Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love Harry Potter. Or maybe they don’t. I’m not exactly secretive of it, but I’m probably more of a hidden-die-hard-fan, rather than one who sports a Hogwarts t-shirt and time turner necklace. But anyway, I think this slight obsession is evident in the fact that I’ve watched the films over 20 times each and have visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Watford (where the all eight films were shot) a grand total of five times in the four years it has been open. Oops.
So, this occasion marked my sixth visit and despite this, I was still every bit as eager and excited as I was the first time I stepped inside. There’s some so magical about the films (and the books), that makes me feel almost child-like again. I’m usually a very serious (well, sort of), focused and professional kind of person in my everyday life, so to be able to escape into the world of Harry Potter, even if it is only for a few hours – is very special.
I think most people living in the UK who love Harry Potter, have already visited or have already seen various reviews and outlining what lays in store. So, instead, I thought I’d split my photographs into sections – and add just a few of my favourite facts – for what will hopefully be an enjoyable escapism into the world of wizards and witches once more. So whether you’re on your lunch break or tucked up in bed with the flu, sit back, relax and take it all in!
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The Great Hall
The Great Hall is one of the more memorable HP sets – and probably the most magnificent. It’s modelled on a number of different castles – and if you hadn’t pulled up in a very modern car-park in Watford, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a medieval building. Despite not necessarily seeing them on camera, every tiny detail has been thought out – with carvings in the stone walls, faded murals painted by hand and realistic flickering flames. It’s absolutely stunning and it takes your breath away.
Admittedly however, it’s much smaller in reality than you think it’s going to be – something that continues throughout as you witness the individual sets. The cameras are very good at making things look bigger than they appear. Oh and that pretty ceiling? Well, there isn’t one. It’s just cameras and lights. Initially, they wanted to make the ceiling look enchanted (as it appears in films) by hanging candles from the roof and then editing out the wires in post production. But the candles kept burning through the wire and dropping onto the tables below – so it was all visual effects.
A new addition to The Great Hall is the display of the Sorting Hat – which is out to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone!
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Props & Costumes
I think one of the things that makes the world of Harry Potter quite so magical is the detail that everything in both the books and the films contain. Every tiny thing has been thought out to reflect this incredible world – nothing is left out. All of the food that was created for the Yule Ball (Fourth Film) looks good enough to eat. In fact, we were warned that in the past – people have tried to lick the food it looked that edible.
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Platform 9 3/4
This rather gargantuan set is a recent addition to the studio tour, opening just over a year ago. It enables visitors to step onto Platform 9 3/4, without the saga that Harry had to go through himself to get there. You can pose for the obligatory ‘pushing the trolley through the wall’ photo, or you can step inside the Hogwarts Express and see the tiny compartments where Harry, Ron and Hermione were often filmed in. Or you can browse the Railway shop – or film your own green screen Hogwarts Express ride. There’s plenty to see!
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The food
Food wise, there is a cafe in the main reception – selling an assortment of hot and cold offerings, however the main port of call is the studio cafe which is positioned in the middle of the tour – providing a perfect place to refresh and fuel up for the upcoming photo opportunities. There is plenty of seating available and many decide to bring their own food and drink to avoid the heavy cost of what’s on offer – more on this later – however we decided to sample the food for the purposes of this review (and also because we weren’t organised enough to pack a sandwich) and were slightly underwhelmed.
It’s essentially fast food, with a rather hefty price tag – and although it fills a hole, it’s nothing to write home about. I was pleased to see that the hot dog was both dairy and egg free, however it was very bland and the onions were cold. David opted for the mac & cheese, which again was very bland and watery and also the burger, which I think was pretty average. Obviously in a place like this, you’re not expecting five star dining, because the focus is on the incredible things on display – however having spent £35 in all on the food, we were expecting something a little better. We sampled the Wizarding world’s favourite butterbeer, which I have to say – I used to love but on this occasion, I found it overpoweringly sweet. It may just be because my taste-buds have altered since my last visit, but I couldn’t finish more than a few sips. The liquid part is dairy-free, but the shortbread flavour foam on top isn’t – so this is worth bearing in mind if you don’t eat dairy but don’t want to miss out! I did enjoy David’s attempt at a butterbeer moustache though! Definitely rivals Hermione’s!
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Outdoor Sets
If you’re looking for the perfect photo opportunity, then your best bet is the outdoor sets and props – which are flooded with natural lighting (rather than the blue hues that permeate the rest of the tour). You might opt to knock on the door of No.4 Privet Drive, or perhaps take a ride on the renowned purple Knight Bus, or maybe even sit on Hagrid’s flying motorbike. Beware of that Ford Anglia though! It has a mind of its own.
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Diagon Alley
Harry Potter is a little bit speechless when first introduced to Diagon Alley and any visitor can experience this same feeling – when stepping into the Oxford Street equivalent of the magical world. The lighting rigs change from daylight to dusk, giving the street both an excited and eerie feel – depending on when you visit. Again, every tiny detail has been thought out (and nothing overlooked) with shop signs, displays and the rustic wooden appearance of the shop fronts carefully constructed.
Verdict
I do think it’s an absolutely incredible place – since it’s very rare you’re able to get up close and personal with movie magic – bringing to life the books and films so many love. You won’t regret a trip there and whether you’re a die hard fan of HP or not, a great day is guaranteed. However it’s also going to be an expensive one. Two tickets cost £70, which includes basic entry – if you want the audio guide and collectors book, it’s going to be extra. Honestly, I’d avoid the audio guide and book – you won’t need it as everything is easy to navigate and there are videos and interactive features throughout.
I do slightly begrudge the fact its so expensive, because it’s supposed to be a family day out – but I don’t quite know how an average family of four could afford such a pricey trip – especially with all the additional extras. I found a Hogwarts Express tankard, which I almost considered getting but then saw the price tag – £29.95. You can try out all the green screen photo and filming opportunities (like riding a broom) for free, but if you want to take any of the pictures home, it’s £14 for a still image and £25 for moving image. For me, that’s just crazy money. Then there’s the food – butter beer is £3.95 for a plastic cup and a hot dog will set you back at least £7. And it’s basically fast food. I do think that it’s a shame some will be priced out of this place, because I honestly love it and think it’s such a special place that everyone should visit. I wish they’d make the pricing just a little bit more family friendly. But other than that, for me, it’s magic!
I know I’ve been several times over and some might argue once you’ve seen it, it could get boring – but each time I go, I notice something different and take in all the big (and tiny) details all over again. I could never get tired of it – and I’m already planning my next trip!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour | link
Have you ever visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford? Or have you visited the Florida Wizarding World of Harry Potter? I am desperate to go!
