Warner Bros has announced plans to launch its new Harry Potter studio tour attraction at Leavesden Studios, Hertfordshire, in spring 2012.

In January, it was revealed that US-based exhibition design company Thinkwell had been appointed to design the Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. The new walking tour will enable visitors to go behind the scenes of the film series, with a range of authentic sets, costumes, animatronics, props and effects to be on display.

Lasting three hours, the tour will allow visitors to step foot onto sets from the Harry Potter films, such as the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office and others yet to be confirmed. Dan Dark, senior vice president and managing director of Warner Bros Leavesden Studios, said: "The tour promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable visitor attractions anywhere in Europe."

Josh Berger, president and managing director of Warner Bros UK, Ireland and Spain, added: "It will celebrate the exceptional British creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making major movies here in the UK." Warner Bros acquired the studio complex near Watford last November and has pledged to spend £100m in developing the site, which produced all eight Harry Potter films.