20 years after the release of the first book of the series, Harry Potter still lives on in the fans’ heart. Affectionately dubbed as the Potterheads, fans are still gushing over the magical series and anything related to Harry Potter even today. If you still find it hard to move on, then why not relive those memories at these places.
1. The Georgian House Hotel, England
Is spending a night inside the Hogwarts common rooms a lifelong dream of yours? Now you can make it come through at London’s The Georgian House Hotel. This family-run boutique B&B has transformed some of its rooms into the Wizard Chambers, complete with four poster beds, feature stone walls, stained glass windows, cauldrons, trunks, tapestries, antique books and so much more. Even better, the rooms are actually hidden behind a bookcase door!
2. The Jacobite steam train, Scotland
While Hogwarts Express sadly doesn’t exist in reality, you can take the same train route shown in the films. The Jacobite steam train runs a distance of 41 miles between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing over the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. From inside the train, you can see the Jacobite monument and Loch Shiel, which is the backdrop for Hogwarts. The original locomotive used as the Hogwarts Express in the movies is currently situated at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
3. London Zoo, England
There’s no way a Potterhead would forget this place. At the Reptile House, Harry discovered his ability to speak Parseltongue for the first time when he spoke to a Burmese python. The Reptile House appears in the first film of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the tank shown is actually home to a black mamba. While you’re here, do explore the London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo which opened in 1828.
4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
No magic is required to get to Hogsmeade Village, just an entrance ticket. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a part of Universal Studios’ chained themed areas. The first opened in Universal Orlando Resort, USA in 2014, in Universal Studios Japan in the same year, and later in Universal Studios Hollywood. Experience riding the full-scale replica of Hogwarts Express, purchasing your own wand from Ollivander’s and drinking the iconic butterbeer.
5. Warner Bros. Studios Tour - The Making of Harry Potter, England
If you’re a serious Potterhead who just can’t get over the series, why not go back to the beginning and visit the studio where all the magic happened. The studio tour is the perfect way to walk down the memory lane and revisit your favourite memories of the films. The sets, props and costumes are all on display and you can get up-close and study them properly. Aside from these, you can also learn the creative process of making the films through the interactive displays.
First Published on: Sri Sutra Travel
