Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban is the best movie in the franchise, and it’s now celebrating its 20th birthday. Both of these statements are true, though only one of them should make you feel old, with the other simply leaving you smug in your general setting of ‘being correct’.
The ever-present Warner Bros. Studio Tour will, of course, be celebrating the landmark for the third film of the series, with a celebratory look into all things Prisoner of Azkaban between May 1 – September 4.
Suitably titled Return To Azkaban, Potterheads will be able to delve into some of the iconic moments from the film, all as part of the general tour ticket.
What can I expect from Return To Azkaban?
For starters, you’ll be able to plonk yourself into the confines of a Hogwarts classroom. As viewers, we’ve witnessed some treacherous scenes here, but in the third instalment we see the students take a crack at ‘Divination’, and visitors can weave through the tea-room style, crystal ball-laden room and nearly expect Professor Trelawney to walk right in. You’ll even get to clap eyes with the original teacup where the eccentric teacher found ‘the grim’ lurking as an omen for Harry.
Defence Against The Dark Arts is also on the agenda, with a Boggart wardrobe (revealing each student’s biggest fear) and Jack in the Box recalling the memorable scene with Professor Lupin on teaching duties. Let’s hope a dementor doesn’t jump out from in between a set of shirts when you step up to it.
After some gruelling classwork, you’ll be able to check out a re-creation of the iconic Knight Bus which whisks Harry away from the suburbs of Privet Drive for a ‘bumpy ride’. You’ll witness the rattling of the bus as well as heading inside to see the interior, beds and all.
Afterwards, you can stroll into the Great Hall to get a shot of all the floating candles before a trip to the Leaky Cauldron. A day that’s sure to pack a punch (though not quite like Hermione’s on Malfoy in the film), and a worthy celebration to mark 20 years of The Prisoner Of Azkaban.
Return to Azkaban can be visited at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour from May 1 – September 4, 2024. Visitors can view the temporary elements as part of the regular Studio Tour ticket. Alternatively, you can book tickets to the studio tour with handy included coach transfers here.