15 Must-See Highlights at the Harry Potter Studio Tour

You’ll experience magical movie-making at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London starting with the Great Hall’s original costumes and 17-foot oak doors. Don’t miss Harry’s cupboard under the stairs, Dumbledore’s artifact-filled office, and the authentic Hogwarts Express train. Capture memories at Platform 9¾, explore seasonal Dark Arts events with floating pumpkins, and marvel at elaborate props like the 950-jar Potions classroom. The breathtaking 50-foot Hogwarts castle model finale will leave you spellbound, and there’s so much more awaiting your discovery.

The Great Hall’s Magnificent Film Sets and House Costumes

When you step into the Great Hall, you’ll find yourself standing in the exact same massive dining room where Harry, Ron, and Hermione ate their meals throughout seven magical films. This incredible 120-foot-long set took nearly a decade of filming and still features its original York stone floors and towering 17-foot oak doors.

You’ll spot authentic student costumes from all four houses displayed at the dining tables, showing off each house’s unique colors and designs. Don’t miss Professor Dumbledore’s handcrafted lectern and the amazing House Points Counter made with over 17,000 colorful glass beads.

Look up at the enchanted ceiling and floating candles that recreate the movie’s magical atmosphere perfectly. The set was designed to accommodate 400 students, mirroring the grand scale of Hogwarts’ student body. It’s like stepping directly into Hogwarts!

Harry’s Cupboard Under the Stairs Where It All Began

Where did Harry Potter’s incredible journey begin? You’ll discover the answer at Harry’s cupboard under the stairs, one of the first authentic sets you’ll encounter during your studio tour. This cramped space perfectly recreates Harry’s tiny bedroom from Privet Drive, complete with the original furnishings and decorations used during filming.

As you queue for the main tour, you can peek inside this iconic location where Harry’s story started. The cupboard showcases incredible attention to detail, from the slanted ceiling to the sparse belongings that highlight Harry’s difficult childhood with the Dursleys.

Don’t forget to snap photos here—it’s a free highlight that sets the stage for understanding Harry’s character development. The authentic set pieces demonstrate the amazing craftsmanship that brought J.K. Rowling’s descriptions to life on screen. This memorable exhibit is part of the extensive collection featuring props and costumes from all 8 movies in the Harry Potter film series.

Dumbledore’s Office and Its Magical Artifacts

From Harry’s humble beginnings, you’ll step into one of Hogwarts’ most magnificent spaces—Dumbledore’s office. You’ll discover three circular rooms filled with magical artifacts that’ll amaze young wizards and witches.

Don’t miss the incredible memory cabinet containing nearly 900 hand-labeled vials, including ones belonging to Professor McGonagall and Argus Filch. You’ll spot familiar treasures like Fawkes the Phoenix, the Sorting Hat, and possibly the Sword of Gryffindor.

The office’s moving stone staircase entrance and gargoyle guardian create perfect photo opportunities—and they’re free! Take time exploring the glass-fronted bookcases packed with magical instruments and ancient volumes. The set features removable walls that allowed filmmakers to transform the space and capture dramatic camera angles during filming.

The painted portraits of previous headmasters watch over everything, making you feel like you’re truly inside Hogwarts’ most important room.

The Original Hogwarts Express Train Experience

The iconic Hogwarts Express locomotive awaits you on the recreated Platform 9¾, where you’ll step aboard the actual train carriages used in filming. You’ll discover how film crews worked inside modified carriages and pose with the famous luggage trolley that appears to vanish through the platform wall.

Small guided groups of 8 or fewer explore together, making the experience intimate and special. Expert guides share behind-the-scenes secrets about how they filmed the train scenes.

The stone platform recreation includes authentic set details for the perfect photo backdrop. Your experience includes a complimentary souvenir guidebook to commemorate your magical journey.

Digital greenscreen photos capture you inside Hogwarts Express carriages, creating magical memories to take home.

Adult tickets start at £53.50, children £43, and kids under 4 enter free, making this adventure accessible for most families.

Platform 9¾ Photo Opportunities

Beyond experiencing the train itself, you’ll find some of the most magical photo spots right here on the recreated platform. The half-embedded luggage trolley is the star attraction – you can pose like Harry running through the brick wall into the magical world.

Position yourself next to the brick archway to recreate that iconic vanishing illusion perfectly.

Don’t miss snapping photos with the full Hogwarts Express as your backdrop, surrounded by period luggage and house scarves. The open train carriages let you peek inside and capture shots of the decorated compartments.

You’ll see trunks tagged with character names, owl cages, and props from specific scenes. These photo opportunities are included with your standard ticket, making them perfect budget-friendly memories. The locomotive itself is actually a real GWR 4900 Class train called Olton Hall that was repainted specifically for the Harry Potter films.

Interactive Broomstick Flying With Green-Screen Technology

Want to feel like you’re soaring through the sky on a real broomstick? You’ll mount practical broomstick rigs that move just like the actors did during filming! The green screen technology replicates the exact methods used in the movies, with animation data programming realistic steering and movement effects.

Located in Soundstages J and K, this experience creates individual character shots with perfect camera angles and lighting. You’ll wear the same type of rig the cast used, and atmospheric elements get added later to complete your flying illusion. This interactive activity gives you a memorable, immersive behind-the-scenes moment that simulates exactly what the cast experienced during filming.

Photo and video packages range from £14 to £40, so you can choose what fits your budget. Pro tip: avoid wearing green clothing since you’ll disappear on the green screen! No advance booking‘s needed—just purchase on-site.

Diagon Alley’s Full-Scale Outdoor Backlot

Step into Diagon Alley’s full-scale outdoor backlot and you’ll walk the same cobbled streets where Harry first discovered the wizarding world! This amazing set combines Harry Potter book details with Charles Dickens-inspired London architecture. You’ll spot crooked windows, colorful facades, and leaning buildings that perfectly match the films.

Great news—Diagon Alley’s included with your entry ticket, so no extra costs! Explore iconic shops like Gringotts Bank with its marble pillars and crystal chandeliers, peek at Quidditch supplies in store windows, and marvel at the three-story orange Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes featuring 120 unique products.

Don’t miss the magical details: crystal balls at Wiseacres, baby Pygmy Puffs at Magical Menagerie, and Hogwarts robes at Madame Malkin’s. Step into Ollivanders wand shop where over 17,000 labeled wand boxes lined the walls during filming. It’s pure wizarding magic!

Ollivanders Wand Shop Replica

While wandering through the Harry Potter Studio Tour, you’ll discover the enchanting Ollivanders wand shop replica that brings the magical wand selection experience to life! You’ll find authentic dusty interiors with wand boxes stacked ceiling-high, recreating the famous shop from the films. The detailed replica showcases the historic “Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC” atmosphere perfectly.

You can purchase character replica wands for around $39, including Harry Potter’s, Hermione’s, or Voldemort’s designs. Each full-size resin wand comes in a sturdy box with the character’s name. The interactive experience lasts approximately 4.5 minutes and is led by a knowledgeable wand keeper who guides visitors through the magical selection process.

Interactive wands let you cast spells at marked locations throughout the studio areas. Don’t miss the collectible wand sets available in Studio Shops alongside magical confectionery, making it budget-friendly for young wizards wanting authentic Potter memorabilia.

The Sorting Hat Display

How exciting would it be to have the actual Sorting Hat from the movies determine your Hogwarts house? You’ll find this magical experience in the recreated Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. The authentic film prop will audibly announce whether you belong in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin.

Before visiting, download the free Harry Potter Fan Club app for digital sorting and enhanced features. You can scan Enchanted Keys in the queue for official house assignments too. The sorting ceremony happens in the grand finale section, so you’ll build excitement throughout your tour.

This interactive experience creates perfect photo opportunities and connects you directly to the canonical Wizarding World. The AR technology feature in the app allows you to virtually wear the Sorting Hat for additional magical experiences. It’s included in your standard tour ticket, making it budget-friendly magical fun.

Pensieve Memory Viewing Experience

Where else can you peek into actual memories like a powerful wizard? At the Pensieve display in Dumbledore’s office, you’ll experience one of the tour’s most magical moments. This rare artifact, featured in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, lets you peer into the enchanted rune-carved bowl just like Harry did with Professor Dumbledore.

You’ll discover nearly 900 hand-crafted memory vials surrounding the Pensieve, each uniquely designed. The silvery liquid basin appears to float mid-air, recreating scenes from *The Half-Blood Prince*.

Etched mirrors behind the display enhance the authentic magical atmosphere. The office itself features circular rooms connected by removable walls, allowing you to explore the headmaster’s domain from multiple perspectives.

Don’t miss this free photo opportunity – it’s included in your ticket price. Available at both London and Tokyo studio tours, this interactive experience creates lasting memories without extra costs.

Previous Headmasters’ Portrait Gallery

Stepping into Dumbledore’s office, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the watchful eyes of Hogwarts’ former headmasters in their painted portraits. This circular room sits in the castle’s tallest tower, recreated perfectly from the films with towering bookcases and glowing magical instruments.

The portrait gallery creates an amazing sense of magical tradition. These painted headmasters once communicated with Dumbledore, offering wisdom from past generations. You’ll spot the same portraits that appeared in key movie scenes, adding authentic atmosphere to this detailed set.

Located after the Great Hall on your tour route, this three-room space showcases incredible film craftsmanship. Take time photographing the book-lined walls and ancient artifacts. The portraits’ lifelike quality will make you feel like they’re actually watching your every move through their ornate frames. These magical portraits can travel and communicate with other portraits throughout various wizarding institutions, creating an interconnected network of wisdom and support.

Seasonal Dark Arts Event With Floating Pumpkins

When does Hogwarts transform into its most spine-tingling spectacle? From September 12th to November 9th, 2025, you’ll witness the Dark Arts feature that turns the studio into a haunting wonderland.

The Great Hall becomes absolutely magical with over 100 hand-carved floating pumpkins recreating scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

You’ll encounter Death Eaters in choreographed processions and learn wand combat from Paul Harris himself.

Don’t worry if you’re nervous about Dementors lurking in the Forbidden Forest – staff can guide you on alternative routes. You can practice casting Patronus Charms to defend yourself against these soul-sucking creatures.

Your standard ticket includes everything, so there’s no extra cost for these spine-chilling additions.

Hunt for the Dark Mark using your redesigned Activity Passport to uncover hidden secrets throughout your visit.

Elaborate Film Props and Set Pieces

As you explore beyond the seasonal festivities, you’ll discover the studio’s crown jewel: authentic film props and elaborate sets that bring Harry Potter’s world to life without breaking your budget. Marvel at Professor Dumbledore’s hand-crafted lectern in the Great Hall, where dinner tables are set exactly like the films.

Walk through the massive Forbidden Forest with 19 enormous trees and scenic backdrops stretching 600 feet long. Inside Gringotts Bank, you’ll see over 210,000 coins created specifically for the movies.

Don’t miss Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse, where you can actually pull a potted Mandrake! The 30-foot Basilisk mouth and Hungarian Horntail dragon showcase incredible craftsmanship that’ll amaze kids and adults alike.

Step into the Potions Classroom where over 950 potion jars line the walls, each containing unique props like baked animal bones, dried herbs, and shrunken heads sourced from local butcher shops.

Detailed Architecture and Special Effects Showcases

Beyond the impressive props, the studio’s architectural marvels and special effects displays offer incredible value for your admission ticket. You’ll explore the magnificent Great Hall with its authentic stone floors and house-themed grotesques representing each Hogwarts house.

Don’t miss Dumbledore’s circular office featuring removable walls that allowed cameras to capture those perfect movie angles. Walk across the actual Hogwarts Bridge section, which extends 200 feet using movie magic but feels completely real under your feet.

The atmospheric Potions classroom contains 950 bottles filled with creepy ingredients and Latin inscriptions above the windows. Finally, stroll through Diagon Alley’s compact shops, each meticulously detailed to create an authentic magical shopping experience that’ll transport you straight into the wizarding world. The tour utilizes two soundstages built in the original warehouses where all eight Harry Potter films were actually shot.

Hogwarts Castle Scale Model Grand Finale

After exploring the architectural wonders and special effects, you’ll discover the studio tour’s crown jewel: the massive Hogwarts Castle scale model that’ll leave you absolutely speechless.

This incredible 50-foot masterpiece weighs over 74 tonnes and features 2,500 fiber optic lights that twinkle like magical lanterns throughout the castle. You’ll see real gravel rockwork, tiny trees, and hand-crafted courtyards that were actually filmed for every exterior shot in all eight movies.

The model took 86 artists over 74 years of combined work to build and rebuild throughout filming. Throughout the film series, the castle underwent structural modifications to meet changing narrative needs while preserving its magical essence. Don’t rush this finale – it’s the perfect photo opportunity and worth saving your phone battery for.

The lighting show creates an unforgettable magical atmosphere that captures Hogwarts’ true essence.

Last Words

You’ll want to budget extra time for gift shops and butterbeer – they’re pricier than expected but totally worth it! Don’t forget your camera for Platform 9¾ and book ahead online for cheaper tickets. The studio tour’s packed with magic, so wear comfy shoes and bring snacks if you can. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve stepped right into Harry’s world. It’s an unforgettable adventure that’ll make any Potter fan absolutely ecstatic!