We have Harry Potter studio tour at 5pm on the Sunday of the marathon. I read they don't want you to arrive at HPotter more than an hour before. We thought we would go early and eat there. Is there anyplace on the way to HPotter than we can leave London early and visit/tour/sightsee? Might be worth for us to find a driver service to take us someplace then have them drop us off at our time?
Does anyone have any car service recommendations as well as something for us to do that morning away from London? I saw there is a bus service that can bring us back to our hotel after the tour
Thank you
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6354 posts
Well, there are lots of places outside the city you could spend the day at. It would be helpful to know what you have already seen or plan on seeing.
But places that come to mind include Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, Richmond, etc. You could also take the train north to Bletchley Park, and then head back down to the HP Studio.
Posted by
Land of La
8681 posts
I’m confused by your post.
Are You referring to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour that is in Watford?
What does going there have to do with the London Marathon?
Where did you read that “ they “ don’t want you there earlier than an hour before?
Posted by
1376 posts
You might want to take a look at this thread about the London Marathon: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england-reviews/london-marathon. If you are staying in London you may have a hard time finding a private driver, taxi or bus to take you out of London. You might want to think about the Tube or train.
Posted by
Preston UK
890 posts
I don’t think it’s really practical to be heading out of town in the wrong direction before needing to get up to Watford. Bletchley Park might work if you’re prepared for an early start as it needs plenty of time itself and you do come back via Watford Junction.
But there are plenty of places in central London that will be easily accessible on the day. You just need to avoid any attractions on or close to the marathon route. For example visiting the British Museum or any of the 3 Kensington museums would be fine as long as you used the tube to access them. There will be plenty more choices.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5828 posts
There doesn't seem to be anything on the website restricting your arrival time, and surely they want you eating and shopping there.
I guess your concern is travelling after the marathon when transport will be busy.
So travel while it is on, when the train is quiet. There is no scheduled rail engineering work that day.
Maybe you could do a side trip to St Albans (Cathedral City, Roman History and more) from Watford Junction on the train
That is the less well known rail route to St Albans- Thameslink to St Albans City being the more usual route.
EDIT- There is good availability currently on the HP tour transfer bus from Central London and heavily reduced prices as well (£25 off per person)