Harry Potter is the book that shaped my childhood—just like it did for millions of others growing up in the 2000s. It’s now a pop culture reference, and one of those films I never get tired of watching. Even though I can recite almost every line by heart—both in English and French—there’s always something magical about watching the characters grow, face challenges, discover friendship, and dive into the magical world of wizards.
So, when I was in London two years ago, we couldn’t resist visiting the Harry Potter Studios, located near London.
In this article, I’ll share a glimpse—just enough to keep some surprises—about the studios, practical details, what you can expect to find, and why it should be on your must-visit list when you’re in London!
1. PREPARING YOUR TRIP TO LONDON – USEFUL INFORMATION
First of all, if you’re planning to visit England, it’s worth checking out some useful information:
Visa:
- For European Union citizen, access to the UK is currently visa-free, with just a valid passport required. However, starting in April 2025, the government will introduce a visa requirement for EU citizens, costing 12 euros. At the time of writing this (November 2024), details are still limited, so I recommend checking with your embassy if you’re planning a trip to London in 2025.
- For non-EU citizens: check your embassy’s website to for the latest entry requirements to the UK.
Book your train : with Eurostar you can travel directly from Paris (2h30), and Brussels (2h), as well as Cologne (4h) & Amsterdam (5h) (and other cities) to London St Pancras station, in the heart of the city It’s often faster than flying from Paris or Cologne, even though the flight may only be about an hour, since you’ll need to get to the airport, check-in, and getting from one of London’s airports to the city center (at least 5 hours).
Book your bus : London (Victoria Coach Station) is served by Flixbus from Paris in around 9 hours, with prices starting at just 20 euros. A direct bus from Brussels to London takes about 10 hours, with prices starting at 25 euros.
Flights: Be aware of higher prices during school holidays, though London’s airports are served by many low-cost airlines, so you can still find reasonably priced flights.
SIM card: Most European mobile operators work in London, but be sure to check the terms of your plan. You can also buy a SIM card upon arrival at the airport or train station, or opt for an eSIM beforehand.
Currency: British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language: English, the kind most people learn in school, so it’s usually quite easy to understand people in London (in my experience).
2. HOW TO GET TO THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO
Once you’re in London, you’ll need to head to the studios, which are not located in the city center but in the northwest suburb.
- The easiest option—and the one we chose—is to purchase an all-inclusive ticket, which includes both the studio tour and round-trip bus transportation. We booked ours through GetYourGuide, but make sure to shop around for the best deals. The bus ride to the studios takes around 1.5 hours, and they played Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire during the trip, which was a fun way to set the mood for the day!
- Alternatively, you can reach the studios on your own (train + bus). Start at Euston Station in the Camden area. You can catch either the National Rail (frequent trains with a travel time between 15 and 50 minutes) or the London Overground (departs every 30 minutes with a 50-minute journey) using your Oyster Card (the fare is around £10). Get off at Watford Junction. From there, take the shuttle bus, easily spotted thanks to its Harry Potter-themed decorations. The round-trip bus fare is £2.50, payable directly on board. The bus takes about 15 minutes to reach the studios. This option might take a bit more planning, but it can save you time (since there’s no traffic) and money as well.
3. VISITING THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO
Now, that you’re in front of the Studio, here’s what to expect. The studio is open from 10 AM to 8 PM in winter (September to mid-May) and from 9 AM to 10 PM in summer (mid-May to the beginning of September). It’s closed on December 25th and 26th.
You’ll need to have purchased your tickets in advance from the Wbstudiotour website, unless you’ve bought a combined ticket. It’s a good idea to book at least a week ahead, especially during school holidays, as visitor numbers are limited each hour to enhance the experience.
With tickets in hand, you might have a short wait before entering a cinema room for an introduction to the studios. Then, the magic truly begins!
I won’t spoil the experience, so I’ll just share a few photos here and there to give you a sneak peek of what’s inside. But trust me, there are so many different worlds to discover, and each room will leave you amazed.
I won’t spoil the experience, so I’ll just share a few photos of the studios here and there as a glimpse of what you’ll find, but there’s so much to discover, and each new room will leave you amazed.
Plan for about 4 hours to fully enjoy the studios. There are several dining options where you can taste traditional English dishes, food inspired by the films, and of course, Butterbeer! I tried it and found it delicious—like a non-alcoholic apple cider with a generous creamy butterscotch foam on top. You can also bring your own lunch as there are few picnics areas !
The ambiance in some rooms also changes depending on the time of year. We visited in December, so it was themed “Hogwart in the snow”, with special souvenirs available. I would love to visit during “Dark Arts” theme of Halloween as well !
Every set is incredibly detailed and carefully designed. At each new section, I was thrilled, pleasantly surprised to see life-sized props, meticulous details, and memorable elements from the films, all accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack from the movies. There are also interactive experiences and photo opportunities available for an additional cost. You’ll also find souvenir shops scattered throughout the studios, each with unique items, although most can be found in the main store at the end of the tour.
It’s a great experience to share with family, friends, your partner, or any fan of the Harry Potter. I was happy to see visitors of all ages, from adults to children, whose parents made sure they experience the magic.
4. EXTEND YOUR HARRY POTTER’ EXPERIENCE
The Harry Potter Studios aren’t the only place in London where you can dive into the wizarding world. Throughout the city, you’ll find several iconic locations that inspired the books or were used in the films. Highlights include Platform 9 ¾ at London’s St Pancras station and Leadenhall Market, which inspired Diagon Alley. You can also catch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is regularly performed in theaters.
Enjoy your visit!