Visit the Sets of Harry Potter in London

Through all seven books and eight movies, Harry Potter became associated with London. For many fans they wished they could visit the real Hogwarts.

Now they’ll have the chance.

The films were all filmed just outside of London in Abbots Langley at Leavensden Studios. The studio opened in 1995 with the James Bond film, GoldenEye. Other films like The Phantom Menace, The Dark Knight, and Sherlock Holmes were also filmed at the studio.

But the studio really became famous when it was home to the Harry Potter franchise, which became the most popular movie franchise ever, grossing around $6 billion. And starting March 31, fans can tour the actual sets from the movies when The Making of Harry Potter opens.

After Warner Brothers invested $155 million in converting the original sets, places like The Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Diagon Alley, Hagrid’s Hut, Griffindor’s common room, The Ministry of Magic, Dolores Umbridge’s Office and Privet Lane will all be on the tour. There will also be costumes and props from the films on the tour as well.

The biggest draw is expected to be the famous Hogwarts Castle used for all the films. Built by more than 80 artists and crew members, the castle is built to scale and stretch about 15 meters. It has more than 2,500 fiber optic lights to simulate students and torches walking about the castle.

The tour promises to give a behind the scenes look at how the films were made and revealing secrets about the world of Harry Potter.

Reaching the studio is only a 20 minute train ride from London Euston to Watford Junction where a shuttle bus will take ticket holders to the studio, making for a fascinating – and magical – day trip from London.

The tour is self-guided and three hours is the expected time.

For those who want more Harry Potter, platform 9 ¾ is located in King’s Cross Station just down the street from London Euston, complete with a shopping cart going through the wall and is free for all to pose for pictures with.

Since Hogwarts doesn’t rent rooms, let us provide you with our acclaimed London apartment rental service.

This one bedroom vacation rental in Fitzrovia, London (LN-119) is nearby both Euston and King’s Cross, making for an ideal location to see Harry Potter sites as well as being in a great location to see the rest of London.

This three bedroom rental in Fitzrovia (LN-328) has plenty of room for up to six people, making this a great place to take kids to see The Making of Harry Potter. Plus it has its own balcony so you can try to spot Harry flying over London in his car.