After several visits to the Warner Bros Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter attraction there’s a real magic that always draws me back in, but what makes this attraction timeless? We discuss.
Back in March 2012 the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction opened its doors to the public and is still going strong over a decade later.
Capturing fans worldwide guests can step onto the sets used in the movie, see props and costumes up close and personal, learn all about the special FX that go into making the magic happen and immerse themselves in an array of Harry Potter goodies within a variety of shops.
Harry Potter enthusiasts around the world travel to London (Watford to be exact) just to experience this unique UK attraction.
In a similar vein to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Hollywood (minus a tram tour) the attraction still to this day is an unmissable one if you’re in the capital and years after the last film was in the cinema it’s still as popular as ever with events throughout the year selling out on the regular.
A Unique UK Harry Potter Attraction
From the second those Great Hall doors open you are transported into the enchanting world created by J.K Rowling within the Warner Bros Studio Tour London.
Every single time the door is revealed and you take your first steps inside it really is a beautiful moment no matter how many times you experience it. There’s always that nostalgic magic there for me, growing up with the movies and being roughly the same age as most of the young cast I’ve grown up watching the movies and reading the books, it’s impossible not to have an attachment to them.
The attention to detail throughout the attraction is astounding and every time I’ve gone there have been many new things that have popped up including new sets, new interactive experiences and even entirely new areas to explore such as the most recently added Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse where guests can pull out their very own Mandrake plant.
My first visit to the attraction was during the pandemic and so many areas were off limits such as going inside Privet Drive and onto the beautiful Hogwarts Express train but that made the attraction re-visitable as when restrictions were lifted I was straight inside that house and all aboard that train!
Behind-the-Scenes Attractions Will NEVER Get Boring
With how often the Harry Potter Studio Tour London churns events around there is always something new to see throughout the year.
Seeing the sets dressed up for Christmas one visit and then seeing a Celebration of Slytherin and the darker side of the Harry Potter films around Halloween is also another big draw for me.
Behind the Scenes of a movie of this scale will never get repetitive or boring, there is always something to see and a ridiculous amount to read.
If you’re like me you’d rather see stuff than read about it but should you feel as though you’ve seen it all then get those reading glasses on and you might learn a thing or two!
That’s only if you have more patience than me to do that though, of course.
Within the UK there are very few immersive movie-themed attractions. You have to travel to Ireland to see the Game of Thrones Exhibition and any other film-related attraction in the country is more of a varied collection (such as the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum) as opposed to an attraction dedicated to one franchise film.
Once upon a time, it was rumoured that Pinewood Studios would have its very own tram tour with plans put into place to make that a reality similar to the US studio tours but to this day it still hasn’t materialised (it was announced in 2022 with no news since).
The fact the Harry Potter studio tour exists and is the largest and only one of its kind in England already makes it an appealing place to visit let alone being linked to one of the world’s biggest film franchises!
Unforgettable Harry Potter Memories
It’s all well and good seeing the sets from the film but stepping onto the Knight Bus, flying around Hogwarts on a broomstick or having your photo taken onboard the Hogwarts Express get you up close and personal to the film like never before.
Various interactive experiences litter the attraction as you can cast spells and even taste Butterbeer (the ice cream is way nicer than the drink in my opinion) but these unique experiences link you to the film, add that extra layer of appreciation and truly bring the magic alive.
There’s a little something for everyone. During my most recent visit, you could make your own Howler paper prop and even pick up your very own paper prop replica of Harry’s letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for FREE!
Yes, despite the extortionate prices within the gift shop you can pick up a freebie on your studio tours. Hooray!
Taking home a little piece of the magic without spending anything extra is always a bonus and paper props make great display pieces within anyone’s Harry Potter collection.
A Timeless Attraction
With eight movies and an upcoming Harry Potter series planned for a 2025/26 release date, the franchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
There will forever be a demand and with the popularity of the attraction, it’s benefitting Leavesden Studios (located next door) as they’re getting themselves on the studio map even more so and have announced their very own expansion.
With a working studio located right next door to the attraction you never know what you might see from afar. I remember one of my visits they were filming The Batman starring Robert Pattison as we could see what looked like the Gotham set from a distance!
The popularity of the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a testament to the timeless appeal of the Wizarding World. The tour allows fans to revisit their favourite moments, discover hidden details, and gain a deeper appreciation for the creative process behind the beloved films.
This must-visit attraction keeps the magic alive and over a decade later the attraction is going as strong as ever, I’d love to see them add more expansion and additions moving forward as it’ll keep fans hungry for more.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, the Warner Bros Studio Tour London offers a spellbinding journey that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. As the magic endures, so does the allure of this captivating and immersive experience.
Check out a VLOG from our most recent visit to the studios below:
