Right at the entrance to the studios, you will see several photos of the characters hanging on the walls; just like the flying blue Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Then, start your tour where it all began: the closet under the stairs. From there, you will pass through several of the saga’s main settings: the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s hut, Gringotts Bank, the Forbidden Forest, among many others.
We have selected some of the highlights of your visit to Warner Bros Studios. Check out:
Diagon Alley
Walk through Diagon Alley to admire the carefully crafted windows of the famous stores. Ollivanders wands; Flourishes and Blots; quality Quidditch supplies; Madame Malkin Robes Store; and of course the trick-or-treat shop, Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.
An interesting fact is that this setting was completely redone to be Hogsmeade Village in the third film in the saga, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
This small street in the middle of the Studios, packed with visitors, really makes it seem like you are walking through Diagon Alley. It’s incredible.
Backlot Café and the Backlot Area
The Backlot Café is where the famous butterbeer is sold – without alcohol content –; be sure to try it. I thought the flavor was like a mix of ice cream and guaraná soda. But it’s worth it, even to take the personalized cup as a souvenir.
Furthermore, in front of the cafe you will see some external locations, such as the house at Rua dos Alfeneiros, nº 4; the bridge outside Hogwarts castle; the house where Harry’s parents were attacked by Voldemort, in Godric’s Hollow; and the Knight Bus, the iconic purple bus for wizards. Catch a ride with Ernesto and Lalau Shunpike to see all the inside details.
The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry model
The incredible model of Hogwarts was used to film the exterior scenes of the castle. It was built by 86 artists and took more than half a year to complete; They are approximately 20 meters long and 5 meters high.
It stands in the center of a room to allow the visitor to observe all the details around them. It’s really impressive, as if you were observing the castle from afar.
Platform 9¾ and Hogwarts Express
Although many fans head to Kings Cross Station to see the famous Platform 9¾ and take photos on the luggage trolley “entering” the wall or visit the local store, Warner Bros Studios has also recreated the platform.
Most of the scenes were actually filmed at St. Pancras, in London, but the famous scene between Harry and Dumbledore, at the end of The Deathly Hallows, took place in the studios.
Additionally, the original Hogwarts Express is part of this area, including the carriage where Harry, Ron and Hermione met for the first time. And the coolest thing: you can see it up close.
How long does the visit to Warner Bros Studios last?
The duration of the visit to Warner Bros Studios is on average 3 hours . Tickets are timed for the start of the tour, but you can stay there for as long as you want.
Is Warner Studios in London worth visiting?
It is well worth visiting Warner Studios in London. I confess that I am a fan of the little wizard and of course this is a mandatory tour for all those still waiting for their Hogwarts letter.
But even for those who aren’t fans but enjoy cinema, this is an incredible opportunity to see the sets of all eight films up close. Go behind the scenes, the locations, see the costumes and props used during filming and discover the secrets of special effects and animatronics.
Warner Bros Studios also has some interactive activities, such as broomstick flying and temporary exhibitions.
What to know before visiting Warner Bros Studios?
The main tip to know before visiting Warner Bros Studios is to buy your ticket in advance, preferably a month before you go . Daily tickets are limited, sell out quickly and are not sold at the Studio box office.
In addition, tickets have a scheduled start time, so plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your appointment. On the attraction’s official website, there is a note stating that late access is not guaranteed .
If you choose to buy a ticket without a transfer, check the best option for how to get to the venue and calculate your time accordingly to avoid delays . Travel time from London can take up to 2 hours depending on your starting point, the type of transport you will use and traffic conditions in the city.
I’m Djavan Dias, or DJ for short. I’ve swapped corporate life for endless adventures, sharing travel tips and insights on Premier Wanderlust. Dive into a world of smart travel and unforgettable experiences with me!