What is it?
Seven books and nine films down the line, the world has lost none of its appetite for all things Harry Potter-related, which is why people just keep on coming to Warner Bros’ special exhibition, ‘The Making of Harry Potter.’
Just north of Watford, you’ll find the very warehouses and movie studios that played an integral part in the making of the 'Harry Potter' film franchise. When the crew weren’t at real locations, they were creatively mocking up most of the scenes here in Leavesden. And they’re still standing strong. Given the sheer volume and Potter nerds, Warner Bros decided to leave everything where it was and expand the studios, so other films could still be produced here without interruption.
It truly is a magical place. The props, sets and costumes have been lovingly maintained for what has become a permanent exhibition of the memorabilia. Wander through the workshops, storerooms and life-sized sets that were used for the series.
Fans will be in heaven here. Step into some of the most iconic locations from the movies: the Great Hall at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and, of course, Platform 9¾ with the gleaming Hogwarts Express steam train. General cinephiles will also appreciate learning more about behind-the-scenes trickery: the special effects, animatronics and methods by which more outlandish characters were brought to life.
You can also get your chops around a flagon of butterbeer (don’t worry, as fans know, it’s kid-friendly), and if you fancy taking a souvenir home with you, you can purchase a wand. On top of this, there are seasonally changing mini-exhibitions, so if you fancy a second visit, there’ll be something new to see. Check the website to see what’s on when you plan to go. Gringotts goblins might baulk a little at the price, but this will delight the diehard Potter aficionados, and may well convert a few Muggles along the way.
Why go?
To live out your Hogwarts fantasies by visiting the studios where all eight Harry Potter movies were made.
Don’t miss:
All of the sets here are magical to look at, but the Forbidden Forest is a real standout filled with 19 replica trees each with a diameter of over 12 feet. The forest moved entirely to the Studio for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets so expect to see Aragog’s lair and artist-created backdrops that are up to six hundred feet in length.
When to visit:
Times vary according to season.
Ticketing info:
From £53.50, under 4s free
Time Out tip:
Tickets can book up quickly for the tour, especially during special seasons like over Halloween and Christmas, so it’s best to look lively and book well in advance.
Find more Harry Potter experiences in the city and discover our guide to the very best things to do in London.