Inside the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

Muggles, take note: TheWarner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour is open for wizarding business, to the delight of fans worldwide. Not to be confused with the theme park set inUniversal Studios in Orlando, Florida (that one's dubbed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter), this attraction is set just outside of London’s city center, and showcases the real sets, props, makeup, and special effects used in the eight movies. Even those who don’t consider themselves afflicted with Potter-mania will still appreciate the artistry on display and the astounding work that went into assembling the sets for the sorcery-infused saga. From the Great Hall of Hogwarts to a sundry of magical props, each set piece tells part of Harry's adventures—read on for the top tour highlights.

Tickets, which are pegged to a 30-minute arrival time slot, must be prebooked online at http://ift.tt/zba4e3, or via an approved vendor. Tickets cost $45 for adults, $34 for children, or $132 for a family ticket (two adults, two children; or one adult, three children). Allow approximately three hours for your visit (or longer if you’d like to jump on a broomstick or linger in the gift shop.) Although instinct may lead you to platform 9 3/4 in King’s Cross station, the real way to arrive to the WB Studios is by bus. From the Watford Junction station in London, you’ll take a 20-minute bus ride to the northwest of London. Or, if you rented a car, you can also drive the M1 and M25 motorways to the studio, where free parking awaits.—Maria Hart