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By no stretch of the imagination am I what you would call a Harry Potter fanatic. Sure I know my muggles from my Malfoy’s but anymore than that and suffice to say I am way out of my league. But when the opportunity arose to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour I thought sure why not, I mean who doesn’t love wizards, right?
Located at Leavesden studios in Hertfordshire where all eight Harry Potter films were created, the tour has now been running for nearly two years. And it seems that the attraction shows no signs of slowing as even on a wet and windy weekday in February the place was positively heaving!
Like I said, I can hardly be called a die hard Potter fan but somewhere between my car and the studio lobby something seriously magical happened. Not sure what to expect but excited nonetheless I stepped out of the car to be greeted by an array of incredible giant movie stills and three literally huge chess pieces. The sheer magnificence and grandeur of the whole scene, coupled with the fact that I had yet to step foot inside the studios, assured me that this was going to be tour like no other.Courtesy of
After a brief (but much appreciated!) Harry Potter history lesson, the studio cinema screen gave way to reveal the infamous Great Hall entrance. And even for someone with only the vaguest recollection of this legendary location, it really was a sight to behold. From the never-ending grand tables to the magnificently ornate wall carvings the set was truly breathtaking.
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Not to be outshone, The Great Hall led on to the aptly named ‘Big Room’, a positively gargantuan space which held some of the most iconic sets, props, and costumes in Harry Potter history. Personal favourites included the Weasley kitchen complete with self chopping vegetables and Professor Dumbledore’s office which in my opinion is even more magical in real life than on the silver screen.
Courtesy of Wikipedia
But much like a well thought out film plot the best was certainly saved until last. After a brief exterior detour of Privet Drive and the triple decker Knight bus we were met with the jewel in the Potter crown or as it is more formally known, Diagon Alley, the wizards equivalent to Oxford Street. Without sounding cliche words really can’t describe this magnificent piece of design that leaves you buzzing with excitement and the belief that perhaps magic really does exist!
Courtesy of Wikipedia
I cannot reccomend this tour enough and as a relative novice to the wizarding world I think that speaks volumes. Young or old, male or female, wizard or muggle the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a must!
By Jenna Jones
