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Do you want to discover the magic of the Harry Potter World? If you are a fan of Harry Potter, have read the books or seen the films, I strongly advise you to go to the Harry Potter Studios located in Watford. Without giving too much away, I will describe the wonders of the studio tour, but also perhaps why the world of Harry Potter is probably best left to the imagination.

Firstly, the concept of all eight films being shot adjacent to the Warner Bros. studio tour is incomprehensible because you have ingrained in your mind that Harry Potter is almost ‘real’. However, from arriving at the train station, you walk out to see Harry Potter buses awaiting people for the studio tour – and the excitement begins. As soon as you begin the tour, the magic unfolds. After a brief film interviewing Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, you enter Hogwarts, quite literally. What you see is breathtaking as you walk into the Hogwarts Great Hall and every object and detail which is apparent in the film has been preserved and kept for show.

From being able to see wands to hair and makeup accessories to outfits, the set is truly stunning. However, some sets have been extremely altered with special effects, when in real life they are very small, or created in a clever way to look life-size when filmed through a camera lens, which is a bit disheartening! For example, seeing that the Gryffindor dormitories are much smaller than imagined, you struggle to understand how the actors pictured the end result as so much editing had to happen. Also, it is hard to let go of an image you have built up in your head for however many years. It is true to say that as you are walking around, the magic and enchantment of Harry Potter is both heightened and diminished in the studio tour. However, the people behind the making of the Harry Potter films are truly talented individuals, and the tour makes you admire them for how much work actually went into the making of each film. All the different sets, items and costumes are in one vast room, which enables you to walk round freely, and take it all in. You are even able to see the Philosopher’s Stone, the Goblet of Fire and the Golden Snitch, which are just a few of the many items on display. 

A highlight of the tour is that you have the chance to be a wizard and ride your own quidditch stick wearing a Harry Potter robe! You can also sit in the flying car and see yourself on film flying through the air! You are able to pick the background you want, and then have the photo framed!

And when you think the tour is over...well it isn’t! You are able to walk outside to the butterbeer stall, where yes you can buy your own cup of butterbeer! It is there that you can see the Knight bus, and also Private Drive - the little street has actually been built!

There is also a room showing how the masks are made for many of the characters, and you are able to see the costumes which were made for Dobby and Hagrid for example. Further into the tour, you walk into Diagon Alley, which is one of my favourite parts as there is so much happening, with many moving mechanical signs and objects and the individual boutiques are amazing! Finally, the last room is filled with a giant model of the whole of Hogwarts, a model taller than myself! The tour is a work of art.

A truly mind-blowing experience for all the Harry Potter fans out there, and an experience which is definitely worth the money and one you will never forget! I must also add that you should save some money for the souvenir shop at the end of the tour, as there are SO many items available to buy!

IMAGE 1 URL

http://www.london-discount-hotel.com/images/sightseeings/products/Warner_Bros_HP.jpg

IMAGE 2 - personal picture (of butterbeer!)