Historical Timeline of Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio

While London is known for its rich and vast history, the Royal family and their heritage, unique architecture, and modern skyline, remember to plan a trip to the legendary Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio. Discover where the famous Harry Potter film series was shot and learn how this historic studio became home to one of the most popular movies ever.

History of Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio explained

Manufacturing facility during WWII

1940

The building was initially an aerodrome and an aircraft manufacturing facility during World War II. The Mosquito Combat Aircraft and Halifax Bomber are the best-known combat aircraft manufactured here.

Rolls Royce era

1967-1992

Rolls Royce, one of the most known companies in the world at that time, bought the production facility. It continued to manufacture aircraft, helicopter engines, and more. The facility shut down in 1992.

Birth of Leavesden Studios

1994-2000

The facility is transformed into a film-production facility. As more people got familiar with Leavesden Studios, many movies including Star Wars Episode One *and Sleepy Hollow* were shot here.

Harry Potter movie series

2000-2010

After becoming a successful film-production facility, Warner Bros. leased the studios for a decade to produce all eight movies in the Harry Potter series. This era was a turning point for the studio’s popularity.

Book Harry Potter Studio tours

From London: Harry Potter™ Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Return Transport

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From London: Harry Potter™ Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Day Trip to Oxford

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11 hr. 30 min.

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From London: Harry Potter™ Warner Bros. Studio Small-Group Guided Tour with Train Transfers

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5 hr.

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From London: Harry Potter™ Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Hotel Transfers

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7 hr.

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Construction of Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio

The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio is housed within the Warner Bros. film-production facility in Leavesden, England. It is owned by Warner Bros. and is one of the most popular film production facilities in the world. It is designed and planned by the Thinkwell Group in a collaborative effort with Warner Bros. and some of the crew members of the Harry Potter series.

The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio opened to the public in 2012 after an extravagant grand opening. That said, a royal opening took place just a year after the grand opening in the presence of Prince William and Princess Catherine.

Harry Potter Studio today

The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio was primarily created as a tribute to the success of the legendary Harry Potter movie series. Today, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a significant attraction for several reasons. Here are a few:

For die-hard Harry Potter fans: It offers a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of the beloved film series. Fans can walk through the actual sets used in the films, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Dumbledore's office. They can also learn about the special effects, props, and costumes that brought the wizarding world to life.
For those interested in filmmaking: The studio tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the filmmaking process. Visitors can see how the special effects were created, how the sets were built, and how the actors were filmed.
For a fun family outing: The studio tour is a great way for families to spend a day together. It's a fun and interactive experience that will appeal to people of all ages. There are also special events throughout the year, such as the current Dark Arts exhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio history

How old is the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio?

The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio opened in 2012, so it is around 12 years old.

Who built and designed Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio?

Thinkwell Group and Warner Bros. along with some crew members of the Harry Potter series designed the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio.

How has Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio contributed to the city’s artistic heritage?

While the studio itself is around 12 years old, it is located in a past aircraft production facility used during World War II.

Are there guided tours explaining the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio’s history?

Yes, there are guided tours with transfers explaining the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio’s history.

Is it worth visiting Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio?

Yes, visiting the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio is worth it especially if you are a fan of the Harry Potter series. You can look at the props, and costumes, and walk through locations where the Harry Potter movie series was shot.