It is every Potterhead’s dream to bask in the glory of J.K. Rowling’s magical universe and I got the chance to do so at the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden. It had just opened a few months before I was set to visit England so I was absolutely chuffed to take a tour. Fortunately we were able to secure tickets!

This place is different from the Harry Potter attractions in Universal Studios theme parks in the U.S. and Japan. I haven’t been able to visit the latter but the former is a permanent exhibit which allows fans like me to see how much work was put into the production of one of the world’s most famous film series ever; the latter, however, is a part of the theme park based on the wizarding world of Harry.

Come, I’ll show you around.

 

The tour starts with the cupboard under the stairs which, is where it all began for Harry. As any Potterhead would know this was the Dursleys’ poor excuse of a room for our favorite wizard.

The door to Hogwarts is a magnificent one, not only because it’s beautiful but also because this is where the magic begins! We were told to watch out for snitches as we explored this magical world.

As we went through the Hogwarts doors we found ourselves in the Great Hall. Of course there was no bewitched ceiling but it was lovely all the same.

All costumes on display are original. The teeny tine one on the left is what Harry wore in the very first movie! Awww.

Who can forget the Yule Ball? It was quite a turning point for our favorite teen wizards and the decor was fabulous.

The Yule Ball decor made the scene more special and magical.

All those hairstyles were made easy by the countless wigs they had in stock. Fancy one?

The boys beds in the dormitory were made small, so the boys had to try and fit themselves in as they were growing up fast.

I wanted to get my hands on these wands! They each had a distinct character and design.

Don’t forget the password or the Fat Lady won’t let you into the Gryffindor common room. I still remember the movie scene where she tries to break a goblet by singing. 😀 

No tour would be complete without a visit to the headmaster.

No Potterhead would want to find himself in this class… Potions!

There’s so much to see in this place that I had no time to find the snitches. We were able to find just one.

Who wants some Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans?

Some of the bigger sets and props were on display, which was a real treat. Let’s go to Number 4 Privet Drive.

And of course let’s not forget Diagon Alley!

Here come the Death Eaters and He Who Must Not Be Named!

 

Don’t worry, Dobby and Hagrid are here. Although it was a bit odd to see them that way.

Towards the end of the tour a roomful of wand boxes were on display and each one was for a crew member who worked on the movie.

It was a happy day for the Potter fan in me! I just feel like I won the Triwizard tournament and more!