Seeking a magical, fun-filled day out that’s also accessible? Seek no more – you’ve found your Golden Snitch™! We chat to Chris Crawford, who is autistic, about his Relaxed Tour trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
So many of us have wonderful memories of the magic of Harry Potter™ – whether it’s growing up reading the books, watching the films on repeat, or continuing to indulge in everything that’s part of the wizarding world. But, for influencer Chris Crawford, that association is even closer: “I have strong nostalgic memories of Harry Potter, from reading the books as a child, through to auditioning for the films – unsuccessfully may I add!” Still keen to get close to the magic, Chris took his wife Zaynab and two of their children to a Relaxed Tour at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
For autistic and neurodivergent people, visitor attractions can be hard to navigate. That’s why Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers a host of accessibility features, and Relaxed Tours – which are perfect for Chris, who is autistic. With quieter soundscapes, increased lighting, and fewer visitors, Relaxed Tours are ideal for neurodivergent people.
MAGICAL ANTICIPATION
The Studio Tour is located next to Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the working film studios where all eight Harry Potter films were made. At the Studio Tour, you can discover thousands of iconic props, costumes and authentic film sets from the magical film series across two soundstages and a Backlot, bursting with animatronic creatures, breathtaking special effects, and enchanting seasonal features. “It was really exciting just stepping out of the car and making our way to the building,” explains Chris, reflecting on his initial impressions. “You could see the anticipation lighting up in my son’s face. The kids were super excited, and the staff were very accommodating, and very calm.”
Thanks to the accommodations put in place for the Relaxed Tours, Chris says: “It felt a lot less overwhelming than it could have been! My son is seven, he hasn’t been diagnosed with autism but he’s showing very similar traits Thad when I was that age. One thing for him is explaining how long things might take; managing his expectations for what will and what won’t happen. Just to know there weren’t going to be long queues or an overwhelming number of people was helpful for him.” Chris was able to plan their visit thanks to the Studio Tour’s detailed online Autism and Visitor Support and Accessibility Guides, and knew staff would be on hand to answer questions or offer any extra support required during the tour.
SPELLBINDINGLY IMPRESSIVE
And the magic started the second they passed through the doors: “As soon as you stepped into the space, going through the ticket barriers, there’s this large Hungarian Horntail dragon over the big entrance space. It was really impressive.” Chris was particularly mesmerised by the experience of visiting Gringotts Wizarding Bank™: “When you walked in, the vast scale of it, the attention to detail – it felt like you were truly immersed in the world of Harry Potter.” Chris’s kids had a great time in the Forbidden Forest, although he says: “I think their favourite element was flying on the broomsticks in the green screen area, especially getting the video afterwards, showing them flying around.”
Trying Butterbeer™ at the Backlot Café – “It was extremely sweet!” – also gave the family the opportunity to take a break: “It was an early hour, so it was quiet,” he told us. “It felt like there was a wider range of seating options. Eating there could’ve been an overwhelming experience. But it was like a reprieve, giving you a moment to recuperate.”
Staff are always on hand to direct visitors to breakout spaces and quieter areas such as Sensory Rooms, plus there are Sensory Support Bags available, filled with items to make the whole experience more accessible. “It’s a good idea to have these on offer, to pre-empt as many different needs as possible,” reflects Chris. “My experience as an autistic person is very different from another person’s, so I think people taking the time to understand what others’ experiences are like, what their needs are, and to try and make accommodations is vital.”
IMMERSED IN THE WIZARDING WORLD
Chris was impressed by the experience of the Relaxed Tours at Warner Bros.
Studio Tour London. He also learned lots of new filmmaking facts about the Harry Potter film series, saying: “After you’ve entered the Great Hall and you come through into some of the exhibits afterwards, it talks about the different Directors of each film, and what was most special to them about the story, and how they wanted to bring some of their own magic into the story. It was really interesting – in terms of how they wanted to create a twist, or how the characters grow up through the years.”
From various props on display in the shopfronts down Diagon Alley™, to being able to venture through the Great Hall, pull up a Mandrake in Professor Sprout’s greenhouse, or follow the footsteps of thousands of Hogwarts™ students onto Platform 9 ¾™, the Studio Tour allows visitors to go behind-the-scenes of the wizarding world, learning how filmmakers brought the magic to life on screen.
And the same goes for visitors with additional needs too, with thoughtful accommodations made for wheelchair users, Tactile Tours, British Sign Language Tours and Audio Assistance for blind and deaf guests, and essential companion tickets available.
So, what are you waiting for? Touch the Portkey or grab your Floo Powder™, and transport yourself to an enchanting, bewitching and awe-inspiring day out to discover the filmmaking magic.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’s Relaxed Tours will run on the following dates in 2026: 8th February, 6th June, 27th September and 5th December. For more information on accessibility, visit wbstudiotour.co.uk Tickets must be booked in advance.
Follow Chris at instagram.com/chrisgmcrawford