19 great family hotels near Harry Potter Studios, London

The Warner Bros studio tour is one of the unmissable attractions in London with kids who love Harry Potter – and while it’s easy to reach from central London, you’ll find plenty of hotels near Harry Potter Studios London.

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The attraction itself is in Leavesden, just outside Watford, set in the studios where much of the movies were filmed – you can find hotel packages including tickets, as well as accommodation for different budgets and locations if you’re wondering where to stay near Harry Potter Studios. (Sadly, you can’t check in to Privet Drive!)

I’ve picked out my favourite hotels near Harry Potter World London (as it’s also commonly known) below, with information about the distance from the Warner Bros Studios, facilities and the options for families, if you’re visiting London with kids.

Budget hotels near Harry Potter World

A visit to the Harry Potter Studios isn’t the cheapest family day out in London, so if you’re looking to save your sickles and knuts, there are plenty of budget hotels near Harry Potter World.

Check out my four-page mini guide to Harry Potter’s London, including tips on some of the best places to visit, filming locations, wizarding trivia and even some of the inspirations behind the stories.

Holiday Inn Express London Watford Junction

Two minutes’ walk from Watford Junction station, you could hardly be in a better location for catching the shuttle bus to the Harry Potter Studio tour than the Holiday Inn Express London Watford Junction.

There are double rooms with double sofa bed, which are ideal for families, including options with free cancellation or slightly cheaper rates if you’re happy to go for a non-refundable option.

Breakfast is included and there is also limited parking – first come, first served, so you may need to find alternative options nearby.

It’s worth knowing there is also a Holiday Inn London Watford Junction, around five minutes’ walk away – scroll down for more details, as it’s another great option although with a higher price tag

Click here to book rooms at Holiday Inn Express London Watford Junction, including options with free cancellation

Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jury’s Inn), Watford

The Leonardo Hotel London Watford is also walking distance from Watford Junction station – less than 10 minutes along Clarendon Road, so it’s a great option if you’re planning to catch the shuttle bus.

The family rooms here include options with a double and two single beds, which is great if you have slightly older kids who can’t (or don’t want!) to share a sofa bed.

And while it’s slightly more expensive than the budget chains such as Holiday Inn Express, it’s still very well-priced.

There’s a 24-hour reception, bar and restaurant on site, plus there’s a string of places to eat around the atria Watford shopping centre, just a few minutes away.

There’s no on-site parking, but the hotel has a discounted rate at Citi Park Sutton across the road, currently £4 for 24 hours. It’s around 10 minutes to The Making of Harry Potter tour by car or by taxi.

Click here to book rooms at Leonardo Hotel London Watford, including free cancellation

Premier Inn Watford North

There’s a choice of Premier Inns if you’re looking for places to stay near Harry Potter World but the Premier Inn Watford North is the closest.

Less than three miles from the studio tour site itself, it’s also just a couple of miles from Watford Junction station – trains from nearby Garston station take around 5 minutes if you needed to catch the shuttle bus, although realistically you’re so close it’s better to get a taxi if you aren’t driving.

There is on-site parking at the hotel for a small fee too, so it’s easy to drive, plus the family rooms have either a double or kingsize bed plus sofa bed and pull-out bed options.

You can also book interconnecting rooms if you want extra space, while kids eat free at breakfast with a paying adult. Rates for four start at under £100.

Click here to book rooms at Premier Inn Watford North, including free cancellation

Premier Inn Kings Langley

On the northern side of the Harry Potter tour at Leavesden, the Premier Inn Kings Langley is less than four miles from the attraction – just a fraction further than its sister site at Watford North.

There’s free on-site parking here too and it’s only a 10-minute drive away – only a Firebolt would get you there much faster.

The hotel has a breakfast room, but not a restaurant (although there are other places to eat nearby) and kids eat free at breakfast with a paying adult.

Family rooms have either a double or kingsize bed plus sofa bed and pull-out bed options, while interconnecting rooms are also available. Rates for four start at around £100.

Click here to book rooms at Premier Inn Kings Langley, including free cancellation

Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead

Finding family hotels near Harry Potter World with swimming pool included isn’t the easiest combination so the Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead is a real find if you’re visiting Harry Potter World with kids.

Around 15 minutes away by car, just over six miles from the Leavesden studios, the hotel is still great value if you’re looking for a budget place to stay. There’s parking at the hotel as well.

Family rooms include options with either a double or queen-size bed plus sofa bed, while you can also book interconnecting rooms.

There’s also a restaurant on site and rates including breakfast, at a much cheaper rate if you prebook.

The Holiday Inn Express Hemel Hempstead is also located very close by, with a buffet breakfast on offer and family rooms but no pool – usually at slightly higher rates

Click here to book rooms at Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead, including free cancellation

Village Hotel Watford, Elstree

For smaller families, there’s another choice of hotel near Harry Potter World with a swimming pool at the Village Hotel Watford.

The family rooms are designed to sleep three – two adults and one child aged under 12 – and while the rooms are compact, they’re also colourful.

Saver rates without breakfast start from around £150 so it won’t break the bank either, and there’s also a health and wellness club with heated indoor pool, plus a Pub & Grill on site, as well as a Starbucks.

There are more mod cons here too – you can check in online, get your key sent to your phone, access Google Nest in the rooms and more. There’s some free parking, although times are limited – outside 5pm Fri to 3pm Sun, you’ll be charged.

Realistically, it’s not as easy to get to the Harry Potter Studios from the Village Hotel Watford without a car, as it’s actually nearby in Elstree rather than Watford itself.

You can find rooms with free cancellation at the Village Hotel Watford, but for family rooms it can be best to book direct

Holiday Inn Express St Albans

For another budget option from the Holiday Inn chain, Holiday Inn Express St Albans is around 15-20 minutes away from the Hemel Hempstead properties and less than 20 minutes from Harry Potter World.

There’s free parking on site, as well as a restaurant with breakfast included. Family rooms have a double room and sofa bed.

If you’re looking to make a longer family break than just Harry Potter, it’s also very close to Willows Activity Farm with its great Santa Spectacular, as well as to St Albans itself.

Book rooms at the Holiday Inn Express St Albans including free cancellation

The Red Lion, Radlett

If you’re looking for a family friendly hotel near Harry Potter World that won’t blow the budget, but is a bit more individual than the usual chain hotels, the Red Lion in Radlett is ideal.

Around a 20-minute drive from the Warner Bros studios, there are only 13 rooms in this boutique hotel – families can have extra beds added to the superior double rooms – either Z-beds or a sofa bed.

Throw in a dreamy Hypnos mattress on the main bed, Nespresso machine and Cole & Lewis toiletries, and restaurant on site too.

With rates starting from around £125 for a room sleeping four, excluding breakfast, that’s a magical deal – and breakfast rates are £6.25 for kids, £12.50 for adults if you do want to eat in the hotel.

There are also direct trains between Radlett station, one minute’s walk away, and Kings Cross St Pancras in central London.

Book rooms at the Red Lion hotel including free cancellation

More hotels near Harry Potter Studios

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Harry Potter World with a few more family-friendly touches, there’s plenty of choice in the surrounding area.

Holiday Inn London Watford Junction

Like its budget sibling, this hotel is in a great location for catching the shuttle bus to the Harry Potter Studio tour, just two minutes’ walk from Watford Junction station.

As with most hotels in the chain, the Holiday Inn London Watford Junction has all you need on site: free WiFi, restaurant, bar and cafe serving Starbucks coffee, plus all the essentials in the room.

There are family rooms available, and (paid) parking on site if you prefer to drive straight to Leavesden on the day of your visit.

Click here to book rooms at Holiday Inn London Watford Junction with free cancellation

Hilton London Watford

The Hilton London Watford has a whole string of extras to set it apart from the other hotels near Harry Potter World for families.

If you’re visiting with kids under 12, there’s a special kids breakfast and kids welcome, plus a range of children’s amenities available, so they get something of a personalised experience too. The hotel’s restaurant has a kids’ menu too.

The family rooms include doubles with sofa bed, as well as more deluxe options and suites, with rates from around £200 per night. Interconnecting rooms are also available, and if you’re a regular guest at Hilton, you can also use points to pay for your stay.

There are also flexible rates which you can cancel up to a day before arrival, as well as options including breakfast. The hotel is around 10 minutes from the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden by car, and there’s free parking.

Click here to book rooms at Hilton London Watford, including with free cancellation

Best Western Plus Grim’s Dyke Hotel, Pinner (Harrow)

For some country house hotel style without the usual hefty price tag, the Best Western Plus Grim’s Dyke Hotel is another more unusual option for families visiting Harry Potter World, with its own country house feel.

South of Watford, in Pinner, it’s still only 20 minutes’ drive to the Leavesden Studio, plus you have 40 acres of gardens and woodland to enjoy.

While there are period-style rooms in the main house, the hotel does offer family rooms but these are better for smaller families. There are also interconnecting rooms if you’re visiting with older kids.

The Grade II listed hotel has its own restaurant and free parking on site too. Breakfast is included in some room rates.

If you’re considering the similar country house style of Shendish Manor Hotel not far away in Hemel Hempstead, it’s worth knowing that this is for adults only (18+)

Click here to book rooms at Best Western Plus Grim’s Dyke Hotel with free cancellation

The Grove Hotel, Chandler’s Cross, Watford

For a visit to remember, you can also find some great luxury hotels near Harry Potter World, including The Grove hotel in Chandler’s Cross.

Just over two miles from the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, this is the perfect option if you’re looking for some indulgence, including deluxe double rooms sleeping four.

A favourite of celebrities (including some of London’s footballers), The Grove also has its own spa, golf course and two swimming pools, as well as 300 acres of parkland. Expect plasma-screen TVs and Bose iPod docks in the rooms, as well as lots of other touches like fresh fruit and luxury toiletries.

Needless to say there’s also free parking and a choice of restaurants on site. Needless to say, it’s also not the cheapest place to stay near The Making of Harry Potter tour, but if you’re looking to splurge The Grove Hotel should be on your wishlist.

Click here to book rooms at The Grove Hotel with free cancellation

Sopwell House Hotel, St Albans

Another of the luxury hotels near Harry Potter Studios is Sopwell House Hotel, set in the Hertfordshire countryside near St Albans.

Around 20 minutes’ drive from the Leavesden attraction, the Georgian Country House hotel is all about low-key luxury – you’ll find Elemis toiletries in the bathroom but the emphasis is on elegance rather than bling.

There are rooms and suites sleeping three, so it’s an indulgent option if you have a smaller family. Otherwise you would need to book two rooms.

There’s also a restaurant on site (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) and free parking.

It’s also worth knowing that while there’s a pool in the spa, this is only open to age 16+ (and they must be accompanied by an adult) except for limited early morning hours at Christmas and during the summer holidays.

Click here to book rooms at Sopwell House Hotel with free cancellation

Self-catering apartments near Harry Potter Studios

If you prefer to have your own space to relax in after a visit to Harry Potter World London, there are plenty of places to stay for families near Watford. And best of all, more than a few have a magical theme to complete your experience.

Hagrid’s Hut, Watford

You don’t need a giant family to love Hagrid’s Hut in Watford. This two-bedroom apartment is only a two miles from the Leavesden studios site, so it’s a quick five-minute drive to take you to the wizarding world.

And as well as all the usual self-catering facilities, including kitchen and washing machine, there’s a fun Harry Potter theme throughout the apartment – look out for owls dotted around, broomsticks on the walls and the books to read as well, to get you in the mood for your visit.

With a double bed, bunk beds and a sofa bed, there’s room for five which makes it ideal for larger families visiting the Harry Potter Studios. There’s on-street parking as well.

Click here to book rooms at Hagrid’s Hut with free cancellation

Spinners End, Watford

For another Harry Potter themed alternative, self-catering apartment Spinners End is a three-bedroom apartment – along with a sofa bed in the living room – so there’s plenty of room to spread out.

It’s also two miles from the Warner Bros Studios, and the bedrooms are themed around the different Hogwarts Houses (no Slytherin though, despite the name!)

There is a minimum two-night stay, but if you’re planning to spend the whole day soaking up every detail of the studio tour, that’s just what you’ll need. There’s also free parking, plus a full kitchen with washing machine.

Click here to book rooms at Spinners End with free cancellation

The Film apartment, Leavesden Green

For a film theme with style, The Film apartment has its own Harry Potter touches, but the chic of a boutique hotel – and the flexibility of self-catering.

A one-bedroom apartment, with a sofa bed or the option for a single bed and a cot bed, it’s big enough for a family of four, and only a five-minute drive to Harry Potter World in nearby Leavesden.

There’s free parking, a kitchen, washing machine and breakfast thrown in, including vegetarian options.

Click here to book rooms at The Film apartment

The Bluebird Luxury apartment, Watford

If you’d prefer to be spoiled with a bit of self-catering luxury instead, The Bluebird apartment in Garston, just outside Watford, is a great option.

The one-bedroom apartment sleeps four, including a sofa bed, plus there’s free parking, a kitchen, washing machine and plenty of indulgent little touches.

Just a 10-minute drive from the Harry Potter studios, there are also cafes and a supermarket within walking distance, plus it’s not far from Watford North station which can take you into central London.

Click here to book rooms at the Bluebird Luxury Apartment with free cancellation

Two-bed Apartment, Leavesden Green

This two-bed apartment doesn’t have a name, but if it did then ‘super-handy for Hogwarts’ would be a good one – one of the few places genuinely in walking distance from Harry Potter World with kids.

Just 0.6 miles away from the Leavesden Studios, you could walk it in less than 15 minutes or drive it in about three; there is on-site parking.

With two bedrooms, including one set of bunk beds, and its own small garden, there’s plenty of space for families to spread out too – along with the usual self-catering essentials including kitchen and washing machine.

Click here to book rooms at this two-bed apartment in Leavesden Green with free cancellation

Ashleigh two-bed apartment, Watford

Less than four miles from the Harry Potter Studios, the Ashleigh Court two-bed apartment in Watford has free parking and its own film theme – not the Wizarding World, but some stylish vintage Hollywood touches.

Right on the edge of atria Watford shopping centre, it’s also just a 10-minute walk from Watford Junction if you’re looking for self-catering accommodation near Harry Potter World but don’t want to drive.

Sleeping up to five in two bedrooms and a sofa bed, there are also two bathrooms and a kitchen, as well as the restaurants and cafes of Watford just a snitch’s throw away. It even has a little balcony (with lockable doors if you’re staying with younger kids)

There’s a minimum three-night stay, but it’s easy to get into central London if you want to add a day’s exploring in the city as well as your visit to the Warner Bros studios.

Click here to book rooms at Ashleigh Court two-bed apartment in Watford with free cancellation

More self-catering apartments near Harry Potter World

If you’re looking for self-catering apartments near the Harry Potter Studios London for larger families, the following options are well worth checking out.

• Fairview Cottage, Watford – three-bedroom villa (with a three-night minimum stay)
• Four-bedroom house in Leavesden Green – three bathrooms, and room for big family groups

Tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios, London

While you’re planning where to stay near the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London, do make sure you read this FAQ for Harry Potter World to answer all your questions about visiting the attraction itself.

For my full set of tips for the Harry Potter Studio tour, check out this post

How soon should I book tickets for Harry Potter World?

As soon as possible. The attraction often books up months in advance, especially for popular temporary attractions like Hogwarts in the Snow at Christmas (watch out for tickets going on sale in late summer).

It’s also very busy during school holidays, although there are few times when it’s quiet as the Harry Potter Studio tour in London is a popular attraction year-round.

Weekdays during the winter months (excluding Christmas and New Year) tend to be quietest.

If you can’t get tickets at the first attempt, it is worth checking regularly to see if more become available. Sometimes visitors do reschedule, while tour companies and hotels will also release some of their tickets closer to the date if they haven’t sold out.

Or scroll down for other ways to get tickets to Harry Potter Studios London if you can’t book directly.

For more ideas of Harry Potter locations in London and magical things to do during a day out with kids, check out my pick of the best

Where can I get tickets if the Warner Bros site is sold out?

The cheapest way is to book direct with Warner Bros Studios and drive or take public transport to Watford. However, if your dates are showing as booked, there are some alternative options to try.

Tour operators will often have availability if you’re happy to buy tickets with a coach transfer  – you can also book direct via Golden Tours which is the main provider.

While you can choose to take the bus from Victoria Station or near Baker Street Station, as well as from Kings Cross, there is also an option to make your own way and to meet at the ticket collection desk if you’re staying at a hotel near the Harry Potter Studios.

If you’re choosing the option for your own transportation, it’s worth confirming how you’ll get to the site as both the shuttle bus and parking require you to show a ticket.

It’s also a much more expensive way of visiting Harry Potter World in London, but for fans who’ve set their hearts on a visit, it’s sometimes the only option. If you want to stay longer than the time until your return bus, you can take a later bus back (first come first served with priority for those who hold tickets) or make your own way back with public transport too.

If you find yourself choosing this option and decide to take the bus after all, the branded coaches show one of the films on the journey to Watford, and is a good alternative if you prefer not to drive or take the train. It does mean that your time inside may be limited though.

You can also join small group tours to the Harry Potter Studios while some hotels offer packages including tickets. Again, this is a more expensive option but if you’re planning to book a hotel anyway, it’s worth exploring.

Holiday Extras has regular deals including some hotels near The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour site.

And if you have a Mastercard, you can sign up to Mastercard Priceless for last-minute tickets. There are 20 tickets available each day, available from 2-7 days in advance.

How long do I need at the Harry Potter Studio tour?

The main thing to know about Harry Potter World in London is that it’s huge – and new areas are constantly being added and unveiled.

There’s also an incredible amount of information to discover, with behind-the-scenes videos to watch, a chance to read more of the details of the creation and inspiration of the various props, plus interactive activities including casting spells and riding broomsticks.

Four to eight hours are recommended, and while you could rush round in less time if you’re visiting with younger kids (or less committed fans), it’s not a cheap day out so it’s worth making the most of it.

On one visit with my then seven-year-old daughter, we spent around 6 1/2 hours exploring, and even on my earliest visits before several new areas were added, I’ve never spent less than about three hours there.

The morning slots are always the best option if you can find them, as you can then spend as long as you want inside. Bear in mind there’s only one (busy) place for lunch once you’re inside, as well as a cafe at the start, although you can bring your own food.

There are limited numbers for the very start of the experience, so you’ll normally need to stick to the time on your ticket, but after that point, you can explore at your own pace.

While you can return to some areas, especially in the first section of the experience before you reach the Forbidden Forest, it’s not always easy (or possible) to go back so it’s better to take your time then move on.

How much does Harry Potter World cost?

Tickets to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London cost from £53.50 for adults, from £43 for kids. Under 4s are free, and family tickets are available from £172 for two adults and two children.

There are also special extras including afternoon tea, souvenir guides and audio guides – the latter have audio in multiple languages, which can be useful if your kids are fans but not fluent in English. Otherwise, personally, I wouldn’t bother.

You must buy tickets in advance and extras can’t necessarily be added on the day.

Is there parking at the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

There is a large car park for the Warner Bros Studio tour, with parking included in your ticket.

The postcode for Satnavs and Google Maps is WD25 7LR, although you’ll see the brown attraction signs clearly marked once you get close. If you’re using the What3Words app, the keywords are ///grabs.intent.movies

You do need to show your ticket or booking confirmation to get access, so make sure you have this to hand as you arrive.

If you’re visiting early in the day (or sometimes towards the end of the day), you can usually find spaces closer to the studio entrance but otherwise be prepared for a short walk.

There are marshals directing the cars and you’ll always find a space though. If you want to guarantee a space near the entrance, you can buy Priority Parking for £10 with your studio tour tickets. This can only be prebooked, so you can’t buy it on the day if the car park looks busy.

Make sure you print off the Priority Parking ticket when your e-tickets are emailed (or it will arrive in the post if you’ve chosen that option) and you’ll be given a windscreen sticker on arrival.

If you have a blue badge, there are spaces close to the main entrance for disabled visitors and those with more limited mobility.

How to get to Harry Potter World from central London

The Warner Bros Studio tour is around 20 miles from central London as the crow flies, in Leavesden, Hertfordshire – just outside Watford.

If you decide to stay in central London (check out my ideas for where to stay in London with kids), you have several options for public transport, as well as organised tours.

For those planning to drive, scroll up for details of the free parking on site – although parking and driving in central London isn’t ideal so it’s better to stick with public transport or organised tours.

By far the easiest way is to take the train direct from Euston station to Watford Junction – the direct fast trains take only 20 minutes and you can pay using contactless or Oyster card, just like the tube and other Tfl services.

Unlike other national rail services, children under 11 travel free on this route too – normally ages 5-15 pay a 50% fare on train tickets. If you do catch one of the other train routes between Euston and Watford Junction, it will take longer and you’ll need to have the correct child tickets.

Once you arrive at Watford Junction, there’s a free shuttle bus which is included as part of your entry ticket. It takes around 15 minutes to drive there, and buses run at least every 30 minutes during the day: the last bus heads back when the Studio Tour closes in the evening.

You’ll need to show your ticket or booking confirmation to the driver to be able to use the shuttle bus, so make sure you have it to hand.

If you prefer to book tickets with a coach transfer, click here or direct via Golden Tours

Can you get a tube to Harry Potter World?

There’s no direct tube route to the Harry Potter Studios or to Watford Junction itself. However, you can take the Metropolitan Line to Watford tube station, just over a mile from Watford Junction station.

You’d then either need to get a taxi to the Warner Bros Studios – around 10-15 minutes by car – or make your way to Watford Junction station to catch the shuttle bus.

There are bus routes which run between the two stations, although it will also involve at least a short walk and some only run every 30 minutes. Alternatively, it’s 5-10 minutes by taxi, which costs around £7-£10.

Realistically, the only reason to take this route is if there’s a train strike or if you’re staying along the Metropolitan line and it’s quicker to get to Watford station than head into London and back out again.

Watford has another station, Watford High Street, but this is on the same London Overground line from Euston so there’s no benefit to getting of here instead. If you do accidentally get off early, it’s only one stop to Watford Junction so it’s best to wait for the next train as they run around every 15 minutes.

For more great wizarding world experiences, check out my top Harry Potter days out in the UK, as well as Harry Potter things to do in York plus a visit to the Forbidden Forest in Cheshire

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Main image courtesy Picfair, all others copyright MummyTravels

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