season. It's sure to be a "Harry Christmas" experience for everybody.

Conclude your year with Yule Ball for Hogwarts in the Snow and enjoy the moment as you live the iconic Yule Ball scene.

Note: This attraction takes place during the holiday season only.

Dates: 16TH NOVEMBER – 19TH JANUARY 2025

Plan your visit to the Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studio

Timings: 8:30 AM to 10 PM (Till September) 9:30 AM to 8 PM (October onwards) Harry Potter™ studio tour durations: Typically, a Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour takes about 3-7 hours Best time to visit: Owing to its popularity, a Harry Potter Studios tour is always bustling with fans. However, since their intake capacity is limited, you would be able to comfortably explore. Comparatively lesser crowds can be found outside of the summer season (June to September). A highly recommended experience is visiting during Christmas, owing to the magical decoration and atmosphere.

Address: Harry Potter Studios , Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, UK Find on Map

• Shuttle Bus : Eco-friendly ride included in entry ticket, departing Watford Junction every 30 mins from 9:20 am. Convenient 15-min journey.
• Airport Access: Short distances from major London airports: 17 mi from Luton, 23 mi from Heathrow, 47 mi from Stansted, and 58 mi from Gatwick. Smooth road and rail connections ensure convenience.
• Train Travel: Watford Junction, just 20 mins from London Euston, is the closest station. Other non-direct services from Euston available, Oyster cards accepted.

• Cloakroom: Safely store your belongings for free in the cloakroom, including coats, bags, and suitcases. Please leave buggies and prams if possible, and note that items are left at your own risk.
• Cash Machine: Need cash? The lobby features a free-to-use cash point for your convenience.
• Toilets: Find well-equipped toilet facilities in the lobby, including baby changing stations. Accessible toilets with space for disabled individuals and up to two carers are also available.
• Parent and Baby Room: A private space next to the Backlot Café provides parents with a comfortable area to feed, equipped with a nursing chair and changing tables. Hot water is available in the Backlot Café for bottle heating.

• There is one entrance to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. All visitors must arrive at their designated time slot and enter through the main entrance.
• The entrance is located at Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford, WD25 8LS, United Kingdom.
• Once you have arrived at the entrance, you will need to check in and have your tickets scanned. You will then be directed to the cloakroom, where you can leave your bags and coats.
• After you have left your bags, you will be able to enter the studio tour.
• Please note that e-scooters are not permitted on the shuttle bus or on-site at the Studio Tour.

• The Great Hall is the busiest area of the studio tour: If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit the Great Hall later in the day.
• Try the Butterbeer: No trip to the studios is complete without trying the Butterbeer! You can get it hot, cold, or frozen, and there are even non-alcoholic versions available.
• Dress up: It's not mandatory, but many people enjoy dressing up in their Hogwarts robes or other Harry Potter-themed attire. It's a fun way to get into the spirit of things!
• There is a gift shop at the end of the studio tour:  Be sure to save some time to browse the gift shop and purchase any souvenirs you want.

Budget: The Kings Lodge Hotel , Travelodge Watford Central , Southern Cross

Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Hemel Hempstead, an IHG Hotel , Premier Inn Watford North hotel , Village Hotel Watford

Luxury: Hunton Park , Hilton London Watford , Leonardo Hotel London Watford - Formerly Jurys Inn

• Whippendell Woods: Immerse yourself in nature with a visit to Whippendell Woods, located near the studios. This serene woodland offers picturesque walking trails, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life.
• Cassiobury Park: Just a short drive away, Cassiobury Park is a vast public park with beautiful green spaces, a canal, and woodland areas. Ideal for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or even a boat ride along the Grand Union Canal.
• Watford Museum: Delve into local history at Watford Museum, situated close to the studios. The museum showcases the town's cultural heritage through engaging exhibits, artefacts, and interactive displays.

• The Chocolate Frog Café :  This café is based on the iconic magical sweets in the shape of frogs. It offers a selection of sweets and treats, including specialty hot chocolate, ice cream, and a variety of pastries.
• The Hub Café :  This café is located under the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon at the Studio Tour Hub. It serves hot and cold Starbucks drinks, sandwiches to go, and bakery items all day long.
• The Food Hall:  This restaurant is located in the Studio Tour Hub and serves breakfasts, hot and cold dishes, sandwiches, and a selection of drinks, including a bakery.
• The Backlot Café:  This café is located in the middle of the Studio Tour and offers hot meals, sandwiches, and snacks. It also has indoor and outdoor seating so you can enjoy your food while taking in the views of the popular exterior sets and props, such as the Knight Bus, Privet Drive, and Hogwarts Bridge.

Beyond Warner Bros Harry Potter™ Studio Tours

Imagine soaring 443 feet above the River Thames in a giant Ferris wheel pod, the wind whipping through your hair as you take in 360-degree views of London. That's the magic of the London Eye! From Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, the city sprawls out beneath you like a miniature kingdom, waiting to be explored.

Step back in time to a world of kings, queens, and executions at the Tower of London. This historic fortress whispers tales of intrigue and imprisonment, from the Crown Jewels sparkling in the dim light to the chilling stories of Anne Boleyn's ghost. Be sure to peek into the Bloody Tower and explore the armory, where suits of shining armor might just make you feel like a knight on a quest.

Ever dreamed of rubbing shoulders with royalty (or maybe your favorite pop star)? Well, at Madame Tussauds, you can! Get up close and personal with incredibly lifelike wax figures of everyone from the Queen herself to Hollywood A-listers and sporting legends. Strike a pose with Beyoncé, have tea with Kate Middleton, or even face your fears with life-size dinosaurs.

Frequently asked questions about Warner Bros Harry Potter London Studio tours

Guests can visit sets created for all eight Harry Potter films, including, but not limited to the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9 ¾ among others.

Not all Harry Potter Studio tours include a guided tour. You would have to purchase tickets that specifically include guided tours.

Most Harry Potter Studio tours include return transfers. Ensure that you check before purchasing your tickets. 

No. Owing to the limited number of visitors at the studio at any given time, pre-booking your tickets is mandatory.

Located about an hour’s drive from the London city center, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers several bus tours operating that offer hourly return transfers from central London and Birmingham directly to the studio tour.

A Harry Potter Studio tour books several months in advance so to maximize your chances of getting tickets, we recommend going on a weekday for better availability of slots.

From Diagon Alley to Platform 9 ¾, The Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is brimming with exciting experiences and attractions. Here are all the attractions on the tour.

Protect Your Trip »

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Grab your wands and prepare for a magical trip through London.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A highlight of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is seeing the model of Hogwarts.

Though you won't find Eeylops Owl Emporium, Flourish and Blotts, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes or Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions in London 's streets, that doesn't mean you can't indulge in the world of "Harry Potter." Knowledgeable witches and wizards lead themed tours that discuss not only filming locations for the beloved Potter films, but also the wizarding world's most famous individuals like Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Consulting Muggle traveler opinion as well as expert input from the top witches and wizards, U.S. News & World Report found the best Harry Potter London tours on offer.

Note: These tours take place on foot, by bus or on trains, so it's best to leave your brooms and Floo powder at home.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Price: From 51.50 pounds (around $64) per person Duration: 3.5 hours

For Potterheads, no trip to London is complete without a stop to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter , which explores how the "Harry Potter" films were made. During the self-guided visit, travelers will wander the Diagon Alley set, board the Hogwarts Express, view props and costumes and much, much more. Visit around Halloween for the Dark Arts or the winter holidays for Hogwarts in the Snow; the tour is decked out in seasonal décor for both events.

"As both a filmmaker and 'Harry Potter' fan, I was absolutely blown away by this tour," says Leilani Osmundson , digital producer at U.S. News Travel. "The sets, props and costumes were incredible and very well-maintained, and there were written explanations for almost everything." Osmundson suggests staying at the back of the group when entering the Great Hall for a chance to snag photos with fewer people in the shot when the group moves on. Keep in mind, this great experience comes with equivalent fees: Travelers warn of high ticket prices and expensive souvenirs. To avoid crowds, get to the studio early.

Tickets start at 51.50 pounds (about $64) per person. Children 3 and younger as well as caregivers can explore for free. Ticket packages that include a stay at a hotel or afternoon tea cost extra. Hours vary depending on the day. The tour is self-paced and you can explore as long as you wish, but you'll want at least 3.5 hours (more if you're a die-hard fan who wants to take in every detail). The tour is located in Leavesden, Watford, which is about 20 miles northeast of central London. Take the train to Watford Junction then board the complimentary shuttle to the studio.

View & Book Tickets: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Evan Evans Tours – Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour

Price: Adults from 29 pounds (about $36); kids from 24 pounds (around $30) Duration: 3 hours

Along this three-hour walking tour, you'll see the telephone booth that takes you to the Ministry of Magic, the Millennium Bridge and King's Cross Station, among other top filming locations. Tour-takers say the guides share fun Potter facts along with information about London.

Tours depart at both 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets cost 29 pounds (approximately $36) for adults and 24 pounds (about $30) for kids 3 to 16. You will also need a valid travel card for the Underground, as part of the tour is on the tube. The outing is not accessible. Evan Evans tours also runs an outing that buses trip-takers to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Courtesy of Tour for Muggles

Tour for Muggles

Price: Adults from 17 pounds (about $21); kids from 15 pounds (around $19) Duration: 2 hours

"Harry Potter" fans praise the witches and wizards who lead this tour, saying they are full of fun information and are passionate storytellers. A few note that if you're traveling solo, this is a great tour to take. The two-hour tour takes travelers throughout London – including across the Thames – and tells stories about Harry, Ron and Hermione along the way.

You'll meet your guide near the Monument tube station. The walking tour costs 17 pounds (around $21) for adults and 15 pounds (about $19) for children younger than 12.

See Your City – Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

Price: From $19.04 Duration: 2 hours

During See Your City's two-hour jaunt, you'll not only learn about the filming of "Harry Potter" (including the bridge destroyed in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"), but guides will also quiz you along the way so you can earn points for your house. Travelers praise the guides for their fun and informative delivery, saying that there are several spots on the tour that they wouldn't have seen by themselves.

Tickets cost about $20 per person and run mornings at 10:30 a.m., and afternoons at 2 and 7 p.m. In addition to English, See Your City conducts tours in Italian, German, French, Spanish and British Sign Language. The company runs other "Harry Potter"-themed tours, including one that explores London by boat and one that runs at night.

International Friends – Small Group Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter & Oxford

Price: Adults from 174 pounds; kids from 169 pounds Duration: 11 hours

This daylong tour begins with a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to see the sets (including the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid's Hut and the Great Hall), costumes and props from the films. After spending four hours at the studio, the coach will whisk you away to nearby Oxford where guides will take you on a walking tour of the university buildings and city streets. Tourgoers call this an excellent way to spend the day and appreciated the stop in Oxford.

Tour tickets start at 174 pounds (about $216) for adults and 169 pounds (approximately $210) for kids ages 5 to 15. Trips depart from central London around 8:30 a.m. and return around 7:45 p.m. In addition to "Harry Potter" outings, International Friends runs "Downton Abbey" tours.

Courtesy of London With a Local

London With a Local – Free Harry Potter Wizarding Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Tourgoers routinely encourage "Harry Potter" fans to take this tour, saying the guides and stories shared are both fantastic. The walking tour meets at Palace Theatre, where the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" performs. (While seeing the play isn't part of the tour, you may want to grab tickets to the show while you're in London.) From there, guides will lead you down Diagon and Knockturn alleys (aka Charing Cross Road) and past buildings that inspired the Gringotts Wizarding Bank and the Ministry of Magic. Be sure to refresh your trivia knowledge, too, as guides quiz travelers for the Hogwarts Trivia House Cup.

Outings last about two hours. Tours depart at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., but daily availability can vary. The tour is free, though tips for the guide are appreciated. London With a Local runs other movie- and book-based free tours, including James Bond and Sherlock Holmes tours.

View & Book Tickets: London With a Local

Brit Movie Tours – Wizards London Bus Tour

Price: Adults from 32.50 pounds (about $40); kids from 21 pounds Duration: 3.5 hours

Hop on an air-conditioned bus to see spots in London that served as a backdrop for the eight "Harry Potter" films. Sites tourgoers will see include the spot used for the Leaky Cauldron, the spot where the Knight Bus squished itself through traffic and more. Along the way, guides will quiz you about the books. Plus you'll see a few spots from the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise. Many travelers say the bus tour is a bargain and praise the guides. A few others note they could have found the stops by themselves.

Tours run year-round on Sundays (usually at 9:30 or 10:30 a.m.) as well as Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the warmer months. Availability can vary, however. Tickets start at 32.50 for adults (about $40) and 21 pounds (roughly $26) for kids 15 and younger. Brit Movie Tours also runs a walking version of this tour.

London Top Sight Tours – Harry Potter Azkaban Tour (Film Locations & Prison)

Price: From 69 pounds (about $86) Duration: 3 hours

This tour focuses on the famous prison that housed some of the Death Eaters (followers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named): Azkaban. Tour-takes will visit the Clink Prison Museum, which inspired J.K. Rowling when writing about the wizard prison. Additionally, this walking tour stops at two "Harry Potter"-themed shops as well as other locations from the films. London tourists say the guides do an excellent job.

Tours last three hours and depart from King's Cross. Tickets start at 69 pounds (roughly $86) per person and include the entry ticket to the Clink Prison Museum. Keep in mind you'll also need a topped up travel card for the tube. Tours run at 10 a.m. and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. daily. The company runs a variety of other London tours, as well as private tours.

City Wonders – Fully Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Price: Adults from $310; kids from $297 Duration: 6 hours

As the name implies, City Wonders conducts fully guided excursions to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Guides meet the tour group – of no more than eight individuals – at the Euston War Memorial before boarding a train to get to the studio. Upon arrival, a trained guide will lead your group through the Studio Tour. You'll view props, costumes and sets like Ollivander's, the Gryffindor common room and more. Along the way, guides will share interesting tidbits about the movies. Travelers say the tours are excellent and the guided portion through The Making of Harry Potter is extra special. They also say that sampling Butterbeer or other magic foods is a must, but warn of long lines for concessions.

The tour starts at $310 for adults, $297 for children 5 to 15 and $12 for infants 4 and younger. It lasts about six hours and departs at 11:05 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. daily. City Wonders runs a variety of tours, including outings to the British Museum and the Tower of London .

Free Tours by Foot – Harry Potter Walking Tour London

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 hours

If you're hoping to save some knuts, sickles and galleons on a London trip, this could be a great tour option. As the name implies, Free Tours by Foot runs pay-what-you-wish walking tours. The "Harry Potter" tour will go by Westminster Tube station (as seen in "The Order of the Phoenix"), Godwin's Court (Knockturn Alley), St. Paul's and Trafalgar Square, among other top sites. Travelers say it is a wonderful tour, as guides share information about both the boy wizard and London history.

Tours run Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. Though tours are free, reservations are required. Additionally, part of the tour takes place on the tube, so make sure you have plenty of money on a travel card.

View & Book Tickets: Free Tours by Foot

Harry Potter Tours in Scotland

London isn't the only place in the United Kingdom to get your Potter fix. Scotland – where you'll find the real-life Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts castle – is another must-visit destination for fans. Here are some tours to consider:

• Free Harry Potter Tour: Explore Edinburgh on foot to hear about the influence the city had on the books. Book on Free Harry Potter Tour .
• The Magical Highlands Tour (Includes Steam Train Journey): See the Scottish Highlands and take a ride on the Jacobite steam train (aka the Hogwarts Express). Book on GetYourGuide .
• Harry Potter & the Hogwarts Express: Visit filming locations in the Highlands including the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Book on HAGGiS Adventures .
• J.K. Rowling's Edinburgh: Traverse city streets to learn about the Potter stories and their creator. Book on The Potter Tour .
• The Potter Trail: Grab a wand and explore Potterific sites around Edinburgh on this free tour. Book on The Potter Trail .
• Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour: Find out where He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is buried and the namesakes for some of the characters. Book on Viator .
• Harry Potter Tour: Walk by Edinburgh Castle, the Elephant House and more on this tour. Book on: Viator | Get Your Guide .
• Jacobite Steam Train Experience. Take a ride on the Hogwarts Express and snap photos of Cairngorms National Park. Book on Scottish Tours .
• Immersive Harry Potter Tour. Get quizzed on your magical knowledge while walking through Edinburgh. Book on: Viator | Get Your Guide .

You may also be interested in:

• The Best London Tours
• The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace
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VIP Deluxe Tour of Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio London

Join our Harry Potter deluxe tour of the Warner Bros Studio London and learn about The Making of Harry Potter. Our VIP tour package includes private transfer from your Central London hotel in a premium vehicle. Upon arrival avoid the crowds with priority access and be greeted by intereactor staff. Enjoy an exclusive talk about how the Harry Potter books became movies before stepping into The Great Hall. Enjoy a glass of champagne or soft drink on this semi private visit in The Great Hall with a maximum of 50 people.  From here follow the studio tour at your leisure with a self-guided visit passing some of the most iconic sets.

Our Harry Potter deluxe tour of Warner Bros Studio is available every Friday. Given this limited availability, it’s recommended to book in advance since tickets are likely to sell out.

• Our VIP deluxe tour experience begins with pickup from your London hotel. Travel in a luxury vehicle to Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
• On arrival be greeted by interactor staff who will escort you to receive your deluxe tour tickets
• Get the full VIP treatment! Wait for this magical Harry Potter experience to begin
• Enjoy a talk about the how the Harry Potter books were transformed into movies
• Step into The Great Hall for an exclusive visit.  This includes a glass of champagne or a soft drink as you enjoy extra time in The Great Hall
• Enjoy an executive visit with a maximum of 50 guests
• Start your self-guided tour revealing behind-the-scenes secrets of the making of Harry Potter as you explore all areas of the Warner Bros Studio. This includes The Forbidden Forest, Dumbledore’s office and Platform 9¾. You’ll even get to hop onboard the original Hogwarts Express!
• Continue with a walk inside Gringotts Wizarding Bank and a stroll down Diagon Alley. Take time to admire the extraordinary scale model of Hogwarts Castle
• At the end of your deluxe Studio Tour, we will drive you back to your London hotel.

What’s Included?

The Great Hall

• Traval in a private executive vehicle with pickup and dropoff at your Central London hotel
• On arrival you will be greeted by an interactor staff member
• Avoid the crowds with priority entrance
• Enjoy a talk about how the Harry Potter books were turned into films
• Step into The Great Hall and enjoy a glass of champagne or a soft drink
• Enjoy semi-private time in The Great Hall with a maximum of just 50 guests
• From The Great Hall continue with a self-guided visit
• 5.00pm: Depart from your hotel in Central London
• 6.50pm: Arrive at the Studio tour
• 10.15pm: Depart from the Studio tour
• 11.00pm: Arrive back in Central London, with drop-off at your Central London hotel

MORE INFORMATION:

• All timings are approximate and are based on traffic conditions which can vary
• After booking you will be contacted by one of our staff to confirm the exact departure time from your Central London hotel
• If your hotel or airbnb is not located in Central London please contact us with the full hotel or aribnb address to find out if we can pick-up from this location
• On selected dates the tour will operate earlier starting at 3.15pm from your hotel and arriving back at your hotel at approximately 9.00pm

terms and conditions

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Unique Fully Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Delight as the magic of Harry Potter comes to life again before your eyes. This fully guided London studios tour will take you back to your favorite scenes, with the real props, costumes and sets, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes commentary from an expert English-speaking  Studio Tour guide who knows how the film magic brought the books to life. Get exclusive Timed entry to the experience of the Great Hall, Hagrid’s Hut and Platform 9 ¾, with return transport from Central London.

• Arrive by authentic Muggle train and step into Hogwarts on the *only* fully-guided tour of the spectacular Warner Bros. Studios: The Making of Harry Potter, in small groups of 8 or less so you can really appreciate the magic.
• Your official Studio tour guide will be there to help you make the most of our exclusive time entry - so there’s no waiting in line and priority re-entry, meaning you won’t miss a moment.
• See the amazing sets, costumes and props from across the eight amazing Harry Potter movies: all so detailed and recognizable. Sip on some Butterbeer, ride a broomstick and enter the breathtaking Great Hall …

Your Harry Potter Studio Tour Experience

What's included.

• Fully guided tour of Warner Bros. Studios in English, with an expert Harry Potter tour guide
• Small groups of 8 people or fewer
• Admission with timed entry to Warner Bros Studios
• Transportation to and from the meeting point

Sites Visited

• Warners Brothers Studios (inside) 

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Making of Harry Potter on our fully-guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour in English. As a Warner Bros. Studio Tour London preferred partner, we’re the only tour company that allows you to learn about the real-life movie magic used to create the beloved film series from an official, Studio Tour guide.   

Start your magical journey in Central London, where you’ll meet a City Wonders representative to collect your return train tickets directly to Watford Junction Station. After arriving at Watford Junction, you’ll be taken to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London via an official shuttle bus.

Once you arrive at the Studios, you’ll enjoy timed access and a greeting from a dedicated English-speaking  Studio Tour guide, who will reveal the wonders you’ll encounter throughout your tour of the original sets, props, and costumes from the Harry Potter™ film series. Next, view a short introductory film before being led into the most iconic set of the series: the Great Hall.  

From there, your Studio Tour guide will begin to share production secrets and inside information, as well as highlight the processes used to bring the films to life. As the only fully-guided tour, this experience is completely unique and the best way to explore the behind-the-scenes magic of the Harry Potter film series as you walk along the famous cobbled street of Diagon Alley™, featuring the shop fronts of Ollivanders™, Flourish and Blotts™, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts™ Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium™.

You’ll also visit the original Hogwarts Express locomotive and a re-creation of Platform 9 ¾ where you can climb aboard the train’s carriage and pose for a photo with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall. Enjoy other memorable sets from the Harry Potter film series, including the Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, Hagrid’s Hut, the Potions classroom, and Dumbledore’s office – all while being captivated by the secrets and insights shared by your guide.

Step Into the Forbidden Forest

Defy Professor Dumbledore’s orders and follow Harry, Ron and Hermione’s footsteps into the Forbidden Forest. Home to Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Aragog the Acromantula and 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet, visitors are invited to walk beneath the giant entwined roots and discover how to control the weather using the same techniques used during filming.

15th September – 5th November Delve a little deeper into the world of the Dark Arts as the Studios are transformed for the Halloween Season. From floating pumpkins in the Great Hall to pools of silvery unicorn blood, you’ll learn how the Prop Making Department hand-crafted spooky items to bring the Wizarding World to life. You’ll also be able to test out your wand combat skills against an actual Death Eater as they patrol an eerier Diagon Alley!

Hogwarts in the Snow

11th November – 14th January The Studio Tour becomes even more magical during the Christmas season! Explore Hogwarts in the Snow to learn how film-makers created ice that never melts and fireplaces that burn forever with special effects. Special Christmas props including hand-made cards, Christmas trees, and decorations from the Yule Ball will also be on display.

Once your guided tour comes to an end, you have the option to re-enter and explore the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London at your leisure, find a special Harry Potter souvenir at the Studio Shop or enjoy a coffee in the Studio Tour Cafe. When you're ready to head back to central London, your City Wonders representative will provide train tickets and all necessary information for an easy journey.

This unique, fully-guided tour at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is the only tour of its kind and is sure to create the memory of a lifetime!

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Important Notes

• We will do everything within our power to ensure timings and itineraries are respected; however, due to issues beyond our control, timings and sites are subject to last minute changes on rare occasions.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 48-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 48 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

• Book Direct: Best prices always guaranteed.
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with timed entry to Warner Bros. Studios and explore iconic sets, props and costumes at your own pace.

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The inside story

London has always been a central feature of the Harry Potter empire, whether it be as inspiration for JK Rowling’s imaginings, a backdrop in one of the popular films or the Warner Bros. Studios , where all eight films were produced.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter , is a permanent exhibit offering an authentic behind the scenes peek at life-like sets, props and costumes. The tour allows visitors the unique opportunity to see soundstages, original sets, animatronic creatures and breath-taking special effects. Explore the detailed scenes used in the films and learn how the popular films were made from the interactive features and guides.

Discover the Great Hall and the Forbidden Forrest before boarding the original Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾. Walk down Diagon Alley home to Gringotts Bank and the dusty Ollivanders wand shop. Don’t forget to stop at one of the Studio shops to get your very own wand or relax at one of the Studio Cafés and enjoy a glass of the famed butterbeer !

Popular with both adults and children, immerse yourself in the wizardry and wonder of Harry Potter as you explore one of the highest rated attractions worldwide. Tickets must be purchased in advance and sell out quickly so make sure to plan your visit ahead of time.

An ideal day out for any Harry Potter fan, a visit to Harry Potter Studios is sure to be a magical one!

How to get there

• London Attractions
• London Theatre Tickets
• Tower of London
• Harry Potter London Tours
• Heathrow Airport transfers
• Madame Tussauds London
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium
• Up At The O2 Climb
• Buckingham Palace
• London To Stonehenge Tours
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• London To Windsor Castle Tours
• Tower Bridge
• National Express London
• Westminster Abbey
• Kew Gardens
• Hampton Court Palace
• Downton Abbey
• Frameless London
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Lunch Cruises
• Travel Guide
• Things to do
• Trip Planner
• Where to Eat
• Festivals and Events
• Travel Tips

Book Your Harry Potter™ London Tour

2.5-Hour Walking Tour of Harry Potter™ Film Locations from Southwark View Point

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Begin from Southwark View Point and make your way to some of the most iconic film locations of the Harry Potter™ Films - the 8 series franchise.
• Discover Gringott's Bank, the 900-year-old Clink Prison, Diagon Alley, and Leaky Cauldronandmore with an expert guide.
• This tour is guaranteed to amuse fans of all ages, with picture-perfect photo ops, immersive commentary, a quiz, and even a sorting ceremony to determine which house you truly belong to!
• Go beyond the Harry Potter™ filming locations and enjoy delightful visits to places such as Shakespeare's Globe and St. Paul's Cathedral on this tour.
• 2.5-hour guided tour of all Harry Potter™ film locations
• Services of a professional guide in English, Italian, or Spanish
• Southwark View Point
• Diagon Alley
• Gringott's Bank
• Platform 9 ¾
• Warner Bros. Shop

Millennium Bridge

• Daniel Radcliffe's School
• Knockturn Alley
• Winchester Palace
• 900-year-old Clink Prison
• Shakespeare's Globe
• Southwark Cathedral
• 800-year-old Borough Market
• St Paul's Cathedral
• Chewing Gum Graffiti
• Great Scotland Yard
• Sherlock Holmes' Pub
• Trafalgar Square
• The world's smallest police station
• Sir Francis Drake's world-famous Golden Hinde
• River Thames
• The London Eye
• Note that this tour does not include tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio.

Harry Potter Film Locations Guided Tour + Thames Boat Cruise

• This 2.5-hour guided tour from Southwark View Point guarantees to amuse and inspire all Potterheads as you explore famous Harry Potter film locations.
• Take a stroll on the real Diagon Alley, see the Gringott's Bank, purchase your first wand and take photos at Platform 9 ¾.
• Relive the scenes from the movies as you visit Knockturn Alley, the 900-year-old Clink Prison, The Ministry of Magic and so much more!
• Live your wizarding dreams with interactive commentary provided by your fellow Harry Potter enthusiast guide, as well as quizzes and your own sorting ceremony.
• End your tour with a Thames Boat Cruise and cross under the bridge that was destroyed by the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince .
• 2.5-hour guided tour of all Harry Potter film locations
• Services of a professional guide in English, French, German, or Italian
• Thames River cruise
• Tip: Recognize the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, a wizarding pub, which was filmed at Leadenhall Market in London.

3-Hour Walking Tour of Harry Potter™ Film Locations from Westminster Station

• Meet your guide at Westminster Underground Station and begin your tour with personal audio headsets enabling you to hear the guide at all times.
• Tour the Ministry of Magic’s headquarters and find the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, the popular wizarding pub and inn located in London.
• Walk to the famous Millennium Bridge and stand in the exact spot where the Death Eaters destroyed the bridge in The Half-Blood Prince .
• See the iconic red telephone booth used to enter the ministry before heading to The Leaky Cauldron with many houses and shops that inspired Diagon Alley.
• End the tour at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, where you can take photographs as you board your train to Hogwarts and visit the Harry Potter Shop next door.
• 3-hour Harry Potter walking tour from Westminster Station
• Expert English-speaking guide
• 18 real-life film locations
• Personal audio headset
• Westminster Tube Station
• Great Scotland Yard - The Ministry of Magic
• The red telephone box used to enter the ministry
• The Millennium Bridge
• The Leaky Cauldron
• King's Cross Station - Platform 9 ¾
• Tip: You must visit the Harry Potter shop at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station for a magical shopping experience so you can take home popular Harry Potter-themed souvenirs.
• Parts of this tour require a valid travel card/Oyster card (not included).
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

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Harry Potter walking tour | Experience the magic of Harry Potter

Explore the magic of Harry Potter™ on a London walking tour! Relive iconic moments, from the Gringotts heist to the Platform 9 ¾™ dash. Visit film locations, witness Death Eaters in action, and step into Professor Trelawney’s office. Join the adventure and walk in the footsteps of your favorite witches and wizards!

Why a Harry Potter walking tour is a must-do

• Visit Iconic Film Locations: Explore actual settings where memorable scenes were filmed, bringing the wizarding world to life.
• Relive Classic Moments : Walk in the footsteps of beloved characters, from Gringotts heist to Platform 9 ¾™ escapades.
• Expert Guided Experience: Gain insights from knowledgeable guides who share behind-the-scenes facts and trivia.
• Engaging for Fans : Perfect for avid readers and film enthusiasts, it offers a deeper connection to the series.
• Uncover Hidden Gems: Discover lesser-known locations and details that add depth to the Harry Potter™ universe.
• Unique Photo Opportunities: Capture moments at key sites, creating lasting memories of your magical adventure.

Which Harry Potter walking tour is best for you?

If you are a Harry Potter fan

Go for: Guided Tours Duration: 2.5 hours Guide : Professional tour guide

• Explore iconic Harry Potter film locations including Gringott's Bank, Diagon Alley, and the enchanting Leaky Cauldron, guided by an expert.
• Enjoy an engaging tour tailored for fans of all ages, featuring picturesque photo opportunities, insightful commentary, a fun quiz, and an authentic sorting ceremony to reveal your Hogwarts house! Recommended Tickets: 2.5-Hour Walking Tour of Harry Potter™ Film Locations from Southwark View Point 3-Hour Walking Tour of Harry Potter™ Film Locations from Westminster Station

If you want to explore beyond

Go for: Combo Tours Duration: 2.5 hours Guide : Expert multilingual guide

• Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour led by a guide fluent in English, French, German, or Italian, covering all the renowned Harry Potter film locations.
• Experience the magic of the wizarding world as you walk through Diagon Alley and many more magical locations. Plus, top off the experience with a Thames River cruise. Recommended Ticket: Harry Potter Film Locations Guided Tour + Thames Boat Cruise

Flexible Cancellation Policy:

Most Harry Potter Walking Tours can be canceled up to 24 before the experience begins. You can get a full refund on your purchase. Please check your ticket for more details at the time of booking.

Harry Potter™ walking tour highlights

Step onto the Millennium Bridge and witness a pivotal moment in the wizarding world's history. Experience the ominous atmosphere and a chilling takeover by the Death Eaters. Picture the dramatic scene of destruction on this very bridge, a haunting reminder of the dark times in the Harry Potter universe. 

Australia House

Step into the enchanting world of Gringotts, the formidable Goblin-run wizarding bank. Explore the grand halls and learn about its intricate security measures. Relive the iconic scene from the first film as Harry and Hagrid enter Gringotts Bank, filmed inside the Exhibition Room at Australia House Delve into the rich history and captivating lore of this magical landmark.

Leadenhall Market

Step into the enchanting world of Diagon Alley at London's Leadenhall Market. Experience the vibrant energy first-hand as witches and wizards buy their magical essentials. Explore the charming shops showcasing rare and peculiar items and keep an eye out for hidden Harry Potter treasures, including authentic Gringotts banknotes, adding an extra layer of magic to your tour.

King’s Cross Station

Experience the magic at King’s Cross Station, a place of profound significance in Harry's journey. Walk in the footsteps of the young wizard as he first encounters Platform 9 ¾, forging lasting bonds with the Weasleys. Stand on Platform 9¾ and immerse yourself in these iconic moments.

Learn more about Harry Potter walking tour highlights

Plan your visit: Harry Potter walking tour

The start times for Harry Potter walking tours vary. 

From Monday to Friday , tours commence at 10:00 AM and onwards

On Saturdays and Sundays , they begin at 10:30 AM and onwards.

• Duration: The duration of Harry Potter walking tours vary but the average length would be about 2.5 hours.
• Best time to Visit: The optimal time to visit is during the spring or autumn months, when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking tours. Aim for the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere.

Address: 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY, United Kingdom

Find On Map 

By Bus: Take buses 24, 29, 176, N29, or N279 to Stop D, Cambridge Circus. The theatre is a one-minute walk from the stop.

By Metro: From Charing Cross Underground Station, take the Northern Line (Black) to Leicester Square Station. The Palace Theatre is a short walk away.

By Car: Drive on the A401 to Charing Cross Road, then turn left onto Shaftesbury Avenue. The Palace Theatre will be on your left. Public parking near the Palace Theatre is available, but central London parking can be challenging. Consider using public transportation.

Your Harry Potter walking tour will end at King’s Cross Station

• Book in Advance: Ensure you secure your spot by booking the tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be walking, so wear comfortable shoes to make the experience enjoyable.
• Dress for the Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is expected.
• Arrive Early: Arrive a bit early to allow time for any unexpected delays and to get settled.
• Charge Your Devices: Bring a fully charged phone or camera to capture memorable moments during the tour.
• Listen to the Guide: Pay close attention to your guide for interesting facts, behind-the-scenes info, and trivia about the Harry Potter universe.
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions. They're likely to have a wealth of knowledge about the series and its filming locations.
• Follow Safety Guidelines : Observe any safety guidelines or instructions provided by your guide, especially when crossing streets or navigating crowded areas.

• Leadenhall Market: This Victorian covered market in the City of London was used as the filming location for Diagon Alley.
• Millennium Bridge: The bridge was destroyed by Death Eaters in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." It offers a great view of St. Paul's Cathedral.
• St. Pancras International: The exterior of this train station was used as a filming location for the exterior shots of King's Cross Station.
• London Zoo Reptile House: Featured in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," where Harry discovers he can speak Parseltongue.

• Dishoom: This popular chain serves up authentic Indian cuisine in a stylish setting. Their extensive menu features everything from curries and tandoori dishes to street food and snacks.
• The Ivy: An upscale brasserie that offers classic British fare with a modern twist. Their menu features everything from steaks and chops to fish and pasta.
• Pasta Remoli: A traditional Italian restaurant that serves up authentic pasta dishes, pizzas, and other Italian favorites. Their menu features both classic and modern dishes, catering to a wide range of preferences.
• Coppa Club: This casual dining venue offers a variety of dishes, from pizzas and salads to burgers and steaks. Their menu is inspired by global flavors and features seasonal ingredients.

Budget: Southern Cross , Travelodge Hemel Hempstead , Marahomes

Mid-range: Hunton Park , Premier Inn Watford North hotel , Hilton London Watford

Luxury: The Grove , North Hill Farm

Frequently asked questions about the Harry Potter™ walking Tour

You will cover all the popular filming locations like Millennium Bridge, King’s Cross Station,  Leadenhall Market, London Zoo and more on your Harry Potter walking tour in London.

Yes. Your Harry Potter walking tour will include a multilingual tour guide who will accompany you.

It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot, as tours can sell out, especially during peak seasons.

The meeting point is at Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY, United Kingdom. It is recommended that you meet your tour guide and group at the location 15 minutes in advance to avoid unexpected delays and to get settled.

The tour includes visits to iconic film locations, such as Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley, and King's Cross Station's Platform 9 ¾, among others.

The duration of the tour varies, but it usually lasts around 2 to 3 hours.

Yes, the tour visits actual film locations used in the Harry Potter series.

Yes, the tour guides are usually well-informed about the Harry Potter books and films, providing interesting insights and trivia.

Yes, there are ample opportunities to take photos at various iconic locations.

Yes, most Harry Potter walking tours are family-friendly and suitable for fans of all ages.

Depending on the time and location, there may be some crowds, especially at popular spots like King's Cross Station.

Comfortable shoes for walking and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Bringing a charged camera or phone for photos is also a good idea.

Harry Potter™ Studio Guided Tour

Harry Potter Shops

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest

A Complete Harry Potter Studio Tour London Review (+8 Top Tips)

When you have a Harry Potter fan in your family, one of the best experiences you can give them is a Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Before booking our Harry Potter Studio Tour, we had so many questions.

We thought it would be helpful to write a Harry Potter Studio Tour review to help other families get the most out of their visit.

As well as giving all our top tips for a successful visit to the Harry Potter Studios, we’ve answered a few FAQs at the end.

If you want to know what to expect, when to go and how to get tickets if WB Studios have sold out on the date you want… read on…

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book or buy something, we may earn a small commission, but this is at no extra cost to you.

These are our top tips for making the most of your Warner Bros Studio Tour.

1. Do some research on the WB Studio Tour

This may sound like a strange tip. If you like Harry Potter, you’ll love the Warner Bros Studio Tour right?

Probably, yes. But maybe not.

It is a good idea to find out a little about the tour before you go. Thinking of the Harry Potter Studios as a museum is a good start.

Once you are in that mindset, your tour of the Harry Potter Studios will make more sense.

It is somewhere you can go to explore the magic of the Harry Potter films. You get to see real costumes, sets and props used in the movies and as the tour progresses, you get to see how the films were made.

The ‘tour’ is mostly self-guided, except for a little intro at the start.

We didn’t really have any idea what to expect. Our youngest (8) was expecting a theme park!

We obviously didn’t manage his expectations very well because he wasn’t really all that enthusiastic about it. But then, he wasn’t really a Harry Potter fan either.

Once you have decided that it is most definitely for you, snap up your tickets!

2. Buy your Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets in advance

If there’s only one thing we can tell you to make your trip to the WB Studios successful, it is to buy your tickets in advance.

The WB Studios Tour is hugely popular. People come from all over the world to visit and it is busy all year round.

It is absolutely essential that you buy your Harry Potter Studio Tour London tickets well in advance.

We booked our tickets 3 months in advance. It was a Monday during school term time in November and even then, there were barely any tickets left for the day we wanted.

Tickets are around £51 per person. You can buy them on the WB Studio website here . Children Under 4 are FREE and this is very telling. It is not really suitable for children under 4.

Top Tip : If you find that tickets are sold out on the day that you want, you can check a tour company as they should have more availability.

They are more expensive but may be your only option if you can’t be flexible on dates. GetYourGuide is a good place to look.

See here to book the best rated WB Studio tour (including transportation from London).

See here to book Harry Potter Studio Tour and a private transfer

See here for a family package tour from London (2 Adults & 2 Kids).

3. Do all the free things on the Harry Potter tour

You’ve spent a lot of money on your tickets so be sure to make the most of any freebies along the tour!

• Grab a free Activity Passport which includes a fun Golden Snitch hunt, puzzles and Harry Potter trivia. The passport also includes space for souvenir stamps that can be collected at key points throughout the tour such as Platform 9 ¾ and Gringotts Bank. You can collect the Passports from a staff member at any point during the Studio Tour.
• You don’t need to pay for an audio guide when you have staff members on hand to dish all the fascinating facts. They are hugely knowledgeable and love to talk about everything Harry Potter!
• The kids will be sure to love the free wand-duelling class next to the Forbidden Forest.
• Do the extra things like attempting to pick up the broomstick while muttering ‘Wingardium Leviosa’.

4. Grab your Harry Potter merchandise before your tour

If you want to keep the costs down during your visit to the Harry Potter Studios, you should consider buying any Harry Potter merch beforehand.

Items in the store at the studios are more expensive and if you’re visiting with kids, sometimes it can be hard to say no. Buying in advance gets around this issue.

Another thing to consider if you are going to by a gift is that buying it beforehand will mean that you will have it in your photos. You obviously can’t have your wand in your photos if you wait until the end of the tour to visit the store.

There is plenty of official merchandise on Amazon which you can browse here .

If you want other gift ideas for Harry Potter fans, take a look at this post on Harry Potter themed gifts for kids .

Having just said all this….just bear in mind that some of stuff in the shop is exclusive to the Harry Potter tour and you won’t be able to get it once you leave.

A final note on this, you can also visit the Harry Potter store at Platform 9 3/4 at London’s Kings Cross Station if you are staying in London. There you will find the trolley that passes through the wall and you can have your photo taken.

It is one of the best free things to do in London with kids (who are Harry Potter fans).

5. Buying professional photos at Harry Potter Studios

If you do want to buy the professional photos, wait until the end of the tour to do so.

You can collect the tickets as you go and then buy all together once you have seen them all. This will also save you time.

Just a word of warning here. The professional photos are very expensive (£14 for a photo).

You can sometimes take your own pictures but in some places (the train ride next to the Hogwarts Express) – it seemed to be strictly monitored.

In fact, I got told off for taking a photo before the experience had even started.

6. Take your time

You have to book a timeslot when you buy your Harry Potter tickets, but once you are in, you can take as long as you like.

Actually, once you are past The Great Hall, you can take as long as you like. Up until this point, you are on a guided tour and you need to stick with your group.

After this point, you are free to wander as you please.

Spend some time chatting to the staff. This guy in the photo below was great. He pretended to be a Goblin in Gringotts Bank and fooled a few people who were rushing by. They are so knowledgeable and interesting.

People tend to rush through to try to get ahead of the pack but if you hang back, you can often get better photos without loads of people in them.

Consider buying tickets towards the end of the day so that you are one of the last to leave.

You can, of course, be the first ones in but then there will be a steady stream of visitors all day. To be in with a chance of having the place almost to yourself, it is best to go later.

Last admission is 6.30pm and by about 8pm it starts to get quieter. The Studios close at 10pm.

7. The best bits of the tour at WB Studios

People ask what the best bits about the Harry Potter Studio tour were.

This is quite subjective because everyone’s opinions will differ. These are just our favourite bits of the Harry Potter Studios Tour:

• The dragon encounter in the vault under Gringotts Bank was pretty spectacular. We won’t spoil it but it is a little scary, especially for little ones.
• Pulling a potted Mandrake in Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse (in the outside area just after the Backlot Café).
• Wandering through the Forbidden Forest – watch out for those pesky spiders!
• Making Dobby dance.
• Taking a ride on the Hogwarts Express.

Tip for Diagon Alley at Harry Potter Studio Tour London

People come in waves so if this is your favourite part, hang around and see if you can get a photo without people in it.

This was the view just a few minutes later.

8. Consider taking food with you to save time

We would recommend taking your own food. Not only does it help keep costs down but it will also save time if you are in a rush. The queues can be quite long in the cafés and you won’t want to spend a long time waiting for food.

If you prefer to buy food at the Studios, here is some information on the restaurants at Harry Potter Studios.

There are a few places to eat at the Harry Potter Studios and they are reasonably priced. You can read more about the eateries here .

• Chocolate Frog Café  – in the main lobby serves a selection of hot and cold drinks and sweet treats.
• The Food Hall – in the main lobby serves a fairly comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu.
• The Backlot Café – at the half way point of the tour serves breakfast and lunch and, of course, Butterbeer.
• The Hub Café – in the main lobby serves hot and cold drinks and baked goods.

If you are having lunch there, the kids will love the Harry Potter bus shaped sandwich boxes.

If you want to try the Butterbeer, you probably only want to get one per family. You can ONLY buy the Butterbeer at the Backlot Café which is around the half way point (after seeing the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4).

Note – Butterbeer does not taste good! Children will probably prefer the Butterbeer Ice Cream.

Here are some FAQs about visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

We are often asked about our Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Understandably, when you’re spending a lot of money on something, you want to make sure it is worth it. And once you’ve made the decision to go, you want to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

Here are some of the questions we get asked about the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Where are the Warner Bros Studios?

We thought we would start with this for anyone unaware that the Warner Bros Studios are actually NOT IN LONDON.

It is easy to get to the Harry Potter studios from London though.

Note that the Warner Bros Studio Tour is right next door to the Warner Bros Studios.

The address for WB Studios is :

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Studio Tour Drive Leavesden WD25 7LR.

The easiest way to reach the WB Studios from London is by train.

The closest train station to Harry Potter Studios is Watford Junction . Trains depart from London Euston and take around 20 minutes.

You can get a WB Studios shuttle bus from Watford Junction. The journey is included in your ticket price.

You can also arrange guided tours from London if you don’t want to take the train. We recommend this one.

We live very close to the studios so we drove. There is an enormous car park and parking is free.

There are also hotels nearby if you prefer to stay in the area. Here is a list of hotels near the Warner Bros Studios for families .

See here for our recommendations for hotels in London for families .

If you are staying in London with kids, there are loads of fun Harry Potter experiences in London . We also have a whole section on the blog for visiting London with kids .

Do you need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy the Harry Potter studio tour?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the Harry Potter Studio tour is whether or not you need to like Harry Potter.

Based on our experience with one child who loves Harry Potter and the other who doesn’t, I would say it really does help to be a Harry Potter fan.

I love the Harry Potter films. Admittedly, I haven’t read the books and am told by my son that the books are better.

Either way, I would class myself as a Harry Potter fan (although not fanatical) and I enjoyed the tour.

It is an interesting experience and unless you actually dislike Harry Potter, I can’t think that you wouldn’t enjoy the tour.

How long does the Harry Potter tour take?

The Harry Potter tour lasts as long as you want it to really. You could be the first one in and the last one out.

There are parts that you cannot go back to and do again though (like the Hogwarts Dining Hall) so make sure you have completed each area fully before you move on.

Ideally you should allow at least 3 – 4 hours to do the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Is Harry Potter Studio Tour all inside?

We thought that the tour was all inside but actually, around 10% of the WB Studio tour is outside.

This is something you need to consider if you are visiting in the winter or when it is raining.

When you arrive, you have the option of storing your coats in the cloakroom but you might not want to store your coats if you think you will get cold easily.

Having said that, you will only spend around 10-15 minutes outside so weigh up the need to carry your coat around the rest of the tour.

We kept our coats but they were just lightweight puffer jackets by Mountain Warehouse . They were easy to fold down into our Osprey day bag .

What age is best for the Harry Potter Studio tour?

There is no age restriction at the Harry Potter Studio tour.

We mentioned briefly above, however, that children under 4 are free because the tour isn’t really suited to young children.

Firstly, it is best if they have a slight concept at least of Harry Potter. Secondly, there is a lot of walking involved.

If you are thinking about taking kids on the WB Studio tour, we would recommend waiting until they have seen the films or read the books before taking them.

Having said that, children aged 6+ will get something out of the visit. But then you need to think whether it is worth paying that money for them to potentially not enjoy it.

When is the best time to visit Harry Potter World London?

If at all possible, go on a weekday during term time. Easier said than done when you have school aged kids. If you have an inset day, maybe consider using it to visit the Studios.

We visited on a Monday and booked one of the last tickets of the day.

Don’t be fooled when you arrive and there is no queue for the ‘Tour Entrance’.

From here, you pass through into a holding area and it will fill up. We got so excited when we saw there was no queue (photo below).

We also visited during Hogwarts in the Snow. It is one of the things we recommend for kids to do at Christmas in London . It was so pretty seeing the sets covered in snow. You even get to see how they make the snow at the end of the tour.

If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the special events. The best are the Dark Arts which is a great Halloween event for kids . See other places to visit at Halloween in London with kids . Hogwarts in the Snow (around Christmas) is also great.

And finally – is the Harry Potter Studio Tour London worth it?

We thought we would leave this to the end so that you have enough information to make up your own mind.

For so  many, the London Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of the best Harry Potter experiences in the UK .

Personally, we have mixed opinions.

For Harry Potter fans, yes it is worth it. For younger children, no it probably isn’t.

It is a lot of money but you can spend an entire day there if you want which makes it seem more reasonable.

We hope you found our review of the Harry Potter Studio Tour helpful. If you have any questions that we haven’t covered, please drop us a line and we’d be happy to help.

If you’re thinking of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, don’t miss our recommendations for family-friendly hotels near Universal Orlando .

We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Harry potter studio tour from london, harry potter studio & walking tour of london film locations.

Get ready to have a magical day exploring the wizarding world of Harry Potter! This tour includes a fully guided walking tour of many of the London locations where memorable parts of the films were shot, such as Lambeth Bridge, where the Knight Bus was shown squeezing between 2 buses, & Great Scotland Yard, the entrance to the Ministry of Magic. You will also get to visit the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios, where entrance is included as well as transport from London to the studios in Leavesden and back. Experience the film sets that the actors used for many years and see all the special effects, costumes & make-up that went into the making of the unforgettable world of the Harry Potter films.

Iconic Landmarks

See the real-life locations where many memorable scenes of the Harry Potter films were shot in London.

Guided Tour

Enjoy the walking tour with one of our friendly, knowledgeable tour guides, helping bring to life the magical world of Harry Potter as you wander through the London sites.

An Unique Experience

We have crafted & refined our tours with a personal touch over the past 25+ years to offer you an extraordinary day out.

Luxury Coach

We use our own luxury minibuses & coaches for transport, which are designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

Payment Options

We accept most major card types for online payments. We also accept payment by card over the phone or cash to our central London office.

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

• +44 207 436 9304
• [email protected]

*This is a sample itinerary only, as actual timings vary depending on the date

Harry Potter Studio Tour with Walking Tour and transport, from London

Join the magic with our harry potter experience studio tour.

Experience the spellbinding world of wizardry right here in the heart of the city. Dive into the magic and secrets behind your favourite scenes.

Ever wondered where the Diagon Alley scenes were filmed? Or which London building inspired the Ministry of Magic? Our expert guide will reveal these magical spots during our enchanting walking tour before popping you on one of our comfy air-coned coaches and whisking you off to the official Harry potter studios just outside of London.

Relive the wonder, explore the sets, and even enjoy a butterbeer or two. With us, you’ll have plenty of time to browse, shop, and immerse yourself in the magic of the studios.

• Return Luxury Coach Travel from London for your Harry Potter London Tour
• Harry Potter Tours London
• Enjoy your Harry Potter Experience from London
• When is your next Harry Potter London Studio Tour?
• Get a Discounted London Harry Potter Tour

Make your magical dreams come true

Don’t miss out on the most enchanting journey in the city. Choose us for the ultimate *Harry Potter experience*. Let the magic begin!

By booking direct we guarantee the best price on this tour

What others have said about the tour:

How did they film Harry Potter?

As Harry Potter was a magical world, a large part of the set for Harry Potter had to be created in Studio. The series was filmed over 10 years at Leavesden studios, just outside of London in the UK. Most of the set still remains and Harry Potter is now an attraction open to the public.

You can see real sets from the movies like The Great Hall, Gringotts Bank, and Dumbledore’s office. Plus, check out drawings, small models, and props used in the films. You’ll also get to watch videos that show how computer tricks made the magic look real!

You can enjoy a London harry potter tour starting with the film locations when you book on our website. 

What can I see at Harry Potter experience tour? (Pictures with everything in)

• The Great Hall

Walk into the grandeur of the actual Great Hall, where many iconic scenes were filmed, from Sorting Ceremonies to the Yule Ball.

• Forbidden Forest

Venture into the recreated forest, encountering magical creatures like Aragog the giant spider and Buckbeak the Hippogriff.

• Diagon Alley

Stroll down the magical shopping street with its cobbled pathways and detailed storefronts, including Ollivanders, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

• Gringotts Wizarding Bank

Experience the grand marble hall of the bank and venture into the Lestrange vault. There’s also a section that has been turned into a dramatic set complete with lighting effects to recreate the scene from “Deathly Hallows Part 2” when the dragon wreaks havoc.

• The Backlot

Walk around the exterior sets including Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, and the rickety wooden Hogwarts bridge.

• Creature Effects

See the magic behind the animatronics and prosthetics of the series, from Fawkes the phoenix to the Gringotts goblins.

• Dumbledore’s Office

Marvel at the intricate details of the headmaster’s study, from the portraits of past headmasters to the magical instruments and gadgets.

• The Art Department

Discover the concept art, models, and graphics from the films.

• Hagrid’s Hut

Step into Hagrid’s cozy, magical hut and feel like you’re visiting the gentle giant himself, complete with the details that make his home so unique, from the dragon egg in the fireplace to his oversized furniture.

Step into the quirky and homely house of the Weasley family.

Where was Harry Potter filmed?

The Harry Potter films utilised multiple iconic locations throughout London. On our Harry Potter London Studio Tour, you’ll not only visit these renowned filming spots but also discover the hidden gems of the wizarding world. Explore secret entrances to Diagon Alley, wander through London’s concealed magical streets, and even locate the entrance to the Ministry of Magic, among many other magical experiences. Join us to see where the magic was brought to life in London!

Here are some famous Harry Potter filming locations in London:

King’s Cross Station

Platforms 4 and 5 were used to film the Hogwarts Express scenes. There’s also a dedicated photo spot for the famed Platform 9¾, where fans can pose with a luggage trolley “disappearing” into the wall.

Leadenhall Market

A beautiful Victorian market in the City of London, it was used for exterior shots of Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The exterior of this hotel, located next to King’s Cross, was used as the entrance to King’s Cross Station in the films.

Australia House

The grand interior of this building on Strand served as the interior for Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

Westminster Tube Station

Harry and Mr. Weasley use this station when they travel to the Ministry of Magic in “Order of the Phoenix.”

Millennium Bridge

This pedestrian suspension bridge is shown being destroyed by Death Eaters in “Half-Blood Prince.”

Piccadilly Circus

Harry, Ron, and Hermione are seen here in “Deathly Hallows Part 1” during their escape.

Claremont Square

 Used as the exterior of 12 Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of Sirius Black and the secret headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix.

Lambeth Bridge

 The Knight Bus squeezes between two London buses on this bridge in the “Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Borough Market

The location of the exterior of the Third Hand Book Emporium in “Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Where was Hogwarts filmed?

The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the “Harry Potter” film series was not filmed in a single location but rather is a composite of various places, sets, and digital effects. Here are some of the key locations:

• Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England

Alnwick Castle is thought to be the most famous castle used as Hogwarts and the castle the set was based on. The Castle was used for exterior shots of Hogwarts, including the scenes where students learn to fly broomsticks.

• Durham Cathedral, Durham, England.

The cathedral’s cloisters were used for various scenes, including where Harry releases Hedwig the owl.

• Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire, England

The cathedral’s cloisters were used to film various Hogwarts corridor scenes, including the sequences involving the words written in blood in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”

• Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England

Used for various interior shots, including classrooms and hallways.

• G oathland Station, North Yorkshire, England. Served as the Hogsmeade Station where the Hogwarts Express stops.
• Black Park, Wexham, England. This park, adjacent to Pinewood Film Studios, was used for scenes involving the Forbidden Forest.
• Leavesden Studios, Hertfordshire, England. Many of the interior scenes, including the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, and the Gryffindor common room, were filmed on sets at Harry Potter studio which you can see on our Harry Potter Tour.

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20 Tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London

Looking for some useful tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London ? We are here to help!

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is a must-do.

Located in Watford, the WB Harry Potter Studios are where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

Here you will find everything that was used to make the films. This includes some of the sets (such as the Grand Hall), the props, the costumes but also many interactive attractions.

It’s important to note that this is not a theme park like you would find in Orlando. These were the actual studios and they were turned into more of an exhibition for visitors to learn more about the movies and how they were made.

So, are you ready to discover all our Harry Potter studios tips? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Book your tickets in advance

The Studio Tour is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions , and tickets often sell out.

There are two ways you can book tickets for the Harry Potter Studios.

The first one is to book your ticket directly on the Warner Bros studios website . This is ideal if you are booking well in advance and don’t want transport included.

The second option is to book a tour from London . This will include the entrance to the studios as well as transportation from central London.

As a general thing, it is advisable to book at least 2 or 3 months in advance if you are booking direct.

As previously mentioned, tickets sell out fast! Also, it’s important to take into consideration the season since some periods are busier than others.

The studios are open most days but they do close for a few days in November and around Christmas time so make sure to check this beforehand.

Click here to book your ticket

2. Book a tour from London if you are looking for last-minute tickets

If you’re looking for tickets last minute and none of them is available on the website, don’t worry! You can also book a tour from London that includes the entrance to the studios and transportation.

You can book these tours even if they are tickets on the website since they include transportation so they work out about the same price as paying for everything separately (Ticket, tube, train and shuttle) but they are particularly convenient when you want to score some last-minute tickets.

The fact is that we can’t always plan months or weeks in advance so if you are already in London or are going soon and really want to visit the Harry Potter studios, make sure to book one of these tours.

3. Book an early slot and arrive early to maximize your time at the Studios

When you book your ticket, you will be asked to choose a timed entrance.

The studios open at 10 AM so you can book anytime from then.

In average, visitors spend 4 hours in the studios however, you are actually free to stay as long as you want.

This means that if you want to get there at 10AM and stay until it closes in the evening, you can do so!

For this reason, I highly recommend to book an early slot (10AM, 10:30AM and 11AM are ideal).

That way, you will have loads of time to explore, take your time for lunch and will have more than enough time.

If you are a huge Harry Potter fan, this is the best tip you’ll find!

Regardless, even if you don’t want to spend more than 4 hours, you can always leave whenever you wish and will have the afternoon to enjoy your time in London.

If you take a midday slot, you will need to dedicate the entire day to the Harry Potter Studios since it will take a couple of hours to get there and back.

3. Plan your journey from London

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located in Leavesden, which is about 30 miles from London.

While this doesn’t seem too far away, you will actually need between 1 and 2 hours to get there from central London.

There are different ways to get there but the most convenient is by taking a tour that includes transportation.

This way, you don’t have to worry about anything and will be taken straight to the studios.

If you want to do it yourself, then head to Euston station and take a train to Watford junction (you can use your Oyster card for that but it’s one of the furthest zones so the cap will be a bit high).

From Watford Junction, simply walk across to the carpark and you will see the Harry Potter buses. They are impossible to miss since they are entirely decorated.

The shuttle will take you straight to the studios and costs £6 return.

Make sure to keep your ticket for the return!

READ MORE: 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London

4. Consider driving (if you have a car and are not in London)

If you are not in London and have a car, driving is definitely a good way to go. You can easily get there and the area is not busy. It’s actually pretty remote.

There is free parking at the studios so that’s definitely a plus!

If you’ve been on the website, you may have seen that there is a closer carpark for £10 but the free carpark is very close. It only takes 1 minute (if even) to get to the entrance so unless you or one of your passengers can’t walk 100 yards, you can simply use the free carpark.

When you get there, follow the signs to the carpark. You will be asked to show your ticket to enter so keep it handy.

If you get there before 11 AM, it should be pretty empty too.

5. Dress appropriately

Since you will be walking around a lot, it’s advisable to dress comfortably.

The studios are air-conditioned so you might feel cold in the beginning but once you start walking, you will warm up.

It’s also important to take into consideration that there might be some rain and since some parts of the studios are outdoors, you may want to take a good jacket.

There is a fair bit of walking around so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Finally, I would advise you not to wear straight or short skirts since it could be uncomfortable if you are trying the Quidditch activities.

6. Wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories!

This one is a no-brainer. If you’re dressing up for the occasion, why not go all out and wear your Harry Potter clothes and accessories?

You will fit right in and will feel like you are a part of the magic!

Also, you will be taking a lot of photos and they will look even better if you are a bit dressed up!

Rest reassured, you don’t actually need to rock your cape but don’t hesitate to wear your Hogwarts house scarf or a hat.

7. Ask loads of questions!

The staff working at the Harry Potter studios are really friendly and they love answering questions.

There are people in each room and although it may look like they are watching everything, they are actually here to answer your questions and tell you more about what you see.

Don’t hesitate to go see them and ask your questions. If you don’t have any questions, then just ask them if they have any interesting facts to share with you. They will have loads!

For example, if you are in the Gringotts Bank, they will tell you how it was built. They may also mention the Harry Potter reunion since it was filmed in the studios and Tom Felton was sitting there for parts of it.

They will also show you some hidden gems.

Basically, they have extensive knowledge and talking with them will make your experience even better.

They all speak English but a lot of people also speak other languages. Make sure to look at their badge to see which language they speak.

8. Take loads of photos!

This is another no-brainer. The Harry Potter Studios are a paradise when it comes to photo opportunities.

You will want to take loads of photos and you should not refrain.

This is your one chance to get loads of Harry Potter themed pictures!

There are so many photo spots in the studios including Platform 9 3/4, the Great Hall, the Gringotts Bank and more.

Take your time and if you need someone else to take a photo, don’t hesitate to ask one of the other visitors.

Everyone is here to enjoy the studios and nobody would run with your phone. Also, they may ask you to take a picture of them in return. Win-Win!

9. Take your time

This is probably the most important tip I can give you.

The Harry Potter studios are a lot to take in and there is so much to see!

I would advise you to not rush through it and to take your time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you should enjoy it!

As previously mentioned, you are not being rushed for time here. You can stay as long as you want so take your time and enjoy.

If you are scared you are taking too much time and will then have to rush, here is a tip.

The restaurant is located halfway through the tour so as long as you don’t reach it, that means you haven’t done half.

Once you do, you can consider it will take you as much time to finish.

10. Get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps!

The Warner Bros studios were built in a very interactive way. They did everything they could to make sure that visitors would have fun and would bring back loads of memories

If you want, you can get a Harry Potter passport and the stamps of all the places you visit!

You can get them at the entrance or by the first stamp station.

You will find different pages with stories and games as well as a spot to get your stamps.

The stamp stations are located all around the studios. You can see where is the next one by simply turning the pages.

It’s very fun and you will enjoy looking for the stamp stations. Also, it’s free and you get to take it back home!

11. Do a Harry Potter Quiz

If you want to add a bit of fun to the experience, you could consider playing a bit and doing a Harry Potter quiz!

You can find a free Harry Potter quiz here . Get it on your phone or print it beforehand and ask your crew the questions.

This will test your knowledge of Harry Potter and will create a fun atmosphere during the visit.

12. Get food at the Harry Potter Studios or bring your own

The Harry Potter Studios have a restaurant located on the premises. This is a great opportunity to get some food and relax for a bit, especially since it’s located about halfway through the tour.

The restaurant has a wide variety of food, including vegan and vegetarian options. It’s also really affordable! Your meal should cost under £10 and can be paid cash or on card.

This is a pleasant surprise since usually restaurants are very expensive in this kind of things.

Since it’s so easy and affordable, I recommend to get food there.

However, it’s important to know that you are allowed to bring food in. If you are travelling with kids, this will be a cheaper option.

You can find picnic areas outside, just next to the knight bus and the bridge.

Please note that you will also find a Starbucks and a snack place at the entrance (once you went through the security control but before starting the tour itself).

You can fill out bottles of water as well so I would highly recommend to take a bottle beforehand.

13. Try a butterbeer

It doesn’t get any more Harry Pottery than a good butterbeer.

Butterbeer is the ultimate wizarding drink and you can’t get it in many places since the recipe is secret. The Harry Potter Studios in London are one of the rare places in the world where you can get a real butterbeer.

Getting one is a must-do! You will either love it or hate but this is not really the point. It’s just a cool thing to do and to experience at least once.

Also, if you get it in the butterbeer mug, it will be a great prop for photos!

The butterbeer bar is located right by the restaurant (Backlot Café). You can get it in a regular plastic class or in a butterbeer mug (it costs £3 more but it’s a nice souvenir).

Since it’s right by the knight bus and the Dursley house, you can take beautiful photos holding your butterbeer.

Please note that a butterbeer is alcohol-free and therefore suitable for children.

That having been said, it’s very sweet so you may want to share it with someone. You may not manage to finish it on your own.

14. Use the Harry Potter Fan Club App

The Harry Potter Fan Club App is a great way to get extra content and make the most of your visit.

Available on both Android and iOS, it includes a map of the studios, videos, photos and more.

15. Do all the green screen attractions

A lot of scenes in the Harry Potter movies were created using special effects and CGI. Amongst them, you will find all the Quidditch scenes.

Basically, and without being spoiler, the actors would ride their broom in front of a green screen and the images in the background would be added in post production.

You will find these green screen sets in the studios and not only do you get to see them, but you can also try them!

There are two of them, the Quidditch and the train carriages right by the Hogwarts Express.

As you get there, you will realise that photos are being taken and you have to pay extra to get them. While this is true, it’s important to note that you can do them and not buy the photos.

The photos are nice souvenirs but there will be no pressure to buy them.

Knowing that, you might as well make the best of the experience and get in line to play some quidditch!

This is important to note because these attractions are very good fun and super interactive. You will have such a good time doing them but yet, a lot of people skip thinking they have to pay.

You do not have to pay to do it. You simply have to pay if you want to buy the photos but once again, there is no obligation to do so.

16. Get a digital guide if you speak another language

The Harry Potter Studios are all in English and while this is not an issue for some, if English is not your first language, you may struggle with some of the explanations or even names (all names were translated differently).

For this reason, it could be a great idea to get a digital guide. They can be hired at the entrance for less than £5 and provide information and facts in many languages including French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and more.

You can book it with your ticket beforehand or simply head to the reception desk and ask for one. You will be provided a small digital screen and headphone and can go around the studios while learning even more about the world of Harry Potter.

17. Use the free Wi-Fi

The Harry Potter Studios offer free Wi-Fi which is great because it means you won’t have to use your data roaming while you’re there!

Also, the coverage is not always great in certain parts of the studios so it comes very handy to have free Wi-Fi available.

18. Use the cloakroom

Located at the entrance, the cloakroom is free of charge which is perfect if you want to leave your bag or coat.

They will be safe and sound at the cloakroom and you won’t have to lug things around.

That having been said, it can be a bit cold in certain parts of the studios and of course outside, so I wouldn’t leave everything there.

19. Watch the movies before you go

If you want to make the most of your visit, watching the Harry Potter movies is a must.

As you know, the Harry Potter Studios are entirely dedicated to the movies. This is not about the books.

Of course the movies were based on the books but the WB are very much about the movies.

If you want to learn more about the books, make sure to visit Edinburgh. It will be a much better place for that.

Knowing that you will discover everything about the movies, it would be much better if you watch them before going.

Not only will you recognise many of the sets and props but you will also understand more of the references.

It will get you excited and you will have the images very fresh in your mind which will enhance your experience.

20. Get some souvenirs

The gift shop at the studios is great and it’s definitely worth leaving with a few souvenirs.

There are many different items available, including clothes, wands, prop replicas and more.

While they are not cheap, they are definitely worth buying as they will remind you of your amazing day at the Harry Potter Studios!

You may also be interested in:

• The Ultimate Guide for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London: tips, tricks & Review
• 20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London
• Harry Potter in Scotland: 13 Harry Potter locations & experiences you can only have in Scotland
• Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Ultimate Guide to riding the Jacobite train in real life

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Best tour group London to WB Harry Potter studio? - United Kingdom Forum

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Best tour group London to WB Harry Potter studio?

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4 replies to this topic

None. Book direct yourself and take the train to the studios. You need to book very early to get in though.

It's easy to do it by yourself

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k10018139-Harry_Potter_in_London_FAQ_Studios_Play_Platform_9_3_4_tour-London_England.html#79403519

Thanks y'all! I just booked it myself :)

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Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .