A Magical 11th Birthday at Hogwarts

Our honest family experience travelling from Ireland to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – including the surprise, the Knight Bus, train chaos, Butterbeer, the Great Hall and everything in between.

It was going to be our daughter’s 11th birthday this year.

She is a huge Harry Potter fan, so there really was only one place we wanted to celebrate her big day.

If we couldn’t actually attend Hogwarts, we wanted to get as close as possible.

So, from May onwards, Mum and Dad started planning a very big surprise.

And somehow, we managed to keep it a secret for almost three months!

Planning the big surprise

We knew that tickets for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London can be difficult to get if you leave things too late, so we booked the Studio Tour and flights well in advance.

Originally, we had planned to fly into Luton Airport. However, as the flight prices increased, we started looking at other options.

Then we discovered that flying into Birmingham Airport could actually work really well.

There is a train connection from Birmingham International towards Watford Junction, followed by the complimentary shuttle to the Studio Tour.

The flights were cheaper, the transport connection looked straightforward and, most importantly, it meant we could make the trip work for our group.

There were eight of us altogether – five adults and three children.

Perfect.

Or so we thought…

August 21st – the secret is finally happening

Fast forward to August 21st.

The kids woke up early.

Actually, far too early, even for a morning flight!

Luckily, we live only about 15 minutes from the airport, so there was no need to rush.

Jalil was already there too, which helped make everything seem completely normal.

We told the kids to wash, get dressed and get ready because we had to go and collect the birthday cake.

The table was already set up with presents, and Victoria was allowed to open a few while we got ready to leave.

Of course, the whole thing was a decoy.

The rest of the family weren’t actually coming to the house at all.

They were already waiting for us at the airport.

We all got into one car and headed to the airport, with Victoria still having absolutely no idea that we were about to fly somewhere.

She was particularly excited about the special birthday cake we had ordered, because we had told her it was being flown in.

Little did she know that she was the one who was going to be flying!

Somehow… she still didn’t know!

We walked into the airport and suddenly Victoria spotted her two uncles and Ericka.

She was so happy to see them.

But somehow, it still didn’t click.

Even after seeing them at the airport.

Even after seeing that everyone was there.

Even after going through security.

She still had no idea what was happening.

Jalil was absolutely brilliant and convinced her that he was going to Disneyland.

At one point, other people at the airport even started asking if she was going to Harry Potter Studios.

I had to explain that she genuinely didn’t know where she was going!

Still… it didn’t click.

My mum eventually called her and told her.

And you honestly won’t believe me when I say this…

It still didn’t click.

We had to repeat it several times before she finally started to understand.

And even then, Jalil was still doing his best to convince her that everyone except Sophia, Victoria and me was going to Disneyland.

I couldn’t believe how unsuspecting she was!

A special surprise from Ryanair

Once we boarded our Ryanair flight, I asked one of the cabin crew if they ever made birthday announcements.

During the flight, one of the pilots made her usual announcement about our altitude and the weather.

Then came the surprise.

She announced that there was a very special person travelling with us that day – Victoria, who was turning 11!

She absolutely loved it.

And I have to say, extra points to Ryanair for making her birthday even more special.

It was such a lovely little moment and something she will hopefully remember for a long time.

Birmingham Airport to Watford – when the journey didn’t quite go to plan

The flight itself was completely smooth.

Getting from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International train station was also very easy.

We arrived with about an hour before our train.

Then we saw it.

Delayed by 15 minutes.

No huge problem.

After living and travelling in the UK quite a lot, I wasn’t particularly worried. We’d never really experienced major delays ourselves.

I was about to learn not to be so confident.

We got onto the train, found some good seats together and settled in.

Then I looked at the announcement screen.

The train was now showing that it would terminate several stops before our intended destination.

The train driver made an announcement saying he wasn’t aware of any changes and, for the moment, would continue as planned.

Meanwhile, customer services on WhatsApp had already confirmed that the changes were happening and explained how we should continue our journey.

Okay.

A little change.

Nothing to worry about.

Right?

Wrong.

We reached the next stop and most of us managed to find seats again.

It was only supposed to be one stop.

Except…

Our train didn’t have a driver.

So we were sitting on a train that was already filling up with passengers from other delayed services, Sophia fell asleep waiting for someone to actually drive it.

About 15 minutes later, a driver came running.

I’m still not entirely convinced he was supposed to be there either!

Finally, we were moving again.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The train’s final destination was London Euston, so we thought we’d finally be on our way.

Then, halfway through the journey, another announcement came.

The train wouldn’t make it to London.

It would terminate at Milton Keynes.

Fortunately, Milton Keynes was actually where we needed to change trains anyway.

Unfortunately, everyone else now needed to get off there too.

And there were already plenty of people waiting for the next train.

We were told another train would arrive in about five minutes.

Cancelled.

So we waited.

And waited.

About 35 minutes later, another train finally arrived.

We were told it stopped at every village along the way and was usually quite empty.

At this point, we didn’t care how long it took.

We got on.

And amazingly, it was almost empty all the way to Watford Junction.

Finally!

The Knight Bus

We were exhausted by the time we reached Watford Junction, but the magic was about to begin.

We walked to the Harry Potter shuttle stop.

The person working there was incredibly friendly and helpful. They explained what to do once we arrived and, most importantly, told us not to worry about being a little late.

Instead, they encouraged us to relax and enjoy the experience.

Then we saw it.

The Knight Bus.

What an amazing way to arrive at the Studio Tour!

For a Harry Potter fan, even the journey there becomes part of the experience.

And this was where the magic really started.

Birthday badges and our first stop – food!

If you’re celebrating a birthday, head to the information desk.

Birthday children can get a special birthday badge, and there are also little activity booklets available.

By the time we arrived, though, our first priority wasn’t magic.

It was food.

We were starving.

Our first stop was the Food Hall.

And honestly?

We were pleasantly surprised.

The food was really good.

The fries were some of the best I’ve had in years, and I thought the prices were actually quite reasonable considering where we were.

The girls and I ordered from the children’s menu while my husband had a regular burger and cider.

For the four of us, it came to less than £50.

My brother ordered what was probably the most impressive burger of the day.

It was served with a cloud of steam designed to replicate the Hogwarts Express.

Such a fun touch.

And then came the birthday cake…

After eating, it was finally time for Victoria’s birthday cake.

And of course, it had to be the cake from Harry Potter.

A chocolate cake with pink buttercream.

It was absolutely perfect for the occasion.

After cake, we dropped our belongings at the cloakroom and got ready to start the Studio Tour.

Entering the Great Hall

The first few rooms are all about information, instructions and setting the scene for what you’re about to experience.

Then we entered the cinema room.

We watched a short film before the birthday children were called forward.

Victoria and the other birthday children were invited to the huge doors.

Nobody really knew exactly what was about to happen.

Then they were allowed to open the doors to the Great Hall.

It was such an amazing surprise.

And from there, we were free to explore at our own pace.

So much to see

There are so many props, costumes and sets from the films.

You can spend ages looking at all the little details.

Throughout the tour, there are buttons you can press to activate certain displays, allowing you to see props move just as they did in the movies.

There was so much to look at that it was impossible to take everything in.

One of our favourite areas was the green-screen experience.

We were laughing so much watching the three kids and Jerome riding the broomsticks.

It was brilliant.

We had purchased the photo and video package when booking our tickets, which worked out cheaper than purchasing everything separately.

Otherwise, the digital photographs can cost around £22.

For us, the package was definitely worthwhile.

Butterbeer – magical or overrated?

Around the halfway point, after about two and a half hours, we stopped for a much-needed rest.

And, of course…

Butterbeer.

Our verdict?

It was refreshing, but it reminded us a lot of a watered-down root beer float.

The cream on top reminded me of marshmallow fluff.

The kids weren’t impressed at all.

I didn’t mind it, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to have another one.

One thing I did like was that you can keep the Butterbeer mug.

There is even a washing-up station where you can clean it once you’ve finished.

So you get a little Harry Potter souvenir included with your drink.

3.5 hours wasn’t quite enough

After our break, we continued through the tour.

But unfortunately, time was starting to run out.

We had planned approximately four hours at the Studio Tour, which would have been enough if we had arrived on time.

Because of the train delays, we had lost valuable time.

So we reluctantly started skipping some things.

We also stopped at some of the gift shops along the route.

The girls picked out a gorgeous Hedwig and a Ty Hermione and a chocolate frog.

Victoria was already telling us that she wanted to come back again.

Next time, she wants more time to properly take everything in.

And I completely agree.

Our advice: allow at least four hours

If you’re planning your own visit, I would recommend allowing at least four hours.

And if you have a big Harry Potter fan in the family who wants to stop for photographs, watch the interactive displays, eat, shop and take everything in, I’d be tempted to allow even longer.

You don’t want to feel rushed.

Back to Luton

Our taxi driver messaged me on WhatsApp more or less as soon as we finished the tour to check if we were ready.

He was actually a few minutes early, which we didn’t mind at all.

Our airport transfer was booked through JustAirportTaxis.co.uk, and we headed back towards Luton.

We were tired.

Very tired.

We checked into the Travelodge and went to our rooms.

And then came another little surprise.

Our family room was supposed to have one large bed and two smaller beds.

It had one large bed.

That’s it.

So, exhausted as I was, I had to go back downstairs and get the room changed.

We finally settled into the hotel shortly after 9pm.

We were hungry again, but thankfully there were plenty of food delivery options available.

We didn’t get to bed until around 11pm.

Unfortunately, the room was incredibly hot – almost as if the heating was on.

I barely slept.

Thankfully, the girls slept, which was the important thing.

4:30am…

The alarm went off at 4:30am.

Our taxi was booked for 4:50am to take all eight of us to the airport.

At that point, everyone was exhausted.

Thankfully, the flight home was boarded early and departed on time.

And even better…

We landed 20 minutes before our scheduled arrival time.

Exactly what you want when you’re completely exhausted!

Was it worth it?

Absolutely.

This wasn’t necessarily the cheapest family trip we’ve ever taken.

Some parts were very budget-friendly.

Other parts definitely weren’t.

But this trip wasn’t really about getting the cheapest possible holiday.

It was about making a wish come true.

Seeing Victoria’s face throughout the day made every stressful moment worth it.

From the secret planning and the confusion at the airport, to the surprise birthday announcement on the plane, the Knight Bus, opening the doors to the Great Hall, riding broomsticks and eating birthday cake at the Studio Tour…

It really was a magical birthday.

And despite everything that went wrong with the trains, we’d do it all again.

Although next time…

we’re giving ourselves more time!

And then there was one final surprise…

When we got home, I had a lovely email waiting for me from the train company.

They apologised for the disruption and had already included the amount of our refund claim.

So, after all that chaos, at least we got a little bit of compensation for the journey.

And honestly?

I’ll take it.

Final verdict

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Birthday surprise: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Knight Bus: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Butterbeer: ⭐⭐⭐½
Train journey: ⭐⭐
Memories made: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The trains may have tested our patience, but the magic of the day completely made up for it.

For our Harry Potter-loving 11-year-old, it was the perfect birthday.

And that’s really what this trip was all about.