WB Studios London

[sayhello]

I consider part of the European travel experience is learning to use the excellent public transportation system. If millions of European can use it, then so can I learn to use it. In Europe, I travel the European way and do not try to force the American way of travel.


-Paul

That's great for you. Not everyone is as comfortable with international travel as maybe you are. I, for one, LOVE using the trains in Europe, but am not a fan of their bus systems. And I am TOTALLY not comfortable driving in a foreign country. Everyone has their own comfort level, and rather than telling people their feelings are wrong, it might be nice to actually just answer people's questions.

Sayhello

 

[Poohlie]

So good to hear the pros and cons on the bus and Uber and taxi options! I was able to book the studio tickets for a 9:00 entry (1st entry of the day). Now I’m trying to figure out what time I would need to leave the Kimpton if we use the public transportation route. As suggested above, it seems to be a 15 minute walk to Euston Station - and it sounds like I would want to look for a midland train to Watford Junction (not an overground train)? Is there signage directing towards the midland trains? I’m unclear on how I’ll know how to find a midland train vs an overground train Also, I’ve tried searching for train time schedules but haven’t had luck finding how often the trains run to Watford. I’d love to hear any suggestions you may have on what time I would want to be at Euston to catch a train that would get us to Watford in time for the 1st Harry Potter shuttle that arrives at 8:15am. I’m sure this is probably going to be a lot easier than it sounds in my head, but there seem to be a lot of moving parts in order to get there on time, and I’m having a hard time trying to figure out the logistics of it all! Your advice is so appreciated!
Thank you!

Apparently the train company is now called the London Northwestern Railway (some apps may use its other trade name the West Midlands Railway).

Here is the Route Map:

https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/media/4154/download?inline

It looks like you can take the trains headed to Tring, Milton Keynes or Birmingham.


Here is the information/jouney planner on their website for this trip:

https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/train-times/watford-to-london


They also have an app that might be worth downloading if you want to buy tickets ahead of time:

https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/mobile-app



Based on the Tring timetable through May (below) the latest train I would recommend taking would be the 7:39 which gets to Watford Junction at 8:00. The next one at 7:54 gets in at 8:13 but that is cutting it close for the 8:15 shuttle. This is for Monday-Saturday. Sunday times are a little different.


https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/media/3837/download?inline


This is a good visual of the departure board from Google which shows the difference of this train from the overground:





There is also a new big electronic departure board with similar information:




Hope this helps!!

Favorite Studio Tour tip:

Once you are in the building and pass through the line to enter the tour, you’ll be escorted into a theatre where you’ll stand to watch a brief film before getting escorted into another room to watch another quick film. Once you’re escorted into the next room, you’ll eventually see the front doors of Hogwarts after the film finishes.

Try to get a seat in the middle of the front row of this second room if you can. You’ll be one of the first to enter The Great Hall, which means tons of cool pictures!

Don’t worry if you’re not in front of the line to get in through the front doors of The Great Hall because the room will eventually clear out as people pass through to the next room. This is where you can begin to move at your own pace. Be patient and just hang back because the crowd will eventually go ahead. You’ll be able to capture those images without people in the background if you really want.

 

[Plutofan]

We did not do the WB experience but we did see the Harry Potter play in the theater district and it was really worth it. It is an all day event.

 

[aggiedog]

I'll add that the express train to Watford Junction then the included bus to the studios is very easy to use. It's been 6 years or so since we went, but when you come out of the train station in Watford Junction, turn left and the buses are sitting right there.

My biggest advice would be to wear whatever makes you comfortable with a lot of standing. If you're a big HP fan, you can take a LOT of time going thru the studios and there is almost no where to just sit and take a break.

We also did the 2 part HP play. It was awesome, but will eat an entire day.

 

[China Expat]

Thahk you for this info. I think we will take the studio bus to the studio, and then if the timing is too short, we ill take a train back to London.