film location
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - Making of Harry Potter
The Leavesden studios where all eight films were shot; the tour preserves the original Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Hogwarts Express sets.
10 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Elstree
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Elstree
Elstree works well as a base: 10 minutes from Belmont, 15km from ZSL London Zoo.
Elstree is in England, United Kingdom, with about 1,800 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Belmont, about 4 km away.
Elstree is a large village in the Hertsmere borough of Hertfordshire, England. It is about 11.5 miles (18.5 kilometres) northwest of central London on the former A5 road, which follows the course of Watling Street. In 2011, its population was 5,110. It forms part of the civil parish of Elstree and Borehamwood,Read more
originally known simply as Elstree.
The village often lends its shorter name to businesses and amenities in the adjacent town of Borehamwood, and the names of Elstree and Borehamwood are used interchangeably. Elstree is perhaps best known for multiple Elstree Film Studio complexes, where many films were made, including BBC Elstree Centre, where the TV soap opera EastEnders is shot. This production centre is actually in Borehamwood.
The local newspaper is the Borehamwood and Elstree Times. Together with Borehamwood, the village is twinned with Offenburg in Germany, Fontenay-aux-Roses in France, and Huainan in China.
Where to Stay in Elstree
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Elstree?
Within an hour or so of Elstree: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - Making of Harry Potter (10 km), Ace Cafe London (11 km), ZSL London Zoo (15 km), The Blue Door, Notting Hill (15 km).
Are there any good drives near Elstree?
The nearest famous roads are Crystal Palace Circuit, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
Where is Elstree?
Elstree is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Belmont.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 1,835
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.6403, -0.2969
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Elstree
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cafe
Ace Cafe London
The 1938 North Circular roadside cafe that became the home of the ton-up boys and rocker culture, reopened on its original site in 1997 and still holding weekly bike and classic car meets.
11 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
ZSL London Zoo
The world's oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828, located in Regent's Park in central London.
15 km · about 30 min drive
film location
The Blue Door, Notting Hill
The doorway of William Thacker's flat at 280 Westbourne Park Road in the film Notting Hill, a short walk from Portobello Road market.
15 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
The Filling Station
A car-themed cafe and bar in a converted petrol station, celebrating automotive culture through its decor, events, and community spirit.
17 km · about 20 min drive
film location
King's Cross Station Platform 9 3/4
The London terminus where the Hogwarts Express departs; the real filming used the arch between platforms 4 and 5, and a trolley marker now sits by platform 9.
17 km · about 20 min drive
museum
Science Museum London
Home to pioneering scientific achievements including Stephenson's Rocket and the Apollo 10 command module.
18 km · about 20 min drive
museum
Natural History Museum
World-renowned museum in a stunning Romanesque terracotta building, housing 80 million specimens spanning 4.5 billion years of life on Earth.
18 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Elstree
4 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 150km.
- 29 kmCrystal Palace CircuitA parkland racing circuit in south London that ran until 1972 and still hosts occasional sprint events. Sections of the old track survive as park roads and footpaths, complete with original kerbing among the Victorian terraces.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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