The studio was the site of much of the filming for the Harry Potter franchise. Luckily, those involved in the project had the foresight to preserve many of the sets and objects associated with the films. We were able to visit the actual sets and learn about the hair and make-up, costumes, special effects and many trivia-like bits of information.
Log was excited to see some of the original Wizard's Chess pieces. A few of the pieces were rigged with wheels and explosives.
This bus brings you to the studio if you're staying in the immediate area. We drove to the studio which is only an hour or so outside of central London.
The fun is about to begin!
In the creature shop, it's possible to see many of the prosthetics made for the film as well as dragons and other creatures like Dobby and...
Buckbeak!
The Diagon Alley set was in tact, and we couldn't believe how small the set looked/felt in person! The amount of detail used in the shop windows and props was incredible.
Puking Pastilles anyone?
Perhaps the most impressive piece at the studio is the Hogwarts model. I cannot tell you how massive this castle is. It was used for sweeping shots; small pinhole cameras were moved in and out of the castle for those sweeping shots of towers and the grounds. The model is incredibly detailed; there are hand-carved weather vanes, tiny lights in the windows and small cutouts depicting people to give the illusion of movement. It took 40 plus workers seven months to complete the model.
The Hogwarts bridge wasn't in the books but was introduced in film number four. The kiddos recognized this as the breach blown up by Neville in the last film.
Where it all begin...the Potter house in Godric's Hollow.
Littlest didn't like the Riddle's tomb!
The kids tried to open the letter box. No luck. It was sealed shut!
Fleeing from the Ministry of Magic
Alas, the butter beer at Universal is much tastier than its British counterpart.
Sirius' motorbike!
I can't imagine that they'd drive the Weasley's car any better than Ron did!
We didn't see Stan, but we did take a ride on the Knight Bus!
Umbridge's office was absolutely garish!
The Potions classroom was detailed and quite a large set.
Hagrid's Hut
The Burrows was truly crooked and warped.
Every potion jar was hand-labelled.
Display case featuring the horcruxes.
Dumbledore's office
Mimbulus Mimbletonia!
The kids wouldn't tell what they'd hope to see in the Mirror of Erised.
The Gryffindor Common Room...
without Sirius in the fireplace!
Who knew that Harry's invisibility cloak was so colorful? The green lining was a built-in green screen.
Littlest inspecting the pensieve.
Ron's bed
Entering the gates!
Daddy and Log at the Gryffindor table
The Great Hall
The Cupboard Under the Stairs
The kids weren't the only excited ones!
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