What’s At The Harry Potter Studio Tour?

You might be a die-hard fan of the Harry Potter books and films, or maybe you don’t know your Nimbus 2000 from your Cleansweep 7 broomstick… either way, there is no denying that the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a brilliant day out for the whole family to enjoy!

We’ve put together a round up of what to expect; from iconic sets and magical props to fabulous photo opportunities and brilliant gift shops. 

The Sets

Even if you’ve just watched the very first film, you’re sure to be amazed by the enormous scale of the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Upon arrival, you will have the chance to walk into the Great Hall, which provided the backdrop to some wonderful scenes throughout the film series, including the start of term feasts, the Yule Ball and the unforgettable Battle of Hogwarts. Other highlights include a spooky walk through the Forbidden Forest and Platform Nine and Three-Quarters; complete with the shiny, red Hogwarts Express and the chance to grab a photo pushing your school trunk through the brick wall. ‘’Best do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous!’’

Wander down the cobblestone Diagon Alley, which features brilliantly detailed shop fronts, including Ollivanders, the garish Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Later on, there is even the opportunity to see the grand, marbled interior of the banking hall with its gallery of Goblins and sparkling vaults...but thieves, beware…a fiery surprise awaits!

The Props

If you were amazed by the size of the sets, then prepare to be dazzled by the incredible and intricately-detailed props. We’re talking about everything from hundreds of potion bottles stuffed with shrunken heads and individually-designed confectionery packages to flying keys and over forty editions of the Daily Prophet (coffee stained to achieve that old-fashioned look, of course!)

Other wonderful objects to look out for include the goblet of fire, Dumbledore’s memory cabinet, the golden snitch and even a magically self-stirring cauldron!

Photo Opportunities 

Don’t miss your chance to take some selfies to remember your day out at the Studio Tour! While you can purchase professionally-taken photographs using the green screen to fly a broomstick, catch a ride in the Weasley’s Ford Anglia or aboard the Hogwarts Express, there are plenty of other locations to grab a fab family pic. 

Most of our favourite photo opportunities are outside in the Backlot, where you will find the bright purple, triple-decker Knight Bus, Hagrid’s Motorcycle (complete with the sidecar), the iconic Hogwarts bridge and the exterior of Number Four Privet Drive. 

Food and Drink

The Studio has seriously upped its refreshment offering over the years! What started out as a humble Backlot Café offering hot dogs and fries has since evolved to include a variety of eateries including The Chocolate Frog Café (expect sweet treats, milkshakes and speciality hot chocolates), The Hub Café; think sandwiches and baked goods, and The Food Hall which offers hot breakfast baguettes, burgers, pizza and fish and chips. 

A trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour is not complete without sampling a Butterbeer or two! This sweet, butterscotch flavoured (non-alcoholic) beverage is available in lovely collectable tankards. 

The Gift Shops

‘’Shelves upon shelves of the most succulent-looking sweets imaginable. Creamy chunks of nougat, shimmering pink squares of coconut ice, fat, honey-coloured toffees; hundreds of different kinds of chocolate in neat rows.’’ Remember the excitement Harry felt when he walked into Honeydukes for the very first time? Experience that feeling for yourself as you browse the studio’s three gift shops!

Got a sweet tooth? Stock up on Chocolate Frogs, Exploding Bon Bons, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Peppermint Toads and more. Looking to splash out? Get kitted out in your house colours with robes, scarves, sweatshirts and socks in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin styles. Short on sickles? Not to worry, you can purchase small souvenirs too, such as prefect badges, keyrings, tiny collectables and fridge magnets. Oh, and there are even replica Marauder’s Maps available too. ‘’Mischief Managed!’’

Are you ready to step behind the scenes and experience the filmmaking magic for yourself? Various features run throughout the year (that are included in the price of the tour), such as the Celebration of the Dark Arts or the fabulously festive Hogwarts in the Snow, so no matter what time of year you join our Harry Potter Studio Tour break, ‘Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.'