Step Into The Making Of Harry Potter

It certainly wasn’t planned, but this trip to London is looking like it’s taking up a Harry Potter theme. Sure, I’m going to go re-visit my favourite haunts, like the British Museum and the V+A, but this is my sixth time visiting London and I wanted to do something new. And that turned out to be going to Warner Bros. ‘The Making of Harry Potter’ Tour.

Because why not? Even though I’m not a hard-core Potter head, I do love movies and the all the behind-the-scenes magic in making them. Two huge sound stages + back lot where you can see all the iconic sets, loads of props and costumes, interactive activities and special effects up close? Let’s go!

As someone who decided to go last minute, I lucked out with snagging a ticket. The studio recommends booking online, well in advance as times often sells out, and that tickets can’t be purchased at the studio. I think being one person helped enormously, as opposed to being a family of four. And even though you’re required to book a timed ticket slot, I was told there was a bit of leeway, should you arrive late. (they’re certainly not going to turn anyone with tickets away)

It’s a bit of a slog to get out to the Warner Bros. lot. I took the overground rail at Euston station, to Watford Junction where an official Harry Potter shuttle bus would then pick up passengers for the short ride to the studio lot in Leavesden.

The attention to detail is simply amazing. No shortcuts, and no expense was spared.

Studio 1 includes the Great Hall, Gryffindor dorm, the Burrow, Dumbledore’s office, Dolores Umbridge’s office and Snape’s potions classroom. At the backlot, you’ll come across the exterior sets like no. 4 Privet Drive (which we were able to go inside), the triple decker knight bus and the Hogwarts Bridge.

Studio 2 was fascinating because this is where you’d see the technical design elements a la art department: creatures models, animatronics, monster masks. plus Diagon Alley and the piece de resistance, the enormous and hella impressive 360 degree Hogwarts model room. The handcrafted model was built on 1:24 scale, is nearly 50 feet in diameter and has over 2,500 fibre optic lights which takes the castle from day to night in 4 minutes cycles.

The self-guided tour recommends carving out 3 1/2 hours to see everything, but I was easily there for nearly 5 hours, exploring the wizarding world of Harry Potter. And seriously, the time flew! So much to see and marvel at! It helps that I love movies and anything theatrical. One of the staff even told us that they had someone who stayed 13 hours one time!

Pro tip: Make sure you have lots of room (and an extra battery) on your camera and iPhone. I took a heckuva lot of pictures!

The tour was incredibly fun and I was super glad I went. It’s even made me more appreciative of all the Harry Potter franchise. Whether you’re new to Harry Potter, a casual fan, a Potter enthusiast, or just a fan of movie-making, I totally recommend this experience. It’ll give you insight into this worldwide phenomena.