The Harry Potter story, the books and the films, is a cultural legacy for the UK, and in particular for the city of London. In this article, we reveal everything you need to know about visiting Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios.
One of the best things to see and do in London is to visit places linked to the Harry Potter books and films. Indeed, millions of people around the world are true fans of this famous saga. Today, tours take visitors to the Harry Potter harry Potter Park with a transfer from Londonto see where many scenes from this cinematic saga were filmed.
We invite you to continue reading this article, where we've put together some important information about visiting these film studios. You can find out more about the budget, how long it takes or how to get to Harry Potter Park in London.
How much does it cost to visit Harry Potter Studios in London?
Most tours of Harry Potter Studios, including round-trip transfers, cost between €110 and €140 per person on official ticket and tour websites such as Hellotickets. This price includes the bus journey from central London to Warner Bros. headquarters on the outskirts of the city, and entry to the park.
Booking a tour with transport included is the easiest option, especially for those planning a visit with children. The bus departs from central London and travels directly to Warner Bros. Studios, dropping visitors off in central London after a busy day at the park. A single ticket costs around 70 euros.
How do I get to Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios in London?
Visiting the Harry Potter park at Warner Bros. headquarters is easy enough. Several types of tour are offered during the tourist season, from May to December. It all depends on the service you choose and how you want to enhance your visit.
For example, some tours take you directly to the studios from central London, departing by bus from the famous King's Cross station, one of the Harry Potter filming locations to be discovered. Depending on where you're staying in London, you can also choose to depart from other parts of the city, such as Russell Square.
Other excursions allow you to visit both the studios and the city ofOxford, 30 km from central London.
Prices for this type of excursion range from 100 to 150 euros per person. Lower rates are available for under-18s. You can save money by taking part in other Harry Potter tours of London and discovering iconic London locations that also featured in the film.
Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios London opening times
The opening hours of these studios located in North London depend on the months of the year. They are open from May to December and closed the rest of the year, the winter season being a period of lower tourist demand. Studios are generally open from 8am to 10pm during the peak tourist season. The rest of the time, they are open from 9am to 8pm , except on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
How are the tours of the Harry Potter Warner Bros. studios in London organized?
All guided tours of Harry Potter Studios usually depart from a meeting point in the city center. This can be Russell Square or the famous Kings Cross station, a tourist destination in its own right.
From there, the journey begins to Warner Bros. headquarters, where fans meet and get to know each other. Once inside the studios, you can explore the whole park at your own pace , discovering places like the Great Hall, known as the place where characters from the films met and ate during their school days at Hogwarts.
As the tour lasts several hours, you can have lunch in the cafeteria inside the studios. The atmosphere is directly inspired by the films.
Are there guided tours of these studios, and is it worthwhile?
The Harry Potter studios at Warner Bros. headquarters operate in the same way as an amusement park. This means that the facilities are very well signposted. Most of them also offer interactive experiences. You'll feel as if you're in the Weasley store, or walking through the spooky areas of the Forbidden Forest.
Although the tours themselves are unguided, several sections have staff on hand to show visitors around the facilities.
Who has access to Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios in London?
Harry Potter Studios in Watford, north London, is open to all Harry Potter fans, who will be able to enjoy every one of the park's attractions to relive scenes from the saga. Those who simply wish to see the locations where scenes from one of the most important film series of the 21st century were shot can also visit the park.
Although transfer tours to Harry Potter Studios are not a wheelchair-friendly activity, other types of experiences linked to the English wizard saga are accessible to wheelchair users. These include the Harry Potter City Tour, a fun, interactive experience that takes visitors to the most iconic locations in the films. All tours are suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Another good idea is to visit some of the best Harry Potter stores in London. At least if you want to make a few purchases related to this fun literary story.
How do I get to Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios from central London?
One of the first options for getting to the studio from London is to take the tube to London Euston station . Then take another fast train to Watford Junction station.
When you arrive at the city's rail terminal where the studios are located, you need to get off to catch one of the buses that will take you right up to the gates of Harry Potter Studios. This last part of the journey on the studio bus is usually free, but only if you present your digital ticket.
You can also hire a car and take the M1 freeway to North Watford. However, the cost of train travel and car hire makes thereturn coach trip the more recommendable experience.
Is it advisable to go to Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios in London with children?
Of course it is! A visit to Harry Potter Studios in London is recommended for the whole family , and is a great alternative form of entertainment for children. Harry Potter is a literary and cinematic saga that has accompanied different generations of adults, but is still very popular with children under 10 today.
In fact, it's safe to say that this tour is one of the best things to do in London with children.
What not to miss at Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios London
At Harry Potter Studios, you'll discover various spaces that were part of the sets for all eight Harry Potter films eight Harry Potter films. Here are just a few of the must-see places to add to the list of iconic Harry Potter locations in London:
1- Dumbledore's office
The office of Harry Potter's principal is one of the most representative places in the story. So it's a real privilege to be able to visit the set where these scenes were filmed.
2- Gringotts Wizarding Bank
One of the most interesting stages in the Harry Potter story is a visit to the bank where the wizards keep their wealth safe. This studio also features a recording tray, giving the impression of making a bank deposit in the world of Harry Potter.
3- The large dining room
If you consider yourself a fan, you'll be excited to wander around the long tables where Harry and his friends get closer to their destiny of facing the Dark Lord.
How long does it take to visit Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios in London?
How long it takes to visit the Harry Potter Studios in North London is fairly subjective. Most people tend to visit the studio and its various spaces in three or four hours. As a result, most round-trip transfers from central London take around seven hours.
Indeed, the bus journey from King's Cross or Russell Square to the studios usually takes 50 minutes. Not to mention the usual traffic along the M1 freeway.
Even if you spend eight hours of your day visiting this theme park-like studio, you'll still have the rest of your evening free to enjoy London's nightlife. Dinner in Soho or a musical in the West End are good alternatives.
Tips for visiting Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios in London
Hereare a few tips to optimize your experience:
1- Go at weekends
From May to December, the park is open longer on weekends. Therefore, a visit during these days is more appropriate to have time, even if you have to keep in mind that there are generally more tourists, especially in high season.
2- Bring enough money for lunch
The restaurant in this studio charges typical theme park prices. So it's important to bring enough money. At least 20-30 euros per person for a good meal.
3- Choose an excursion with a round-trip transfer
If you don't rent a car during your trip to London, the best alternative is a tour that includes a round-trip bus transfer.
This way, you don't have to worry about the logistics of coordinating train times to and from the site.
Imagine how tiring it is to spend a whole day in a park, especially if you're traveling with children.
These tours are also a cost-effective alternative. The cost of renting a car or the cost of the various train journeys is still higher than the cost of a bus trip.