London in 4 days - is Harry Potter studio tour worth the time?

We went to the Harry Potter studio with our teenaged, avid Potter reader. We went early in the morning, and were out in 3.5 hours, so I doubt you could spend an entire day there. It was only about 20 minutes away from London by train, and then bus that is right at the train station. If you are not a big fan of the books and don't have much time, you may want to skip. Even though you say you are not museum people, I think the museums are more amazing - British Museum, Victoria and Albert, Tate Modern, and National Gallery - all very different. We have been to London 12 times, and there is still plenty to see and do. The places on your list are all recommended.

thank you TX!! this is very helpful. We may have had our fill of museums, as we are coming from Florence but yes, one or two museums are on our itinerary.

Hi betsree -
Are there two of you or three of you in your group, and are you all adults?

I haven't done it personally but with only 4 days in London - possibly less if day 1 is arrival day - I wouldn't do it when there's so much to see and do in the city center itself, and so much of that being 'real' London! There's quite a bit you don't have on your must-see list that I would consider adding - Westminster Abbey (my personal #1), a walk through Hyde Park around to Green Park and Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, Museum of London (great for understanding a bit about this old and fascinating city) .... - but I also understand that we all have different interests so I only listed two museums and both are free (with the exception of special exhibits at MOL) so you can leave whenever you've had enough! :O)

Thanks Kathy!
I was struggling with whether to make it 4 or 5 days in London, and I think you would vote for 5?
Just my adult daughter and me

TXwinmama, is it also worth the money?

Our family did the Harry Potter Studio Tour this past June. It was well worth it. We spent about 4+ hours there. If you do decide to go, I would suggest booking tickets for the earliest time available.

To get to Watford Junction you take the overground from Euston Station.

If you're a fan, then it's worth it. I've been twice. The trick is to go as way as possible. They're adding the Forbidden Forest soon.

This is great advice, thank you!

BTW, Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross is nothing but a brick wall turned into a tourist photo op. It's nowhere near the train platforms. Just a place for throngs to line up and get their picture taken. King's Cross is a beautiful place in its own right (though St. Pancras is gorgeous), but the "platform" isn't worth a special trip.

[https://www.kingscross.co.uk/harry-potters-platform-9-34]

I also recommend going to the Warner Brother Studios. We spent about three hours there and had a great time. If you have the time, it is not to be missed. You can choose a time slot. We arrived a little early and were allowed to get in the line and go through. We had plenty of time to tour and spend money in the gift store. There is also a decent cafe at the entrance. Its well organized and I did not feel overcrowded or rushed when we were going through.

To get to Watford Junction you take the overground from Euston Station.

The Overground is the slow train - all stops- from Euston Station.

Take a London Midland train which is much faster. Make sure you are one which stops at Watford Junction. It will either be the first, second or third stop on LM.

Good to know about 9 3/4 at King's Cross, and thanks for the tips on how to get to the WB studios!

The fast London Midland trains have a destination of Tring.

You will need £2 or £2.50 each cash for the shuttle from the train station to the studio, but it's round trip and keep the ticket they give you.

To elaborate on the answer from Miranda,

((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))

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.

If either one of you is a Harry Potter fan then yes, for sure! You do have to book your tickets in advance and pick an entrance time. We were about an hour late for our entrance time and had no problems entering. My 3 kids and I (15, 20 and 22 at the time of our visit in 2013) are big Harry Potter fans and we spent about 5 hours there. We just loved it. Follow the others directions to Watford Junction and the Knight Bus is waiting for you right outside the station.

I will be going to the Harry Potter Studio tour for the second time this year. It will be our daughter's third time. With the addition of the Forbidden Forest this spring, you can't go wrong. It is definitely worth the trip!