We spent an entire day at Warner Brothers Studios exploring the making of all eight Harry Potter movies (note more photos below). Bridie and Sienna are both long-time fans so know the books and movies intricately, I have seen the movies a couple of times so have a pretty good idea of most characters and storylines. 

We caught a train to Watford Junction, the station nearest to the studios, then caught the Harry Potter themed shuttle bus to the studios. 

Our visit began with a series of short films introducing the studios, then we were free to roam around indoors and outdoors exploring the massive range of film sets and props used in the movies. 

We boarded the Hogwart's Express, pushed a luggage cart into Platform 9 3/4, walked through Gringott's Bank, sat on Hagrid's motor bike, and strolled down Diagon Alley.

We saw some of the sketches, storyboards and models used to plan scenes and filming angles, we walked through the house in Privet Drive (including the cupboard under the stairs!), boarded the night bus, directed Dobby through motion capture, and pulled up mandrakes in the greenhouse.

We drank butterbeer (non alcoholic of course!), walked through the Great Hall, saw loads of different costumes, visited Dumbledore's office, and I discovered Americano coffee which became my drink of choice while in the UK  

About the only thing we didn't do was actually meet the author, cast or crew - though we certainly walked in their footsteps and even put our hands in the hand prints of Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron)!

Definitely a fantastic day out for any Harry Potter fan if the opportunity arises