We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Harry potter studios

Hi there,

I'm off to london for 2 days in April with my husband. We've already booked two shows so I was wanting to surprise him with the Harry potter tour when we get there. I've been looking into it and I have a few questions-

1. Golden tours do a return bus journey for £29 each. Is the extra money worth the convenience of getting straight there? Or is the bus/train option just as easy? I haven't looked at the prices for the alternative journey yet.

2. How long would you set aside for the tour?

3. Are the ticket prices pretty standard? I've had a look for promos but can't seem to find anything.

Thanks in advance for any help xx

Comments

  • susancs
    susancs Posts: 3,888 Forumite
    You can get the train direct from Euston to Watford Junction (takes 20 mins) using either Oyster card (£4.70 off peak fare each way) or a daily Travelcard on this route (all zones plus Watford Junction £16.40) and then a special coach service runs from there to the studios costing £2 return. It would be a cheaper and quicker to travel this way than with Golden tours.
    http://www.mullanysbuses.com/officialharrypottertourbus.php
    http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/tube-dlr-lo-adult-fares-jan-2014.pdf

    We did the tour in under 3 hours but tend to rush around, so it could take a lot longer.

    Tickets have to be purchased in advance online and there are no discounts as it is very popular with a limit to how many people they let in each day.
  • flea72
    flea72 Posts: 5,392 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If two are you are going buy one package ticket that includes audio tour and brochure (its cheaper than adding them separately afterwards) then just buy an adult admission ticket for the other oerson. You can easily share the audio commentary.

    Cheapest travel is as already stated, train to watford, then studio tour bus from thr station
  • nickj_2
    nickj_2 Posts: 7,052 Forumite
    i went with m family and friends a couple of years ago , bearing in mind i have no interest in potter what so ever , we were there for at least 3 hours and i found it all quite interesting , i guess if you're a big fan you could easily do 4 hrs ,
  • dee2009
    dee2009 Posts: 13 Forumite
    Thanks for all your help. I've never seen any of the movies so I'm glad to hear that I still may find it interesting..
  • nickj_2
    nickj_2 Posts: 7,052 Forumite
    dee2009 wrote: »
    Thanks for all your help. I've never seen any of the movies so I'm glad to hear that I still may find it interesting..

    i've always dozed off during the films ,so they did absolutely nothing for me ,however it is an amazing insight to the detail that went into making them
  • its best to book in advance for the studios tour, I looked for april a few weeks ago thinking of taking the kids and most days are all booked up already. :-(
    5 kids..1 hubby...1 dog..3 rabbits and a goldfish...yep ours is a Madhouse :D

    :smileyhea We love Disney...:heart:

    Trying to Save for a Bigger house ...:o
  • Heading to this next week so any tips would be appreciated! :)
  • flea72
    flea72 Posts: 5,392 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    jbindebt wrote: »
    Heading to this next week so any tips would be appreciated! :)


    Other than the info posted above re: travel and audio tour there arent really any other tips, except buy one butterbeer to share, until you know whether you like it or not. Ive yet to see anyone drink a full glass of the stuff as its so vile.

    Its run kinda like Ikea, where you have to follow the set path, until you reach the giftshop/exit (although no 60p hotdog at harry potter, more like £8 for a chocolate frog).

    Once through a section there is also no return, so make sure you take time to see everything. However your time in the great hall is limited as you have to clear out the way before the next timed arrival.
  • susancs
    susancs Posts: 3,888 Forumite
    jbindebt wrote: »
    Heading to this next week so any tips would be appreciated! :)

    I would make sure you to take a camera with you as there are lots of good photo opportunities. They only let so many in each day, so it is not usually crowded so you can get good photos.

    There is only a coffee shop cafe place at the entrance and half way along, so eat before going or as they don't search bags you could take you own picnic and eat at the outdoor picnic area if you don't mind carrying things around the exhibition.

    We found that altough we had a specific entry time, they allowed us to join the queue and go in a bit earlier.

    The gift shop is very expensive so warn any young children you will not be purchasing items there. We did see some children in Harry Potter costumes in the tour, so if children want to do so I woudl advise purchasing costumes before going as again very expensive to purchase before going in in the gift shop. I seem to remember the photo on broomstick with a cloak on, A3 poster wasn't too expensive (can't remember price). The staff were nice and did no mind photos with the shop items such as the owl on your shoulder etc.
  • emg
    emg Posts: 1,390 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I would agree about the butterbeer, I have visited twice and noticed on the second visit they have now introduced special 'liquid waste' bins by the place you get the butterbeer - I think the flower beds had been getting over-watered, it's definitely an acquired taste!
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.6K Life & Family
  • 254.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.