Well guys, that epic day is finally here. Where Sam and I’s journey through the world of Harry Potter together has finally ended. After reading the books aloud to each other and watching all the films, a trip to the Harry Potter Studios was the cherry on top.
The trip was so epic, and I loved it so much that I’m going to have to split it into two different posts. Sorry about that! I just have so much that I want to share from it! I had a grin from ear to ear all day long, my face hurt from smiling. Needless to say: I loved it! We took over 300 photos and after deleting all the crap ones, I was still left with way too many.
Harry Potter Studios Tour
Harry’s first Hogwarts letter. I’m still waiting for mine
First thing first, you have to book tickets in advance. You can’t show up and get them at the door. However, the website is very user friendly and all the staff once you are inside are absolutely lovely. The nicest. Seriously, some of the best customer service I’ve received in the UK. I’d also really recommend purchasing the audio guide (thanks for the suggestion Lindsay!). It taught me so much more about the making of Harry Potter than I would have gotten just going through the sets myself.
The tour says that it takes approximately 3 hours to complete, but honestly, I think it’d be nearly impossible to see everything in that time. You’d end up missing out on quite a bit that way. I recommend allotting at least 4 hours. (More of you get sucked in to the black hole that is the gift shop!) You also need to turn up about 15-20 minutes before your booked tour time because you need to queue up to be allowed in. But whilst you wait in the line you get to examine the infamous “Cupboard under the stairs”.
Since these are the actual costumes and sets used in the film, you’re not really allowed to touch anything but there are ample opportunities for photos! Even knowing what I was going to see there were still some surprises! (Even in the presentation of the tour so I’ll let some of the mystery and magic remain for your visit.)
Just some pre-queing giftshop browsing to get into the spirit of things!
Doors leading to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall of Hogwarts
My enthusiasm at finally being here!
The Gryffindor Boys Dormitory. (That’s Neville’s bed.)
How many famous props can you spot on this table?
Dumbledore’s Office.
Potions Class time!
Harry’s invisibility cloak. The inside is that green material because it’s used as a green-screen to create all the cloak’s effects.
Wishing I was part of the Gryffindor Common Room.
Dolores Umbridge’s office at the Ministry of Magic.
Some very excitable green-screen broom riding!
Outside Hagrid’s hut.
Magic is might, people. Magic is might.
Gazing at the Ministry in wonder.
I hope you’re excited for Part 2 next week, where I explore the outside set and second studio.