Harry Potter Tour: Privet Drive

When Adam and I visited the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour back in January, I knew I wanted to go back. I didn’t realise the opportunity would come around so quickly. We were invited to a VIP event to attend the opening of their latest exhibition: Number 4 Privet Drive.

In homage to the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, graphic designers Mina Lima, who worked on all eight movies, has brought the Dursleys house back to life. We were going to be one of the first people to enter the Dursleys’ family home to peek inside the iconic living room.

As it was an evening event I knew Adam would struggle. So I took Rain (Adam’s Pre-School Key Worker) and her partner and my niece and her university friend. We had an amazing evening which started off with smoking cocktails. This time I got to experience the full Harry Potter tour without Adam alongside me. I got to appreciate the intricate detail that went into creating the films.

Last time the Great Hall was laid out for a festive meal. This time the tables were plain but at the front of the room we got to see the Sorting Hat.

Along the tour we got to meet some of the talented crew members that brought the Harry Potter world to life. We saw John Richardson, Special Effects Supervisor, operate the machine that was specially created for the film to push hundreds of acceptance letters through the Dursleys front door.

It was strange being near the Hogwarts Express without chasing Adam around. I will never forget his sheer excitement at seeing the huge steam engine.

Whilst waiting for Privet Drive to open we were treated to Butterbeer Icecream and canapes.

Fiona Shaw, aka Aunt Petunia, officially opened Number 4 Privet Drive in a red carpet spectacular.

Up until now you have only been able to walk up to the door of Number 4. However, for a limited time, you are able to step through the front door. The hallway is decorated in true Dursleys form – awful wallpaper, dreadful carpets and certificates recording Dudleys achievements are proudly displayed.

You can then peek inside the Dursleys living room to see hundreds of letters coming out of the fireplace. These are the original letters that appeared in the first film.

On our last visit, the Hogwarts Castle was my highlight of the tour. We visited during the Hogwarts In The Snow special and I was worried I would be disappointed seeing the castle again without the snow. However, seeing the castle still took my breath away. I can’t get over the scale of it. As I didn’t have Adam with me, I took a leisurely walk around the castle and filmed the experience on Facebook Live.

We were one of the first people to arrive for the evening tour and certainly were the last to leave. There is just so much to take in around the studios. Yet again I left wanting more!

Disclaimer: We were given tickets to attend the opening of Number 4 Privet Drive at the Warner Brother Studios Harry Potter Tour to review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

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