If one of the reasons why you’re visiting Oxford is your love of Harry Potter, you’re probably considering a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour – the place where the majority of the movies’ scenes were actually filmed. Now, it’s one thing to go from London. But how can you visit if you’re staying in Oxford?
Follow this link to see a complete list of Oxford Harry Potter filming locations and how to visit them.
What Is The Harry Potter Studio Tour?
The Harry Potter Studio Tour, officially known as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a popular attraction located in Leavesden, near London, England. It offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter film series, based on the beloved books by J.K. Rowling.
The studio tour takes place at the actual film studios where the Harry Potter movies were filmed over the course of a decade. Visitors have the opportunity to explore authentic sets, props, costumes, and special effects used in the production of the films.
Highlights of the Harry Potter Studio Tour include:
The Great Hall: Visitors can step into the iconic Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, complete with long dining tables, towering candles, and authentic props from the films.
Diagon Alley: Guests can stroll down the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, where they’ll find familiar shops such as Ollivanders Wand Shop, Flourish and Blotts, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
Hogwarts Castle: A breathtaking model of Hogwarts Castle, used for exterior shots in the films, is on display. Visitors can marvel at the intricate detail of the model and learn about the techniques used to bring it to life on screen.
The Forbidden Forest: Step into the enchanted Forbidden Forest, home to magical creatures such as Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog the Acromantula. Visitors can explore the dark and mysterious forest, encountering animatronic creatures along the way.
Special Effects and Creature Workshops: Learn about the creative processes behind the special effects and creature design in the Harry Potter films. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to try their hand at wand choreography, green screen technology, and more.
Why You Should Visit the Harry Potter Studios
Visiting the Harry Potter Studios offers an unparalleled opportunity to step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter and experience the magic of filmmaking firsthand. The studio tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the beloved film series, offering fans a chance to explore authentic sets, props, costumes, and special effects used in the production of the movies.
One of the main reasons to visit the Harry Potter Studios is the chance to immerse yourself in the iconic locations from the films, such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts Castle. Walking through these meticulously recreated sets allows fans to feel as though they’ve been transported to the wizarding world, surrounded by the same sights and sounds that enchanted audiences on the big screen.
Additionally, the studio tour provides insight into the creative process behind the making of the Harry Potter films. Visitors can learn about the intricate set design, elaborate costumes, and innovative special effects that brought J.K. Rowling’s magical universe to life. Interactive exhibits and behind-the-scenes demonstrations offer a deeper understanding of the filmmaking techniques used to create the fantastical elements of the series.
The 5 Unmissable Things in the Harry Potter Studio
The Great Hall: Experience the grandeur of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by stepping into the iconic Great Hall, where many memorable scenes from the Harry Potter films were filmed. Marvel at the intricate details of the set and imagine yourself attending classes alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Diagon Alley: Wander through the enchanting streets of Diagon Alley, where you can visit famous shops like Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and Flourish and Blotts. Admire the elaborate storefronts and see firsthand the craftsmanship that brought this magical location to life on screen.
Hogwarts Castle Model: Behold the breathtaking Hogwarts Castle model, a stunningly intricate replica used in the filming of the Harry Potter series. This impressive 1:24 scale model offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire castle and its surrounding grounds, allowing visitors to appreciate the immense detail and craftsmanship put into its creation.
Platform 9¾ and Hogwarts Express: Step aboard the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾ and experience the magic of traveling to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Pose for photos with the iconic platform sign and explore the interior of the train’s carriage, where you can see recreations of the film’s memorable scenes.
Forbidden Forest: Brave the Forbidden Forest, home to magical creatures like Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog the Acromantula. Walk among the towering trees and encounter life-size animatronic creatures that come to life before your eyes, immersing you in the mystical atmosphere of the wizarding world’s most mysterious forest.
How Do You Get to Harry Potter Studios From Oxford?
To get to the Harry Potter Studios from Oxford, you have several transportation options:
By Train and Shuttle Bus:
- Take a train from Oxford to London Euston Station or London Marylebone Station.
- From there, transfer to the London Underground or National Rail services to reach London Euston Station.
- Once at Euston Station, take a train to Watford Junction Station. Trains from London Euston to Watford Junction run frequently and the journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
- At Watford Junction Station, follow signs for the Harry Potter Studio Tour Shuttle Bus. The shuttle bus operates regularly between Watford Junction Station and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
- The shuttle bus will drop you off directly outside the entrance to the Harry Potter Studios.
By Coach or Bus:
- Some coach companies offer direct transportation from Oxford to the Harry Potter Studios. Check with local coach operators or online booking platforms for availability and schedules.
- Alternatively, you can take a coach or bus from Oxford to London Victoria Coach Station or London Paddington Station.
- From London, follow the same steps as described above for transferring to Watford Junction Station and taking the shuttle bus to the Harry Potter Studios.
By Car:
- If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car or use your own vehicle to travel from Oxford to the Harry Potter Studios.
- The journey by car takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- Follow the M40 motorway southbound towards London.
- Merge onto the M25 motorway (London Orbital) westbound.
- Take Exit 20 onto the A41 towards Watford.
- Follow signs for the Harry Potter Studios, located on Leavesden Road (A405).
- The studios have ample parking available on-site.
Looking for More Harry Potter Tours and Experiences?
Are you looking for a more organised way to enjoy Oxford (and London) through some magic lenses? Here’s a small collection of tours and experiences that transport you to the spellbinding realms of wizardry and wonder. Immerse yourself in the magic that inspired J.K. Rowling’s iconic series as you explore the captivating landscapes of Oxford and London, where the wizarding world comes to life:
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Books to Help You Explore Harry Potter Filming Locations
If you want to learn more about the Geat Hall (Dining Hall) and other Harry Potter filming locations, and learn why J.K Rowling and the creators of the films were so inspired by Oxford, here are some good books I recommend:
