HARRY POTTER FRANCHISE
If, like me you were a child in the 90's - you know that there is one film series ABOVE ALL OTHERS that defines our generation and shaped the way we view films. That's right, I'm talking about the one, the ultimate, Harry Potter (!!!). 🔮🔮🔮
One of the earliest memories in my life was going to the cinema to see Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone with my family - I was four years old. The next 10 years guaranteed a family trek to the local screening of each instalment - a special tradition. I cannot speak to how much I LOVE THESE FILMS. Harry Potter may have begun as the kid living underneath a staircase, but over the years he became a fan favourite for kids and parents alike.
 |
| trying to keep cool next to BUCKBEAK |
Few stories have captured the modern imagination the way the Boy Who Lived did since the release of JK Rowling's landmark book series and subsequent film franchise emerged. Whether a fan from the beginning or recently introduced, there is just SOMETHING about Harry's story that endears and engages so many. The fantasy series of a boy wizard, his supporters, enemies, and a magic castle is so beloved that even eight years on since the final film, fans continue to migrate across the globe to visit the locations that made Daniel Radcliffe a superstar.
Lucky for us Potterheads the one destination for the ultimate magic fix is LONDON. London has featured in the series as both itself, and also disguised as a more magical setting. Seeing as there are eight films to consider (each providing iconic backdrops), there are several places across the city for fans to visit and enjoy - which might just make up for that time you turned 11 and your Hogwarts letter never arrived in the mail 💔
So wands at the ready? Here we go - London's must visit places for all muggles.
- KING'S CROSS/PLATFORM 9 AND 3/4
One of the more iconic scenes from the entire series. The pass-way from London's King's Cross to the magical platform for the Hogwarts Express is a place most 11 year old's aspire to visit. The previously non-existent train platform has been immortalised with none other than its own plaque, luggage trolley and store for fans to visit and recreate their own wishful journeys to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Tips and Tricks: I can attest that this is a very busy location - the official website states that the Harry Potter shop attracts roughly 1.2 million visitors each year. When my friends and I first visited, there was a lengthy line to get a photo with the trolley and sign. Note that it is free to visit and to take your own photos, but there is a professional photographer on site (roughly 9am-9pm each day) that takes photos with the house scarf of your choosing. You can then purchase these photos at the store next door. In addition to photos the shop sells a variation of merchandise including scarves, jewellery, shirts, Hogwarts letters etc.
If you want to visit but are pressed for time, I suggest going during an off period (definitely not school holidays). My friends and I didn’t get a photo our first visit as we were in a rush, but managed to get plenty ahead of our 6am train to Scotland - not ideal for everyone, but note that there is no line in sight.
WHERE TO GO: King's Cross Station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL (it is located next to platforms 9 and 10).
TIMES: The store is open Monday-Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday 9am-9pm
 |
| My friend Syaza and I at King's Cross...mind the 5:45am travel attire 😂 |
Or watch Harry himself arrive at King's Cross in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
below ⇩
- HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR
This is the motherload. And although "technically" not in London (about an hour outside of the city), it is an absolute must see for diehard Potter fans. Comprising of the two main set lots from the film franchise, the tour is simply magnificent. Featuring hundreds of props, sets, models, facts, behind the scenes editorials and even crew members who worked on the Potter films available to answer fan questions, this experience is *excuse the pun* magical. You will be internally screaming all day in delight at seeing up close how your favourite scenes and characters came to life on screen.
Wow moments for me were the sets of the Forbidden Forest and The Great Hall. The tour is continually updating and generally follows a theme - at time of writing they have just opened a recreation of the Gringotts's Bank. I repeat: this is the motherload. I wouldn’t recommend for anyone who hasn’t seen the films, unless they are otherwise huge movie buffs. For fans however, I couldn’t recommend it enough. There is indeed a store, and most importantly butterbeer!
Wow moments for me were the sets of the Forbidden Forest and The Great Hall. The tour is continually updating and generally follows a theme - at time of writing they have just opened a recreation of the Gringotts's Bank. I repeat: this is the motherload. I wouldn’t recommend for anyone who hasn’t seen the films, unless they are otherwise huge movie buffs. For fans however, I couldn’t recommend it enough. There is indeed a store, and most importantly butterbeer!
 |
| Avoiding interaction with a certain tree... |
Tips and Tricks: Firstly, to tackle the issue of getting there. For locals - driving is probably your easiest/cheapest bet. However, if like me you are not originally from the UK or in possession of a car, there are other options.
If you don’t mind trekking about yourself, one could catch a train from London Euston to Watford Junction. From there, shuttle buses run to the studio tour every 20 minutes (with about a 15 minute journey time). The first bus runs from 9:20am and the last bus departs as the tour closes. Be mindful, the travel ticket is only 2 pound 50 pence, but is cash only.
The other common method of transport would be that of a bus tour - there are several on TripAdvisor available. The general idea being you pay for both the bus and the tour ticket, and once dropped off are allotted a certain amount of time before getting back on the bus and returning to London. The departure points are generally central London train stations (i.e. Victoria Station) and most tours have several times for tours throughout the day. I went with Evan Evans Tours and found the process to be simple. We were given over 3 hours to explore - any less wouldn’t be enough time. In fact, the average visit is 3 and a 1/2 hours. If you are worried about choosing a tour company to go with, Warner Brother's state on their website that Golden Tours is their preferred partner (this will be available in the link I post below).
The ticket may be pricey but for a Potter fan it is definitely worth it. My one query to watch out for is that once you have completed through the entire tour you cannot go through again on the same ticket. So TAKE YOUR TIME. The tour blends seamlessly into the gift shop but at that point you cannot turn back around - there is a lot to see so be patient and make sure you experience it fully. Also note you can only get butterbeer from the café within the tour - not the café next to the gift shop.
 |
| My ticket for the tour 👻 |
I would suggest going with a friend (hopefully another fan) to enhance the experience. That being said, I went alone and still enjoyed every minute. There were many other fans there more than happy to take photos for me. Just remember, those who are under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
I would also suggest bringing a fully charged phone/camera as there are many photo opportunities.
This is a very popular attraction, which particularly during the summer months, sells out quickly. If you are going in a large group, be prepared to book weeks, if not months in advance. I went alone and still had to book my ticket several weeks in advance (this was in the beginning of February).
PLEASE NOTE: The Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour website details more information (I will include the link) but as a general - most of the tour provides wheelchair access, there are designated disabled parking bays, complimentary Wi-Fi and a cloakroom. More specific information can be found on the website.
 |
| Honey I'm home! |
WHERE TO GO: Warner Brothers Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
TIMES: The opening times differ per day, but generally are between 8:30-9:30am. The times for each day are available in a calendar on the WB's website.
PRICE: An adult ticket is 45 pounds, child (5-15 years) is 37 pounds, a family ticket is 148 pounds (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). Children 4 or younger and carers are free.
Prices may change if you decide on the full tour package that comes with a digital guidebook. Also for those opting for a bus tour, your price will most likely be around 66 pounds per person (for the ticket and the round bus trip).
Where the magic happens...⚡️⚡️⚡️
- MILLENNIUM BRIDGE
This pedestrian-only footbridge provided a memorable opening sequence for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. As the death eaters continue their rise, they collapse the Millennium Bridge.
The bridge crosses over the Thames, and provides a lovely view of St Paul's Cathedral.
Tips and Tricks: This one isn't too complicated, as it is a free bridge open to the public at all times. I would recommend avoiding hours where people would be arriving/leaving work, as this is in the hub of the city and foot traffic could get a little crazy. Just remember it is a pedestrian bridge, and to bring a charged phone or camera for any photo ops. Also as it is outdoors and this is London, best to check the weather or bring an umbrella just in case!
WHERE TO GO: The Millennium Bridge is located between Southwark Bridge and Blackfriars Railway Bridge, over the Thames Embankment.
- LEADENHALL MARKET
Did someone say Diagon Alley? Just make sure you use the correct pronunciation *here's looking at you Harry*. Located close to Tower Bridge, the Monument and Bank tube station, the covered Leadenhall Market also doubled for exteriors of everyone's favourite magical lane, Diagon Alley. Whilst you may not find toads, quills or Ollivander's among the walkways or shopfronts, if you keep a keen lookout for number 42 Bull's Head Passage, you may just find the blue door recognisable as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
In addition to the Harry Potter aspect, this market is simply beautiful. Having had markets at this exact site since the Roman Era, the oldest remaining architecture is the 19th century Victorian iron and cobblestones.
Tips and Tricks: To get to the Leadenhall Market, I would recommend catching either the tube or train to one of the closer train stations (there are several within close walking distance, Bank Station is a 6 minute walk, and Monument Station is only 4 minutes away). Depending on where you are staying, you could also catch an uber or cab.
Additionally, all public areas of the Leadenhall Market are fully accessible.
WHERE TO GO: Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT
TIMES: The public areas of the market are generally open 24/7, however specific retailers and shops will have their own opening times.
- WESTMINSTER
 |
| Westminster Abbey - a London icon |
Do you remember the beautiful sequence from Order of the Phoenix where Harry and the aurors make their way from Privet Drive to Headquarters (AKA Grimmauld Place)? The night time flight sees the gang fly straight along the Thames and beside the Houses of Parliament.
 |
| Harry and Mr Weasley at Westminster Station |
Tips and Tricks: For the best vantage point I would suggest Westminster Bridge. Be wary that this is one of the busiest areas of London - and for good reason! The Thames along Westminster is beautiful at night - however during the day allows for much more exploring! Home to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, though not Potter related these iconic destinations are quintessential London landmarks and well worth your time.
The easiest way to get there is via the Westminster Underground station - which, in itself is a Harry Potter location! The location features in Order of the Phoenix when Mr Weasley and Harry are on their way to the Ministry of Magic (more on that next), and they have a comedic struggle with the turnstiles. Fun Fact - the station was actually closed from commuters for a day to film the scene.
WHERE TO GO: Westminster Bridge, London SW1A 2JH
- OLD SCOTLAND YARD
Otherwise known as The Ministry of Magic! Featured in exteriors for both Order of the Phoenix and the first Deathly Hallows film, the corner of Whitehall Place and Scotland Place represents the magical branch of government which acts as the counterpart to the muggle politicians.
Tips and Tricks: Unfortunately the red phone box (transporting visitors to the ministry) featured in both the books and films was only on location for filming! The closest means of transport to this one (other than uber and cab) is the tube station at Charing Cross.
WHERE TO GO: Whitehall and Great Scotland Yard, Westminster, London SW1A 2HP
- 23-29 CLAREMONT SQUARE
A quick destination but a very cool one - Claremont Square in the borough of Islington doubled as the location for Grimmauld Place. We see Harry and the gang arrive outside the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix at the beginning of the fifth film.
Tips and Tricks: Be mindful that this is a residential area so remember to be respectful for residents! The closest underground stop to get to Claremont Square is Angel.
WHERE TO GO: 23-29 Claremont Square, London N1 9LX
- PICCADILLY CIRCUS
Apart from being one of the most popular and central destinations in the city, this iconic area also featured in the Deathly Hallows Part 1, as Harry, Ron and Hermione apparated to escape the death eaters at Bill and Fleur's wedding.
Tips and Tricks: This area is extremely busy. This is a great destination for shopping and the West End, so enjoy! However, being a tourist hotspot, it is also necessary to be aware of yourself and your belongings. Keep them close to you as pickpockets have been known to operate in this area. This applies for phones and cameras as well as your handbags/wallets. 'Bicycle thieves' as they have been labelled, are unafraid to snatch items straight from your hand - this happened to my friend who had her phone stolen. So be aware and stay safe! This is a public area so accessible at all hours.
The easiest way to get to this area is to get off at the Piccadilly Circus underground stop.
WHERE TO GO: Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street/Shaftesbury Avenue
- AUSTRALIA HOUSE
 |
| Inside Australia House |
Australia House was used for the set of Gringott's Wizarding Bank. They shot only in the interior, and it was used for the duration of the series, dating back to the first film where Hagrid takes Harry to visit his parents vault and inheritance.
Tips and Tricks: The room used for filming, The Exhibition Room, is not open for the public. Although security may let you look through the windows to the ornate room, this cannot be guaranteed as it is a government building. I had no luck but maybe one of you could do better !
Holborn or Temple are the closest underground stations to Australia House.
In addition to the other central city mentions on this list, there are several bus tours around London dedicated to Harry Potter and the relevant stops within the city.
WHERE TO GO: Australia House, Strand, London WC2B 4LA
TIMES: 9am-5pm Weekdays, CLOSED weekends
And there we have it! The above list should occupy any Potterhead's day out in London!
And if that isn't enough for you, there's always the hit play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to see on the West End - but remember to book your tickets early!
I've attached a map for all of the locations below ⇓
I've attached a map for all of the locations below ⇓
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XH9hlRD5o3xEpxRnxVg_aAzcc50CymBD&usp=sharing
Comments
Post a Comment