Warner Bros. Studios

I began reading Harry Potter at the age of eight. It’s been several decades and I still feel a sharp sting of disappointment when I think back to my eleventh birthday; with it’s lack of owls and Hogwarts admission letters.

A visit to the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden balms the wound a little bit.

Just a touch.

Still disappointed.

Although Warner Brothers has worked on some amazing movies other than Harry Potter, that happens to be this particular studio’s focus. Believe me when I say you’re going to want to give yourself the entire day there. There is so much to see and do!

The building is split up into areas which you will naturally walk through all of them (unless you very decidedly refuse to walk forward) and each is so packed full of props and costumes from the series that you’ll want to give yourself a good hour for each. There is a ‘great hall’ right at the beginning which serves food and treats throughout the day. They’re not the best food I’ve ever had, but I’d hardly turn my nose up at it, and the price isn’t too ridiculous. Forest and I spent our lunch going over everything we wanted to see. I suggest you do the same.

I won’t spoil too much of the magic for you, but suffice it to say that you’ll want to bring good walking shoes and clothes you’ll be comfortable in, and if you arrive in costume with your house robes on I assure you nobody will bat an eye.

Midway through the tour you’ll find the Hogwarts Express where you can purchase some candy, and a café where you can get butterbeer with souvenir mugs. It’s fizzy, but even for someone like me who doesn’t like carbonation, it was pretty delicious!

If you’re coming in from London by train (sorry, the Hogwarts Express doesn’t run to this particular junction) you’ll want to aim for Ashford. There is a bus stop to the left of the train station exit and up the road just a little which will take you directly to the studio. It does cost money to board the bus, 3 I believe per person, so be sure to bring exact change. It is also required that you pre-book tickets to the Warner Brothers Studio, you can’t just hop a train and bus and purchase the ticket there. The bus won’t even let you on if you don’t have proof of purchase. Magical ride: over.

Other than a pair of good shoes, a camera with a healthy battery, and a full wallet (it will inevitably be empty when you leave), the only thing you’ll need for this magical journey is your ticket and your sense of adventure. All aboard!