Becoming Spellbound by Magic

I think everyone has a favourite film or series of films from their childhood.  For me, these have always been the Harry Potter films.  Despite even being 15 when the first film came out.  

I fell instantly in love with the words, and how J.K Rowling transported you into an entirely different world.  I was already beginning to feel different from on account of my symptoms when the first film was released.  It was a time of loneliness and isolation as the so-called friends slowly ostracised me.  And my home became a place where I spent most of my spare time: the books and films of Harry Potter provided me with an escape, one in which I could inhabit a world of magic.  They were a welcome escape from the often frightening symptoms as well as the loneliness that plagued my life. 

I resonated with Harry’s struggles with loneliness and isolation as he lived at 4 Privet Drive.  But, it also gave me hope.  A hope that like Harry, I would eventually find a place of belonging.

Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.

– J.K. Rowlin

As a Harry Potter fan, a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London has been on my list of things to do for quite some time. 

Experiencing Hogwarts

Living with this neurological disorder affects my perception of the world.  For example, high ceilings worsen the dizziness I already experience.  Or can even trigger an episode of vertigo.  As such, it can be overwhelming anxiety-producing going to large places such as this, knowing it can provoke unpleasant symptoms.  However, I decided to defy the fear and anxiety and booked a trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour.  I no longer wanted my symptoms to dictate my life and wanted to experience the magic of Hogwarts for myself.

So on a cold day in late October, we arrived at the magical destination and a mecca for all Harry Potter fans!  We headed to the entrance where there were large wizard chess pieces.  You may remember these from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.  And then we were on our way in (after a swift security check!)

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There is an option to hire a digital guide. In other words, an audio guided tour of the exhibition.  It gives you an extra insight into the film-making process, as well as exciting trivia about these well-loved films.  In the end, I declined, fearing it would worsen the dizziness and vertigo. 

The Studio Tour

The Studio recommends that you arrive 20 minutes before the allocated time on the ticket.  This time, gives you the chance to peruse the public area.  This area contains a cafe, bathrooms, and an extensive shop of Harry Potter merchandise!  After a short look around, Mum and I descended on the Studio Doors and waited in line for the tour to begin…

Before the tour officially starts, a short film plays about the studio and the making of Harry Potter featuring some very familiar faces.  Then as the doors open, the Great Hall appears in front of us, welcoming us into the world of Hogwarts and Harry Potter. As we went the day before Halloween, there was a dark and spooky theme throughout the tour.  The Great Hall had pumpkins strewn up, for example and Death Eaters cropped up every now and then!

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The Great Hall was the only part of the tour that the group was accompanied by a tour guide. As such it was when it felt the most crowded.  After a brief talk, we were left to explore the rest of the studio on our own.  There is still a set route to follow, however, but there is plenty of space, and everyone went off in different directions to see what was of most interest to them.

I found the Great Hall and the adjoining room where a lot of the sets, such as Dumbledore’s office and the Gryffindor Common room was overwhelming.  It was not only the crowds that was burdensome, but also the lights and all of the sets to see.  The dizziness and vertigo, at times, did become too much, but there are so many benches and places to sit during the tour it’s easy to relax and take a break when you need one. 

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I loved the Forbidden Forest, however, with the darkness and the sounds it was incredibly atmospheric.  The sounds of the forest’s various creatures and wolves howling, it felt you were walking through a real forest which made it an immersive experience. 

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After coming out of the Forbidden Forest, you will find another gift shop, full of exclusive forest themed souvenirs.  Another gift shop can also be found when arriving at Station 9¾ where you can even buy some Chocolate Frogs like Harry and friends do on the Hogwarts Express!

Thoughts on The Tour

The studio tour is incredible, and the attention to detail is awe-inspiring and makes you appreciate the hard work and talent of all those who work behind the scenes of these magical and captivating films.  

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The tour highlights the stunning costumes, enchanting sets and thousands of spectacular props set amongst two sound stages and a backlot.  All of what you see seem so familiar.  The tour includes everything you’d ever want to see from the Harry Potter films, which includes:

• Hogwarts
• Forbidden Forest
• Hogwarts Express
• 4 Privet Drive 
• Hogwarts Bridge
• Knight Bus 
• Costumes 
• And more!

After visiting the Backlot in which you will find the Knight Bus and 4 Privet Drive amongst others, you can find more about the special and visual effects.  They provide information on how they brought to life the magic to the big screen.  And also discussed the creative development of the magical creatures such as Buckbeak the Hippogriff and everybody’s favourite house elf, Dobby. 

No Magic Needed for Accessibility 

The accessibility of the Harry Potter Studio Tour was impressive.  On arrival to collect tickets, there is a lower window for those in wheelchairs, like myself.  There is also step-free access to the tour, which may not seem like much but is surprising how many popular attractions seem to forget such matters. 

And the majority of the tour itself was fully accessible.  The Great Hall and Diagon Alley was a challenge to navigate because of its slate floor and cobblestone street respectively.  The only sets that were not accessible because they had steps were the Knight Bus and the Hogwarts Bridge.  However, as they are both on the back lot, it is possible to take exterior photographs of them instead.

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I was at first disappointed as I thought I would not be able to experience the thrill of being on the Hogwarts Express, but fortunately found that the last carriage on the iconic steam train is wheelchair accessible, and thus didn’t have to miss out! 

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I was most awestruck however by the incredible detailed model of Hogwarts, the last stop before leaving the tour.  It was incredible, able to walk around the entirety and see every little detail of the castle and its surroundings.  Definitely the highlight of the tour, in my opinion. 

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After we concluded the tour, we had time for a delicious bite to eat in the cafe located in the main foyer and a peruse of the shop.  We then sadly had to say goodbye to the tour and get back on the bus to head back to South Wales. 

I cannot recommend the Harry Potter Studio Tour highly enough, especially for those who are fans of the books, and films.  It’s the most brilliant way to spend three and a half hours.  The magic truly comes alive, casting its spell upon all that enters.  There, I forgot about my worries, and troubles that were plaguing my mind.  Unfortunately, the pain was severe and so not something I could forget, but during the hours I was there though I was not a girl with a neurological condition, but was just another Harry Potter fan. 

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Have you made a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour?  What was your favourite part?