Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

Top choice in Oxford & the Cotswolds


Whether you’re a fair-weather fan or a full-on Potterhead, this magical studio tour is well worth the admittedly hefty admission price. All visitors have to book tickets online, in advance, for a specific time slot, and arrive 20 minutes beforehand; allow three hours or more to do the complex full justice. Visits begin with a short film, before you’re ushered through giant doors into the actual set of Hogwarts’ enormous Great Hall – just the first of many ‘wow’ moments.

Beyond that, you can explore the rest of the complex at your own pace. One large hangar contains the most familiar interior sets – Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s hut – while another holds Platform 9¾, complete with the Hogwarts Express. An outdoor section features the exterior of Privet Dr, the purple triple-decker Knight Bus, Sirius Black’s motorbike and a shop selling snacks and (sickly sweet) butterbeer. Video screens along the way burst into life to discuss elements of the production.

Other highlights include the animatronic workshop (say 'Hi' to the Hippogriff) and a stroll down Diagon Alley. All your favourite Harry Potter creatures are on display, from an enormous Aragog to Dobby the House-Elf, as well as props such as Harry’s Invisibility Cloak. The most magical treat is saved for last – a shimmering, gasp-inducing 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts, used for exterior shots.

Then comes the biggest challenge for true fans and parents: a quite extraordinary gift shop stocked with all your wizardry accessories, including uniforms for each of the Hogwarts houses and replicas of the individually designed wands used by pretty much any character you can think of.

The Studio Tour is 20 miles northwest of London, not far off the M1 and M25 motorways. For drivers, there’s a large free car park, plus extensive directions on the website. To come by rail, catch a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (£10.20, 15 minutes), then take the shuttle bus (return £3, 10 minutes).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Oxford & the Cotswolds attractions

1. Roman Theatre

5.06 MILES

Built in AD 140, St Albans’ Roman theatre is unique in Britain, in that its 2000 spectators faced a stage rather than surrounding an arena. Its grassy…

2. Verulamium Museum

5.07 MILES

Based in what looks outside like a suburban house, this modern and highly engaging museum celebrates everyday life in Roman Verulamium. Assorted galleries…

3. St Albans Cathedral

5.25 MILES

Vast out of all proportion to the modern town, St Albans’ majestic cathedral was founded as a Benedictine monastery by King Offa of Mercia in AD 793,…

4. Hatfield House

10.18 MILES

For over 400 years Hatfield House has been home to the Cecils, one of England’s most influential political families. This magnificent Jacobean mansion was…

5. Wembley Stadium

11.13 MILES

The city’s landmark national stadium, where England traditionally plays its international matches and where the FA Cup Final is contested. Full tours…

6. Kenwood House

13.57 MILES

This magnificent neoclassical mansion stands at the northern end of Hampstead Heath in a glorious sweep of landscaped gardens that lead down to a…

7. Fenton House

13.71 MILES

One of the oldest houses in Hampstead, this merchant’s residence built in 1686 has fine collections of porcelain and keyboard instruments, including an…

8. Highgate Wood

13.77 MILES

With more than 28 hectares of ancient woodland, this park is a wonderful spot for a walk any time of the year. It’s also teeming with life: 70 different…