There aren’t many tourist attractions in London I’d bother doing more than once. They’re great, but after you’ve done the Tower of London tour, you probably won’t get much out of it a second time around.
But the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is different. I’ve now been three times, and it’s seriously no less magical after multiple visits. I spend the whole time with a huge grin on my face, and I’m amazed and enthralled every time.
If you’ve visited the Harry Potter studios in Watford (just outside of London) before, but you’re not sure whether it’s worth a second look, here’s why I reckon you should give it another shot.
1. Privet Drive
The reason for my latest visit was to experience the opening of a new (and totally limited edition) attraction at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film (Yep. It’s that old. Yep. I feel ancient), for a limited time visitors can actually go inside Privet Drive and see the Dursley’s living room and hallway.
There are certificates lining the wall, proclaiming Dudley’s many achievements such as ‘always eating his supper’, and the living room is filled with flying envelopes, all Hogwarts acceptance letters addressed to Harry Potter in curious green ink.
This particular attraction is only available until June 6, so if you’re thinking about visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, now’s the time to do it.
2. Christmas
If you thought Harry Potter’s world was magical in summer, you should just see it in the winter! The Great Hall is decked out in Christmas decorations, there’s snow falling outside Privet Drive and the Hogwarts castle is covered in a blanket of white.
If you love Christmas (I am totally obsessed – my favourite film is Elf) and you love Harry Potter (duh!) then make sure you get to the Harry Potter Studios for their special Hogwarts in the Snow season this year.
3. Hogwarts Express
My first visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour was in 2014, and it was an instant favourite for me. But I didn’t make it back until late 2016, when I was in for a huge surprise.
In March 2015, the studio added a whole new section to their tour: platform 9 3/4, complete with the Hogwarts Express!
It’s a full-size steam train that you can wander through, exploring the different carriages Harry and his friends travelled on each year. Grab a trolley and have your photo taken running through the wall to reach the infamous King’s Cross platform. You can also travel (via the magic of green screen technology) on the Hogwarts Express, watching flying cars and even dementors through the carriage windows.
If you haven’t done the Warner Bros. Studio Tour since this attraction was added, go back. Go back now. I guarantee it won’t disappoint.
4. The butterbeer is reason enough. But there’s also butterbeer ice cream
There are apparently people out there who don’t like the taste of butterbeer. If that’s you, I’m sure you’re totally awesome and whatever, but I fundamentally don’t understand you as a human. Maybe just skip to number five and we can agree to disagree. Cool? Cool.
Butterbeer is a total sugarbomb on your tastebuds, and that’s why I love it. It’s basically liquid butterscotch with a bit of sweet froth on the top and it’s heaven. But now they also have butterbeer ice cream (or maybe they always did and I was just too hopped up on sugar to notice. This is highly possible). It’s just as delicious, and obviously a good reason to return, preferably on a sunny day, so you can shovel it down outside Privet Drive.
5. The magic of Harry Potter never gets old
Trust me. I’ve been three times now (because I’m a hopelessly spoiled blogger) and the magic still hasn’t worn off. I still get tingles when the doors to the Great Hall open, and I well up when I see the actual, real, live Diagon Alley.
I’m not exaggerating, either. There are actual tears. Every time. If you’re a real Harry Potter fan then please believe me that no matter how many times you visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, there’s always a good reason to come back.
Well, five reasons, actually.
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Think this has given me all the excuse I need to go back! Seeing Hogwarts in the snow has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and I also missed the Hogwarts Express on my visit. As a non-drinker of fizzy drinks, butterbeer was never going to be my favourite, but butterbeer ice cream is something I could get behind!
I absolutely LOVED visiting the Warner Bros studio the first time, and would definitely do it again and again! Especially if I got to venture into 4 Privet Drive, how cool!
I visited a few years ago before they had the Hogwarts Express. Next time I’m in London, I will definitely visit again. I’d love to go during Christmas too! Great post, thanks for sharing.
Happy travels :)
Been there for 2 times and now reading through your blog I expect there will be the third time this summer!!!!! I want to see Hogwarts Express so much.
Thank you for sharing this :-)
I visited a couple Christmases ago and absolutely loved it! Totally agree that it’s even more magical. I can’t wait to get back!