During Mom's visit one of the most exciting things that we did is head out to the Warner Bros. Studios to visit the set of Harry Potter.
All 8 movies were filmed here just a little ways outside of London.
A statue of a chess piece outside the studios.
After we arrived off the Harry Potter double decker bus from the train station, we headed inside where we waited inline for about 20 minutes before we entered the studios. They had a nice quote on the wall.
They also had TV screens that told us not to worry about feeling a little peckish on the way through the tour. There was food along the way!
They also had Harry's cupboard beneath the stairs to look at while we waited to get inside.
Once we entered, we saw a short film about the franchise and then we were introduced to Hogwarts! We all felt like kids in a candy store.
We then entered the great hall. Here is a photo once the doors are closed.
Mom and I in the great hall.
One of the wall carvings for Slytherin.
It was rather impressive!
At the end of the hall, they had a number of costumes from the many teachers, including Dumbledore.
After leaving the great hall, we then wandered into a huge studio that had hundreds, probably thousands of Harry Potter artifacts. Here is a sculpture used for the Yule Ball.
The props were big and small. Here is a photo of the wall of educational decrees given out by the evil teacher Umbridge.
A photo of Harry's outfits for the last movie with each set of clothes getting dirtier and dirtier as the movie went on.
The gates to Hogwarts.
We also saw the boy's dormitory room for Gryffindor. The beds never grew but the boys did. We didn't have to walk up a spiral staircase to get there!
A display of everyone's wands.
I wanted to steal many of the props. This one in particular.
Some of the clothing used in the film including the invisibility cloak worn by Harry.
Here is the huge swinging clock pendulum. Too bad I can't remember which movie this was in.
The entrance to Dumbledore's office.
It was kinda surreal standing in the room. Felt like I was in a film!
We also saw the potions classroom.
We also saw the chamber of secrets snake door. Very cool.
Along with one of the vault doors from Gringotts bank.
Inside Hagrid's hut.
They also had a number of sets from the Ministry of Magic. Here are the fireplaces.
They also had the statue from inside the Ministry. Turns out that it is really big and made of foam! Amazing. Looks just like stone.
Inside the Weasley house...and yes, the pan is moving by itself in the background.
Harry's Marauder's map. No black footprints to be seen!
One of the many books made for the films. This one is really funny of Kenneth Branagh. A guide to household pests.
We also saw Umbridge's place with all her cats in the background.
We finally made it out of the first studio in about 2 hours. Thank goodness we were not disappointed when we stepped outside. What???? Butterbeer!!!
Mom and I couldn't decide if we would like it, so we shared a glass. It was delicious!
After drinking our beer, we walked around to see the outside props. Here is a photo of Tom Riddle's gravestone. Pretty cool.
The also had the Knight Bus from the movies. Very big!
A section of the covered bridge that we see in lots of the films.
Mom and I in the bridge.
They also had the house from Privet Drive. Pretty crazy to see full size houses at the studio.
They had chess pieces from the film.
We then headed into another studio which gave more information on the design of the films, make-up, animation, and creation of some of the characters. It was pretty neat to see different characters.
Loved this one of a mermaid!
A house-elf from the film.
A thestral, one of skeletal winged horses from the film.
Something scary!
Buckbeak!
They also had Diagon Alley and all its glory.
Another photo of Mom and I in the Alley.
The model was really impressive. Hey...Mom and I were just in that bridge!
And big!
Mom and I had a really great time and I would recommend it to any Harry Potter fans. We ended Mom's trip with a bang and I can't wait to see her again for another visit!
