I love sharing good quality photos on Google Maps for the world to see because I feel it allows people to view places they might not be able to visit otherwise, and also allows people to make an unbiased educated decision when planning their travels. Lastly because there are people who are unable to travel for a myriad of reasons in life, whether it be because of a homebound illness, finances, or other reasons, and I hope my photos will inspire them and bring them happiness.
In addition to my video submission for Google Connect 2019, I would like to post this article about my most recent visit to Warner Brothers Harry Potter Tour that I visited yesterday. This way I can share my photos and experience, and for any HP fans out there, they can see some behind the scenes images to their favourite films.
(I don’t recall any required step access along the tour. But if someone were in a wheelchair, they wouldn’t be able to go into the Knight Bus or the Bridge, which is halfway through the tour after the Backlot Cafe. But these two can be seen easily and good photo opps from being outside of them.)
I’m going to throw in some of my favourite photos below, but to begin, I would like to post what I wrote on my Google Maps review, because I think it sums up my experience really well:
"Local Guide
★★★★★ 17 hours ago
*Fellow Americans = this will probably be The Best thing you will do on your trip to the UK.
It’s a super high level of quality and value. Everything is well thought out, clean, organized, loads of food options and toilets along the way, a cloak room to check your jacket when you arrive, time access tickets, staff can communicate efficiently, great videos for each section, loads to look at, professional photo opportunities, US style food portions and flavours, the biggest HP merch section at the very end, and they’ve done a Great job in giving you that successful accomplished feeling when you leave. I’ve not been able to find anything close to this in the UK… it is definitely made for us Americans… and atleast 50% of the people I overhear talking seem to be either American or French during the tours… so I can for sure say it’s worth every penny!
For those who have been here previously, I went about 6 years ago, and it’s completely upgraded. New food outlets in the beginning/end, and a full options restaurant halfway through with 3 cups types of Butterbeer, and 2 serving options for Butterbeer ice cream! The entry system has had the biggest upgrade and the timed slots are much more efficient. The parking lot has also been redone and is so much easier to navigate. There’s more staff everywhere now… I spotted atleast one person per visual sight of any area, which is helpful and they’re all HP fanatics which is cool too. I’d recommend booking as early as possible in the morning. Today my husband and I went through and just the tour with a short meal break in the middle was 5 hours. If you add on breakfast at the cafe before entrance and a coffee or snack at the very end, it could be 6 hours easily. I like to watch all the videos everywhere and take pictures… get my money’s worth and the full experience.
The very first cafe you see when you walk in is a Starbucks, but there’s two more cafes hidden just behind the entrance barriers to the right, including another full toilet facilities. (You don’t need to enter right away. Get there early and relax before your time slot!) The farthest cafe offers a full English breakfast, loads of food options for lunch, and even a really nice looking afternoon tea! Great for tourists from abroad! They have alot of dessert options, but for more dessert options head to the Chocolate Frog cafe ahead of it. Halfway through… are more sandwiches and burgers with fries, although I scored an amazing superfood salad today! And that’s where the Butterbeer items are also.
I would give this place more than 5 stars if I could. Warner Brothers has only improved this experience as the years have progressed. I’m very impressed with their standard being so high, and I hope they keep it going. Such a breath of fresh air in the UK. I can recommend my friends and family to go knowing they will feel they’ve received their monies worth.
The only 2 things I would update is the website, as a research type person myself I was unable to fully understand the new updates and the advice I recommended above. And also the video in the very beginning could have a newer version of the threesome, as they’ve changed so much since that was shot.
Thank you WB for this excellent HP studio tour!"
(All of the photos uploaded from last to first, so I apologize as they’re not in timeline order of the tour)
There are 3 new places to eat and gran drinks at the main lobby. So get there early for food and dessert, and stay after to rest and eat/drink more options!
Hogwarts full scale image they used for any long distance shots in the film.
The Brand New Gringotts Bank stage
Enjoyed our Butterbeer drink with lunch and Butterbeer Ice Cream for dessert.
Hogwarts Express!
Ministry of Magic area
Potions Class
The Great Hall
The Chocolate Frog dessert bar and new places to eat in the main lobby.
Very Impressive! New lobby layout and great photo opp!
My husband and I recommend booking as early in the morning as possible! This way it is super quiet when you arrive and less stress! Grab some breakfast from the cafe and enjoy the atmosphere before you begin your tour!
Harry Potter