Harry Potter dragon headed your way!
Edinburgh locals will have a rare chance to interact with a piece of Harry Potter filmmaking magic history on the 30th and 31st May.
Article Source: Warner Bros.
Last Updated: 22 May 2025 15:44
A Hungarian Horntail dragon will be landing at Castle Street, Edinburgh in a special appearance outside of its rightful home at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the magical creature, which fans will recognise from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, experiencing its ability to roar, move and even give passersby a delightful wink of its eye.
The huge animatronic dragon, which weighs 1.3 tonnes, brings to life the fan favourite, nail-biting scene where Harry Potter’s Hungarian Horntail breaks free of its chains during the first task in the Triwizard Tournament.
The dragon was created to mark the launch of the new ‘Triwizard Tournament - Making of Champions’ feature at the Studio Tour, running from 15th May to 8th September 2025. The new feature celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cinematic release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and invites visitors to go behind-the-scenes of the Triwizard Tournament to discover how filmmakers created the iconic competition we see and love on-screen.
As well as having the rare opportunity to come face to face with a legend of the wizarding world, fans seeing the dragon on tour will have the chance to win tickets to ‘Triwizard Tournament - Making of Champions through an exclusive competition.
Harry Potter filmmaker and Animatronic Designer, Joe Scott, designed the dragon , replicating the creature in the fourth film, complete with a moving head, mouth and eyes and sound effects.
The skilled recreation of the famous dragon was carefully crafted over 750 hours, using materials that included 40 metres of fiberglass. The team first created a series of detailed sketches and CGI mock-ups, before Sculptors, Carpenters and Scenic Artists meticulously built the dragon's head, which was 3D printed using a scan of the original Hungarian Horntail from the film.
A total of 119 spikes were individually applied to garnish the dragon’s head and tail, taking 265 painstaking hours, whilst 38 razor-sharp teeth were 3D printed in resin to create bite in the creature’s animatronic mouth.
The stunning creature will give visitors a preview of the new summer feature at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where for the first-time ever, fans can explore the Backlot Stage, showcasing the Secrets of Special Effects. This new, dedicated indoor space, offers visitors the opportunity to discover how filmmakers brought the action-packed scenes from the Triwizard Tournament to life.
Comprising a digital screen, a stage and tiered seating, it promises to uncover secrets that not even the most knowledgeable Muggle will know. From creating the Hungarian Horntail dragon to understanding how Harry Potter held his breath for so long underwater, all will be revealed as part of the feature. Visitors can also witness a mesmerising demonstration reminiscent of the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students’ arrival, featuring Beauxbaton’s iconic blue dresses as seen in the film.
Geoff Spooner, Senior Vice President at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London says, "We’re excited to launch our brand-new summer feature, Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, where visitors can learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the fourth Harry Potter film. To celebrate and bring the magic of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to fans across the UK we recreated the iconic moment of the escaped Hungarian Horntail dragon 20 years on from ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”
Further additions to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London summer feature include Mad-Eye Moody’s arrival into the Great Hall and wizarding journalist Rita Skeeter, best known for her poison pen articles.
The dragon will land at Castle Street, Edinburgh at 1pm on the 30th and 9am on the 31st May. For those wanting to see more, the Triwizard Tournament - Making of Champions is a special feature at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London running from 15th May – 8th September and all new additions are included in the ticket price.
Hungarian Horntail National Tour details
Location: Castle Street, Edinburgh
Date and Time: 30th May from 1pm until 9pm, 31st May from 9am until 8pm
Head to www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/dragon-tour/ for more info.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Houstoun House recognised as one of the top hotels in UK by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards
Houstoun House in West Lothian has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 following consistently high ratings from guests.
READ MORE
Paint the town pink this summer
Edinburgh’s first ‘Rosé Wine Trail’ has been launched across the capital this week as part of a summer-long campaign to celebrate the popular pink tipple.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Bar Awards returns for year two
After a sold-out debut last year, The Edinburgh Bar Awards are back for year two and they’re coming in even stronger.
READ MORE
Stumpy the Lemur makes history at Five Sisters Zoo
One of Five Sisters Zoo’s most beloved residents has achieved worldwide recognition as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity, according to Guinness World Records.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces closing night film of Midnight Madness strand
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 announces UK Premiere of eagerly-awaited cult classic remake THE TOXIC AVENGER as closing night film of year’s Midnight Madness strand.
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Masterclasses to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in June!
READ MORE
Teachers warn new school uniforms are too costly for too many families
With many families in Edinburgh finding the cost of purchasing a new school uniform completely unaffordable, The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange.
READ MORE
Young Carers enjoy a break this Carers Week at Edinburgh Zoo
Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday 12th June, thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the RZSS.
READ MORE
Filmhouse cinema announces opening programme
Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse will re-open its doors with a hand-picked programme of the very best films the cinema missed out on playing during its closure.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.
READ MORE
Quebec EdFests showcase presents an exciting and varied programme
Québec’s annual Edinburgh Festivals showcase once again brings the best of circus, comedy, dance and music to the world’s biggest celebration of performing arts in 2025.
READ MORE
Raise the steaks for dad
A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh introduces The 9pm Club
This summer, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is inviting the city to stay out late with the launch of The 9pm Club, a brand-new summer initiative.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival announces Repair as theme for 2025 programme
Repair is the Book Festival’s core theme for 2025, seeking to explore the many things around us which feel broken, and how we might seek to fix them.
READ MORE
Triple B announces Five Million Refurbishment for OMNi Centre in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, Omni Centre, has announced a £5 million refurbishment and works are set to begin in June 2025.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop: Custom Beer Caddy
Edinburgh Open Workshop is serving up the ultimate Father's Day gift: a handcrafted Beer Caddy, complete with options to personalise or even make your own! (beer not included)
READ MORE
Iconic Filmhouse cinema reopens its doors on 27th June 2025
On 27th June 2025, Filmhouse, Scotland’s leading independent cinema, opens its doors and looks to the future as a home for community connection and cinematic discovery.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Cameo Picturehouse Brings TWIN PEAKS To The Big Screen With Repertory Film Strand REPHOUSE
Cameo Picturehouse is thrilled to be celebrating more than six months of repertory film strand REPHOUSE with a daily selection of timeless classics and cult favourites.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Lammermuir Festival announces 2025 Programme
The Lammermuir Festival, taking place in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian in September, has announced it's 2025 programme.
READ MORE
Aldi brings their famous Supermarket Sweep to Edinburgh
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Edinburgh the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces World Premiere for Closing Night film
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the World Premiere of Paul Sng’s immersive documentary REALITY IS NOT ENOUGH as the Closing Night film of this year’s Festival.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links