The Making of Harry Potter, Part II

Once you've completed the first studio on the Harry Potter studio tour, you head outside to the backlot where you get to see Privet Drive, the Hogwarts' bridge, the Potter's cottage and the Knight Bus. You can also get yourself a Butterbeer out there, or a non-magical refreshment if you're feeling Muggle! Priced at £2.95, Butterbeer is worth trying, though it's the cold version and not the piping hot version, à la The Three Broomsticks. It was grim and raining outside so a hot Butterbeer would have gone down a treat! 

The next part of the tour is more behind-the-scenes, such as finding out how they put together all of the magical creatures, then it's Diagon Alley.

   

This is not the Diagon Alley of the first book though - it's how it is towards the end of the series when Voldemort is back and the Death Eaters are in control. Eek! And as it was half term, Death Eaters were wandering around. Double eek!

Original artwork and building models come next, before the seriously impressive model of the Hogwarts Castle. It took sixteen weeks to build - and only six minutes to burn down!

   

Finally, through Ollivanders - the names on the wand boxes are of all the people who have been involved in the films over the years - and then you're into the (over-priced) gift shop. Tour done!

Regarding ticket types, we had various ones between us. I didn't get to see the souvenir guidebook which came with one ticket but my nephew promptly handed over to me his digital guide (costs £4.95) as he didn't want to use it (carry it). I had a little listen whilst the children were intently deliberating in the gift shop, and I don't think you need to get one.

Your best bet is to buy a regular ticket but remember that you do need a ticket before you go as you can't buy one when you get there!

Would you go on the Harry Potter studio tour or not? x