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Has anyone been to the Harry Potter Tour in Watford ?

(19 Posts)
NanKate Fri 03-Jan-20 20:26:21

My DS wants to take his 2 boys. I seem to remember someone on the Good morning thread mention it recently ?

MiniMoon Fri 03-Jan-20 20:36:02

My sister and niece went. They thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
My sister thought she would be bored, as she isn't in to Harry Potter, but she was pleasantly surprised.

MerylStreep Fri 03-Jan-20 20:44:27

I've been. Out of this world. Fab-u- lous. They do a Christmas one as well. That is beyond Fad-u-lous.
If you take very young children be prepared for a long wait before you are let in. They let people in in blocks.
Also, the queues for food are long.

MerylStreep Fri 03-Jan-20 20:46:29

If you can, get through the gift shop as quick as you can. The prices are extortionate ?

NfkDumpling Fri 03-Jan-20 20:52:53

We went at Halloween a couple of years ago. Loved it. Absolutely fascinating and really well done. Took loads of photos.

The food wasn't very good though and bloody rather expensive. We should have taken sneaky snacks. The shop is expensive too but good quality.

And don't drink the butterbeer!

tanith Fri 03-Jan-20 21:00:33

We’ve been twice and loved it so fascinating to see all the props and how the animated animals were made. I agree about the shop soooo expensive.

Cherrytree59 Fri 03-Jan-20 21:01:16

Watching with interest.
Booked for my birthday (Easter holidays). Quite excited.

Taking my grandsons (5 and 6) .
Eldest is a huge Harry Potter fan.
Loves the books and films.

Also taking my Daughter, who back in her younger days was also a fan.
Now her love has been rekindled through the eyes of her son.

DH coming along, not such a fan but loves a photo opportunity and has promised to drive. ?‍♂️.

Hoping for lots of good reviews smile

Galaxy Fri 03-Jan-20 21:06:35

I have been with ds 12 and ds 8, absolutely loved it. Really well done.

Sarahmob Fri 03-Jan-20 21:46:37

My DH, daughter and I went a few years ago, it was fantastic - daughter has been back since and says it’s even better now!

tanith Fri 03-Jan-20 22:07:31

Nowadays you get to board the Hogwarts Express it was very special.

Cherrytree59 Fri 03-Jan-20 22:11:23

Now gone from quite excited to very excited ?grin

cornergran Fri 03-Jan-20 22:32:53

Mr C is a fan so of course I couldn’t let him go alone. I loved it, rode a broomstick, sat in the flying car, boarded the Hogwarts Express and so much more. When not playing hmm I was fascinated by the ‘how’ of it all, so many exhibits, it’s very interesting. Yes, the ‘extras’ are very expensive but not necessary to have an enjoyable day. You’ll love it I’m sure. We’re considering a second trip, never thought I’d be saying that.

tanith Fri 03-Jan-20 22:37:35

If you are coming by train there is a Hogwarts shuttle bus that runs from Watford junction station every 15 mins it’s £3 return.

KatyK Fri 03-Jan-20 22:51:39

Yes me. It was about 7 years ago. It was amazing. It's probably even better now. I had never read the books or seen the films but I was utterly fascinated. DD and me took DGD and her friend. They were about 12 and were mesmerised, as was I. Marvellous.

tinaf1 Fri 03-Jan-20 23:24:04

Really good but agree with MerylStreep gift shop really expensive

Tigertooth Fri 03-Jan-20 23:50:24

Take your time going through - and I would advise that the adult take the audio guide, helps to know what you're looking at. Once through you can't meander back so take your time in each section and look at everything - it's not that big so you need to slow down to make a day of it.
don't plan to eat there - basic coffee shop, nothing much. the gift shop is a joke price-wise. There are sweets sold at extortionate prices on the platform. BUT... Sainburys sell Harry Potter sweets (Bertie bots beans and chocolate frogs) I would advise stash a couple of chocolate frogs in your bag to produce on the 9 3/4 train platform for the kids (Theres a big push to sell £10 chocolate bars here).

Ginny42 Sat 04-Jan-20 00:01:18

We have just got back from visiting the Studio yesterday and we - 11 year old GS, DD and I were completely awestruck by the display. The special effects were truly stunning. GS got to train in casting spells and fly on a broomstick. You discover the detail of the special effects e. g, the secret of the fire-breathing Gringott's dragon. The street scenes and room interiors are stunning. I think we were in there about four hours. Agree that the butterbeer is a mistake and at £7.00 is extortionate. Avoid. The shop was expensive but curiously designed. A really well-produced and informative booklet is included in the ticket price.

We stayed 2 nights in a hotel in Watford and there were families from all over Europe staying there for their trip to the Studios. It's clearly very popular.

NanKate Sat 04-Jan-20 02:10:03

Thanks folks just the info I needed.

Franbern Sat 04-Jan-20 08:37:04

One of my (adult) twins took her two young daughters a couple of years ago. Her twin was most upset that her daughter said she did not want to go (not a HP fan). So, last year, for their birthday treat, one twin took the other - no children involved - just two women in their forties Both thoroughly enjoyed it. But rather pricey.