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Original poster

Harry Potter Studio Tour - how is it post Covid?

32 replies

muggleTits · 27/03/2021 17:56

We've not been at all. So won't know if we're missing anything. And it's not exactly a cheap day out.

But DC are desperate and I've seen it's reopening in a couple of months.

If you've been since social distancing has been a thing how did you find it? Does it feel quite safe?

Is it still a good day out?

Thanks so much. Star

OP posts:
MoveHouse · 05/07/2021 21:34

Bumping this as interested to see what people think.

Have been 457 in the queue tonight, just for online tickets - WTF?! Couldn't get anything for the summer so had to resort to October half term.

CakeIsMyFavouriteAndBest · 05/07/2021 21:36

We went last October half term. Felt really safe, as they had less people it was a lot easier to see everything. My daughter and her best friend got to pose with everything and get loads of photos. Think it was better than when I went before!
Staff were fantastic and really helpful too.

Honeyroar · 05/07/2021 21:39

Go for Xmas time if you can. It’s even more magical! (I’ve been twice!)

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Films
littlegiant · 05/07/2021 21:46

I went last year it was very well managed and I felt safe

goteam · 05/07/2021 21:47

Thinking of booking. How long does the tour take?

Honeyroar · 05/07/2021 22:17

Usually (unless it’s changed for Covid reasons) as long as you like, you have a set entrance time and a quick talk in the first “room” that you have to leave when told, but after that you do what you please.

LIZS · 06/07/2021 06:56

You can easily take 2 hours or longer to go round. Longer if you do the activities and need to wait your turn.

Alannawhorideslikeaman · 06/07/2021 07:00

We went last October (?) And enjoyed it more than the other times we have been because it was quiet. Lots of room to look at stuff, very relaxed and you were given the time to look and enjoy not get funnelled through like some places with a one way system. People around cleaning etc. We had a great time. Booked again for this October and hoping they will still limit numbers, but we will have to see.
We always go first thing of a morning. Weekday is best but weekends can be okay so long as you go early.

AirEngland · 06/07/2021 07:03

I took Dd at the weekend. There were lots of rules in place about leaving gaps between groups etc and it felt well managed. I’ve never been before but I assume it was emptier than usual and that was a positive thing! The queue for the green screen experience was the longest. Other things like the wand lesson we just walked straight up to. Oh and the Queue for food was very long. Will definitely bring a packed lunch if we go again. I think we spent nearly 5 hours there including lunch and Dd spending a ridiculous amount of time in the shop.

BalloonSlayer · 06/07/2021 07:05

We have been twice, the second time was last September when there was social distancing in place. It was BRILLIANT! No one in the way, you had time to see everything. The only thing was that they didn't let DC whose birthday it was open the door 'cos covid' Hmm everything else was fab. They had even got some affordable stuff in the gift shop IIRC, the time before there had been nothingess than about six quid.

Ekerty72 · 06/07/2021 07:07

I've not been in normal times but we went a few weeks ago and I'm assuming because of covid it was a lot less busy which was wonderful! In the Great Hall and a few other rooms we were the only ones in there :-)
A brilliant day out, we were very impressed.

MavisMavis · 06/07/2021 14:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SisterMonicaJoansHabit · 06/07/2021 14:47

Went at the end of may, having only been once before Covid. Was a million times better post covid.

Things will be back to normal in a few weeks so I doubt anyone will now get the experience we did.

Smallinthesmoke · 06/07/2021 14:57

We went a couple of weeks ago, at a weekend when I reckon it will have been at capacity.
It was great, very well organised and the only really long queue was at the cafe half way round. After the cinema bit, you go round at your own speed. We took 5 hours, including a long lunch break. Top tip is to take your own clothes if you want to dress up for the broomstick photos as they aren't offering robes any more. Also buy your photos at the very end rather than after they are taken- if you buy one photo at a time they charge £14 each but you can get one broomstick and one railway photo if you buy them together for a total of £20. Also talk to the staff as they know everything!
As for covid, well, it is an inside experience (mostly)and sometimes other visitors will stand close to you to look at something. I don't know what their policy will be on numbers and masks after 19 July...

Workyticket · 24/07/2021 15:21

We're going on Monday - first time for us! Any tips?

Alannawhorideslikeaman · 24/07/2021 15:34

@Workyticket

We're going on Monday - first time for us! Any tips?
Take your time, don't be tempted to rush through! There is so much to see in every section, especially in the "making of" bit in section 2. Don't get a butter beer each, it's really sweet Wink
whenwillthemadnessend · 24/07/2021 15:42

They are endorsing mask wearing post July 19!.

It's a comfortable temperature so mask wearing is ok.

Take your time and ask if you need help. Staff are very accommodating.

whenwillthemadnessend · 24/07/2021 15:43

Get butter beer ice cream. Tonnes nicer.

You are allowed to eat your own food on site too.

Quartz2208 · 24/07/2021 15:45

When I went you were only allowed round in a group of six (which was fine we went 4 of us and DD friend plus her mum), wore masks the entire time for over 11s (apart from eating) which was fine and SD where possible

Didnt spoil it at all

ItPearl · 24/07/2021 15:46

My 18 year old daughter wants to go to this. Surprised, but I would like to go. We did nothing for her 18th and nothing for my fiftieth. If we were coming from Dublin, and needed to stay somewhere, where would you recommend. Harpenden, Leavesden or Watford? I think they're all a taxi ride away but I'd like to stay somewhere nice. She's not bothered. She'll just want shops.

Alannawhorideslikeaman · 24/07/2021 15:59

@ItPearl

My 18 year old daughter wants to go to this. Surprised, but I would like to go. We did nothing for her 18th and nothing for my fiftieth. If we were coming from Dublin, and needed to stay somewhere, where would you recommend. Harpenden, Leavesden or Watford? I think they're all a taxi ride away but I'd like to stay somewhere nice. She's not bothered. She'll just want shops.
We always stay at the Mecure in Watford. Very easy drive in. Not the most amazing hotel but functional and easy parking.
ItPearl · 24/07/2021 16:05

Thanks @Alannawhorideslikeaman i'll google that now!

Honeyroar · 24/07/2021 16:13

I think we stayed at Jury’s Inn in Watford, which was perfectly nice. I think we got tickets and hotel as a deal through a travel company.

whenwillthemadnessend · 24/07/2021 22:27

If you want shops too definitely Watford

Harpenden is nice but no real shops just pubs and cafes

Leavesden is just a suburb

Watford has all the shops and the tour run a bus to the studio from Watford station too.

Plus it's an easy run into central london if your down for a few days

PickleSarnie · 24/07/2021 22:37

I don't think I'd want to go once all restrictions are lifted tbh. It was definitely a covid win going in July with restricted numbers. No huge queues for food, the broomstick pictures etc. Loved it.

Was exhausted by the end of it though. The kids were all on a sugar high from the diabetes in a glass/tankard of butter beer so they could have spent longer there.

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