Step Inside Great Hall at Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio tour

*"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends," *said Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts headmaster. The Great Hall plays a significant role in the Harry Potter films and is the setting for many memorable sequences. In the first film, upon Harry's arrival at Hogwarts, he and his fellow students are led to the Great Hall to be sorted into their respective houses.

Throughout the movies, headmaster Dumbledore has several iconic speeches in this location too. Among the most famous sets from the Harry Potter books, the Great Hall plays host to several pivotal occasions. Originally built for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2000, the Great Hall subsequently hosted the Yule Ball, the Battle of Hogwarts, and other crucial settings spanning 7 more films. Relive some of your favorite scenes, as you begin your magical journey here, with the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio tour!

Why visit the Great Hall on your Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio tour?

Walk where Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliff, and Rupert Grint walked: The Great Hall is the first set you enter on the tour, and it's instantly recognizable from countless scenes throughout the series. Stand on the same flagstone floor where Harry, Ron, and Hermione first entered Hogwarts, imagine yourself being sorted by the Sorting Hat beneath the magnificent ceiling, or relive the wonder of attending the Yule Ball.
To eat or not: Take a close look at the intricate details, from the hand-painted starry night ceiling to the prop food that looks good enough to eat. These props can be seen in scenes featuring the Great Hall, including the Yule Ball and other Hogwarts feasts.
Behind-the-scenes secrets: The tour guides will reveal some interesting tidbits about the filming of scenes in the Great Hall: The floating candles were lightweight replicas suspended on wires. Or that the grand oak doors were so heavy that they required a special hydraulic system to open and close.
Take a photo at the Gryffindor table: One of the most popular photo spots on the tour is the Gryffindor table. Or get your photo taken on the Gryffindor common room armchairs located just outside the Great Hall.

The scale of the hall

The Great Hall is a truly impressive sight, with its high ceilings, long tables, and stained glass windows. However, It's much smaller than it appears on film, and you can really get a sense of the grandeur of Hogwarts. Movie sets often use forced perspective tricks to create the illusion of a larger space. This might involve using smaller furniture for the actors or placing the camera at specific angles. In reality, the set is quite a bit smaller than it appears on screen. Look closely at the stained glass windows – they depict the Hogwarts houses' mascots:

Gryffindor: Lion, Ravenclaw: Eagle, Hufflepuff: Badger, Slytherin: Serpent

Great Hall highlights on your Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios tour

The house tables

The Great Hall is dominated by the four long tables, one for each Hogwarts house. The tables are laid with plates, goblets, and cutlery, just as they would be for a Hogwarts feast. You can also see the banners for each house hanging above their respective tables.

The Professors' Perch

Take a center spot on the Headmaster's podium and imagine yourself delivering a speech to the assembled students. Fun fact: The podium is actually a replica of the one used in the first movie and had to be rebuilt several times throughout filming as the actors kept accidentally breaking it with their forceful speeches!

Costumes on display

Look out for the iconic school uniforms in each house's colors – scarlet and gold for Gryffindor, blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, yellow and black for Hufflepuff, and green and silver for Slytherin. You might also see some of the professors' dress robes, adding a touch of elegance to the space.

Rotating exhibits

The exact props and costumes displayed in the Great Hall might change depending on the time of your visit. The studio tour offers a dynamic experience, so there's always a chance to see something new.

House Points Counter

A true fan favorite – keep an eye out for the House Points counter. Despite not appearing on film, the house points counter may be the Great Hall's greatest prop. Large hourglasses loaded with beads representing each house's color trickled down as pupils scored points and disappeared when they lost them. Except for a close look, they are scarcely visible in the films.

Visitor tips

Wear the colors of your favorite Hogwarts house! Imagine the look of surprise on fellow fans' faces when you proudly represent Gryffindor red, Ravenclaw blue, Hufflepuff yellow, or Slytherin green.
Time your visit for a special event. The Studio Tour runs several special events throughout the year, such as Hogwarts in the Snow. These events can add a whole new dimension to your visit to the Great Hall, with special decorations, activities, and photo opportunities.
There are many hidden details to be found in the Great Hall, such as the house elves peeking out from behind the kitchen doors, the floating candles (which are actually lit by wires!), and the stained glass windows depicting the founders of Hogwarts.
This is a classic photo opportunity in the Great Hall, and it's a great way to capture your own bit of magic. There are even special wands available for purchase at the Studio Tour that can be used to activate special effects in certain areas of the tour.
Don't forget to look up! The ceiling of the Great Hall is decorated with a beautiful starry night sky, which is especially impressive when you realize that it's actually a giant painting.
Have a Butterbeer in the Great Hall: There is a Butterbeer stall located in the Great Hall, so you can try this popular wizarding beverage while you're admiring the set.
Before you leave, be sure to browse through the extensive collection of Harry Potter merchandise at the Studio Shop. It offers a wide range of Harry Potter-themed merchandise, including replica wands, clothing and accessories, toys and games, stationery, and homeware. You’re sure to find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your visit.

Frequently asked questions about Warner Bros Harry Potter studio tour- The Great Hall

What is the Great Hall and where is it located on the tour?

The Great Hall is the iconic dining hall featured throughout the Harry Potter films. It's the first major set you'll see on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

Can I walk through the Great Hall on the tour?

Yes! The Great Hall is one of the highlights of the tour and you can walk right through it, imagining yourself amongst the students of Hogwarts.

Are there any special photo opportunities in the Great Hall?

Absolutely! This is a popular spot for photos, so be sure to get your picture under the floating candles or perhaps sitting at the Gryffindor table.

Are there restrooms available?

While there aren’t any restrooms specifically within the Great Hall itself, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London does have restrooms available throughout the tour route, including one in the lobby before you even begin the tour

Can I buy food or drink in the Great Hall?

No, there's no food or drink available within the Great Hall itself. However, there is a food hall located elsewhere on the studio tour.

Are there any accessibility considerations for visiting the Great Hall?

The Great Hall is accessible for wheelchairs. If you have any accessibility concerns, be sure to check the Warner Bros. Studio Tour website for further information.

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