Top tips for visiting Harry Potter Studio Tour

On the outskirts of London, there is an enchanting place where muggle and wizarding worlds collide. If you’re wondering what a muggle is, this might not be the article for you.

Harry Potter is one of the biggest franchises to come out of the UK. A bordering-on-manic fandom has kept the story alive from the first book’s publication in 1997 and long beyond the final film’s premiere in 2011.

In fact, we’re so eager to lose ourselves in the world of magic that another quintology is in the making; the first instalment of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was released in November 2016.

Warner Bros have continued to draw in crowds by turning their film studios in Watford into a Potterhead haven. You can book your very own trip to Hogwarts for the humble sum of £37.

You’ll be invited to meander at your leisure through the Warner Bros Studio Tour, admiring props and costumes from the film franchise and learning magical secrets from behind the scenes. If you’re planning a trip, here are some tips to make the most of it.

Book Early

The tour is self-led, but you do need to book an entry slot before you go. If you’ve got your heart set on specific dates, you’ll want to do this as far in advance as you can – weekends especially fill up quickly.

You might also want to book your tour early in the day, as well. The only time limit on the tour is closing time; so the earlier you start, the more time you have to enjoy the magic.

Save on London Hotels

A trip to London can be a pricey experience for mere muggles. The studio is on the outskirts though, which means a savvy tourist can save some galleons on hotel bookings.

Comparison websites are useful for getting an idea of room rates; but hotels usually offer their best rates direct, or at least a guarantee to beat prices you find elsewhere.

A great example of this is the Village Hotel Watford – their offers are great, but only available directly on their website.

Check the weather

It’s tempting to bung your coat in the cloakroom (or even leave it at home) so you can roam uninhibited around the tour.

But beware! Some of the sets, including Privet Drive, are in the backlot outside – and you need to go through it to continue your tour. There will be no avoiding the weather.

The Backlot Café is also where you can enjoy a Butterbeer ice-cream cone at any time of year. It’s not worth missing out on for cold weather, so take something warm!

Prepare to be enchanted

It’s hard not to get caught up in the magic of the tour. The filmmakers put a lot of effort into practical effects, and all of that is there to experience on the tour.

But the CGI effects aren’t forgotten either, with plenty of opportunities for guests to get in front of the green screen!

Have we missed anything? If you’ve been to the Warner Bros Studio Tours, leave a comment with your best tip to get the most out of the tour.