H

arry Potter fans around the world jumped for joy when they heard that a brand new studio tour dedicated to all things Potter was to open in London, and so did we.

When entering the Great Hall and walking on the hallowed York stone floor the word ‘magical’ springs straight to mind as you’re transported into some of the most iconic sets in film history. And the word, as you’d expect, applies to the entire three-hour tour from the mystical wands used by the likes of Ron Weasley and Snape, to the potions classroom filled to the rafters with mysterious ingredients and row upon row of glass phials each bearing peculiar brews and remedies. The Weasley’s kitchen, Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room and of course Diagon Alley all make an appearance too.

But when we say magical, we aren’t just talking about Harry and friends. We’re also referring to the amount of painstaking hard work by set designers, costume makers, scriptwriters and many others to create the UK’s most successful film series of all time. The tour pays tribute to all of them, and the attention to detail is simply astounding.

As you walk around, you're greeted by hoards of hand-crafted and exceptionally detailed props sat in cages and glass cabinets just pleading to be played with. It’s like walking into a giant curiosity shop full of weird and wonderful objects.

The secrets of the screaming mandrakes and Buckbeak the Hippogriff are revealed in the Creature Effects Workshop, along with Rubeus Hagrid’s robotic stunt double. All of which aren’t the result of any CGI spell, just highly technical animatronics and make-up artists that would put Lady Gaga’s beauty team to shame. And then there’s the hand-sculpted Hogwarts Castle to explore…

But we don’t want to give too much away so instead let us divert your attention to Butterbeer. A favourite with budding wizards, it's a creamy concoction of caramel-like fizzy goodness. And as it’s only available here in England and the States, it would be silly not to have a mug or two! 

The studio tour is only a 15-minute train journey from London Euston Station. Click on the link below to book your slot and let the magic begin!