It’s one of the most popular days out in the UK – go behind-the-scenes of the much-loved franchise and see how it was made
The Making of Harry Potter tour is a fan’s perfect day out, for adults and kids alike. Here are five reasons why you should make it your next day out...
1. See the sets up close
Even the mightiest 4K TV won’t give you the eye-popping detail that you’ll get from seeing the Harry Potter props in real life. And even the most state-of-the-art 3D on the world’s biggest cinema screen won’t envelop you within the world of Harry Potter as much as stepping onto one of the actual sets from the movies.
Whether it’s the Great Hall at Hogwarts, London’s hidden Diagon Alley or Platform 9¾ (complete with the real Hogwarts Express train), you can walk in the hallowed footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione).
You can also see the actual Hogwarts itself, or rather the fantastically detailed model of the famous magic school that was used for the exterior shots in the first six films.
2. Learn all about the special effects
For anyone who has ever watched a Harry Potter movie and wondered, “How do they do that?!”. The Making of Harry Potter takes you behind the scenes to reveal how the filmmakers achieved the impossible. Want to find out how the snakes move on the Chamber of Secrets door? What about how they made a Whomping Willow tree catch Ron’s flying Ford Anglia? Or how the computer bods erased Ralph Fiennes’ nose for his role as He Who Cannot Be Named? All of these Hollywood secrets will be revealed…
3. Star in your own Harry Potter movie
Ever imagined yourself as a wizard, jetting through the air on a magical broomstick? Maybe you see yourself as a Quidditch champion, beating all opposition to claim the Snitch? Through the marvels of ‘green screen’ technology, you can become a wizard inside the world of Harry Potter. Straddle yourself on a broomstick in front of one of the tour’s special cameras, and – hey presto! – you’ll be flying over the spires of Hogwarts with a great big grin all over your face.
4. Taste an actual Butterbeer
Described by the Harry Potter Wiki website [http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page] as tasting "a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch”, Butterbeer is the party drink of choice in the all-wizarding village of Hogsmeade. If you’ve ever watched the movies and found yourself looking longingly at those pints of sugary goodness, rest assured that they’re on sale here. They won’t be to everyone’s taste, but for those with a sweet tooth, it may just be the highlight of your day.
5. Take a walk through the Forbidden Forest
The Forbidden Forest may be strictly off-limits to students of Hogwarts, but thankfully not to visitors to The Making of Harry Potter. Along the way, you’ll come face-to-face with Buckbeak, the winged hippogriff that Hagrid kept hidden in the forest in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and encounter Aragog, the giant spider from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Be aware, though, that this is one of the creepiest attractions on the tour, so it’s probably only suitable for adults, teens and the steeliest of toddlers.
Check out the trailer for The Making of Harry Potter below:
Grown-ups can enjoy The Making of Harry Potter with afternoon tea and save 10% on tickets – click here to find out about the offer available to Boundless members.
All images copyright Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter