Harry Potter fans are going to want to make sure they carve out some time in their summer calendars for this one because, for the first time since filming, over 400 floating candles now hang in the Great Hall of Hogwarts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
Tuesday (May 2) marked the launch of ‘Discovering Hogwarts’ at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London; a new and truly spellbinding feature for 2023. Visitors can expect to be dazzled by the addition of beautiful candles in the Great Hall, and will gain further insight into the making of the films, including the secrets behind some of the spells.
The new feature celebrates Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’s 11th year of being open to the public, and we got an exclusive first look.
Step into the incredible set and experience exactly how the Great Hall would have looked for Harry and the cast during the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Over 400 candles have been hung with more than three miles of wire – and it’s just as magical as you might expect.
Delving deeper into Harry’s first years at Hogwarts, visitors will also get the chance to attend Professor Flitwick’s Charms class to learn how to master the Wingardium Leviosa spell. I won’t spoil anything before they get the chance to, but I will say: computers were involved a lot less than you might think.
Another additional feature as part of ‘Discovering Hogwarts’ is a live demonstration that reveals exactly how Hagrid was brought to life. Robbie Coltrane wasn’t exactly short, but at 6ft, he wasn’t quite tall enough to portray everyone’s favourite half-giant. Instead, 6ft 10” England rugby player Martin Bayfield was used as a body double in many scenes. There’s more to it than that, but again – you’ll have to find that out for yourself.
Of course, as part of the tour, you’ll also get the chance to step inside all of your favourite scenes from the films (and pose for all of the classic shots). The Hogwarts Express, Gringotts and Diagon Alley were just a few of our favourite parts of the evening. Butterbeer, not so much – but gotta do it for the content.
‘Discovering Hogwarts’ is included in the standard ticket price for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, but it’s only running until September 4.