harry potter universal studios

Yes, the only way to get in is a tour. Definitely do not show up without being booked ahead of time - you won't get a slot. But, it's not a guided tour. You start with a group at the same time, and you walk through with audioguide at your own pace. I'd allot 2-3 hours. We actually did the 4:30 pm, and we finished around 7 pm, if I remember correctly. I liked this later tour b/c it wasn't too terrible full. There is a Starbucks at the beginning/end (same point), a cafeteria half way through and a gift shop at beginning/end, with bathrooms throughout. We actually had our dinner there - and butterbeer! Most kiddo type fare - mac and cheese, hot dogs, sandwiches and the like, but pretty decent (pediatrician here, so even without kiddos I'm used to it!).

I'd highly recommend the experience overall! It's a true studio tour - not the be confused with the theme park in Orlando - but it's great if you're a Harry Potter fan. We're in our 30s, and my partner and I had so much fun. I'd love to take my niece and nephew.

We were driving from Windsor on our way back to London, but I believe it is pretty accessible by tube --> bus or by bus alone. I think it's been posted before (try searching for harry potter) or someone will probably respond with the route. :)

Hope that helps!

Jen, it's actually just called the Harry Potter Studio Tour and it's very different fron the Universal Studios tour in Orlando and LA. The main difference between the two is that the UK studio is where they actually filmed the movies so it has the original sets, props, costumes ,etc. The Universal Studios tour has rides and I'm not sure what else since I've never been actually. If you're a Harry Potter fan, I definitely recommend that you go. My kids and I spent about 4 hours there and could've spent more but we had to head back into London because we had theater tickets. The tour is well organized into sections and when we were there in 2013, we got an ipod for a studio guide. You need to book your ticket in advance as the tours sell out.

To get there, you have to make your way to Euston Station where you take the train to Watford Junction. When you get off, there's clearly marked busses that will take you to Leavesden Studios which is where the tour is. You pay the bus driver when you board. It really is a remarkable experience for Harry Potter fans.

Thank you so much for both of your replies - they helped tremendously. We just booked for the 4:30 tour! And the help on getting to the right station is not in my notebook to follow when we get there. Thank you both so much!

Jen, when you get the train at Euston be sure to get on a fast train, not one of the stopping trains. Makes a big difference to the time it takes to get to Watford.
Katy

yikes! how can we tell which one is a fast train and which one makes more stops? Thanks for bringing that up so we don't get caught on the slow one!
Jen

If they have orange paint on them and go from platform 9 they are the slow train.

I have specified the trains to catch in previous similar questions.

To save you using the Search feature which is a bit complicated on this site, here's the text:-

Use London Midland trains which are scheduled to stop at Watford Junction

((this only applies to London Midland trains, Virgin trains at similar times and/or to similar destinations or stops do not serve local passengers between London and Watford Junction))

Check the screens at Euston to find the trains I talk about below. References to the platform numbers is giving the platform that they arrive on at Watford junction.

most Tring trains go at about xx:34 or xx:05 and usually call at (sometimes Wembley Central), Harrow and Wealdstone, Bushey, and platform 8 at Watford Junction.

most Milton Keynes trains at xx:24 are first stop Watford Junction platform 8.

most Birmingham trains at about xx:49 are first stop Watford Junction on platform 6 (the fast line).

most Northampton trains at xx:54 are first stop Watford Junction on platform 8.

At rush hour 4:30 to 7:00 pm there are some extra trains. The line is extremely busy and standing room (very tight standing room) to Watford Junction at rush hour and I strongly advise against traveling at that time.

Don't board the xx:13 to Birmingham or Northampton or xx:46 to Crewe because they don't stop at Watford Junction.

When you get to Watford Junction go outside the station and cross the forecourt to bus stop "D" where the well labeled stop is where the Knight Bus stops. You can't miss it.