It says so much about the brilliance of the Harry Potter films that even just going behind the scenes of how they were made feels utterly magical.
I attended the launch evening of Discovering Hogwarts, a brand-new feature for 2023 that has officially opened at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, which is based in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.
It wasn’t my first time on the tour, but the new attractions that Discovering Hogwarts brings meant a return trip was extremely well worth it.
Notwithstanding that, there is so much to absorb, learn and marvel at that The Making of Harry Potter is one of those rare treats you could partake of regularly and never become bored.
The media evening was held to celebrate the attraction’s 11th year since opening, and we were treated to an exclusive look at some fan-favourite scenes, brought to life for this special feature exploring Harry’s early years at the infamous school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
More than 400 floating candles now adorn the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall for the first time since filming, meaning visitors have a chance to step into the set just as the cast would have seen it during Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
One of the exciting new features was the opportunity to relive one of Harry’s first experiences of magic in Professor Flitwick’s Charms class, learning filmmaking secrets behind the floating feather as he mastered the Wingardium Leviosa spell with Ron and Hermione.
We were also given the opportunity to practise our wand skills by learning the ‘Swish and Flick’ movement behind casting the famous spell.
The new features add to what is already a truly mesmerising experience – I’d not seen the Forbidden Forest on my previous visits (and as someone who doesn’t like spiders, that was a proper test of my bravery), or the truly impressive Gringotts Wizarding Bank, with its huge marble pillars and giant chandeliers.
Another addition since my last visit was Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse. I won’t spoil the surprise but there’s certainly something to pull you in…
Live demonstrations in Discovering Hogwarts reveal the process in which the beloved half-giant Hagrid was brought to life.
While actor Robbie Coltrane stood tall at 6ft, he was not quite tall enough to portray a half-giant, with 6ft 10” England rugby player Martin Bayfield stepping in as his body couple, complete with stilts and a prosthetic head.
You could easily lose hours just reading all the information, studying the props, costumes and sets, and watching the various information videos which show just how much skill, time and hard work goes into making each film.
Something that really does add to the magic are the ‘interactors’ who host the attractions and are generally on hand to answer questions and give more detail about what you are seeing. They are very knowledgeable, friendly and a wealth of great information.
Seeing so much of what went into these iconic films and remembering you are still on an active film studio makes a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter something well worth every penny, and the Discovering Hogwarts special feature, which will run until September 4, 2023, is included in that price.
Being easily reached by car or train, and with plenty of hotels nearby for those travelling further, it’s an attraction that is simple to get to and well worth the effort.
After our trip, I almost left believing that next time I’d visit by broomstick…
Tickets must be pre-booked and cannot be bought at the attraction. For more information, pricing and lots of details of what you can see and do, go to www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
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