The Academy Award-winning Production Designer who conceptualised the forest’s look for all eight films.
The Forbidden Forest - Step into the Wizarding World’s most dangerous woods
Defy Professor Dumbledore’s orders and venture deep into the Forbidden Forest, a permanent expansion at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. This immersive set recreates the atmospheric woodland seen throughout the film series, from the foggy depths of The Philosopher’s Stone to the climactic battles of The Deathly Hallows.
Where is it located?
The Forbidden Forest is located within the soundstages of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden, situated between the Backlot Cafe and the Platform 9¾ section.
How to access?
Access to the Forbidden Forest is included in all standard admission tickets to the Studio Tour. You do not need a separate ticket to enter the forest; it is a walk-through part of the main tour route.
⚡ How to visit the Forbidden Forest
The Forbidden Forest is a permanent expansion included with all Warner Bros. Studio Tour London admission tickets. Because standard studio tickets sell out 2–4 months in advance, booking a package with return transport from London guarantees entry.
Things to know before booking Warner Bros. Studio Tour London tickets
- Inclusive access: You don't need a specific Forbidden Forest ticket. Every visitor with a valid Studio Tour entry can explore the forest.
- Sensory warning: The set uses smoke machines, artificial mist, and occasional strobe lighting to create an eerie atmosphere.
- Arachnophobia note: The forest features a high-intensity encounter with Aragog and his spiderlings. If you have a severe phobia of spiders, there is a clearly marked "spider-free" bypass route so you can still enjoy the rest of the set.
- Surface texture: The floor of the forest is designed to feel like a "spongy" woodland floor. While wheelchair accessible, it may feel slightly uneven compared to the flat soundstage floors.
The Forbidden Forest in a nutshell
Your Warner Bros. Studio Tour London ticket types
| Ticket type | Is Forbidden Forest access included? | Why go for it? | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard entry | Yes | Best value/Self-paced | From €117.04 |
| Guided tour | Yes | Expert insights | From €173.39 |
| Transport package | Yes | Stress-free travel | From €117.04 |
Key highlights inside the Forbidden Forest set
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The gates to the forest
You are welcomed at the entrance by an original costume of Rubeus Hagrid (worn by Robbie Coltrane), standing with his lantern to guide you into the dark.
Buckbeak’s clearing
Deep in the foliage, you’ll find Buckbeak the Hippogriff. The animatronic is so detailed that it actually bows to visitors—be sure to bow back!
The spider’s lair
The atmosphere darkens as you approach the home of the Acromantulas. Here, an 18-foot Aragog emerges from his cave while smaller spiders drop from the canopy above.
The weather station
Near the end of the path, you can interact with buttons and levers that demonstrate how the special effects team created the forest's "unnatural" weather.
The Forbidden Forest in 360°
Iconic creatures you'll meet in the Forbidden Forest
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Aragog
Aragog, the acromantula raised by Hagrid, looms large in the Forbidden Forest. His animatronic form has an 18-foot leg span and dozens of twitching limbs and mandibles, brought to life using intricate puppetry and movement coordination.
Buckbeak the Hippogriff
A life-sized animatronic Buckbeak bows gracefully from his clearing in the forest. Covered in individually placed feathers, he features subtle head movements, wing shifts and blinking eyes that reflect his noble personality from the films.
Thestrals
These skeletal winged horses appear quietly in the shadows of the forest. With translucent wings, protruding bones and glowing eyes, the Thestrals are a hauntingly beautiful addition to the forest and a nod to the darker themes of the series.
Architectural highlights of the Forbidden Forest
The filmmaking magic behind Forbidden Forest
- Dynamic lighting: The entire forest is controlled with clever lighting design that switches from day to night, creating eerie transitions and moments of sudden tension just like in key scenes from the films.
- Immersive soundscape: Fog machines, artificial leaf crunch and ambient audio work together to make visitors feel they’re standing inside a deep, enchanted woodland straight from the wizarding world.
- Interactive creatures: Buckbeak can be summoned using a motion sensor that triggers a short interactive animation, including his signature bow and subtle mechanical gestures.
- Weather effects: Thunder, lightning and wind effects are programmed into the set to evoke the unpredictable forest weather seen in scenes with Hagrid and the acromantulas.
- Lifelike greenery: Trees are crafted from real bark textures and oversized trunks to feel ancient and gnarled, giving the illusion that you're surrounded by centuries-old woodland.
- Textured paths: Floor pathways are intentionally uneven, and sounds of distant creatures, breaking twigs and whooshing wings echo through the space to heighten the sense of realism.
Moments from the Harry Potter films recreated here
Notable figures of the Forbidden Forest
Know before you go
The forest follows the standard Studio Tour hours (typically 9am–8pm or 10pm).
It takes approximately 15–20 minutes to walk through the forest at a steady pace.
- Photography and filming are encouraged! There is a great photo op with Buckbeak.
- Photos are allowed, but low-light conditions mean a phone camera may not capture clear images without night mode or flash. Alternatively, you can also get a good low-light performance camera.
- Fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though be mindful of the textured floor.
- Paths inside are uneven in places and may be difficult for those with limited mobility. Ask staff for support if needed.
- The lighting is kept deliberately low, so allow time for your eyes to adjust as you enter the set.
- The atmosphere includes fog, sudden sounds and creature movement, which might startle younger or sensitive visitors.
- Buckbeak and Aragog both feature motion effects that can trigger when visitors are near, so be prepared for sudden movement.
- If visiting with small children, keep them close as parts of the forest can feel a little intense.
Frequently asked questions about the Forbidden Forest
No, entry to the Forbidden Forest is fully included within standard Warner Bros. Studio Tour London admission tickets.
It uses full environmental effects, animatronics and sound design to make it feel alive, not just like a static display.
Most visitors spend 15 to 20 minutes exploring the set, taking photos with Buckbeak, and testing the weather control stations.
No, the set is self-guided and untimed. You can explore at your own pace and spend as long as you like inside.
The set features atmospheric lighting, sudden spider effects in Aragog's Lair, and thunder sound effects. However, there is a bypass path clearly marked before Aragog's section for families with younger children or those who prefer to skip spider scenes.
While you can’t touch them, Buckbeak and Aragog respond to sensors or programmed triggers, offering a more lifelike experience as you pass.
While the forest is themed around the creatures, the primary animatronic focus is on Buckbeak and Aragog. Look out for Grawp’s footprints!
The one on display was built using the original moulds and techniques, offering nearly identical scale and detailing as seen in Chamber of Secrets.
Yes! During Hogwarts in the Snow, the forest is covered in filmmaking snow, and during Dark Arts, it becomes even spookier.
The Forbidden Forest at the Studio Tour is an indoor, climate-controlled set within a soundstage.
The fog is water-based and non-toxic, but those with respiratory issues or sensory sensitivities may want to check with staff first.
Yes, there is a bypass route available for those who prefer not to enter. Staff can direct you at the entry point.
