On arrival there is ample free car parking and once inside the Lobby has a simple Studio Cafe and huge Studio Store filled with every conceivable item of Harry Potter merchandise. You can also purchase a guide book or audio guide. There was a half an hour queue to get in, and then the experience started with a rousing introductory film in the Cinema, with highlights from the movies, behind-the-scenes clips and interviews with the cast and crew.

There is then a dramatic reveal, and anyone celebrating a birthday might get the chance to do something a little bit special as the tour begins. Stepping into the impressive Great Hall, we were immediately taken aback by the steer scale of it, surrounded by the realistic and detailed set, props and costumes. This is the only section of the tour that you have a guide, who introduces you to various features and objects, after which you are free to roam, but plenty of friendly staff are positioned throughout the attraction to answer any questions.

Studio J includes the Gryffindor Boy's Dormitory, Gryffindor Common Room, Dumbledore's Office, the Potions Classroom, Hagrid's Hut, The Burrow, Malfoy Manor and The Ministry of Magic. Each set looks just as it does in the movies, is packed with props and costumes, and accompanied by information panels to tell you more - Harry Potter super fans could spend hours looking at everything. You can have your photo taken 'flying' on a broomstick or have a go at casting a spell with a wand.

New for 2015, step into a recreation of Platform 9¾ and see the original Hogwarts Express. This certainly has the WOW factor, brought to life with sound and smoke, and we enjoyed boarding one of the carriages and peering into the compartments, each dressed as a scene from the movies. Have your photo taken pushing a trolley through the platform wall or sitting down in a mock carriage compartment. 

The Backlot area contains the Knight Bus, Privet Drive, Hogwarts Bridge and more, so there are plenty more great photo opportunities here. What's nice about the whole attraction, is that you are invited to take as many photos as possible. There is also a Backlot Cafe where you can purchase a Butterbeer and other refreshments. It's mainly an outdoor area but there is a covered walkway in case it rains. 

Next you enter Studio K, which includes Creature Effects, Diagon Alley, the Art Department and culminates in the finale, a stunning Hogwarts Castle Model Room. We found Creature Effects to be one of the most interesting parts of the attraction, from all the huge and tiny animatronics, to prosthetics and visual effects. Diagon Alley is another impressive set, much like the Great Hall, and we enjoyed looking at the details in the windows but you can't go in any of the shops. We spent plenty of time studying the Hogwarts Castle Model from every angle, and watching it go from day to night.

Don't expect the immersive and interactive Wizarding World of Harry Potter found at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida with its rides, shows and recreations of shops and eateries you can visit. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter features the original sets, props and costumes featured in the Harry Potter films, and it shows you how they were designed, made and used to create the hugely successful movie franchise. A completely different experience and a must-see attraction for Harry Potter fans.

Buy your tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter