The Making of Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is an immersive experience in Leavesden, just outside London, that brings fans and visitors behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film series. Located on the very studio lot where much of the eight films were originally shot, the tour offers an up-close look at authentic props, intricate sets, and detailed costumes from the beloved franchise.
The Great Hall and Iconic Sets of Harry Potter
- The Great Hall: The tour often begins here, where visitors enter a near-replica of the Hogwarts Great Hall, complete with long tables, costumes of the Hogwarts professors, and iconic props like the Sorting Hat.
- Other Hogwarts Locations: As you walk through the studio, you’ll encounter famous Hogwarts locations like Dumbledore’s Office, Gryffindor Common Room, the Potions Classroom, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Each set has been meticulously preserved with original details, from furnishings to the tiniest props.
Behind-the-Scenes Features of Warner Bros Studio Tour London
- Props and Costumes: You’ll see original props, such as wands, broomsticks, and magical artifacts, as well as costumes worn by main characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
- Special Effects and Animatronics: There are interactive displays that show how the special effects were made, from the green screen used for flying scenes to the animatronics that brought magical creatures like Buckbeak and Aragog to life.
- Creature Effects: Another highlight is the Creature Effects department, where you can see models and animatronic heads of magical creatures, including Dobby, Fawkes, and the Basilisk.
Iconic Spots of Harry Potter and Experiences
- Diagon Alley: A beautifully crafted street with all the famous shops from Ollivanders to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
- Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express: Visitors can walk beside the original Hogwarts Express steam engine, climb aboard, and explore a carriage set up for filming.
- Hagrid’s Hut and the Forbidden Forest: Some tours include a look inside Hagrid’s Hut and a dark, atmospheric walk through the Forbidden Forest with creatures like Buckbeak and centaurs.
Interactive Experiences and Special Events
- Green Screen Experiences: Guests can experience “flying” on a broomstick with the help of green-screen technology and take home a souvenir video or photo of the experience.
- Butterbeer and Magical Treats: Halfway through the tour, you can try Butterbeer, Butterbeer ice cream, and other wizarding snacks.
- The tour hosts seasonal events, such as “Hogwarts in the Snow” during winter, which decorates the sets with a magical winter look, and “Dark Arts” around Halloween, where you can see the Great Hall filled with floating pumpkins and experience encounters with Death Eaters.
- The Studio Tour concludes with a gift shop offering a range of Harry Potter merchandise, from Hogwarts robes and wands to house scarves and collectible items exclusive to the tour.
Practical Information to Warner Bros Studio Tour London
- Location: Leavesden, about 20 miles northwest of central London.
- Tickets: Tickets must be booked in advance; they include timed entry slots to ensure a comfortable visitor experience.
- Duration: Plan for around 3-4 hours, though many visitors stay longer to take in every detail.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London provides a truly unique experience for Harry Potter fans and film enthusiasts alike, blending nostalgia, magic, and craftsmanship with rare behind-the-scenes insight.
