Hi to all!
I'm going to spent 5 days at the end of January in London with my mother and my 9 years old daughter: she is a Harry Potter fan and I would like to bring her to the studios.
Which is the cheapest way to get there?
How long does it take?
Your advices and good tips will be much appreciated.
Thank you very much. ;)
There are 3 trains per hour from West Brompton to Watford Junction, although only one does not require a change at Willesden Junction. Since you asked for the cheapest, the fare is only £2.90 this way (off-peak, one way), whereas it is £6.50 via Earls Court as you avoid Zone 1. The one direct service per hour would be the quickest way overall of doing the journey at a bit over half an hour.
The infrequent trains from West Brompton to Watford Junction directly are Southern, but for me the easiest way would be to get a London Overground train (not affected by strikes) from either Kensington Olympia or West Brompton, whichever is closest to your hotel, to Willesden Junction and change there to a Watford Junction train. The trains stop at all stations so it's not quick, but it's easier than going to Euston and getting a faster train from there.
Since you have to go on the studio website to buy your tickets, go ahead and look at the section on transportation options from London. Once you get to Watford Junction, there will be a "Knight Bus" waiting to take you to the studio for a few pounds round trip. Hopefully there are still tickets available when you want to go. The tour is mostly self directed and you can spend as much time as you want. My kids and I were there 3 years ago and we had a fantastic time. We had butterbeer, took wand lessons and ogled at everything. Have a great time!
Your daughter will love this tour of the studios. Go to the Warner Brothers web site to buy your tickets. If you order your tickets far enough ahead of time, they sell out fast, you have the option of the tickets being mailed to you. Or stand in line to pick them up at the ticket booth. In the shop that is off the lobby, are props hanging from the ceiling. Some floating candles, the fire bolt broom is there, and some interdepartmental memos from the Ministry of Magic.
Summer of 2015 we caught the above ground train at Euston Station to Watford Junction. The train ride was comfortable and able to see some country side through the windows. After getting off the train at “WJ” walk into the station and down the long staircase, go out the doors to the outside. In the parking lot you will find a double decker bus that will take the muggles to the studios. In 2015 the cost was £2 for each of us. Extract change is needed, driver doesn’t make change. There was standing room only, we stood the entire way to the studios.
It’s wicked fun. Cathy
