Follow the Harry Potter Trail

Traveling to London with or without children is the perfect opportunity to fill novice or even diehard fan quests for the “real” Harry Potter.

The WB Harry Potter Studio is a must. You will need to get advanced tickets for the studio as on-site tickets are not available. The ticket prices vary by the composition of your party with single adult costing £33 and a child 5-16 being £25.50. But, they have many packages for families and groups. (www.wbstudiotour.co.uk ) The studio is about an hour by train outside London. Then a short bus ride thru a quaint town to the studio complex. Taking the tour on one of your first days is great but not essential. No tour would be complete without the most elaborate souvenir shop yet designed. There are also several refreshment stops in the facility including one that sells “Butter Beer” Definitely allow 4-5 hours to maximize your adventure.

 The tour gives an in-depth view into the films. Some of the things on display are:

The incredibly complex sets used when filming on location was not appropriate.

Special effects including, the making of the monsters, flying on brooms, flying cars, and even a demonstration on making fake pastries.

Of course photos and film clips of the cast.  

 A few of the many other things to see in and around London include:

(Walking and Bus Tours are available through many companies)

The 9 ¾ track at the Kings Crossing Tube Station.

The old Scotland Yard Building

The Australian Embassy

Piccadilly Circus

TowerBridge

Regent’s Park – London Zoo

 If you are looking for a comprehensive guide book on sites in both England and Scotland including maps; check–out: “Harry Potter On Location” revised 6^th edition, J. P. Sperati. The book is available on-line or at some gift stores in Great Britain.

Doing a movie or book marathon after you follow the trail is a wonderful way to put together all the pieces of where you have been and what you imagined were J.K. Rowling inspiration for the books & movies. 

Guestbook/Comments