The Great Hall
We enjoyed a visit to The Making of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studios, the week before the royal visit on Friday 26th April by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and J.R. Rowling, and here's a blog with just a few photos from our trip. The studios were acquired by Warner Bros. in 2000 and is where all eight Harry Potter films, based on the books by J. K. Rowling, were made. The studios are built on the site of a former aircraft factory.
The tour starts with a film show before the doors open and lead you into the Great Hall. This is just as magnificant as you would expect it to be both in sheer scale and decoration.
Dumbledore in the Great Hall
Through out the tour what stood out for me was the attention to the detail of the set, costumes and props. For example Dumbledore's lectern (reading desk) with its beautifully carved owl.
Gryffindor Common Room
Dumbledore's Office
My favourite set was Dumbledore's office which I could imagine myself spending many happy hours looking through his library. Notice the "Sorting Hat" on the shelf just to the right of the ladder.
Dumbledore's Office
It was utterly charming to see that the walls of his office are covered with portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses asleep.
Hagrid’s Hut with Fang (dog)
The Burrow (spot the "Cherri Owls" breakfast cereal)
4 Privet Drive
Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley
Hogwarts Model
One does not need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy the tour as it's enchanting, entertaining and great fun. I would definately recommend it as a magical day out.
Practical Information
Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LS
Nearest Station: Watford Junction (Fast trains from Euston take about 20 minutes). The station is outside the Travelcard zone and special fares apply. A regular shuttle bus service operates daily from Watford Junction to the Studios. At time of writing it cost £2 return (April 2013). Please check website for up to date details before travelling.
Opening Times (2013): Open daily except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Please check website for up to date details.
Admission: Adults : £29. Children: £21.50. (Prices in April 2013). All tickets have to be purchased in advance.
Refreshments are available in the foyer and mid way on the tour at The Backlot which is only one of two places in the muggle (non magical) world to sell Butterbeer.
Website: http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
The author of this blog is a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Tour Guide who leads guided walks combining world famous landmarks with hidden treasures often missed by the crowds.
