The Harry Potter Studio Tour London Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting
If you're traveling to London, taking a visit to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of the best ways to spend your day! Use this handy guide to learn everything you need to know before visiting the Warner Brothers lot. Find out how to get there, what to expect, where and when to buy tickets, and what to see at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour London Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting
If you’ve been reading TCS throughout the last few years, you probably know by now that I’m a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Like, a MASSIVE fan. To me, there is nothing better than a rainy day where you can stay inside, order some delivery, and turn on a Harry Potter movie marathon or curl up with one of the books. I’ve spent more weekends than I could even count doing this, now that I think about it...
As soon as I booked my trip to London, the first thing I did was schedule the day when I would go to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour to explore the sets of the Wizarding World—no joke. This was my absolute top priority and nothing was getting in my way. I immediately started scouring the web for what to expect, where to buy tickets, what to see, and how to get there so I could know everything there was to know.
If you’re in that same boat right now, this guide is exactly for you! I figured there were probably other Potterheads like myself who wanted to get that ultimate experience and know everything possible before booking and arriving at the studio tour in London. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know and buy before visiting the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour London!
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Purchasing Tickets
Because the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a popular attraction, tickets sell out very quickly. It is highly recommended that you book your tickets as far in advance as you can to ensure that you’ll get the desired time and date that you want to go. They also don’t sell tickets at the door, so you really have to make sure you book in advance. You can book your tickets for the tour right here on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour website.
PRO TIP #1:
Schedule your ticket time for as early as you possibly can because there is no limit on how much time you spend on the studio tour. If you book earlier, you have as much time as you want to meander, explore, and read every single little detail. I probably spent 5 or 6 hours there by myself!
Adult tickets start at £39 (unless you get a ‘Saver Ticket’) for regular admission. There are a ton of other package options that you can opt in for on their website that will give you additional souvenirs and/or guides. The regular admission was just fine in my opinion, though.
PRO TIP #2:
Make sure to print out your booking confirmation whenever you receive it via email to make the process much smoother once you arrive. This is absolutely necessary! You will use this confirmation to print out your actual tickets at a kiosk near the main entrance (unless you opt to pick them up at the ticket window). The kiosk is super easy to use!
PRO TIP #3:
Check the website for special events that might be scheduled during your visit. The studio puts on special, exclusive events every month, so you might want to plan your trip around that if you can.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Planning Transportation
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is actually just outside of London’s city center, which means you’re going to have to plan how you get there. You can get to the studio by train, bus, or car. My preferred method is obviously the train since I don’t typically rent cars when I’m staying in a city. If you are driving or want to take a bus, you can look at some of those routes on their official website.
If you’re staying in London and want to take the train, you can book a ticket from the London Euston train station to the Watford Junction train station. I suggest purchasing that ticket in advance so you can give yourself plenty of time to arrive. You can purchase your ticket online right here. Once you have your ticket reservation, you can choose to print out your tickets directly from a kiosk at the train station to save more time.
Related reading: The Ultimate Harry Potter World Travel Guide
PRO TIP #4
There is both an express train to Watford Junction (meaning it goes direct with no stops in between) AND a local train (meaning it stops at every station along the way). The express train will get you there in about 20 minutes, while the local train will get you there in about 1 hour. I was unusually ahead of time to the London Euston train station and made the mistake of getting on the local train instead of the express train that I had booked on my way to Watford Junction. I still got there fine, but unfortunately I didn’t have the extra time I allotted myself because of this mistake. Make sure you get on the right train!
Once you arrive to the Watford Junction train station, there is a Warner Bros. Studio Tour shuttle bus right outside the station that will be waiting to pick up guests and take them to the lot. The bus is fully decked out in Harry Potter images, so don’t worry—you won’t miss it.
Buses run every 20 minutes and take about 15 minutes to arrive to the lot. A round-trip return ticket will cost £2.50 and you must pay it in cash. Credit cards are not accepted; so make sure you bring cash!
PRO TIP #5:
Bring the £2.50 in CASH for your round-trip return shuttle bus ticket. Once you exit the train station, the bus will be directly to the front of the entrance in the parking lot. Since they run every so often, there may or may not be one there; but rest assured it will come and you will notice. The bus is hard to miss because of all the Harry Potter images on it.
PRO TIP #6:
Plan to arrive at the lot tour at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time to guarantee entry. The lines can be crazy during peak times of the year, so it’s best to be prepared!
ARRIVING AT THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR
Once you arrive to the tour, you’ll have to go through a small security checkpoint before entering the building. Once you’re inside, you’ll likely queue up with the other guests who are also coming for their scheduled time. I’m the worst person when it comes to waiting in line and I’ll say that it didn’t bother me one bit. There is so much to “oooh” and “ahhh” at when you get inside that you won’t even realize you’ve been standing in line. You’ll be mesmerized by the magic!
PRO TIP #7:
If you’d rather save your money for souvenirs instead of food at the [slightly overpriced] cafe, pack yourself a little lunch or some snacks for the day. There is a large lunchroom right outside the cafe where you can sit down to eat about halfway through the studio tour. You won’t be able to eat or drink while you’re walking through the tour, but you can surely save it for later!
Once you pass through the line to enter the tour, you’ll be escorted into a theatre where you’ll stand to watch a brief film before getting escorted into another room to watch another quick film. Once you’re escorted into the next room, you’ll eventually see the front doors of Hogwarts after the film finishes. THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS!!!
PRO TIP #8:
Try to get a seat in front row of this second room if you can. You’ll be one of the first to enter The Great Hall, which means tons of cool pics! BUT...
PRO TIP #9:
Don’t worry if you’re not in front of the line to get in through the front doors of The Great Hall because the room will eventually clear out as people pass through to the next room. This is where you can begin to move at your own pace. Be patient and just hang back because the crowd will eventually go ahead. You’ll be able to capture those images without people in the background if you really want.
WHAT TO EXPECT INSIDE THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR
What can you expect once you’re inside? Magic. Just pure magic.
Seriously though, this is where you’ll be able to let your inner HP fan girl go crazy. There is no time limit for how long you spend in each room! Look at every single detail. Read all the plaques. Watch all the videos. DO IT ALL! Do it twice if you want!
As you walk room to room, you’ll see things like the costumes used, Dumbledore’s office, props from the Ministry of Magic, the Hogwarts Express train, behind the scenes special effects, and so much more. The entire experience is so whimsical you’ll actually feel like you’ve stepped into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Fun Fact: The paintings and portraits around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are mostly the faces of the cast and crew members!
FINAL PRO TIPS FOR THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR
PRO TIP #10:
Save some money for souvenirs at the end! It’s not a bad idea to take something home with you to remember this magical trip...maybe some Slytherin socks or a Gryffindor shirt?
PRO TIP #11:
Butterbeer. Yes or No? Well... I personally thought that the Butterbeer was kind of gross and way too sweet. It tastes like pure butterscotch; so if you’re into that, then go for it! I don’t know why they haven’t come up with a Butterbeer that actually has beer in it yet. I mean...come on... Low hanging fruit, Warner Brothers!
PRO TIP #12:
Make sure all of your batteries are fully charged. Bring extra memory cards and even portable USB chargers if you can. If you’re a Potterhead like me, you’ll run out of battery life and space very quickly, so it’s good to be prepared!
PRO TIP #13:
Watch all the movies before you go! It will make the experience so much cooler to be able to know exactly what you’re looking at when you walk through each room.
PRO TIP #14:
If it’s the cold winter months, take advantage of the complimentary coat check at the beginning of the tour. It will be better than lugging around your coat the whole time.
PRO TIP #15:
Take lots and lots of pictures to remember your visit! You’ll probably be looking at them a million times before you’re able to return again (or is that just me?).
Overall, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is something I highly recommend for both Potterheads and people who are visiting London and looking for fun activities to do. It’s great for families, solo travelers, couples, and people of all abilities. It’s truly an unforgettable experience and one that I can’t wait to experience again when I’m back in London!
And with that... I SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I AM UP TO NO GOOD! MISCHIEF MANAGED!
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Have you been to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour London? What other tips would you add to this list? --or-- What is your favorite Harry Potter movie? Comment below!
This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Free Things to Do in New York City
NYC is expensive, but there are plenty of things to do around here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Check out these free things to do in New York City that help you stay active and explore culture.
Free Things to Do in New York City: 5 Ways to Be Active & 5 Ways to Explore Culture
New York City is expensive. Like, really expensive. A great cocktail starts at $15, dinner for two can easily be $100, taxis are almost $4 before you even move the car, and I'm not even going to get started on the cost of real estate...
It's easy to see your hard-earned money go quickly down the drain in New York City, so finding things to do for free (or on the reallll cheap) is so helpful to make sure this city doesn't suck you dry. Luckily I've been able to find some amazing things to do here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Here are some tips for free things to do in New York City in order to be active and explore culture.
5 Ways to Be Active:
1. Yoga To The People
This is hands down my favorite thing on this post. Yoga To The People is an amazing yoga studio (with multiple locations throughout the city) that offers free/affordable yoga classes to the masses. It is donation based, so you can pay what you are comfortable paying. And if you don't have a yoga mat, you can rent one for just $2. The classes are really, really good and very popular amongst New Yorkers. Go channel your inner yogi now!
2. Walk the High Line
The High Line is a beautiful, old, elevated railroad track that has been turned into an outdoor park/walkway for pedestrians. It connects the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and bits of Hell's Kitchen all by this one stretch of track. You'll get amazing views of the city, the river, and even New Jersey by walking through the High Line. It's really great to come when it's nice and sunny out too.
3. Walk, bike, or skate across the Brooklyn Bridge
There's no better way to get stunning cityscape views of Manhattan and Brooklyn than by crossing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Marvel at this architectural beauty while walking, biking, or skating 1.134 miles to cross it one-way. You'll definitely want to stop for pictures if you haven't already because it's too pretty not to oogle at the views from here.
4. Pick a neighborhood and walk around
Picking a neighborhood to get lost in and explore is a wonderful way to stay active and get to know the city better. My boyfriend and I love doing this on our days off together. We just pick a place that we want to get a deeper look at and spend the day wandering the streets. It's a fun way to walk a few miles on any afternoon.
5. Go Kayaking on the Hudson
If you're into kayaking, try out the free tours that you can take at the Downtown Boathouse. This company offers free tours and classes throughout the week when the weather is warmer. Services usually open up around April of every year.
Also try: Free ice skating or yoga in Bryant Park, biking around the city, or free yoga in Times Square in the summer.
5 Way to Explore Culture:
1. Visit Museums, Zoos, or Gardens
Many tourists aren't privy to the fact that NYC museums can actually be free to get into. There are tons of wonderful places that are either donation based or offer free nights to visit. Here are some great spots to check out:
African Burial Ground: Free all the time
American Museum of Natural History: Free the last hour it's open and admission price is "suggested"
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Free on Tuesdays and from 10am-12pm on Saturdays
Brooklyn Museum: Free first Saturday of the month
Bronx Museum: Free all the time
Bronx Zoo: Free on Wednesdays
El Museo del Barrio: Free the third Saturday of the month
Fashion Institute of Technology Museum: Free all the time
Guggenheim Museum: Free from 5:45-7:45pm on Saturdays
Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library: Free all the time
Japan Society: Free from 6-9pm on Fridays
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Admission price is "suggested"
MoMA: Free from 4-8pm on Fridays
National Museum of the American Indian: Free all the time
New York Botanical Garden: Free all day Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-10am
New York Earth Room: Free all the time
New York Historical Society: Free from 6-8pm on Fridays
New York Aquarium: Free 3pm Fridays and 4pm in the summer
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Free all the time
Socrates Sculpture Park: Free all the time (light shows & movies on Wednesdays in the summer)
Whitney Museum of American Art: Free from 7-9:30 on Fridays
9/11 Memorial Museum: Free from 5-8pm on Tuesdays
2. Hang in Parks
New York has plenty of parks to love throughout the city. Central Park, Bryant Park, Riverside Park, Battery Park, Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, and the list goes on and on. Take a picnic and hang out in one of the many parks, see Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park, or catch a movie on the Astoria Park Great Lawn. All for free, and all for your enjoyment!
3. Take a Brooklyn Brewery Tour
The Brooklyn Brewery has been gaining more and more notoriety over the last few years, and hosting free tours every week has been a vital role in growing their presence in the community. Stop by the Brooklyn Brewery for a free tour every weekend to see how your favorite NYC beer is made. Tours are free from 1-5pm on Saturdays and 1-4pm on Sundays.
4. Sightsee in Midtown
There are so many modern and iconic beauties to love in Midtown. You can do any of the following things for free around this neighborhood:
Visit the New York Public Library
Walk through Grand Central Station to see the architecture
See Rockefeller Center (and the Christmas tree/lights on 5th Avenue during the holidays)
Take in the energy at Times Square
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
See the Empire State Building
See the Chrysler Building
5. Go to TV show tapings
Did you know that a lot of your favorite TV show tapings are actually free to attend? Yep! Jimmy Fallon, Kelly & Michael, The Today Show, and so many more! All you have to do is either show up or reserve your tickets ahead of time and get there early. Here is a list of shows that are currently offering free tickets to studio audiences.
Also try: Seeing the art in the Chelsea galleries, visiting Governor's Island, taking a tour at the Federal Reserve, or calling ahead at Juilliard to score free tickets to performances.
What are other free things you like to do around NYC? List any recommendations below!
PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!
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A Weekend Guide to Newport Beach
Surf's up everybody! Time to head to Newport Beach for the weekend. Find out what to eat, where to stay, and what to do on any budget.
A Weekend Guide to Newport Beach
Surf's up everybody! We're heading to Newport Beach, California for the weekend. This lively SoCal hot spot is a great weekend getaway for people of all ages who are looking to soak in the sun and feel the vibes of the town.
Grab your surfboard and hit the waves (or watch the pros do it at The Wedge) in the morning. Walk the pier or the beach after brunch at a local spot, then head to Balboa or Fashion Island for some afternoon shopping. Top the night off with dining and drinking at one of Newport's hottest restaurants. This guide is your perfect go-to manual for finding places to eat, sleep, and hang out on any budget in Newport Beach!
Budget:
Cassidy’s Bar & Grill, 2603 Newport Blvd
Crocker’s The Well Dressed Frank, 211 Marine Ave, Ste A
The Trough, 705 E Balboa Blvd
Lotus Bistro, 325 Old Newport Blvd, Ste 1
Wild Taco, 407 31st St
Also try: My Galley, Cafe Zuzu & Coco, Blue Mediterranean Cafe, or Big Belly Deli
Moderate:
The Beachcomber Cafe, 15 Crystal Cove
The Cannery, 3010 Lafayette Rd
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen, 3012 Newport Blvd
True Food Kitchen, 451 Newport Center Dr
C’est Si Bon, 149 Riverside Ave
Also try: Bluewater Grill, R+D Kitchen, Juliette Kitchen & Bar, or The Beach Barrel
Luxury:
A Restaurant, 3334 W Coast Hwy
Kitayama, 101 Bayview Pl
Javier’s, 7832 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Mastro’s Ocean Club, 8112 E Coast Hwy
Andrea at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Rd S
Also try: 21 Oceanfront, The Winery, or San Shi Go
Budget:
Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, $$, 1800 W Balboa Blvd
Located in the gorgeous Balboa Peninsula, this family-owned hotel is a local favorite for people coming to Newport Beach. Walk just 2 blocks to the beach, lounge on the rooftop deck, or take a quick walk to the Newport Beach Pier. It is a wonderful budget option.
Also try: Newport Channel Inn ($)
Moderate:
Doryman’s Inn, $$, 2102 W Oceanfront
This charming Bed & Breakfast--established in 1898--is just steps away from the pier on Newport Beach. If you’re into the romantic glamour of a local, boutique B&B, this is the place for you.
Also try: Balboa Bay Resort ($$), Balboa Bay Resort ($$), or Newport Beach Hotel ($$)
Luxury:
The Resort at Pelican Hill, $$$$, 22701 S Pelican Hill Rd
It’s luxury all the way when you stay at The Resort at Pelican Hill. This gorgeous resort sits along a golf course on top of the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Sit back and relax at this Italian-style escape, or stop in at the spectacular restaurant on site.
Also try: Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas ($$$) or Island Hotel Newport Beach ($$$)
THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT BEACH:
Explore downtown Balboa Village
Shop at Fashion Island
Take in the beach views at Corona Del Mar
Surf The Wedge (Experts Only!)
Golf at Pelican Hill Golf Club
Escape to Crystal Cove State Park
Stroll the Newport Pier
Paddle board, boat, or walk around Balboa Island
People watch at Newport Beach
Relax at the Sherman Library & Garden
Where are your favorite spots to hang around Newport Beach? Comment below with extra recommendations!
PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!
This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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A Weekend Guide to La Jolla
Scrumptious tacos, killer beach views, and luxurious accommodations... Find out where to eat, sleep, & play for a weekend in La Jolla!
A Weekend Guide to La Jolla
Scrumptious tacos, killer beach views, and luxurious accommodations... La Jolla is a wonderful spot for a lovely weekend getaway!
Settled along the coast of California--and minutes away from San Diego--is the charming town of La Jolla. Take a walk through downtown, watch the sunset over the coves, or sip champagne at La Valencia Hotel. This guide is full of insider tips to get you through your weekend in La Jolla at any budget.
Budget:
Bahia Don Bravo, 5504 La Jolla Blvd
The Taco Stand, 621 Pearl St
Cheese Shop, 2165 Avenida De La Playa
RED Sambusas, 9500 Gilman Dr
Sorella della Taverna, 7420 Girard Ave
Also try: Smashburger, Shore Thing Cafe, The Cravory Farmers Market, or Deli-icious
Moderate:
The Hake Kitchen & Bar, 1250 Prospect St, Ste B10
George’s at the Cove, 1250 Prospect St
The Cottage, 7702 Fay Ave
Cody’s, 8030 Girard Ave
Puesto, 1026 Wall St
Also try: Caroline’s Seaside Cafe, Shorehouse Kitchen, Prepkitchen, or Cusp
Luxury:
A.R. Valentien, 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd
Herringbone, 7837 Herschel Ave
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, 1270 Prospect St
Marine Room, 2000 Spindrift Dr
Nine-Ten, 910 Prospect St
Also try: Shores Restaurant, Manhattan of La Jolla, Crab Catcher, or Whisknladle
Budget:
La Jolla Village Lodge, $, 1141 Silverado St
This little lodge is just steps from the La Jolla Cove Beach, Seal Cove, and the downtown shopping district, making it a perfect location for people looking for close proximity to all the best things to do in town.
Also try: Staying at an Airbnb rental - Use this link for $40 off your first stay!
Moderate:
Pantai Inn, $$$, 1003 Coast Boulevard
What’s better than waking up with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean every day? Stay at the Pantai and you’ll get exactly that along with exceptional service and amenities.
Also try: Empress Hotel ($$), La Jolla Shores ($$$), or Scripps Inn ($$)
Luxury:
La Valencia, $$$, 1132 Prospect St
Staying at La Valencia is like stepping back in time with one foot and keeping the other foot in the present. It is the perfect, elegant combination of old world charm and new world amenities. If anything, you must step in here for a bite to eat and a cocktail to sip.
Also try: The Lodge at Torrey Pines ($$$), Estancia La Jolla ($$$), or Grande Colonial La Jolla ($$)
Things To Do In La Jolla:
Watch the sunset at La Jolla Cove
Surf, soak, and relax at Windansea Beach
Animal watch at La Jolla Cove
Pick up food at the La Jolla Open Aire Market
Shop through the downtown area
Glide through the Torrey Pines Gliderport
Visit the San Diego Zoo
Have a picnic at the Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Take in the natural beauty at the Shell Beach Tide Pools
Spend the day at Kellogg Park
Where are your favorite spots to hang around La Jolla? Comment below with extra recommendations!
PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!
This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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Hi, I'm Ana Rebeca! Welcome to The City Sidewalks. Here you’ll find tips on Travel, Lifestyle, and Wellness.
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