By Paula Enevoldsen
Have you ever thought of visiting wonderful and wondrous film-sets? There’s a Harry Potter tour that introduces you to all the details that went into the making of the magical movies; including sets, props, costumes and special effects. Stand in the Great Hall, walk along Diagon Alley, and see Dumbledore’s office and more. Find it all in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, 20 miles (32km) northwest of London.
The most important thing to know is that you can’t just show up to this attraction. You will not be admitted. Tickets are NOT sold at the studio and you have to book a tour online. You will be asked to select a specific time and date.
Once you get your tickets, getting to the park is easy. There’s a train service from Euston station to Watford Junction, and from there you can find a Harry Potter bus that will take you to the park directly and back for £2.50.
I recommend you to pick up a Harry Potter passport at the main entry door that will guide you to stamp machines throughout the tour to complete your passport. It’s quite a traditional tour exhibition, which means that there’s lots of reading and not so much interaction. However, the sets and props make brilliant photo opportunities, and you can take as many photos as you want, and pretend that you have been ‘apparated’ into the scenes.
There’s a broomstick ride against a green screen, which is a real highlight. You can sit in a ‘Flying Ford Anglia’. But do watch out for the pricey photo or DVD you’ll be encouraged to buy afterwards. This is one of the few places on the tour where you won’t be able to take your own photos.
The only refreshments area is at the café in the outdoor lot, located almost at the end of the whole tour. There you will be able to buy your first Butterbeer brought to real life from the books and movies. It’s an acquired taste but if you’re a real fan, you can’t leave without trying it.
However, let me warn you that the well-stocked gift shop is extremely expensive; selling wands, scarfs, sweaters, sweets, postcards, posters and more. Warning: you could leave seriously out of pocket.
I personally had an experience that was beyond my expectations and the crew were all really polite. I won’t lie or even deny it, from the beginning I started crying of happiness. Because for a fan, someone who has read the books or even someone who has just watched the movies, you can experience a variety of emotions from room to room of the tour.
For more information, you can visit their official website: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/home
