Ok, so here is my first ever Harry Potter themed post! Last summer I went into London with my Dad, and whilst he was in a meeting I did my very own Harry Potter tour! Here's some of the places I visited:
1) House of Minalima
1) House of Minalima
Found in Greek Street in Soho, House of Minalima is a graphic art exhibition, featuring art from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. With three floors entirely dedicated to behind the scenes Harry Potter props and art, along with free entry, this is a perfect afternoon out for any Harry Potter fan!
2) Kings Cross Station - Platform 9 3/4
Amongst the hustle and bustle of busy workers and commuters in one of England's busiest stations, lies a magical corner (between platforms 9 and 10 to be exact), perfect for fans of magic. At Platform 9 3/4 in Kings Cross, there is a massive gift shop full of Official Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise, and also a photo opportunity where fans can be photographed with the famous trolley running through the wall to reach the platform.
3) Reptile House at London Zoo
Built in 1926, the Reptile House is the actual filming location for iconic scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone, where viewers experience one of their first moments of magic. A Burmese Python speaks to Harry after the glass to its enclosure has been magically removed, and is a must see for any hard core Harry Potter fans!
4) Millenium Bridge
Built in 1999 (and subsequently destroyed by Fenrir Greyback and the Deatheaters), Millennium Bridge provides a crossing over the River Thames, and can be seen in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It has been affectionately named 'The Wobbly Bridge' by Londoners as pedestrians often feel swaying motions as they cross!
5) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre
Built in 1999 (and subsequently destroyed by Fenrir Greyback and the Deatheaters), Millennium Bridge provides a crossing over the River Thames, and can be seen in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It has been affectionately named 'The Wobbly Bridge' by Londoners as pedestrians often feel swaying motions as they cross!
5) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre, located near to London's Covent Garden has a beautiful and somewhat magical looking exterior, good enough for any Potter fan to take photos of. However, if like me you were lucky enough to get tickets to see the play, you are in for a real treat! Without a doubt, The Cursed Child is by far the best play I have ever seen, with everything from props, to costumes and special effects being absolutely flawless.
6) Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market was the filming location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone. With its stunning Victorian architecture and vast array of shops and restaurants, this area of London is a fantastic day out for everyone, Potterhead or not.
7) Piccadilly Circus
After the invasion of the Weasley wedding in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the Golden Trio flee the scene and end up in the middle of the bustling road in Piccadilly Circus.
8) St Pancras International Station
Although only shown briefly in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, St Pancras International is the setting where the flying Ford Anglia was spotted in the sky by onlooking muggles, and is definitely worth a visit.
9) Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Located just outside London, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a must see for any fan of Harry Potter, whether it be a lifelong obsession or just a slight interest. Featuring props, costumes and sets actually used in the films, the studio tour can take anywhere from four hours to the whole day! The tour begins with the opening of the doors to the breathtaking Grand Hall, and ends in the biggest Harry Potter gift shop in the U.K. P.S no tour would be complete without tasting the official Butterbeer, from only one of two locations in the world that sell it.
Located just outside London, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a must see for any fan of Harry Potter, whether it be a lifelong obsession or just a slight interest. Featuring props, costumes and sets actually used in the films, the studio tour can take anywhere from four hours to the whole day! The tour begins with the opening of the doors to the breathtaking Grand Hall, and ends in the biggest Harry Potter gift shop in the U.K. P.S no tour would be complete without tasting the official Butterbeer, from only one of two locations in the world that sell it.
10) Australia House
Australia House provided the magnificent marble interior and the famous chandelier for Gringotts Bank in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. I find it hard to believe that it was not filmed on a set, and is in fact an actual location! Although it is not open to the general public, it has been known that some security guards will kindly let you have a cheeky peak inside if you ask them nicely!
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