Warner Bros. Studios, the making of Harry Potter, and loving it!!

This was our one big expenditure theme type park for the holiday. The day before we drove from near Salisbury to Hemel Hempstead. We stopped at Basildon-park a National Trust house with beautiful grounds. It was a final opportunity for the kids to do another Easter egg hunt and for us to enjoy a little sun in the country. The house is from the 18th century and has been used in a number of movies including parts of Pride and Prejudice. 

We made it to Hemel Hempstead in good time and after a few small issues around parking settled in. Initially we tried at the front only to be told by residents that parking for the lodge was at the back of the building. Another car was trying the same thing straight after us. You would think someone would put up a sign. Then it had metered parking but the lodge could not give change. Come on how hard could this be.

The next day the kids woke up with great expectation. It was only a 10 minute drive and before we knew it we were queuing in line to enter. Unfortunately they had some lighting issues in the great hall so the queuing lasted a little longer than usual. Still a chance to raise expectations and anticipation. 

Much like most theme parks or mass people entertainment we were herded into various rooms. Firstly for a presentation on why the movie's were made, then another larger screen movie syn-opting what the eight movies were about. Finally we came to the main room, the Great Hall. This is a real treat and the actual room used for the movies. Very cool and intricately designed. This

is an awesome experience if you have read all the books. We spent as long as possible checking out all the house uniforms and of course the teachers table at the far end of the room.


After this point we were able to just roam around the various exhibits split into two large building separated by an outdoors courtyard. 

The first building had most of the Hogwarts rooms included. Harry's Gryffindor room, house common room, Dumbledore's office, a moving staircase, various classrooms and much more.


If going do the broomstick ride, decide on whether to buy photos before hand. It was an enjoyable experience and we all laughed with each other as we watched on a screen. However, even though I mentioned we wouldn't get photos I was outvoted once in the gallery foyer.

Outside in the courtyard we had to enjoy a butterbeer although the kids didn't like the froth. We also hopped into Ron's flying car, tried to board the three story "night bus" and walked across the wonky bridge used in the last movie.

The last building has Diagon Alley which was awesome. The exact street and all the artifacts in the shop windows. Julia wanted to buy a wand but unfortunately the shop wasn't open for business.


They left the best exhibit for last. That was a reduced size massive model of the castle and it's grounds. The detail was amazing and again it was used in the movies. Watch out in the exit as you come in to the paraphernalia shop. The prices match the expense of the place and you can easily spend more than the initial entry prices.