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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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Things to Do in the Scottish HighlandsLunch and snack stop at the House of BruarExplore Dunrobin CastleWalk around InvernessWhisky distillery tour at GlenmorangieShop at AntaPlay a round of golf at Royal DornochSeafood feast at La Mirage, HelmsdaleWatch the salmon leap at the Falls of ShinDrive to John O' GroatDrinks at the Crask InnA walk along Oldshoremore beachTake a scenic drive through any part of the Scottish Highlands You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam - A Quick Trip, Big Memories Lunch and snack stop at the House of Bruar If you're driving from Edinburgh to the Highlands, the House of Bruar makes the perfect first stop. More than just a place to stretch your legs - it’s a destination in itself. Inside, you’ll find shops filled with classic British country wear, from cashmere to tweed. There are also restaurants serving comfort meals, including their must-try steak pie, along with gift shops packed with local treats like biscuits, chocolates, fudge, cheese, and wine. To top it off, there’s also deli with a tempting selection of ready made meals like Scotch eggs, as well as ham, cheese, jam, and other local produce. Explore Dunrobin Castle Looking like something straight out of a fairytale book, Dunrobin Castle was originally the home of the Earls, and later the Dukes, of Sutherland. Today, this beautiful castle is open for visitors to explore its grand interiors, perfectly manicured gardens, and views stretching out towards the North Sea. Dunrobin is considered one of Scotland’s most enchanting castles, located in Golspie, Sutherland, on the northern coast of Scotland. Walk around Inverness Known as the capital of the Highlands, this charming city is a mix of history, nature, and cosy corners. 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There’s also a visitor centre, restaurant and walking trails, so you can grab a bite and have a little wander around while you’re there. The best time to see them is between May and September. Drive to John O' Groat It's a cute little village and one of the northernmost points of mainland Britain. It’s a popular stop if you’re driving around the northern coast of Scotland, with dramatic coastal views, and fresh sea air (by fresh, I mean...cold). It's also a fun landmark to tick off your Scotland road trip list. When I visited John O'Groat, it was in autumn, almost winter, and it was freezing and suuuper windy. So if you’re heading up this way around this time of year, bring your warmest jacket and a beanie, and maybe even a pair of gloves. Drinks at the Crask Inn It's known as the most isolated inn on the British mainland. Dating back to 1815, this little inn started out as a drovers’ inn and has been welcoming travellers for generations. 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