London Tickets
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The Potions Classroom – Step into the dungeons of Hogwarts

The Potions Classroom is a masterpiece of atmospheric filmmaking, capturing the eerie, subterranean charm of the Hogwarts dungeons. Originally filmed on location at Lacock Abbey before being painstakingly rebuilt at Leavesden Studios, this set served as the backdrop for some of the most tense and iconic moments in the Harry Potter series.

Where is it located?

The Potions Classroom is located within the interior sets section of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, situated among the iconic Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office.

How to access?

Access to the Potions Classroom is included with all standard admission tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. It is part of the main walking tour route and does not require a separate booking.

Things to know before booking Potions Classroom tickets

  • Included in general admission: You do not need a specific Potions Classroom ticket; entry is guaranteed with any valid Studio Tour pass.
  • Atmospheric lighting: The set uses low-level, moody lighting to replicate a dungeon. Visitors with visual impairments should take extra care, though the path is clearly marked.
  • Accessibility: The set is fully wheelchair accessible, though the "secret" feel of the room means some prop-heavy corners are best navigated slowly.

The Potions Classroom in a nutshell

Your Potions Classroom ticket types

Ticket typeIs Potions Classroom access included?Why go for it?Starting price
Standard entry

Yes

Best value for fans

From £101.25

Studio tour with transport

Yes

Stress-free travel from London

From £101.25

Exploring inside the Potions Classroom

Dining table set with magical props at Harry Potter Making Of tour, London.
Person in wizard robe stirring cauldron with wand, surrounded by candles and open books.
Visitors exploring Hogwarts-themed room at Harry Potter™: The Exhibition.
Severus Snape's potion classroom at Harry Potter Studio Tour, shelves with potion jars.
Family enjoying interactive exhibit at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, Tokyo.
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950+ potion jars

Lining every inch of the walls, these jars are filled with unique contents like dried herbs and shrunken heads. Look closely at the labels—each one was individually designed by the graphic team MinaLima.

Self-stirring cauldron

A marvel of practical effects, this cauldron features a hidden internal motor. It "stirs" itself periodically, creating a ghostly, magical effect without the need for CGI.

Gilded archways

The room is framed by brass-leafed arches inscribed with Latin and English names of rare elements. These inscriptions were inspired by real-world historical alchemical texts.

Costumes of potion masters

See the actual robes worn by Alan Rickman (Snape) and Jim Broadbent (Slughorn). Notice the differences in tailoring—Snape’s is severe and dark, while Slughorn’s features more eccentric, velvet textures.

Other costumes

Shelves of magical ingredients

Beyond the jars, the shelves are cluttered with "used" equipment, from toy salamanders to ginger roots, all aged with Fuller’s Earth to look centuries old.

The filmmaking magic behind the Potions Classroom

  • Mechanical effects: The self-stirring cauldron is powered by hidden motors and gears, engineered by John Richardson’s team to create lifelike movement without relying on visual effects.
  • Aged by hand: Props like potion jars and furniture are sanded, painted, and dusted with Fuller’s Earth or coffee to achieve a convincingly aged, lived-in classroom appearance.
  • Moody lighting: LED lights hidden inside cauldrons and jars create bubbling effects, while overhead lights are adjusted to cast dramatic shadows across shelves and stone walls.
  • Subtle visual effects: CGI enhances select scenes with glowing potions, floating particles, and magical auras, layered digitally using tools like Adobe After Effects in post-production.
  • Layered sound design: Ambient sounds like bubbling, glass clinking, and quiet stirring are added in post to make the classroom feel active, magical, and completely believable.

Moments from the films recreated here

Notable figures of the Potions Classroom

Know before you go

Matches the Studio Tour hours (typically 9am–8pm). Allow about 15–20 minutes specifically for this set to spot all the hidden details.

​Detailed timings

Located in the first half of the tour, shortly after the Forbidden Forest and before the Exterior Lot.

​Get directions

  • Lighting in the Potions Classroom is dim with flickering effects. Guests with vision sensitivity may prefer standing toward the front, where visibility is slightly brighter.
  • Mobility aids are welcome. The classroom is accessible, but the space between props is slightly narrow, so take it slow around corners and display areas.

​Plan your visit

  • Look for the blackboard! Some of the chalk notes are actually based on authentic historical chemistry recipes.
  • Snape and Slughorn’s costumes are placed at adult eye level. Lift younger children slightly if they want a better view of the details.
  • If you're short, taller visitors may block your view of upper shelves. Wait for a clearer space or ask staff where best to stand.
  • Photography is allowed, but lighting is low, so increase ISO settings or use Night Mode for sharper shots of jars, cauldrons, and costume details.
  • The cauldron moves periodically, so wait a few moments to catch it in action. It makes for a great photo or video opportunity.

Frequently asked questions about Potions Classroom tickets

Yes, it is a permanent part of the interior sets and is included in all standard admission tickets.