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From Privet Drive to Gringotts: A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London

05 Dec 2024 by Bella

My journey into the Harry Potter world began 24 years ago, when my uncle gifted me the first book when I was 12. He worked in a bookstore at the time and gave me the first book – it was considered quite a luxury back then, so I was eager not to miss out.

After finishing the first one, I was hooked and wanted more. But the only copies available at that time were in English – so as the books got thicker, reading in my second language became more difficult. But luckily they started turning them into films, haha!

Fast forward to today, and when I finally landed in London for the first time, I convinced my husband to visit The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour. I’ll tell you what – I was one lucky Muggle! There was no way we could get tickets during the high season, but two people decided to cancel, and that’s how we got ours. The tickets are not cheap, especially when you convert them to Indonesian rupiah – it was over IDR 1 million each *crying in parseltongue*. But boy, was it worth it!

It was a dream come true for me! And in this article, I’ll share everything you need to know: ticket tips, costs, and why this magical London attraction is worth every Galleon.

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Unfortunately, the expense didn’t stop at the tickets. We also had to take a train out of London, which cost £20 per person. But the tickets did include a bus pick-up from the train station to the studio. On the bus, Draco Malfoy greeted us on screen, which definitely added to the excitement! (Not sure why him though, where’s Harry!).

The tickets have time slots, and since we arrived early, we headed to the cafeteria for some soup served in a cauldron! We were also given a passport with interactive tasks, like collecting stamps and finding golden snitches. You can choose to use an audio guide, available in several languages – and I wonder why I didn’t ask for mine in Bahasa Indonesia, just for fun, lol.

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So, we started the studio tour in the Great Hall, and then it took us through everything you could possibly imagine from the films! From Harry’s cupboard under the stairs, to Gryffindor’s common room, Hagrid’s hut, Professor Dumbledore’s office, and even the Forbidden Forest! I got to meet Aragog and the Hippogriff (and I wasn’t surprised to see all the nerdy Potterheads bowing to it, haha).

There’s also an outdoor area where you can visit Harry’s aunt and uncle’s house on Privet Drive, and the plant room where they grow Mandrakes! It was raining and cold, but that didn’t stop anyone – certainly not me, from exploring. I treated myself to some Butterbeer. You can clean the mug and take it home! Then, I continued my journey through Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, and Gringotts. No wonder the website says it’s at least a 3-hour tour!

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It was one of the best days ever! It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. If you’re ever in London and are a Harry Potter fan, I can’t recommend the studio tour enough. It’s totally worth the splurge. Just be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly!

Harry Potter Studio Tour London Summary

Planning Your Visit

Ticket Price: More less IDR 1,000,000 each
How to Save: Book 3-4 months early – slots sell fast!
Getting There: Take a £20 (approx. IDR 400,000) train from London + free shuttle bus

Magical Highlights

The Great Hall: Walk under floating candles and house banners
Privet Drive: Recreate Harry’s iconic cupboard-under-the-stairs moment
Butterbeer: Sip the creamy drink and keep the souvenir mug!
Diagon Alley & Gringotts: Walk through the dragon-guarded bank and Ollivanders’ wand shop.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! For Potterheads, the Harry Potter Studio Tour London is a nostalgic journey through Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, and the Forbidden Forest. Just budget for tickets + train fares.

Bella’s Tips

Skip the audio guide (you will be visually pleased the whole time – and save money)
Arrive early for cauldron soup at the cafeteria
Wear layers in autumn/ winter – the outdoor Privet Drive area gets chilly!

Click here to buy the tickets.

Isabella – Hufflepuff

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16 Feb 2026 by Bella in Australia

Where to Eat in Sydney: 5 Spots I’ll Always Go Back to

Where to eat in Sydney - Every time I’m back in this beautiful city, one thing is guaranteed: I plan my days around food (other than hanging out with my family and friends, of course! hehe). From local restaurants, global chains, to comforting desserts, these are some of my personal favourites - the ones I genuinely crave, talk about, and immediately recommend to friends. The Grounds Coffee FactoryNando’s Peri Peri ChickenIsland RadioTenacious BakehouseYogurberry The Grounds Coffee Factory I know The Grounds of Alexandria is on pretty much everyone’s must-visit list when in Sydney. And yes, their art installations (which change every few months) are always impressive. But did you know there are other The Grounds locations too? And they’re just as special, with genuinely good food. My cousins took me to the one in Eveleigh, an area that was once a major locomotive and railway hub back in the late 19th century. This branch is an actual coffee factory, so while you’re eating, you can see (and smell!) the coffee being crafted through the glass windows. If you want to enjoy The Grounds’ great food without the long queues, this one’s definitely worth a visit. Image credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory Instagram You may also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken For those who have been touched by the deliciousness of Nando’s peri-peri chicken, let’s hug and agree it’s one of the best things to eat in the world. And if you’ve never tried it before, imagine this: tender, charred, flame-grilled chicken marinated in a spicy, tangy peri-peri sauce. Depending on the heat level, the spice builds into a warm, zesty kick rather than a burn-your-mouth moment. The flavour goes all the way to the bone. Pair it with peri-peri-sprinkled chips or corn on the cob and boom - you’ve got the kind of meal you find yourself craving again and again. Nando’s is a global chain and I’ve tried it in a few other countries, but in my personal experience, Nando’s in Oz is the best. Image credit: Nando's Australia website Island Radio “You can take a girl out of Asia, but you can’t take Asia out of a girl” - I guess that saying is true. As much as I love international cuisine, Asian food wins every time. No competition needed. This trendy spot in Redfern serves up a South-East Asian–inspired menu. They change their menu every now and then, by the way, which keeps things exciting - but this is what we had: sate Padang (Padang beef satay), grilled chicken, quinoa salad, their take on mie ayam (chicken noodles), and a Balinese pie susu (milk pie) for dessert. Nothing disappointed. The Indonesian dishes still had spot-on flavours, even with a modern twist - and I have to admit, their pie susu was actually better than the OG, whoops! Bonus points: they have a disco toilet. Because no night out is complete without a bathroom rave! What we had at Island Radio - sate padang, mie ayam, and pie susu Tenacious Bakehouse As a dessert person and a lifelong lover of Asian flavours like matcha, taro, and ube - I have to say this, and I’m really not exaggerating: their Taro Cream Croissant is one of the best pastries I’ve ever had. They claim to use natural sweetness with 60% reduced sugar, and I believe it, because it’s not overly sweet like most pastries. The cream somehow tastes rich and light at the same time (how is that even possible??). It’s best eaten cold, which makes the taro cream taste almost like ice cream. That purple dusting on top is sweet potato powder, and it ties everything together perfectly. I’m sure their other pastries are amazing too… but I’ll save those for next time. The star - Taro Cream Croissant and other interesting pastries at Tenacious Bakehouse You may also like this article: Pastries, Passion, and a Little Bit of Magic at Theo’s Wife Lois Yogurberry And another dessert spot...I know you can get frozen yoghurt pretty much anywhere, but going back to my love for Asian flavours, yogurberry has taro froyo! Woot woot! And that alone is why, even with all the newer and trendier frozen yoghurt spots around, Yogurberry is still my favourite. It’s pay-by-weight, so you can customise it exactly how you like. I usually go for taro froyo topped with their unsweetened mochi, coconut jelly, and almond flakes. Simple, not overly sweet, and deeply comforting. I was so happy to see that even after years of not being back in Sydney, this place still exists. I wish them all the success so they stay open foreverrrr!!! Image credit: Yogurberry Australia Instagram Sydney’s food scene is massive, but these places hit that sweet spot between comfort, flavour, and personal nostalgia for me. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back like I was, I hope this list gives you a few delicious reasons to eat your way through the city.

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If I live in Chiang Mai (which I kinda do now), I honestly don’t see why I’d ever need to cook. You’re spoiled with food options here, across all kinds of cuisines and prices. Sure, every few metres you can find a decent Thai restaurant, but while most of them are good, I find eating at the markets much more interesting because you can try a little bit of many different things in one place. Here are five popular food markets in Chiang Mai I keep coming back to. Chiang Mai Walking StreetLanna SquareKalare Night BazaarOne Nimman Street Food MarketCoconut Market You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Chiang Mai Walking Street This is probably the biggest market in Chiang Mai, held every Sunday. It stretches from Tha Pae Gate all the way to Wat Phra Singh - if you walk the whole route, it’s around 1 km long. Most vendors sell handcrafted items, clothes, and souvenirs, but you’ll also find buzzing food markets inside the courtyards of two temples along the way. Once your tummy is full, you can browse the street vendors or surrender to the joy of a foot massage which you can find right outside the temples - like....a whole street of pop up foot massage chairs. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: chicken and pork skewers, grilled oyster mushrooms, pad thai, longan juice💵 Prices: 10 - 150 baht⏰ Opening time: Every Sunday, 4pm – late📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town – walk from Tha Pae Gate🚽 Toilet: At the temple entrances (bring a 5-baht coin) Chiang Mai Walking Street, image credit: Destino Chiang Mai Lanna Square Still in the Old City area, there’s this outdoor food court - a good starting point for beginners, hehe. Why beginners? Because I feel like it's more geared towards tourists; prices are slightly higher, and the food selection is more international, not just Thai. You’ll find everything from Japanese dishes and Western comfort food like beef brisket and loaded fries, to ice cream. There’s even Burmese cuisine I've never tried before. There’s also live music on the front stage, which adds a nice atmosphere. It’s usually busy, but in a comfortable way - not too hectic and not overly loud (perfect for millenials, hehe). 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A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know

I’ve been in Chiang Mai, Thailand for two weeks at the time I’m writing this, and I already feel at home. So much so that I haven’t really explored much yet. I’ve fallen into a nice routine of jiu jitsu training and working from home - which I absolutely love. So when my two best friends decided to visit, it felt like the perfect time for a proper weekend adventure. At the top of my list was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred temples. Located on Doi Suthep mountain, it overlooks the city and it’s only 45 minutes drive from the city centre. Known for its golden pagoda, beautiful view, and the famous 306-step dragon staircase, it’s one of those places that feels both grounding and magical. First Thing First: How to Get to Doi SuthepGetting to the Top: Stairs or Cable Car?Temples, Rituals, and Quiet MomentsA 50-Baht Ride Down The Mountain First Thing First: How to Get to Doi Suthep After researching how to get there (the options are a private car, public transport from Chiang Mai Zoo, or a Grab car), we decided to just book a Grab car so we could head up early. And by early, I mean 7am - which, by the way, was a huge achievement for the three of us, considering we love a good sleep-in. I read that the sunrise from the viewpoint is amazing, but let’s not push it right? 7am felt ambitious enough, lol. One thing about taking a Grab car up there: some drivers might be a bit hesitant as they might struggle to find passengers on the way back down. In our case, the driver just asked if we could pay cash instead, which was absolutely fine. You may also like this article: Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops: A Chilly Christmas in Bromo Outside of the temples - people often pray here too The drive up the mountain didn’t feel long at all, especially with good company. Once we reached the foot of the mountain, the road began winding upwards. On the way up, we passed keen runners and determined cyclists. There’s also the Monk’s Trail if you fancy a hike up, which is popular among locals and hikers looking for a more challenging route to the top. Distance-wise, it’s only around 10km from the city. Technically, I could run to Doi Suthep… but my poor knees would never survive the elevation! Haha. We were dropped off right at the temple entrance, where loads of songthaews (Thai public transport vehicles) were parked. That instantly allayed my worries after all the earlier stress about whether we’d be able to find a Grab car back down. Getting to the Top: Stairs or Cable Car? Okay, so there are two ways to get to the top: the famous 306-step dragon staircase or the cable car. With a little bit of persuasion, I managed to convince the girls that the stairs were the right choice! It’s totally up to you if you want to take the cable car, but there’s usually a queue. The morning air is pretty chilly too, which makes a huge difference. Climbing the stairs when you’re not hot and drenched in sweat is way more pleasant. So yeah… give it a try 😉 Me and my best friends in front of Doi Suthep's famous 306-step dragon staircase Temples, Rituals, and Quiet Moments Once we made it to the top, there are several temples you can to visit. Just a few things to keep in mind: wear respectful clothing; no tank tops, no shorts, and no shoes inside the temples. You’ll find shoe racks by the entrance where you can safely leave them. Within the temple areas, keep your voice low and your movements calm. You’ll often see people circling the pagoda clockwise three times, and you’re welcome to join in. There’s also a prayer you can recite to worship the pagoda. There are prayer rooms you can walk into as well, and you’re free to pray in whatever belief you hold. I believe gratitude and blessings exist in every religion, so I visited a few of the prayer rooms with my friends - it felt very soothing. And if praying or rituals aren’t your thing, you can simply wander around and admire the beautiful Buddhist architecture. Once you’re done, take some time to soak in the view of Chiang Mai from the viewing point before heading back down. Oh, one interesting thing I found in one of the prayer rooms - which I later read that it is actually a fortune-telling area, is that you can step in and say a personal prayer, whether it’s about life, love, decisions, or anything. Once you’re done, you shake a bamboo cylinder provided there until a numbered stick falls out. That number is considered your sign. You then match it to a paper on the wall that you can take, with a written fortune. People usually make a small donation afterwards. You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam: A Quick Trip, Big Memories My friend Jessica in the fortune-telling area A 50-Baht Ride Down The Mountain We wrapped up our trip with coffee at one of the local food stalls near the dragon staircase. We sat outside on the balcony, watching songthaews line up to head off to different destinations. We then decided to stop by the closest national park, which I’ll cover in the next article. By the way, a one-way songthaew ride to the national park (it’s close enough to the city) costs just 50 baht! Super affordable and so much fun. We shared the ride with other travellers - an experience I hadn’t had in years. The iconic red songthaew (Thai public transport vehicle) lining up by the entrance of Doi Suthep Anyway, that’s my Doi Suthep adventure with my girls. Hope you found some useful tips if you’re planning a trip there or to Chiang Mai in general. I’ll be in this beautiful city for a while, so expect more articles on other spots, restaurants, events, and whatnot. Stay tuned on www.kata-bella.com and follow us on Instagram @katabellamag. Planning your trip to Doi Suthep ⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 6am - 6pm 🌅 Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset for the magical views 📍Location: Around 10 - 13 km from the city centre, on Doi Suthep Mountain 🎟️ Entrance fee: 50 baht for foreign visitors (for temple maintance) 🚘 Transportation: Grab car, songthaew, private car, or a mountain bike! ;) 🚶🏼 Access to the temple: Stairs or cable car 👗 Dress code: Clothing that covers shoulders and knees 🚽 Toilets: Available downstairs near the cable car entrance (they're clean!) Personal tips: Get there as early as you can - the weather is cool in the morning and there are fewer people. Try the fortune-telling area and do the pagoda loop for the full experience. Go to the toilet before heading up and bring a water bottle. It gets really hot once the sun comes out.