skatterfly

Hi folks,
Yay! Tickets are booked for our visit to the Harry Potter Studios. The kids are going to go absolutely bonkers... they are *huge* fans of the movies, and we haven't even told them this tour actually exists. We keep speaking in code about the "HP walking tour" and they think we're talking about the Muggles walking tour in London.

Wondering if I can get a little advice about taking the train for a 10AM start time on a weekday. The WB website says one should take the train from Euston to Watford Junction on London Midland, then catch the shuttle to the studio.

I'm staying near Gloucester Road tube, and the the tfl.gov.uk/ website actually lists an alternate option: to take the tube to West Brompton Underground Station, then go directly from there to Watford Junction on the Southern.

The total duration, from Gloucester Road Tube to Watford Junction, is about the same: 40-45 minutes. But going from West Brompton station minimizes the number of transfers, which is probably a smart strategy during the morning commute time?

Am I missing something? Have I used the TFL website correctly (i.e. does this option actually exist)?

Is there any difference between Southern and London Midland (i.e quality of trains, number of stops, different routes, costs?)

I'll be using a 7 day zone 1-2 paper travelcards (and not an oyster card), so either way I'll have to buy tickets to Watford Junction.

Thanks!
-skatterfly

sofarsogood

the Gloucester Road - West Brompton - Watford Junction route is a good alternative to going via Euston. No difference in the trains, just buy tickets on the day.

mirandaverandah

I can't imagine how your kids will freak out when they realize where they are going.

Don't forget that the shuttle fare is £2 per person and it's cash only. You will get a little ticket that you need to give the driver on the return trip.

PalenQ

http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/your-v...e#where-are-we

seems here you can put in where you are starting from in London?

skatterfly

Thanks folks.

Yes, the kids are going to freak out mightily.

I guess was just wondering if there is a difference between the 2 options, since I'm unfamiliar with the trains in London. (Neighborhoods, routes, etc.)

But it sounds like leaving from West Brompton tube is a fine alternative to leaving from Euston?

skatterfly

Does anyone know how early people start to queue for the shuttle bus to the studio?

Apparently, the first shuttle is at 9:20, and we have 10 oclock tickets. Which means we need be on that first shuttle. (The second shuttle probably cuts it too close.)

Thanks for the help planning.

mirandaverandah

Once you get off the train, you walk out of the station and wait at bus shelter 4 (at least it was 4 this fall) until the bus comes.

Are you asking if there will be a hundred people waiting? There's a limited number of entries into the studio at any one time, and not everyone is coming from the train station. As long as you are there by 9, you should be okay.

janisj

The majority of locals will be driving themselves - just get there on time.

skatterfly

Thanks folks. Yes, essentially I'm asking if all of the people coming to the first tour at 10 am are arriving by train. If so, they'd all be lined up and clamoring for the 9:20 shuttle. I have no idea how many people fit into one of those double decker shuttles, but I had visions of the hordes of people who wander off the train in Vernon and line up for the single-decker bus to Giverny. It's helpful to know that at least some of the people may be driving in. I'll probably err on the side of caution and get there a little earlier than we probably need to. I suppose we can always grab a coffee in the train station and play a card game with the kids while we wait.

Janis... "get there on time." I assume you mean to simply get to Watford Junction in time for the 9:20 bus (i.e. you think there will be room).

Thanks again!

janisj

I said that most visitors will be arriving by car (The studio is very close to two of the busiest/major motorways in the UK). So you won't have a problem if you are there on time to catch the shuttle. The website says to arrive at Watford Junction 45 minutes prior to your ticket time. If you are, you will get to the studio on time.

surfmom

Just as a side note - our kids loved it! We rented a car and drove there from Heathrow, so we were on that 10am opening group. You will be happy you are entering early - it does get more crowded as the day goes on.

Have a great time! (oh yeah, and the Muggles walking tour is very fun also. I didn't do it, but a kid and Mr. Surf did it and enjoyed it).

elisagrace

The Harry Potter Studio tour is located on the edge of London in an isolated location.Watford Junction Railway Station is the closest that public transport from Central London will get you to the Harry Potter Studio Tour.