Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio ()
When J.K. Rowling first introduced the world to “the boy who lived,” she created a spellbinding, magical, wizarding world that blended with the actual “muggle” world. The Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden on the outskirts of London is where the magic moved from the page to the screen. If you’re a Potterhead or are looking for an enchanting way to spend the day, head to The Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter.
It’s Not the Wizarding World — It’s Better
On our first visit to the studio, my tweenagers were giddy with excitement. They had seen photos of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios and thought it would be similar. I quickly realized I needed to temper their expectations. Aside from having a broom fly into your hand, there are no rides (minus the “line ride” of getting inside). But there is so much more.
We were ushered into a movie theater once we moved through the entrance and past the cupboard under the stairs. After a brief introductory movie, the set lifted, and we found ourselves immersed in an enchanting experience. There’s a vast expanse to discover from Hagrid’s Hut, Dumbledore’s office and Molly Weasley’s kitchen to the Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest. My kids loved sitting in Snape’s Potions class and the Flying Car.
Hagrid’s hut at Warner Bros. Studio ()
While there are plenty of computer-generated graphics in the movies, the details in the set designs, props and costumes are incredible. The door panels on the Great Hall are meticulously carved, and the purposeful imperfections and flaws sewn into the fabrics and prosthetics are painstakingly perfect.
Are you feeling a bit peckish? Head to the Food Hall for a bite while sitting beneath the floating candles made famous in the Great Hall. Fancy a Butterbeer? The Backlot Café is the only place in Europe with this decadent drink on tap. If you’re in the mood for more desserts, the Chocolate Frog Café offers plenty of chocolate, ice cream and other sweet treats. For a more elegant experience, you can opt for an afternoon tea.
Helpful Hints and Tips
Be sure to take your obligatory photo of Platform 9 ¾ at the studio. While there’s an option to do it at London King’s Cross train station, the one at the studio is more authentic, and there is usually no line. At King’s Cross, there is often a long line and crowds spilling out of the adjacent Harry Potter Shop.
There are several different options for taking the tour. The first time we went, we ended up purchasing tickets through Viator.com. We met at Victoria Station in central London and took a coach (bus) to the studio. The second time, we did an ITT tour through RAF Alconbury. Both were fantastic options, as they included transportation and entry to the studio. However, if you want to arrange it yourself, you can purchase tickets directly through the Warner Bros. website: www.wbstudiotour.co.uk.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour ()
