harry potter studio tours shop

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.

Explore More

The costumes, the art department, special & visual effects, creature effects.

A Magical Guide to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Fact: In my entire life, I’ve only cried once at a tourist attraction.

And judge me all you want, but this cryfest happened at a Harry Potter studio tour.

… Allow me to explain myself.

Like most children born in the 90s, much of my youth was spent daydreaming about the arrival of my Hogwart’s acceptance letter. As this dream dwindled with the hardships of adulting, I instead took comfort in carbs and magical movie marathons.

But, it didn’t take much for these childhood dreams to resurface. A trip to London was all it took to re-open the floodgates (literally).

Let me tell you: for a Harry Potter fan, there is no attraction on this Earth more overwhelming and amazing than the  Warner Bros Studio Tour London, (AKA London’s Harry Potter set tour), which brings you through the filming site for all 8 movies in the Harry Potter franchise.

In addition to sets, you’re also shown countless props, the best gift shop in the world, and even a chance to taste butter beer for yourself. Come on now, is it at all a surprise that I bawled when I got to the end?

Read onwards for important info to know about the tour, some tips to keep in mind and of course, a recap of the experience (with plenty of photos!) Be careful for this section, as spoilers are abound!

PS: Check out my full list of Harry Potter themed attractions and experiences in London for more nerdy goodness.

Basic information to know about the Harry Potter Set Tour

If you’re interested in booking the epic Warner Bros Studio Tour in London for yourself, then here are some basic must-knows.

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets Info:

I first visited this attraction in 2014 and it was a hot mess then, and has only grown in popularity in the past few years.

If this Harry Potter set tour is a must-do for you, then make sure you book your tickets WELL in advance or you risk not being able to go!

Luckily, even when tickets are sold out on the main site, there are tours you can book online that will have tickets available for sold out dates.

Sometimes, booking with a tour is worthwhile because you not only guarantee your tickets, you also get the convenience of private transport there, which is nice and much less stressful than using public transport yourself.

Here is a breakdown of different Harry Potter Studio tour options that include transport. For your convenience, I also lay out their costs and what they have to offer:

Tickets can also be purchased online from the studio itself  here.

How to Get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London:

Despite its name, the Warner Bros Studio London is actually located in Leavesden, which is northwest of London.

While booking a tour/private transport is the easiest and most convenient way to get there, it is still quite painless to reach via public transit, as a shuttle bus runs from Watford Junction railway station.

To get to the Watford Junction station, you need to make use of London’s overground system.

Not sure about the best route to get there? Check out this handy trip planner .  The tour’s website recommends that you arrive at Watford Junction 45 minutes prior to your tour time.  

Remember to bring change, as the cost for the shuttle bus is 2 pounds each way.

NOTE : Leave a lot of leeway for you to get there. We definitely got lost a few times due to the transfers, and were stressed to the max! For a more stress-free experience, consider prebooking a tour that comes with transport. Here’s one for under $100USD.

Tips for Doing the Harry Potter Set Tour Like a Pro

Having addressed the basics, here are some tips you should keep in mind when planning your visit:

1. Check on the Warner Bros Studio Tour website for special events

The studio tour often has special weeks during which there are specialized displays or demonstrations.

If you have quite some time in London, I suggest looking up when special events are happening and to plan accordingly.

I was luckily around for the beginning of Wand Week, so I got to see wandmakers do their thing and I even got to pose with some Death Eaters. Super cool!

2. Allow extra time for travel

Especially if you are new to London, trying to navigate the transit there can take time, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the studio.

That being said, do not hyperventilate if your ticketed time is fast approaching. While the reservation system does assign you a time, they won’t turn you away if you are a bit late.

3. Don’t forget to print your Warner Bros Studio Tour ticket

This will make the whole process smoother.

One girl that came with us didn’t print hers and upon arrival, she realized that her order never actually went through.

Luckily, even though they claim there is no box office at the attraction, she was able to purchase a ticket there, but do book in advance to save yourself the trouble.

4. Set yourself a budget for magical souvenirs

Trust me, when you enter the Harry Potter Studio Tour Shop for the first time, you will lose all sense of self control.

You will suddenly want all these things that you would never need.

Legit wizard robe? Okay!

Replica wand? Yes please.

There are so many amazingly crafted souvenirs for sale that you will easily empty your wallet.

For budget-conscious backpackers (like me) or large families with crying children, setting a budget beforehand is a must.

5. Grab yourself a free Warner Bros Studio Tour London passport

At some point during the tour, you might notice children getting awesome embossed stamps on a Harry Potter passport.

Uh, yeah, those are actually not just for kids!

I shamelessly (and sweetly) asked a staff member for one, and they kindly obliged.

Getting the stamps is fun and having a Harry Potter passport is pretty much the best souvenir ever.

6. Be sure to check out other Harry Potter filming locations around the UK too

If you’ve made it all the way to Leavesden, you’re actually pretty close to a variety of other Harry Potter filming locations!

While this set tour is of course incredible, there are dozens of other real-life filming locations scattered around the UK that you can visit for yourself. Click here for a full list.

Harry Potter Set Tour Recap with Photos

With those tips out of the way, I’d love to show you some photos and a brief overview of the experience from my visit in 2014. Note that they have added a lot since then, but still…

WARNING: spoilers, spoilers, spoilers. 

Some would say that the best way to experience this tour is by seeing everything first hand, but if you are curious to see photos and more, feel free to scroll further.

Your magical experience begins as soon as you walk into the building. All around the lobby are canvases with various Harry Potter characters, as well as props and other cool artifacts hanging off the walls.

Even the task of waiting in line (typically the most mundane thing ever) is a joy for this tour.

The queue moves very quickly and there is plenty for you to nerd out about as you wait.

Most notably, Harry’s  cupboard under the stairs , is right next to the queuing area, ensuring that you get a perfect view of this iconic set.

You’ll notice that groups are taken in based on their spot in line, rather than their timed reservation.

This is why there is some flexibility when it comes to your arrival time.

If you’re a few minutes late, no worries, just hop in the queue and you will make it in all-the-same.  

The tour begins with a brief video introduction to the franchise, followed by a preshow featuring Rupert, Daniel and Emma themselves.

As this preshow concludes, the screen reveals the doors to the  Great Hall!  During my tour, they invited any birthday kids to come up and help open the doors.

After  seriously  wishing it was my birthday, I bitterly watched two ecstatic kids live out their childhood dreams, revealing the first stop of the tour, the amazing…

1. Great Hall!

This is the the only part of the tour where your time will be limited, as they let tour groups in every few minutes.

As such, if you want photos, be sure to snap them  quickly !

Being in this room is an unreal feeling. In addition to the long tables, cutlery and elaborate set pieces, you also get to view costumes from students in each house, and important Hogwarts faculty as well!

2. The Big Room

After your time in the Great Hall, you are brought into the  Big Room , which houses a variety of sets, props and costumes.

Here, you are given free reign to explore for yourself and gawk at all the amazing pieces the room contains!

Highlights for me were definitely the  Potions classroom  (complete with a Snape costume on display),  the Gryffindor Common Room  and  the Weasley House .

Many of the sets also have interactive buttons where you can make objects move by pressing them.

This was especially cool in the Weasley kitchen, where the touch of a button could make an iron move on its own, make vegetables chop themselves, etc. Super neat!

For those seeking a sweet photo opp, there are several green screen opportunities to ride a broom as a Quidditch player and more! I didn’t wait in line for this bit, but it definitely looked like a lot of fun! Here are some photos from the Big Room:

3. The Backlot

After perusing the Big Room, you are brought outside to the  Backlot , home to a variety of sets including Harry’s  Privet Drive home , the  Hogwarts Bridge , the  Knight Bus  and of course,  the concession stands!  

It’s at this point in the tour that you can live out your childhood fantasy of sipping a nice, cold  butterbeer.  

Be sure to explore the bridge before you purchase a butterbeer, as no food or drink is allowed on that set. 

Now, while public opinion seems to be split on the taste of butterbeer, I have to say that  I. loved. every. single. sip.  

It’s very possible that I was blinded by the magic of my surroundings, but I would argue that it’s worth a try regardless!

NOTE: If you want to purchase a souvenir cup, remember to bring a bag or something to wrap it in, as that stuff can get mighty sticky. Here’s a sample of the cool things you’ll see in the backlot!

4. Art Department, Creature Effects and Diagon Alley

When you’re ready to go back inside, countless wonders from the  creature effects & art department  await you. Here, you really get to appreciate the depth of work put into creating a whole magical world.

I was really wowed by everything.

In this area, you will see masks, wigs, models and more of your favourite magical creatures.

In this second half of the tour as well, you get to walk through Diagon Alley. The details and work in the set will absolutely blow you away. The shops look so real, you’ll be tempted to go knocking on their doors.

5. Hogwarts Castle Model

And lastly, the grand finale of the Harry Potter set tour… The model of Hogwarts!

This one here is a real showstopper.

A walkway surrounding the model allows you to view it from all angles, taking in the fine details of this wonderful school.

For many Harry Potter fans, seeing the castle like this is a dream come true. Now, if only it were real!

At the end of the tour, just before the entrance of the Harry Potter Studio Tour Shop, you will see this wonderfully beautiful quote appear on the screen:

It was at this point that  I began to bawl.  I couldn’t help it!

Everything that I loved about the series had been shown to me in the past few hours, and for that short period of time, I got to live out my dream of seeing the magical world that made my childhood.

Messy and gross, I walked into the gift shop, which was a massive treasure trove of things you never knew you wanted or needed. Wands for every character? I’ll take 100.

And there you have it,  the most magical experience ever . One day, I  will   visit the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but until then, I think this tour has given me enough happy & geeky memories to last. …. At least for the next little while.

Any more questions about visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London?

 Over to you – have you ever been to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London? IF NOT, THEN WTF ARE YOU WAITING FOR? No jk, uh I meant to ask, which part would you most look forward to?!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

7 thoughts on “A Magical Guide to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London: Everything You Need to Know”

Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

Thanks for reading! 🙂

bookmarked!!, I like your blog!

thanks Jane!! 😀

Hi Christina! I’m going to be traveling alone to London this week, would the Harry Potter tour be fun for a solo traveler? Also, I was considering buying a groupon for a night tour, but the picture of you holding the butter beer appears to be outside? I guess we would be missing this part of the tour if I went at night then eh?

hi Lisa, I hope this comment isn’t too late! but YES YES YES the tour would 100% still be fun as a solo traveler (provided that you like Harry Potter haha). I didn’t realize they had a special night tour, but the butterbeer was outside in a special lot where they had lots of big props and set pieces (it’s part of the tour) so I can’t imagine they would leave it out for any reason. I have my fingers crossed for you!

Thank you for this article and the pics. I always need to take a peek of the atmosphere beforehand since I’m going solo. I hope they will let me use my selfie stick inside.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

A Magical Planning Guide for the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

Europe , United Kingdom

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is located just outside London and is an absolute must-visit for any fan of the books and/or movies. Though it’s a bit pricy, the experience is incredible and getting to walk through the actual sets used for filming scenes in the Great Hall, Gringotts lobby, and other famous locations is – pardon the pun – magical.

I was in middle school when my mom bought the first book and despite my initial impression that a kids’ book about wizards was far beneath me, I was almost immediately hooked and have been mildly obsessed ever since. When my parents and I decided to visit London for a few days, I was ecstatic and planned to fly over a day early to make sure I had time to visit. From one Harry Potter nerd to another, this guide has all the tips and info you need to plan a visit to what’s perhaps the holy grail of Potter sites. Since the sets here were used throughout the Harry Potter film series, this is the closest you’ll get to actually stepping into the Wizarding World. Don’t miss out on it when in London!

• 1 Highlights of the Harry Potter Studio Tour
• 2 The WB Harry Potter Studio Tour shop
• 3 Food at the Harry Potter Studio Tour
• 4 Free souvenir from the WB Studio tour
• 5 Can you dress up in costume for the Harry Potter Studio Tour?
• 6 How to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour
• 7 Harry Potter Studio Tour Audio Guide
• 8 Special events at the Harry Potter studios
• 9 Harry Potter Studio Tour hours
• 10 How much do Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets cost?
• 11 Where to buy Harry Potter studio tour tickets

Note: This post contains affiliate links, and should you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I went to Hogwarts and you should too!

Highlights of the Harry Potter Studio Tour

Obviously the sets are the main draw here. The tour begins with a queue to get into a standing theater where the twins who played Fred and George do a safety/rules briefing. You’re then ushered into another theater – this time with seats – for a introduction to the studio tour.

The first set you get to visit is one of the best of all – the Great Hall. You get a chance to enter through the famous doors and then walk through the elaborately decorated set used for so many iconic scenes in the movies. The only downside here is that in order to clear it out for the next group exiting the theater, you’re ushered along pretty quickly. The rest of the tour is completely at your own pace, but you don’t have a lot of time here. Try to sit at the front of the second theater for the best experience and maximum time in the Great Hall.

One of the cooler parts of the set is that as you exit the Great Hall, you pass through doors on the side. If you turn around, you can see the backside of the “stone” walls lining the room and see that they’re not stone at all – they’re molded and held up on a framework of light metal. It’s a cool little bit of movie magic because it looks so real when you’re on the “show” side.

Just a Gryffindor hanging out in her natural habitat.

Another highlight for me was getting to see the cozy Gryffindor common room set. You don’t actually get to walk through this, but you can see the décor and imagine a roaring fire. I also liked seeing the Gryffindor bedroom and reading about how hard it was for the actors to fit into the beds in the later movies because they were built for them when they were kids and used throughout the whole series.

Along the way, you also get to see a whole host of props, costumes, and even wigs. Loads of wands are on display as is the Triwizard Cup and a golden snitch.

Some of the other memorable sets you get to see during the first part of the tour include Dumbledore’s office, the Burrow’s kitchen, Hagrid’s hut, and the dramatic dining room in Malfoy Manor. Oh, and you get to see the horrible, pink set used for Umbridge’s office.

This section also has a spot where you can take greenscreen photos and videos of yourself as a witch or wizard. We’d spent more than enough that day so we passed up the chance to ride broomsticks. I did, however, like the quick photo op by the quidditch section that allows you to magically raise the broom like you’re the starting seeker.

A walk through the Forbidden Forest takes you into the eerie set used for the scenes set there. Beware – you will encounter the gigantic spiders used in the scenes with Aragog and his family, but there is a bypass for those who’d rather pass this up.

The best doggos save Harry Potter.

One of the cooler things in this area was the statue demonstrating how some of the practical effects were used to aid in filming Harry’s stag patronus.

See ya! Going to Hogwarts.

Another absolute highlight of the studio tour is Platform 9 3/4, complete with the Hogwarts Express parked along the tracks. There are several carts parked halfway through the wall so you can grab that iconic going to Hogwarts picture without waiting in the long line at the actual Kings Cross station. There are no scarf props here – or scarf throwers – though so you’ll have to bring your own and stage your own photo. If you wait in a short queue, you can also walk through some of the train cars for a peek into the compartments.

If you need a break, you’ll get a chance to take one at this point in the tour. There’s a small food area that serves meals, snacks, and – most importantly – Butterbeer. We couldn’t pass up a chance to sip some while wandering the outdoor sets, so we grabbed a couple of glasses. I don’t know if it was my imagination or if it was just designed to cater to less rabidly sugar crazy European guests, but it definitely seemed a little less sweet than the Universal Studios Butterbeer that I drank so very much of when I was there.

Outside, you’ll be able to take photos in front of the Knight Bus or hop into the famous Ford Anglia or Hagrid’s motor bike. The destroyed exterior of the Potters’ house is also there in the courtyard. You can also walk through the Privet Drive set, but sadly this was one of the things we had to skip since we were running out of time and the line was long.

My favorite thing in the outdoor area was the crooked covered bridge used for filming some of the exterior Hogwarts scenes. You can actually take a walk through it, which was surprisingly fun since the floor really was crooked.

The beginning of the second part of the tour, or the beginning of the end as I like to call it, focused on a lot of the props and special costumes used to bring the various magical creatures to life. The design and creative engineering the props teams used to make the movies really was incredible.

It turns out my parents left me a secret fortune in Gringotts and my mom was taking me to retrieve it. Or not.

The biggest showpiece of the second part of the tour is the Gringotts Bank set. This was only opened to visitors in the spring of 2019, so we felt super lucky to get a chance to see it. The amount of detail in the lobby really is incredible.

Once you wander through the lobby, you can see some of the vaults. Bellatrix’s vault is recreated with Harry, Hermione, and Ron in side as the cups start to multiply. Nearby, you can see how the many, many, many cups were created.

There’s also a photo op spot where you can pose for a picture in a fake vault. Annoyingly, though it has a pedestal saying that you should set your camera on it to line up the shot just right, it’s too narrow to actually set a camera on, so I had to fumble through the rarely-used settings on my phone to get the self timer turned on.

Once you’re through the vault scenes, you get to see a pretty impressive recreation of Gringotts post-destruction, including a visit from the dragon.

The last major set you get to walk through is Diagon Alley, complete with many of the famous storefronts you’ll recognize from the books and movies. Fred and George’s store, and Ollivanders were my favorites.

The grand finale of the Harry Potter studio tour is the massive Hogwarts model that was used for most of the exterior shots in the movies. I’d seen pictures of it before, but never realized just how big it was. The scale in those shots – and mine too – just doesn’t do it justice. Because the movies started filming before the series was complete, the model artists had to recreate and add on to parts of it as details were expanded in each subsequent novel.

The WB Harry Potter Studio Tour shop

Once you finish the tour, you – of course – exit through the gift shop. There are tons of shirts, scarves, costumes, wands, and more there. You can outfit yourself from head to toe in your favorite Hogwarts house merchandise. There’s even some pricy jewelry you can browse – but there’s also some cheap costume jewelry too that’s more my speed.

I passed most of the merchandise because I already have way too much Harry Potter stuff and it’s hard for me to buy it at places like the studio tour or Universal Studios when I know I can get similar stuff for half the price at home. For my money, I’d rather shop ahead of time for a lot more affordable merchandise. Hot Topic has long been my go-to for Harry Potter merchandise, but Target , Kohls , and Amazon also have loads of products. I did, however, spring for a custom engraved keychain made to look like my Hogwarts letter.

Food at the Harry Potter Studio Tour

Just like the Great Hall!

In addition to the food stop I mentioned in the middle of the studio tour, there is a larger quick service restaurant outside the entrance to the tour (you do still need a ticket to get in, but it’s before the official beginning) that you can snack at before or after your set tour. It serves a variety of different food court style foods, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and snacks. We had the pizza from it before starting our tour and it was about what you’d expect from a food court.

The real star though is the sweet shop cleverly designed to look like a giant chocolate frog box. Not only was the kiosk itself really cool, but the desserts they were selling looked fantastic as well. If you’re looking for themed food at the WB studio tour, skip the food counter and grab one of the witchy themed desserts here. Some of them were directly inspired by treats mentioned in the books, but others were just thematically decorated or named takes on regular desserts – like the Forbidden Forest gateau.

Free souvenir from the WB Studio tour

You can, of course, pay extra to get a souvenir studio book, but we were more than happy with our free Harry Potter “passports” that were given out by staff members. These little booklets have spots for stamps that are located throughout the tour with locations listed. I got all the stamps, but I did have to backtrack a couple times because I’d passed the kiosks without realizing it. It’s also worth noting that the “stamps” are actually embossing rather than an ink stamp. I didn’t realize that for the first one and it didn’t come out as well as it would’ve because I didn’t apply enough pressure for it to fully appear.

The books also contain a golden snitch scavenger hunt with clue to find them hidden in various locations throughout the studio tour. Not that you need anything else to hold your attention while you’re there – there is more to see than we could process in an afternoon – but it could be fun for kids to hunt for and it’s an extra thing to keep an eye out for.

Can you dress up in costume for the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

Most people weren’t wearing wizarding garb for our visit, but there definitely were some. I did not pack anything but a wand, but I wouldn’t have felt too awkward showing up in a robe. Costumes won’t look out of place here – and would look fantastic in the Great Hall! – but neither would plain old street clothes. I split the difference with a Gryffindor t-shirt and wand.

How to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour

Sadly you can’t get to the Harry Potter studio tour on the Hogwarts Express, so you’ll have to arrange alternate transportation.

The Warner Bros Studio Tour London is actually located just a bit outside of the city in the suburb of Leavesden, so there is a decent amount of travel time required to get there. There’s free parking on site, so if you have a car driving will be a good option for you. You’ll need to show booking confirmation at the entry to the parking lot though. If you’re taking public transit, you can take the train to Watford Junction (listed as a 20 minute ride from Euston Station). There are buses that run every 20 minutes during opening times from Watford Junction to the studio tour for 3 pounds round trip. The bus segment is listed as approximately 15 minutes.

We opted to book a round trip bus ride through a company called Golden Tours . For £95, it included our tickets to the tour and pickup/drop off at a bus hub just across from Victoria Station. It was super convenient, but a lot more expensive. And we were limited in the amount of time we had on the tour. The service was definitely not worth the extra £50 pounds. There were some exhibits we skipped because the lines were too long and we wanted to make sure we got to see everything at the end. The bus ride took about an hour to get there and an hour and a half on the return trip thanks to rush hour traffic. There are no bathrooms on board the buses, so be sure to use one before boarding. There were no publicly available ones near the bus station we departed from in London either, so plan ahead if needed.

If I did it again, I’d just take a train from London and catch the bus from Watford Junction. It would’ve bought us some extra time at the tour and been cheaper. Because we had a scheduled pick up time, we had an awkward hour beforehand where we really didn’t have time to do anything and just kind of wandered around. We could’ve just hopped the train at that point and been at the studio tour before our scheduled coach time, and stayed a little longer/missed rush hour traffic on the way back to Victoria Station.

Harry Potter Studio Tour Audio Guide

It’s cool how they used the props and different filming techniques to make Hagrid look so much bigger.

We opted to purchase audio guides for the tour for an extra £4.95/person at the counter inside the entrance. I enjoyed the information it included, but felt that we could’ve easily done without them. There is so much signage and audio/visual material throughout the studios that the guides seemed unnecessary. If you have a whole day to explore, it would be great, but since we only had 3 hours, I had to choose between listening to the audio in a few spots or just skimming the signage to keep up with the pace we needed.

Special events at the Harry Potter studios

If you’ve got the budget for it, you can attend one of the evening special events offered at the Harry Potter studios. During the Halloween season, there is a very limited run of evenings offering a Hogwarts After Dark experience that sounds like so much fun. It includes a cocktail reception, dinner in the Great Hall (!), the studio tour complete with a lantern lit walk through the Forbidden Forest, a chance to learn wand combat from a film crew member, and a visit to a dark and spooky Diagon Alley being patrolled by Death Eaters wearing real costumes from the production. It really makes me wish I had £240 to drop on dinner.

During the Christmas season, you can attend a similar event, minus the Death Eater part. This time, the sets are all decked out for Christmas, and you can dine in the Great Hall with all the festive décor you loved from the movies. You also get to take the studio tour during the evening and have desserts at Platform 9 3/4. The night wraps up with dancing in the lobby. This event also costs £240 per person.

Of course, if you can’t spring for the Dinner in the Great Hall event, you can still enjoy the Christmas décor by buying a regular studio tour ticket during the holiday season. From mid-November through late January, several of the sets, including the Great Hall, are decorated with original Christmas props from the movies. The giant Hogwarts model is even dusted with movie-magic snow that never melts. It makes me want to come back at Christmas.

Harry Potter Studio Tour hours

Operating hours at the Harry Potter Studio Tour vary by day. Check the calendar here to see hours on the day you’re planning to visit. Tours generally start around between 9-10 am and the facility closes in the evening. It’s generally open seven days a week, but I did find some dates in November when it was closed completely.

Visiting later in the evening would be a great way to maximize your time in London since you could hit daytime museums during the day and then head out to the Warner Bros Studios when those attractions start to close.

How much do Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets cost?

2019 adult prices are £45, and are increasing to £47 for 2020. Child tickets from age 5-15 are £37 for 2019 and £38 for 2020. Tickets must be booked in advance, so be sure to select your dates ahead of time. Kids 4 and under are free.

Where to buy Harry Potter studio tour tickets

You can buy your Harry Potter studio tour tickets from the Warner Bros Studio London official website . You can also book them through third party vendors like we did. We received several offers for studio tour discounted tickets from the London Pass after we had already purchased our tickets if you’re looking for a discount – but you do have to have a London Pass to get that rate. However you choose to buy your tickets, do it as soon as possible because pre-booking is required and they can and do sell out, especially at peak tourist times.

You might also enjoy these posts:

• The Definitive Ranking of Every Kind of Butterbeer at Universal Studios Orlando
• You’ll Love this Quirky Science Themed Afternoon Tea in London

Don’t forget to save this post for later on Pinterest!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• 15 Incredible Day Trips from London - That Texas Couple - […] The Harry Potter Studio Tour at the Warner Brothers Studios has become one of the top tourist attractions in the London…

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Terms and Conditions & Disclaimer

Harry Potter Studio Visitor's Guide

The Short Guide to the Harry Potter Studio 

The complete guide to the harry potter studio.

Your Harry Potter Tour adventure kicks off as soon as you present your ticket, starting with a queue that features Harry’s iconic cupboard under the stairs, complete with toy soldiers. As you wait in line, you can brush up on your Harry Potter lore with inspiring quotes from various characters from the franchise.

Next up, you will proceed to a dimly-lit room with multiple screens, where you take a deep dive into the history of Harry Potter and the magic that awaits. In the next room which is set up like a cinema, you can watch a short film that succinctly covers key moments and behind-the-scenes footage from eight Harry Potter movies, along with interviews with cast members, crew, directors, and even J.K. Rowling herself.

This preliminary experience concludes after the film, with majestic doors opening to reveal the Great Hall of Hogwarts. Stepping into the Great Hall marks the true beginning of the tour, as you enter the magical world of Harry Potter!

Your journey at the Harry Potter Studio Tour starts with the opening of the Great Hall doors, inspired by Oxford's Christ Church college dining hall. Discover the hall’s authentic paving stone floor, as your guides share fascinating details.

The tour progresses, showcasing famous sets like the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s hut, and the Potions classroom. After this, the tour shifts to a self-guided format, offering you the freedom to explore these magical environments at your leisure.

This will allow you to experience the Forbidden Forest, complete with mist and spiders, and seize the chance to fly a broom (at an additional cost). You can also check out the famous Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 and ¾ for a serene photo opportunity, in contrast to the lively Kings Cross station in London.

As for outdoor experiences, these include the Knight Bus, Privet Drive, the unscathed Hogwarts Bridge, and Mr. Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia. Make sure you visit the meticulously designed Diagon Alley, especially Weasley's Wizard Wheezes – arguably one of the studio’s many highlights.

You will also have the chance to interact with various sets, like sitting on Hagrid’s motorbike, stepping into the Ford Anglia, and climbing aboard the Knight Bus. The outdoor area also presents prime photo opportunities, so it is important to take into account the weather when planning your visit. The tour also features an exciting Hogwarts Express simulation, where guests can board a replica carriage and embark on a journey filled with dementors and voice-over narration, offering a thrilling experience.

In the second part of the studio tour, the focus shifts to the filmmaking process, revealing the creation and effort behind the props and costumes. This section showcases an extensive collection of creatures, detailing the intricate and complex methods used to bring them to life.

Among the many things you will learn is that only the head of the basilisk was actually built. You can also explore a wide range of goblin and house elf masks, which offer insight into their design and how they were tailored to fit the actors.

Following the Creature Shop, the tour continues to the meticulously crafted Diagon Alley. This area is designed as a realistic alley, with each shop intricately decorated and featuring detailed displays, creating a genuine streetscape. Diagon Alley’s compact layout mirrors the film’s setting, offering a profound sense of realism and magical feeling of shopping for enchanted items.

During the studio tour, you also have the chance to go on a broomstick ride with the help of CGI and green screen technology. After donning your Hogwarts robes, you can mimic flying on a broom , while a screen projects scenes over London and Hogwarts. Staff members are on hand to help you out and make sure you get a striking pose.

Post-flight, you can choose from a selection of backgrounds, such as hovering over Hogwarts or flying along the Thames. You can even take a photo inside the Ford Anglia, simulating flight, or add a fun twist to your visit by posing as an Azkaban prisoner on a ‘Wanted’ poster.

The Harry Potter Studio Tour concludes with a spectacular large-scale model of Hogwarts Castle, which was previously used for film shots. This exhibit offers an impressive view of the castle from the Astronomy Tower to the lake shores, illustrating the iconic castle's scale and architecture.

The final room of the tour is home to a stunning 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts, a testament to extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail. The model, meticulously handcrafted with real gravel and plants for landscaping, radiates authenticity.

Equipped with over 300 fiber optic lights, the model simulates torches and lanterns that create the illusion of student life within the castle’s hallways. This masterpiece stands as a tribute to the talent and skill of the Harry Potter art department, crafted by a team of 86 people.

Footage of this model was skillfully combined with special effects to produce the realistic exterior views of Hogwarts in the films, often mistaken for real castles. This model serves as a phenomenal conclusion to the tour, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

A Guide to Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour London

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 11th August 2020  - Last updated: 12th January 2024

Categories London , Film , Filming Locations , Travel , UK

Ready to learn all about Harry Potter World in London? Get ready for a mammoth of a post. Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden aka Harry Potter World London has quickly become a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans.

First things first, let’s get some misconceptions out of the way. There is no London Harry Potter Universal Studios, there is only the Warner Bros Studio Tour. If you’re looking for Universal Studios, London, then I’m afraid you will be disappointed!

When people think of a Harry Potter London theme park, they are also thinking of the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Ok so now I’ve told you what Harry Potter world is not. What does it involve then?

The London Harry Potter Studio Tour invites you into the real studios where they made all the Harry Potter films and they’ve refashioned all our favourite props, costumes and sets into a glorious exhibition. It’s a Harry Potter experience like no other!

Keep on reading to find out why the Harry Potter Studio Tour London is a must for Potterheads…

Booking Harry Potter Tour Tickets

It appears that the initial rush to buy tickets is now over; however, I still recommend that you buy your Harry Potter Studio tickets about a month in advance if you want to get the perfect time for you. If you’re only available at the weekends then you definitely need to think about booking in advance because they weekend slots book up fast .

The booking itself is very simple. All you have to do is select the date and time you want to go on the tour, enter the number of each type of ticket you want and then checkout. There is also the option to add on some extras to your package.

You can pre-book a ‘Souvenir Guidebook’ and a ‘Digital Guide’, both of which supposedly enhance your experience. I opted for the ‘Souvenir Guidebook’, but not the ‘Digital Guide’, but in hindsight, I should have selected both.

The Souvenir Guidebook is a really nice booklet with glossy pages and big pictures. It is very well presented and serves as a lovely reminder of the things you’ve seen on your trip.

You don’t need to pre-order this book as it is also on sale at the gift shop at the Studios for exactly the same price. It is a bit pricey at £9.95, but for Potterheads it is well worth it.

As far as I could tell (from jealously peering over people’s shoulders), the Digital Guide was basically a device that looked a lot like an iPod touch that had extra snippets of information and videos on it. This costs around £4.95, though you do not get to keep it so it’s not entirely necessary.

Ticket Prices

Standard Adult: £43 Child: £35 (Under 4 years old: Free)

Opening Hours

8:30am – 10pm every day

However, there are often private events at the Studios so please do double-check for your selected day. 

Purchase your Harry Potter Studio Tickets directly here.

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studios London

The Harry Potter Studio Tour, aka Harry Potter World in London, is located at Leavesden Studios in Watford. Fortunately, I actually live quite close to this so it didn’t take me long at all to reach there and with the help of a SatNav, it’s fairly easy to locate.

One problem I did encounter once I was a couple of minutes away from the Studios, was that the signs on the motorway were incredibly confusing. There was one pointing to ‘Warner Bros. Tour’ and one to ‘Leavesden Studios’.

As far as I knew, Warner Bros. Studio Tour was located at Leavesden Studios so I got very confused as to why the signs were pointing in different directions.

I decided to follow the sign that pointed towards ‘Warner Bros Tour’, though this actually led me in a pretty big circle which was unnecessary, so I’d suggest following the sign to ‘Leavesden Studios’, which I assume will take you on a shorter route.

I highly recommend that when you see these signs coming up, you simply look out your window to spot the Studio and follow the road that leads to it (you won’t miss it, there are absolutely huge Harry Potter posters all over the buildings).

You will need to show your ticket in order to gain entrance and then you will be directed to a parking space (parking is free!). The car park is huge so I wouldn’t worry about not finding a space, though my tour was the last tour of the day so the Studios were probably slightly less packed.

By Public Transport

The closest train station to the Harry Potter Studios is Watford Junction. You can very easily get a train here from London Euston. Once you get to Watford, there’s a shuttle bus service right outside the station that takes you to and from the studios.

This costs £2.50 for a return and £2 for single. You won’t miss the buses – they’re designed to look like the Knight Bus! 

NB You should arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled ticket time so do factor this in when making travel arrangements. 

Find out more about getting to the studios here.

The Harry Potter Experience

What to see at the harry potter studios.

The tour starts from the very second you hand your ticket over and join the queue. Whilst you’re awaiting entry you will pass Harry’s cupboard under the stairs – toy soldiers included – and many quotes from various people lining the walls to get you excited.

First, you are led into a dark room with lots of screens and you are shown a quick film about Potter’s history. My emotional rollercoaster started here as I was filled with fond, childhood memories.

You can imagine my shock then, when I revisited the tour in 2019 to find that they had updated this video. And I was in one of the clips. I am in one of the clips!

It’s a video of me waving enthusiastically on the side of the red carpet in Trafalgar Square for the eighth and final Harry Potter film. I skipped school that day and slept on the pavement the evening before to get that top spot and it was totally worth it.

After this brief introduction, you are led into another room with a bigger screen, much like a cinema, and played another video. (This is usually the bit where I cry. Yes,  already .) It’s a super short film that goes through the crucial bits of all eight Harry Potter films.  

There are interviews with the cast, the crew, the directors, the author herself and lots of behind the scenes footage. When the film is over, a grand set of doors is magically revealed and the Great Hall lies in wait.

Everybody gasps at this point.

The Great Hall is incredibly detailed and there are lots of costumes on display here, including Harry’s very first uniform. There is a speaker for this part of the tour who gives an introduction to the tour and tells you all the interesting facts about the Great Hall – like the fact that the floor is made out of real paving stones.

The Great Hall is modelled on the dining hall at Christ Church college in Oxford (where I studied!). Check out my Harry Potter tour of Oxford for more information on visiting the real  life Great Hall! 

After this, the tour is self-guided and you are left to explore the rest of the tour in your own time. Some parts of the tour display props and costumes and others are the real sets.

There is a spectacular show of the vehicles and bigger props used in the films and they are shown (moving) hanging from the ceiling next to a large screen. On here they show you exactly how this prop was used in the film and how special effects were used to make it realistic.

This video shows you the extraordinary number of special effects that went into making these films. They even showed you how in one scene, Daniel Radcliffe was filmed walking on a treadmill in front of a green screen, but on film, this was magically transformed into Harry walking through the snow at Godric’s Hollow. It is absolutely incredible to see the transition from what was actually filmed and what we see on screen.

In this section, some of the things you can see include The Burrow, the Gryffindor Common Room, Snape’s classrooms, the Boy’s Dormitory, Dumbledore’s Office, Umbridge’s Office, the Ministry of Magic, the fireplaces at the Ministry, Hagrid’s Hut, the Griffin Stairwell, the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets, Gringott’s Vault Door, the Forbidden Forest and some others.

They’ve even recreated Platform 9 3/4 so you can see The Hogwarts Express in all its glory on the train track and even have a little walk through it! There are also lots of different photos points of the trolley going through the wall to access Platform 9 3/4 so you can pretend like you’re off to Hogwarts yourself. 

You then get the chance to experience the magic of riding the Hogwarts Express as they’ve created a Hogwarts Express simulation where you can have your photo taken inside a replica carriage. After your photo is taken, you’ll go a little adventure with lots of effects so it feels like you’re actually on a moving train.

You sit in one of the carriages and see the world float by outside the window and it’s lovely until the dementors show up! This is all filmed and there is a voice-over telling you what to do to make this part all the more fun.

Throughout this space, there are displays of props including the Philosopher’s Stone, the Triwizard Cup, the golden snitch, the Goblet of Fire, the time turner and more.

There is also a fantastic costume display to accompany each set and you can see clothes from all of the movies and see how the characters have grown!

Lastly, there is a stunning display of all the graphic designs and posters used for things like The Daily Prophet, the Quibbler, sweet packages etc.

When you’ve finished looking around the first building, about half way through the tour, the tour continues outside. Here you’ll find the Knightbus, Godric’s Hollow, the Ford Anglia, Hagrid’s Bike, chess pieces from the Philosopher’s Stone, Hogwart’s Bridge and of course, Number 4 Privet Drive.

This part of the tour is great because you can actually get up close and touch all of these things. You can sit on Hagrid’s bike, get inside the Ford Anglia, stand in the Knight Bus and knock on the door of number 4 Privet Drive. This outside area presents another great photo opportunity so don’t think that the weather doesn’t matter when picking which day to book your tour!

Possibly the most exciting thing about this section of the tour is the opportunity to buy Butterbeer . A lot of people don’t like this concoction but personally, I love it. It’s really sweet and fizzy with a thick layer of sweet cream on top – exactly as I’d imagined.

Each cup costs around £2.95, and although it isn’t large, it’s definitely worth it! It even leaves you with that white moustache on your upper lip that is so often talked about. Now, they ever have butterbeer ice cream and you can buy a plastic Butterbeer tankard to keep.

The second part of the studio tour is a lot more about what went into making the films rather than the sets and props. Here you will find an amazing array of every single creature featured in the films and how they were made.

You will be disappointed to hear that in fact only the head of the basilisk was made. You can see each and every one goblin/house elf mask – they do look pretty grim – and how each of these were made and fitted the actors.

After the ‘Creature Shop’, you are lead to another breathtaking part of the tour – Diagon Alley. I did not expect Diagon Alley to be, well, a real Alley! Each and every shop is properly decorated with detail with shop displays and it looks like a real street!

All the shops from the film are here, though it is a lot more compact, and you feel as if you could actually just go shopping for a new owl or a new set of robes!

The very last room of the tour is the most spectacular of them all. It had been a highly emotional visit for me so when I rounded the corner to see the 1:24 model of Hogwarts Castle, I was completely overwhelmed.

It was the most beautiful and amazing creation I had ever seen and I was blown away by the detail that went into it. Everything was perfectly handcrafted to scale and real gravel and plants were used to for the landscaping.

There are more than 300 fibre optic lights installed and these stimulate torches and lanterns to give the illusion of students walking down the hallways. It is the crown jewel of the Harry Potter art department – which isn’t surprising given that it took a team of 86 people to construct the first version.

Footage of this model was combined with special effects to create the incredibly realistic views of Hogwarts exterior which I had always believed to be comprised of real castles. This was a phenomenal end to the tour and was definitely the most memorable moment for me.

What to do at the Harry Potter Studios

There is an absolutely fantastic photo opportunity to be had during the Studio Tour where you are given the chance to ride a broomstick. Using CGI and green screen effects, they make it look like you are actually flying and it is absolutely incredible.

Firstly, you are given a set of Hogwarts robes from your chosen house, and then you wait in line for your turn. There are a total of three broomsticks there so the waiting time isn’t too long.

When I joined the queue, it said that the waiting time ‘from this point onwards’ was 45 minutes, and I wasn’t too fussed about this because I was determined to get on that broom, but thankfully, it didn’t take nearly as long as that.

When it is your turn, a staff member talks you through everything. You make yourself comfortable on the broom, and then the magic begins.

Now, this isn’t just any photo opportunity, because before your photo is taken, you get the chance to see yourself fly over London and Hogwarts. There is a small screen in front of you so it looks like you’re actually moving and the broom itself isn’t fixed so you can swerve from side to side and bob up and down.

The member of staff attending to you will make sure you get the most out of your experience by giving you a few things to do whilst on your broom. When your ‘flying’ experience is over, there are a few quick snaps and then it’s off to the counter to collect your photos.

There are four different photos to choose from: hovering over Hogwarts, flying in front of some buses in London, flying along the Thames and flying along the water surrounding Hogwarts – the favourite of most people seems to be the one hovering above Hogwarts. 

There is also the opportunity to have your photo taken inside the Ford Anglia and you can watch yourself ‘driving’ it through the air. This photo is great for families as you take the photo with as many people as you can fit into the frame.

If you’re feeling particularly evil on the day of your visit, you could also choose to have your photo taken as a prisoner in Azkaban and it’ll be printed onto a WANTED poster. 

These photos aren’t exactly cheap, but they are definitely worth it. It’s £14 for one photo, which comes in a lovely, glossy, paper frame (just like the sort you’d get at a theme park – but better, obviously). Alternatively, there are lots of digital options so you can get two photos and a DVD/USB for £40. 

The Harry Potter Tour Gift Shop

Words cannot even begin to describe my excitement upon entering the Harry Potter Studio Tour gift shop. So I was always one of those children that spent the entire day out pushing and pulling my parents through the exhibitions just to get to the gift shop, but I guarantee that you will be blown away by it.

There is a huge range of Potter products on offer, but I won’t deceive you, they don’t come cheap. If I had it my way I would’ve bought EVERYTHING in the shop, though of course, my mother did not allow this and so I opted for a Potter t-shirt (£32.95) and Hogwarts scarf (£24.95).

It is a very large shop and products range from sweets to keyrings to clothing to stuffed toys to wall paintings to jewellery to uniform to notepads to magnets to books to wands to replica costumes – and more!

It is literally my favourite shop in the whole entire world and if I could I would go there every day I would. Unfortunately, you can only get to gift shop after you’ve shown your ticket proving that you’re actually there for the Tour (sad face). The queue in the gift shop is enormously long at times so I recommend you keep wandering around until it’s less busy.

I could say more, but I think that I’ve waffled on for long enough! The Warner Bros Harry Potter Tour is essential for all Harry Potter fans, and even those who aren’t massive Potterheads will definitely enjoy a day out at Leavesden.

Not only does it provide an incredible insight into a worldwide Phenomenon but you get to witness first hand the immense amount of detail that went into making these films.

You can see the sets the cast walked on, the costumes they wore and the props they used. There is a lot of behind the scenes footage and information so don’t think that this is just a display of what you’ve already seen or read online – because it’s so much more.

All along the tour, there is the Harry Potter soundtrack playing in the background enhancing the atmosphere and making everything feel that much better. Do bear in mind that whilst the Tour is absolutely incredible, there will inevitably be a sense of disappointment as you finally realise that the magic isn’t real and Hogwarts doesn’t exist.

On a side note, as I was casually scrolling down my Facebook news feed after I’d returned home, I discovered a photo of Matt Lewis (Neville Longbottom) from the very same day. WHY DID I NOT SEE HIM?! WHY. Ok, outburst over.

But seriously, why.

If you’ve visited the Harry Potter Studios yourself, leave a comment telling me your favourite part!  

Like this post? Check out my other Harry Potter blog posts!  Guide to Harry Potter in London Guide to Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood The Cauldron: Harry Potter Cocktail Experience in London Hogwarts in the Snow at Harry Potter Studio Tour Guide to Harry Potter in Lacock Harry Potter Filming Locations in Oxford Godric’s Hollow Filming Location Why the Prisoner of Azkaban is the Best in the Series What’s in my Backpack: Hogwarts Edition

Pin now, read again later!

Editor of What’s Hot?

[This post was originally published when the Harry Potter Studio Tour first opened in 2012 but has been updated in 2020.]

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Thanks for writing this awesome article!!! I've thought the entire tour is held indoors, so hope it doesn't rain during the outdoor portion of our tour in early Oct.

For the bloom and Ford Anglia photos, do we pay upfront before joining the queue or can we take the photos first, see how they turn out before deciding to pay for them??

ToursTravel

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

I just read your blog post about the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in London and I have to say that it was a fantastic read! As a big Harry Potter fan myself, I could really relate to your excitement and enthusiasm for the tour.

I loved the way you described your experience, from the moment you arrived at the studios to the different sets and exhibits you saw along the way. Your attention to detail and vivid descriptions really helped to transport me to the world of Harry Potter.

I also appreciated the practical advice you provided for visitors, such as the importance of booking tickets in advance and wearing comfortable shoes. It's clear that you are not only a fan of the series, but also an experienced traveler who knows how to make the most of a visit to a new place.

Overall, I thought your blog post was a great resource for anyone planning a trip to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour, as well as for those who simply want to learn more about the magic behind the movies. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

Ultimate Guide for fun things to do in London with kids - Home Travel Guide

Thursday 27th of January 2022

[…] The Harry Potter Studio Tour is based in Watford, just outside of London. If your children are Harry Potter fans, this place is an absolute dream. The vast majority of scenes from the 8 Harry Potter films were shot in these studios and you can now wander around these sets and learn all about how they made the magic come to life. What’s particularly great for children is that there are lots of elements to really immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter – you can ride a broomstick, sit in an old Ford Anglia, drink butterbeer (non-alcoholic, of course!), meet Buckbeak in the Forbidden Forest, walk down Diagon Alley, and more! […]

Friday 23rd of April 2021

How much time, from early arrival to departure, do you recommend I plan to spend there? Flying broom, prisoner of Azkaban photos, butter beer and gift shop time included?

Wednesday 9th of January 2019

I have to visit that it looks really cool and fun!!

Thursday 10th of January 2019

Honestly one of my all time favourite places!

• 0 $0.00 USD
• Collections
• Departments

Best Sellers

Create your own trunk.

• Platform 9¾
• Fantastic Beasts
• Spirit Jerseys

Personalization

• All Products
• Hoodies + Sweatshirts
• Accessories
• Pin Seeking
• Home Furnishings
• Mugs and Drinkware
• Baby: Age 0-12 months
• Kids: Age 3-10 years
• Toys and Games
• Personalized Wands
• Harry Potter Character Wands
• Fantastic Beasts Character Wands
• Celebration Wands
• Wooden Wands

Clothing Collection

Sweet Trolley

Trunk Station

Harry potter, ron weasley, hermione granger.

• Luna Lovegood
• Draco Malfoy
• Newt Scamander

3 For 2 On Toys and Games

Embark on an enchanted adventure when you purchase two items from this curated collection - and get the third one free! It’s the perfect time to bring home more of your favorite magical items, characters and creatures.

Kids Collection

Calling all aspiring wizards and witches! Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter with this enchanting collection of merchandise for kids!

Sweets & Treats

Enchanted delights await! Indulge in the Sweet Trolley Collection and experience the magic of iconic confections from the Wizarding World.

NEW Limited Edition Butterbeer

This Limited Edition Butterbeer bottle contains the original Butterbeer flavored soda everyone knows and loves with a collectible new design!

Beautifully presented for the perfect gift, you can now create your very own Hogwarts school trunk, and fill it to the brim with one-of-a-kind Harry Potter merchandise, handpicked by you.

Butterbeer Gift Trunk

Limited edition butterbeer gift set, black family tapestry minalima wallpaper, daily prophet minalima wallpaper, hogwarts library minalima wallpaper, marauder's map minalima wallpaper, bottled butterbeer - limited edition, butterbeer glitter enamel pin, harry potter nyc magenta spirit jersey, harry potter nyc magenta fleece sweatshirt, harry potter nyc magenta shopper, harry potter nyc magenta mug, bottled butterbeer 4-pack, personalized hogwarts acceptance letter, chocolate frog - with authentic film packaging, fizzing whizzbees chocolate, hogwarts school trunk, bertie bott's every flavor beans, personalized gryffindor robe, chocolate frog keepsake, bottled butterbeer, personalized slytherin robe, exploding bon bons, peppermint toads chocolate, personalised by you.

Put the name of your choice on these premium products

Trending Products

Professor Dumbledore's Wooden Wand

Best known as the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Dumbledore was recognized as the master of the Elder Wand. As one of the three objects to make up the Deathly Hallows and crafted with the tail hair of a Thestral, this legendary wand is said to be the most powerful in existence.

Personalized Slytherin Triwizard Shirt

Show your loyalty and celebrate your house pride with this custom-made 100% cotton Personalized Slytherin Triwizard Shirt. The long-sleeved jersey comes in the traditional house color of emerald green, combined with black stripes. The iconic Hogwarts crest is embroidered onto the left-hand side of the shirt, which is made up of the symbolic Hogwarts house animals; a lion for Gryffindor, a serpent for Slytherin, a badger for Hufflepuff, and an eagle for Ravenclaw.

Draco Malfoy's Wand

Stay loyal to the Slytherin house with this Draco Malfoy wand replica. Measuring at approximately 13 1/3” in length and made from bespoke resin, this wand is presented in a sleek, collectible wand box featuring the character name with decorative paper overlay.

Crookshanks Soft Toy

Take home your own soft toy version of Crookshanks, the perfect addition to any magical menagerie. First seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, this replica of Hermione Granger’s loyal companion is crafted in a walking pose to capture the likeness of the feline creature.

Personalized Ravenclaw Robe

Celebrate your Hogwarts house pride with this replica Ravenclaw robe, as seen in the Harry Potter film series. The Ravenclaw robe features contrasting blue lining, pockets (there's even a hidden pocket for your wand!), and embroidered Ravenclaw crest. 100% polyester.

Butterbeer Glass

Serve your Butterbeer the traditional way using this exclusive Butterbeer glass. The glass features bespoke artwork of the Butterbeer logo, designed exclusively by MinaLima, the graphic duo behind the props of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

Experience the fan favorite drink from the Wizarding World in a brand new way - at home! Best served chilled and poured straight from the bottle, the delicious soft drink features a new take on the butterscotch flavor that fans know and love.

Gryffindor Gift Trunk

Celebrate your house pride with this custom Gryffindor Gift Trunk, perfect for Harry Potter fans to add to their collection. This trunk has been specially designed to resemble the trunk that students would take on their travels on the Hogwarts Express. Explore the exclusive souvenirs and unique collectibles, the ultimate gift experience for every aspiring witch or wizard.

Harry Potter Store New York

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾

The Making of Harry Potter

Add personalization for $8 more, add your details.

*Please note, our Personalized Hogwarts Acceptance Letter is only able to be ordered using characters from the English alphabet. Please also ensure that all sections of the personalization form are filled out and that sections are not left blank.

Add your initials

Personalize your own famous witch or wizard card.

• 2 && knownFors.indexOf(item) === -1}]" > 2 && knownFors.indexOf(item) === -1" >

Personalize Your Own Poster

In order to maintain poster print quality, we recommend image dimensions meet a minimum of 1892 x 2504 px.

Would you like to add the items in your cart to this Trunk?

Please Login

Only Harry Potter Fan Club members may create custom trunks. Please login or remove your Personalized Trunk.

Items that cannot fit inside the trunk will be shipped separately.

Currently, we are only allowing one Hogwarts School Trunk per order if you have a Personalized Trunk.

We are only allowing a total of 3 Nail Polish products per cart.

You have the maximum number of in your cart.

Click below to continue creating your very own trunk.

Congratulations on choosing to create your own trunk!

Please select your trunk.

You have more than one trunk in your cart. Currently, you will only be able to check out with one Personalized Trunk in your order. Please select the trunk you would like to keep.

You have more than one trunk in your cart. Currently, you will only be able to check out with one Personalized Trunk in your order.

Personalize Your Trunk

Remove Your Personalized Gift Trunk?

Remove this trunk and its contents?

Create Your Own Trunk is currently unavailable.

Join or log into the Harry Potter Fan Club for the best experience. Unlock exclusive access and special offers on your Harry Potter favourites and products from around the Wizarding World through the Harry Potter Fan Club .

By clicking ‘proceed,’ you agree to Wizarding World Digital LLC sharing your name, email address, gold/silver status, birth month, birth day, house, and wand information with us for purposes of providing services to you, personalizing your experience on the store, and providing you with Fan Club discounts, if applicable.

In order to unlink your Harry Potter Fan Club account from the Harry Potter Shop, please contact us .

Harry Potter Shop 360

Step into Harry Potter’s one-of-a-kind immersive experience where you can explore and discover the magic behind Harry Potter with Shop 360.

Semi-Private Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

Discover the cinematic sorcery behind the world’s most famous wizard in this fully guided tour.

Do you want to dive deeper into the mysteries of Hogwarts? Our exclusive guided tour of Warner Bros. studio gives you unparalleled access to the film set of the entire Harry Potter series, putting you at the center of the magic! You’ll be whisked away by Muggletrain through Platform 9 ¾ on your way to Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid’s Hut, and more. Sip on a refreshing Butterbeer and see authentic movie memorabilia on this supernatural 6-hour tour.

• Semi-private Warner Bros. Studio tour​
• Spend the day with your expert Harry Potter guide
• Learn production secrets
• Visit Diagon Alley
• See memorable locations
• Mischief managed

You’ll meet your guide in Central London at the Euston War Memorial outside of Euston Station. Along with your tour companions, just 8 people or less, you’ll board the train to Waterford Junction. From there, you’ll hop on the Warner Bros. Studio shuttle bus and make your way to the Harry Potter set. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be greeted by our official Studio Tour Guide and the magic begins! Sit back and enjoy a brief introductory film to learn the secrets of the movie-making process before heading into the majestic Great Hall. Next, you’ll walk along the cobblestone street of Diagon Alley, snapping pictures of the fabled storefronts while you learn little-known details about the set. Board the Hogwarts Express and experience a recreation of Platform 9 ¾ before heading deeper into the world of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Magical Guided Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter description:

Your 6-hour Warner Bros. Studio tour includes:

Transportation to and from London’s Euston Station

Shuttle to and from Warner Bros. Studios

Behind-the-scenes guided studio tour of The Making of Harry Potter

Timed entry with no lines

Maximum group size of 8

Official English-speaking expert studio guide

The Great Hall

Prepare to be amazed as you enter the enchanted Great Hall. This grand candlelit room within Hogwarts Castle was the central meeting place for students. They gathered here for meals, to collect the owl post, and for special occasions like the Sorting Ceremony and most importantly, the final defeat of Lord Voldemort.

Diagon Alley

Where do wizards shop? Why, Diagon Alley, of course! Walk the dream-like cobblestone streets where Hogwarts students sourced their supplies. Pass by Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Bank, and Eeylops Owl Emporium.

Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 ¾

Board the famous, muggle-inspired train carriage for a photo op like no other! At Platform 9 ¾, you’ll have ample time to snap a picture of yourself holding on to your disappearing luggage cart.

Gryffindor common room

Experience the grandeur of this cozy, elegant space where scholarly wizards would come relax after a long day of spell-casting. Admire the portrait-clad walls and cushy armchairs as the filtered light streams in through the arched windows.

Boys’ dormitory

Visit the sleeping quarters of Harry, Ron, Neville, Dean, and Seamus. Filled with original luxurious wooden furniture, the iconic four-poster beds, and draped in rich red curtains, this is where the wizards laid their heads at night.

Hagrid’s Hut

See the quaint wooden cabin that was home to the Gamekeeper and rather eccentric Hogwart’s teacher. Looking through the gently dimmed light, you’ll spot all kinds of treasures perched on the walls and tucked between crowded bookshelves.

Potions classroom

Enter the largest dungeon in all of Hogwarts Castle. See where potions were perfected as studious wizards concocted wild recipes in this chilly, subterranean space.

Dumbledore’s office

Prepare to have your interest piqued- just as Harry’s was upon entering the Headmaster’s office for the first time. You’ll see the circular walls lined with past inhabitants, snoozing among the countless tiny treasures.

Forbidden Forest

Travel to the furthest edges of Hogwarts and prepare for a scare as you enter the Forbidden Forest. The dense canopy shrouds you in mystery as you navigate the terrain of Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog the Acromantula. Wander among the elaborate roots of 19 tall trees and learn how to control the weather like a wizard.

" data-expanded-text="hide full description "> show full description

What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

0 total reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Wear comfortable shoes that’ll keep your feet dry and cushioned for this 6-hour tour. Packing layers is advised since you’ll be both indoors and outdoors during the duration of the tour, including transportation transfers. Food and beverages aren’t included, so bring cash if you want to stop for a drink or snack along the way.

Wear comfortable shoes that’ll keep your feet dry and cushioned for this 6-hour tour. Packing layers is advised since you’ll be both indoors and outdoors during the duration of the tour, including transportation transfers. Food and beverages aren’t included, so bring cash if you want to stop for a drink or snack along the way.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in London.

How comprehensive are the site-seeing portions of this tour?

This is an exclusive tour of the actual Warner Bros. studio where the Harry Potter series was filmed. It doesn’t get more in-depth than this! For longer guided tours that include the Harry Potter studio experience and more of England’s most important sights, check out Harry Potter Studio & Oxford from London: Magic Behind the Scenes or The Magic of Harry Potter: Warner Bros Studios & Walking Tour of London

Is food included in the price of the tour?

No, but you'll have plenty of opportunities to find delicious food and grab a bite on the go. We're happy to recommend our favorite spots, but your local guide is sure to point you in the right direction, too.

Why do I have to pay for my child who's under 5 years old?

Since this trip includes transportation and the group size is limited to 8 guests, all passengers on the tour incur a charge. For the round trip train and bus tickets, young children take up the same space as teens and adults. This tour is deeply discounted for children 0-4 years old.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

You may also like

Skip the Line

London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London

Explore Buckingham Palace, see the Crown Jewels, take a river cruise on the Thames, and more!

( 205 ) as low as $164.24

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

Travel the River Thames by boat then dive into British history at London's famous fortress

( 322 ) as low as $93.20

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

Explore royal history at London's famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace's ceremony

( 292 ) as low as $79.88

Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters

Witness a centuries-old tradition before seeing the crown jewels with fewer crowds

( 21 ) From: $108.78

Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters

Hear legends from a Guard in the Bloody Tower before your full tour of the fortress

( 14 ) From: $99.85

Small Group Day Tour of Bath, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge from London

Explore the rich history of England with an ultimate historic experience covering three iconic sites

( 35 ) From: $212.57

The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour

Fancy yourself as Royalty as you tour the State Rooms, Throne Room and Royal Collection.

( 10 ) From: $87.69

Private Tower of London Tour

Follow your private guide to London's most infamous fortress by way of River Thames cruise

( 14 ) From: $563.88

Private Tour

Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour

Dive deep into London's history at the famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace

From: $559.44

Windsor, Stonehenge, & Bath Full-Day Tour with Lacock Pub Lunch from London

Enjoy coach travel, early entry to Windsor Castle, and a pub lunch on this action-packed day trip

as low as $207.63

Full-Day Stonehenge and Avebury Tour From London

Experience mysterious stone circles and quaint villages with a small group and expert guide

From: $140.97

Skip the Line Churchill's War Rooms and Westminster Small Group Tour

Explore the preserved Secret Bunkers in London, where D-Day and the fall of Hitler were planned

( 9 ) From: $102.68

Kensington Gardens tour with Royal High Tea

Enjoy an intimate tour of Kensington Palace Gardens that ends with traditional English High Tea

( 2 ) From: $155.40

Downtown London Donut Crawl: A Sweet Journey Through the City

A tasty tour through Historic Borough Market and beyond

From: $60.00

Water Activity

The Ultimate London Speedboat Adventure

Experience Big Ben, Tower Bridge & More in Thrilling Fashion with a Small Group

( 7 ) From: $77.70

Private London in a Day Tour

Discover London's deep history at Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and the Changing of the Guard

( 5 ) From: $1,048.95

Soho Eats: A Delicious Evening Walking Tour

Uncover the history of rock-n-roll in London while sampling delicious local food

( 4 ) From: $170.94

Morning Food Tour Through Borough Market and London

Taste local delicacies, explore the neighborhood near the iconic Bridge, and end with a cold pint

( 4 ) From: $117.66

Flavors of London’s East End: Small Group Food Tour

Check this vibrant neighborhood off your bucket list with local food tastings

From: $126.54

Harry Potter Studio & Oxford from London: Magic Behind the Scenes

Roam the streets of Oxford, visit Hogwarts Castle, and hop aboard the Hogwarts Express!

( 3 ) From: $183.15

From London: Warner Bros Studios & Walking Tour of Oxford in a Small Group

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and immerse yourself in a historic university city

From: $222.00

Royal Hampton Court Palace Tour with Afternoon Tea

Immerse yourself in regal history as you tour the palace grounds and experience afternoon tea

From: $180.93

British Museum Guided Tour in London

Admire this world-famous historic collection with the help of an expert guide

( 3 ) From: $61.05

London Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

On a 35-minute flight, soar above Central London, the River Thames, and Surrey countryside

From: $976.80

Private Harry Potter Black Cab Tour Through London

See where the magic of Harry Potter came to life as you drive to Gringotts Wizarding Bank and stroll

From: $455.10

Private London Highlights Black Cab Tour

Zip through London’s captivating streets as you explore the city’s top monuments, historic landmarks

Full-Day Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

Journey back in time to experience the mysteries of ancient stones and historic Roman baths

From: $123.21

The Making of Harry Potter Studios with Exclusive Champagne Reception

Raise a glass in the Great Hall, wander down Diagon Alley, and hop aboard the Hogwarts Express!

From: $260.85

Premium Westminster Abbey Tour with Breakfast and London Eye

Avoid lines and witness the storied sites of royal ceremonies, then soar above the London skyline

From: $169.83

Top tours customers bought with this tour:

Thank you for letting us know how your experience was!

Tell us about your experience.

If you need to book more than 7 guests on this tour, contact us at [email protected] A travel Expert will get back to you to arrange all the details.

Europe is re-opening for visitors!

Want to see which small group tours are now operating ?

More tours added weekly!

See Open Tours

• Travel Blog
• In The Press
• Top Attractions

Policy & Terms

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• USA or Canada: +1 888 290 5595
• Email: [email protected]

© 2024 - The Tour Guy All rights reserved.

Sign up on TourScanner

Compare guided tours from multiple websites.

Recently viewed

Things to do near you, best places to visit in russia.

Get inspired:

Top attractions, top destinations, what makes tourscanner different.

Smart Booking

Search 30 top travel websites all at once.

Unmatched Selection

Browse over 1 Million curated tours and activities worldwide.

Unbeatable Prices

Compare offers and get the best deal.

Travel with the best activities always in your pocket

Enjoy the app-optimized navigation experience

Join our newsletter

We’ll send you a nice newsletter once per week. No spam.

Popular on TourScanner

• 0 £0.00 GBP
• Collections
• Departments

Best Sellers

Create your own trunk.

• Platform 9¾
• Fantastic Beasts

Personalisation

• All Products
• Hoodies + Sweatshirts
• Accessories
• Spirit Jerseys
• Pin Seeking
• Mugs and Drinkware
• Home Furnishings
• Baby: Age 0-12 months
• Kids: Age 3-10 years
• Harry Potter LEGO
• Personalised Wands
• Harry Potter Character Wands
• Fantastic Beasts Character Wands
• Celebration Wands

Clothing Collection

Sweet Trolley

Trunk Station

Harry potter, ron weasley, hermione granger.

• Luna Lovegood
• Draco Malfoy
• Newt Scamander

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Souvenir Guidebook

The perfect memento of your day, or maybe a fun way to prepare for your trip, the official paperback souvenir guide of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, invites you to discover the behind-the-scenes stories of the authentic props, sets and costumes from the Harry Potter film series you can discover at the tour.

Featuring stunning photography throughout, this Warner Bros. Studio Tour Souvenir Guidebook makes the perfect gift for the Wizarding World fan who has everything. We will send you the latest version available.

• Shipping and handling
• Returns and exchanges

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

For more information: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

You may also like

Add personalisation for £5 more, add your details.

*Please note, our Personalised Hogwarts Acceptance Letter is only able to be ordered using characters from the English alphabet. Please also ensure that all sections of the personalisation form are filled out and that sections are not left blank.

Add your initials

Personalise your own famous witch or wizard card.

• 2 && knownFors.indexOf(item) === -1}]" > 2 && knownFors.indexOf(item) === -1" >

Personalise Your Own Poster

In order to maintain poster print quality, we recommend image dimensions meet a minimum of 1892 x 2504 px.

Would you like to add the items in your cart to this Trunk?

Please Login

Only Harry Potter Fan Club members may create custom trunks. Please login or remove your Personalised Trunk.

Items that cannot fit inside the trunk will be shipped separately.

Currently, we are only allowing one Hogwarts School Trunk per order if you have a Personalised Trunk.

We are only allowing a total of 3 Nail Varnish products per cart.

You have the maximum number of in your cart.

Click below to continue creating your very own trunk.

Congratulations on choosing to create your own trunk!

Please select your trunk.

You have more than one trunk in your cart. Currently, you will only be able to check out with one Personalised Trunk in your order. Please select the trunk you would like to keep.

You have more than one trunk in your cart. Currently, you will only be able to check out with one Personalised Trunk in your order.

Personalise Your Trunk

Remove Your Personalised Gift Trunk?

Remove this trunk and its contents?

Create Your Own Trunk is currently unavailable.

Join or log into the Harry Potter Fan Club for the best experience. Unlock exclusive access and special offers on your Harry Potter favourites and products from around the Wizarding World through the Harry Potter Fan Club .

By clicking ‘proceed,’ you agree to Wizarding World Digital LLC sharing your name, email address, gold/silver status, birth month, birth day, house, and wand information with us for purposes of providing services to you, personalizing your experience on the store, and providing you with Fan Club discounts, if applicable.

In order to unlink your Harry Potter Fan Club account from the Harry Potter Shop, please contact us .

‘Harry Potter’ Attraction Abandons Riders Upside Down, Safety Protocol Fails

in Universal Studios

Universal will not be able to use magic to make this lawsuit disappear.

Universal Studios Hollywood is undergoing a lawsuit after four guests were hung in a dangerous position and left “abandoned” for a lengthy period of time after riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was and still is a groundbreaking attraction at Universal Studios theme parks, known for its immersive experience and cutting-edge technology. It opened at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, on June 18, 2010, and later at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.

The ride takes guests on a journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where they encounter iconic characters from the Harry Potter series, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, and other magical creatures.

The plot revolves around a visit to Hogwarts for a tour of the castle, which quickly turns into an adventure when guests are enlisted to help Harry and his friends retrieve a lost item. Along the way, they encounter challenges, magical creatures, and scenes from the beloved books and films. It is truly both terrifying and magical, and feels like you are flying through the series in mere minutes.

According to news site The Blast , “Four individuals are suing Universal Studios Hollywood in California after their cart on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride was left stranded in midair. According to the suit… Debra Biane, Gerald Scott Biane, Josh Taylorson, and Sami-Joh Goldberg, are suing the California theme park after riding the ‘Harry Potter’ attraction and suffering “severe injuries and incurred medical expenses.”

Around April 7, 2022, the four patrons visiting the theme park reported that while riding the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, the ride abruptly halted, leaving their cart suspended midair at an angle, causing them to tilt backward and to the right. Debra, Gerald, Josh, and Sam-Joh allege that they remained in this position for about an hour before the cart was eventually adjusted to an upright position.

Subsequently, after approximately thirty minutes in the upright position, the cart was maneuvered to the catwalk, allowing the four individuals to disembark from the rollercoaster.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has had many malfunctions in the past, causing guests to either be stuck in an uncomfortable position for a lengthy period of time or to evacuate. This is not out of the ordinary, as nearly every theme park attraction breaks down from time to time, but there are areas in this ride that are less than ideal for ” hanging out.”

I myself have been stuck on this ride during the whomping willow scene, where the ride vehicle is nearly flipped upside down. In my case, I just had to remain in that position for a few minutes before the ride started back up again, but there were guests screaming for help. We were given the chance to ride again due to the technical issues, and unfortunately, the ride once again broke down.

All of that is to say, this experience is not a total shock, considering the ride’s history.

The lawsuit claims the “rollercoaster clearly malfunctioned,” and the guests were “left in a position which subjected them to severe injuries for an unreasonable and dangerous amount of time.”

The Blast continued to note, “The lawsuit further states that the malfunction of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rollercoaster “constituted a dangerous and/or unsafe condition” that subjected those who were riding “an unreasonable risk of injuries.”

The four individuals claim Universal Studios Hollywood should have known that the coaster “would malfunction and stop mid-ride,” but they “failed to properly inspect, maintain, and/or repair” the coaster “to adequately address this risk and prevent [the ride] from causing injuries to those who rode.”

Additionally, the four individuals accuse Universal Studios Hollywood of failing “to implement proper procedures to safely bring the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rollercoaster to its landing for the safe exit by those who rode this [ride], and to prevent them from being suspended for an unreasonable amount of time.”

“The failure to implement and execute proper procedures for the safe and timely exit from the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rollercoaster in the event of a malfunction” allowed the riders to suffer “severe injuries, and incurred medical expenses and general damages in an amount to be proven at the time of trial.”

Debra Biane, Gerald Scott Biane, Josh Taylorson, and Sami-Joh Goldberg have filed a lawsuit seeking damages, with the exact amount unspecified in the complaint but stated to exceed $25,000.

The ride has undergone two other lawsuits from rider injury — one in 2016 and one in 2018.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the main attraction for guests . The other attraction, Flight of the Hippogriff, is a much smaller kids’ coaster. At Universal Orlando Resort, there are other major Harry Potter -themed rides, such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Soon, Epic Universe will also hold a ride themed to the Ministry of Magic.

Have you ever been stuck on a theme park attraction? What went wrong? 

We’ve Tracked Down The Harry Potter Foods You Can Actually Eat

Posted: April 15, 2024 | Last updated: April 15, 2024

Magical Harry Potter snacks

As all true Potterheads (Harry Potter super fans) know, there’s many a tasty treat on offer in the wizarding world. Is it any wonder then that a plethora of spellbinding snacks inspired by the Potterverse have made their way into real life? Here’s our round-up of the best Harry Potter foods to eat around the globe, from the classic Butterbeer concoction to a potent Polyjuice Potion and an edible Golden Snitch.

Accio Surprisō, The Sorcerer's Bar, Adelaide, Australia

Ask the bartender for an Accio Surprisō at  The Sorcerer's Bar  in Adelaide, Australia, and who knows what you'll get – they magic up a surprise cocktail every time. Several other Harry Potter-themed drinks are served at this tiny, sorcery-themed spot, including Half Blood Sangria and Polyjuice Potion, which comes presented in a cauldron.

Butterbeer sweets, Phoenix Book Café, Klagenfurt, Austria

A bewitching array of Potter-inspired food and drinks are on offer at this enchanting one-of-a-kind café bookshop , including Moony’s Chocolate Mousse, OWL Toast and Molly’s Cauldron Cake (a charming nod to the Weasley matriarch). Fans with an especially sweet tooth should seize the opportunity to stock up on Butterbeer-flavored chocolate bars and chewy candies, too.

Avocad-abra, Lumos and Nox: Breakfast House & Chamber of Spirits, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

We can easily imagine Harry tucking into this hearty waffle sandwich after a particularly exhausting Quidditch match. Packed full of avocado, bacon, spinach, tomato and mayo, the Avocad-abra is a menu favorite at themed dining hall Lumos and Nox in Ontario, Canada. 

Elves' Delicacy: The Magic, Budapest, Hungary

The menu at whimsical Harry Potter-inspired spot  The Magic  in Budapest isn`t short on spellbinding options. From the Famous Magic Waffles to the Wizard Kids’ Food, not forgetting Hambgrid’s Giant Burger, there’s something for every hungry Muggle here. The Elves Delicacy, featuring a trio of burgers topped with magic sauce, is a particularly popular option.  

Hedwig Burger, El Mesón de los 3 Magos, Mexico City, Mexico

The menu at El Mesón de los 3 Magos in Mexico City is packed with Potter-themed options, from drinks to desserts, as well as main meals. The (thankfully owl free) Hedwig Burger brings Potter fans a generous helping of grilled bison meat nestled in a fluffy brioche bun and topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, Cheddar cheese and pickles. 

Charing Cross Road prime rib-eye, Platform 1094, Serangood Road, Singapore

At  Platform 1094 , a Potter-themed café in Singapore known for its theatrical food and drinks, you can tuck into the Charing Cross Road prime rib-eye. Served with brown sauce, grilled corn, broccoli, onion and mashed beetroot, this is the sort of dish that could help fuel any magical duel.

House Elves special pork ribs, Platform 1094, Serangood Road, Singapore

Another favorite from  Platform 1094 , this feast of meal (dreamt up by House Elves, no less) features buttercream-poached pork ribs drizzled with pesto mayo and served with grilled corn, broccoli, onion, pickled beetroot and mashed potatoes. In short, it’s the sort of dish that would make Dobby proud.

Carrot and beetroot soup, Platform 1094, Serangood Road, Singapore

Just like Harry was no ordinary boy, this is no ordinary soup. At Platform 1094, the vibrantly colored beetroot and carrot soup comes served in a cauldron-like bowl, accompanied by an edible magic wand (read breadstick). With a bit of imagination, this rich and flavorsome broth could well give you magical powers.

Mr Lich’s Butterscotch Ale, Platform 1094, Serangood Road, Singapore

Shh… this particular potion is Platform 1094’s secret recipe. Non-alcoholic and creamy, Mr Lich’s Butterscotch Ale is said to be a fun twist on the traditional Potterhead drink of choice, Butterbeer. Just the thing for sipping by the fireplace in the Gryffindor Common Room, the café also serves an alcoholic version of the drink in the form of Mr Lich’s Flaming Brew, for those who fancy a tipple with a bit more punch.

Chocolate Frogs, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Watford, Hertfordshire, England, UK

The chocolate frog is arguably one of the most famous snacks from the Hogwarts Express lunch trolley. This riff on the idea is made from milk chocolate and, just like in the movie, comes packaged in a classic violet and gold Honeydukes box with a collectable wizard card. Fans will love reading about Godric Griffindor, Albus Dumbledore, Gilderoy Lockhart or Rowena Ravenclaw while they enjoy their sweet treat.

Exploding Bon Bons, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Watford, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Ready for an eye-popping treat? These white chocolate sweets have a real kick to them. Filled with orange and pineapple flavored truffle, they contain candies that crackle and fizz on your tongue, creating an explosive sensation. For those up for the challenge, they’re available to buy from Honeydukes as part of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Watford, Hertfordshire, England, UK

If you've always fancied trying Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, the curious confectionery from the lunch trolley on board the Hogwarts Express, here’s your chance. With 20 flavors, from marshmallow and tutti-frutti to grass and earwax, you could end up with either a delicious –or disgusting – jellybean bite. Available at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, they're perfect for keeping kids entertained, too.

Wizards Magic chocolate bars, The Shop That Must Not Be Named, York, England, UK

Located on The Shambles, the street said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, The Shop That Must Not Be Named is packed full of Harry Potter memorabilia, much of it edible. The Wizards Magic chocolate bars come in an array of interesting flavors: tea, wolfberry, coffee, toffee and Manuka honey included. Perfect for sweet-toothed sorcerers.

Chocolate Golden Snitch, The Shop That Must Not Be Named, York, England, UK

Have you ever dreamt of catching your very own Golden Snitch? Well, now’s your chance. This magical gift shop in York sells a solid milk chocolate sphere molded to resemble the nifty gleaming ball. It comes with a Quidditch rules sheet too, making it a lovely keepsake for a Harry Potter fan.

Chocolate Wands, The Shop That Must Not Be Named, York, England, UK

Say “Accio” to these edible chocolate wands, shaped to resemble those of Harry, Dumbledore, Ron and Hermione. Potter’s wand, in particular, is a dead ringer for his 11-inch, phoenix feather holly wand. Rattle off a few spells before tucking into these tasty treats.

The Dark Lord, The Department Of Magic, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

The Department Of Magic in Edinburgh, Scotland is the place to go for a truly Potter-esque experience. Head to the Magic Potions Tavern and order The Dark Lord, a beguiling mix of dark rum, Malibu, Curacao and pineapple juice (with juicy brains and bone fragments). There's also cocktail making classes and an escape room on offer here.

Butterbeer, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA

There’s no beverage more iconic in the Potterverse than Butterbeer. Available at Universal Studio's The Fountain of Fair Fortune, you can choose between boozy and non-alcoholic varieties. A fan-favorite, this smooth beverage is the perfect blend of shortbread and butterscotch flavors. If you've got a sweet tooth, you'll enjoy every sip.

Butterbeer Potted Cream, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA

Butterbeer aficionados will love this butterscotch-hued creamy custard also from Universal Studios. Inspired by British clotted cream, Butterbeer Potted Cream is served drizzled with a salty, buttery sauce and presented in a mason jar. A dollop of whipped cream adds a final dash of indulgence.

No-Melt ice cream, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA

Universal Studios’ pumpkin-flavoured No-Melt ice cream is made from swirls of thick, sunset orange frosting and comes topped with a ginger snap cookie. As the name suggests (and Potterheads will attest), this 'ice cream' won't melt, making it just the thing to enjoy in the sunshine while strolling through Diagon Alley. You can find it at Honeydukes, the legendary candy shop in Hogsmeade at Universal Studios. 

Skiving Snack Box, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA

Whether you’re a fan of practical jokes or not, the Skiving Snack Box from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes is a must-try. Packed full with the likes of Fainting Fancies, Nosebleed Nougat, Puking Pastilles and Fever Fudge, the snacks pay homage to inventions created by the Weasley twins to help students look poorly enough to skive school. Don't worry though, you’ll experience no ill effects from tucking into these goodies.  

Butterbrew, Bad Owl Coffee, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

A twist on the wizarding world’s favorite drink, the ButterBrew is a butterscotch-flavored, sweet cream-topped beverage created by the roasters at Bad Owl Coffee . It’s also caffeine and alcohol free, meaning that Harry Potter fans of all ages can enjoy it.

Serum of Loose Lips, The Cauldron, New York, USA

The Serum of Loose Lips cocktail is inspired by Veritaserum, a powerful truth draught used in the Pottersphere to make wizards reveal their deepest, darkest secrets. Available at  The Cauldron in New York, a stylish bar that celebrates all things supernatural, it contains a heady mix of vodka, Aperol, peach, vanilla, lemon and milk.

Polyjuice Potion, Always Coffee & Butterbeer, Hanoi, Vietnam

If you find yourself in Hanoi and in need of a delicious elixir, Always Coffee & Butterbeer is the place to go and Polyjuice Potion is the drink to order. While the ice-blended tipple with its hints of strawberry, peach and mint might not transform you into another person, it will certainly leave you feeling refreshed.

Liked this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveFOOD

Now read all about the greatest food tv shows and films of all time

More for You

Knife attack at Sydney church a terror incident, Australia police say

John Oliver Laughs at 'Cluelessness' of CNN Host Pointing Out 1860s Were Bad for Women - to a Black Man

Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell stuns 'American Idol' judges: 'That is a hit record'

Popular media company files for bankruptcy, plans to liquidate

John Jacob Astor IV was one of the richest men in the world when he died on the Titanic. Here's a look at his life.

New doc uncovers racism and inappropriate behavior at popular retailer

7 CDs You Probably Owned, Threw Out and Now Are Worth Bank

Bill Maher rips sanctuary city 'hypocrites' turning away migrants: Abbott, DeSantis 'called their bluff'

Netflix's Chilling New Series Debuts With Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Taylor Swift Smashes Another Record

I became a millionaire at age 27—here are 4 'unpopular' rules rich people follow that most don't

Of course a Tesla fan called the police on a Rivian driver who dared to use a Supercharger station

10 Countries To Live Outside the US That Are So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job

US sends ‘strategic messaging’ to Iran: Jennifer Griffin

How to delete your personal information from the internet

No Doubt brings Olivia Rodrigo onstage for rousing rendition of 2000 hit 'Bathwater'

I spent 5 years interviewing 233 millionaires—here are 5 things they never waste money on

How to revive hair that thins, grays or gets out of control as you age

Bentley, Porsche, Rolls-Royce see sales plunge after mandatory green plate rule on company cars

THE 10 BEST Moscow Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing tours in moscow.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Moscow Private Tours

2. Mosstreets

3. Moscow Free Tour

4. Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours

5. Go Russia Travel Company

6. Privilege Tour

7. Moscow Navigator

8. Put-in Tours

9. Walks With Folks

10. Moscow Bike Tours

11. Happy Moscow Tours

12. IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow

13. Excursions in Russia

14. Tsar Visit

15. MoscowMe

16. Tour Gratis Moscu

17. Gorodskoi Voyazh

18. MoskvaHod

19. Russia With Love

20. Angel Taxi - Day Tour

21. Moscow With Locals

22. Big Skolkovo Tour

23. Visota Tour

24. The Guide in Moscow

25. Guiamoscow Tour/Guia en Moscu en espanol

26. We Heart Moscow

27. Rutransfers Guides and Tours

28. City Sightseeing Moscow

29. Mos-Tour

30. Lovely Russia Tours

What travelers are saying

• Put-in Tours
• Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours
• Walks With Folks
• Happy Moscow Tours
• IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow
• Moscow Private Tours
• Tour Gratis Moscu
• Moscow Bike Tours
• Moscow Navigator
• Angel Taxi - Day Tour
• Excursions in Russia
• Rutransfers Guides and Tours

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.