The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Contents
Introduction ...... 3 Destinations in England ...... 4 Alnwick Castle, England ...... 5 Leadenhall Market, London, England ...... 6 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey ...... 6 Durham Cathedral, England ...... 6 Lacock Abbey, England ...... 7 Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London ...... 8 Black Park, Wexham, England ...... 9 Georgian House Hotel, London ...... 9 Platform 9 3/4, Kings Cross, London ...... 9 Bodleian Library, Oxford ...... 10 Harrow School, London ...... 10 The London Zoo ...... 10 Christ Church Great Hall, Oxford ...... 10 Seven Sisters Country Park, England ...... 11 Piccadilly Circus, London ...... 11 Millennium Bridge, London ...... 11 Destinations in Scotland ...... 12 Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland ...... 13 The Elephant House, Edinburgh, Scotland ...... 13 Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland ...... 14 Loch Shiel, Scotland ...... 14 Glencoe, Scotland ...... 14 Steall Falls, Scotland ...... 15 Destinations in the United States ...... 16 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando, Florida or Los Angeles, California ...... 16 Harry Potter Conference and Festivals ...... 17 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ...... 17 Miscellaneous Destinations ...... 18 Czocha Castle, Poland ...... 18 The Harry Potter Exhibition ...... 19 Contact Us! ...... 20
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Introduction
hank you for downloading our Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List eBook! We've all seen and loved the movies, and we've all read and loved the T books, but have you experienced the Wizarding World for yourself? If you love Harry Potter, or maybe your kids love Harry Potter, well than this is for you. If you aren't a fan and are worried you would have to spend your entire vacation at a theme park just to keep your Harry Potter fans happy, think again! These filming location ideas will ensure that everyone, HP fans or not, will enjoy their trip and make memories that will last a lifetime. In this eBook you will find many different filming locations or points of interest in many different countries that any Harry Potter fan will need to have on their bucket list. And for those that don’t like Harry Potter, many of these destinations are worth a visit for their historical value! We hope Fox Travel can make your next vacation magical!
Czocha Castle
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Destinations in England
England, and especially London, are one of the top tourist destinations for several years! With good reason too, it’s rich with history, entertainment, culture, and culinary experiences. Many people want to visit this popular destination, but many worry that not everyone in their family, cough kids cough, will benefit from it. Below are many incredible points of interest that will appeal not only to the history lovers, but also their kids that love Harry Potter.
London Skyline
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Alnwick Castle, England
This castle is the inspiration for Hogwarts so this is a must see for any Potter fans. It is also the filming location for many of the iconic scenes in the Harry Potter movies. When visiting this beautiful castle there is so much to do and see for both Harry Potter fans and history buffs alike. • Take part in Broomstick Training, where you will learn to fly on a broomstick just like your favorite HP characters where they learned to fly in the movies. • Enter the Dragons Lair if you are brave enough where you will have to battle magical forces, conquer challenging obstacles, and come face to face with a terrifying dragon. • Take an Alnwick On Location Film Tour where you will get to see the actual places where Harry Potter (HP) was filmed, as well as other movies and shows like Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, and Downtown Abby. For the non-HP fans, or those that are interested in more than just the movie, take a take a Historical Ground Tour, a State Room tour, learn archery, or stay for quick 10- minute talks about the history of the castle. You can also join in the Medieval fun in the courtyard with Medieval crafts and costumes.
Alnwick Castle, England
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Leadenhall Market, London, England
Among the doors of reds and greens you will find the blue door that is the Leaky Calderon, or in the muggle world, an optician office. As we all remember the Leaky Calderon is the entrance to Diagon Alley which Leadenhall Market is also the filming location for. The blue door can be found at 42 Bulls Head Passage. Leadenhall Market is, in itself, a destination worth seeing. Under the elegant Victorian roof there are stalls, restaurants, shops and pubs to enjoy just outside the Financial District.
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey
Just 30 minutes outside London lies Harry Potter's childhood home with the Dursleys. The houses actual address is 12 Picket Post Close, Bracknell, Berkshire and was used in the first film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, after that they built the house on set. The real house however sits in the same county as Windsor Castle and Ascot Racecourse where Kate Middleton's parents and the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, own homes.
Durham Cathedral, England
Another of the many filming locations for Hogwarts, this particular location was used for many of the outdoor hallways, courtyard, and classroom scenes. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is location in the city of Durham about 5 hours north of London, towards Scotland, is also a UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Durham Cathedral, England
Lacock Abbey, England
You might recognize this location from many of the Harry Potter movies as the beautiful outdoor archways at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While here enjoy an art, photography, and precious objects exhibits. The Lacock Abbey is also known as the birthplace of British photography. Other movies filmed here are Wolf Hall, Pride and Prejudice, and staying in the Harry Potter family, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
Tour magical sets, explore authentic props, and discover original costumes at the Warner Bros. Studio tour in London. This award-winning tour is a must for every Harry Potter fan!
• Learn how the special effects team created the magic on screen. • Find out how magical creatures were brought to life. • Check out the art department to see actual sketches and live scale models of your favorite scenes. • Visit the Studio Shop for your very own wand, or apparel. Don't miss Gringotts Bank set that will open in April 2019! And because this is in London, this makes for a great half day trip for the HP fans, while the non-HP fans get to see historical London.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Black Park, Wexham, England
You might recognize this park as the Forbidden Forest in the Harry Potter movies, but there are many films that have used this park as their background. Captain America: The First Avenger, James Bond Gold Finger and Casino Royale, Batman, Sleepy Hollow, Robin Hood, and Monty Python, plus many horror films from the 50's - 70's like Dracula. This park also has a history of hosting troops during many wars, was the site of WWI fighter crash, and a WWII V2 Rocket fell nearby.
Georgian House Hotel, London
Speaking of feeling like a wizard, check out the Georgian House Hotel in London. This 5-star bed and breakfast has 2 special rooms that are Wizard themed that will make you feel like you are staying in the castle with Harry Potter himself. The best thing about this hotel is they have everything to make your family vacation amazing, with or without Harry Potter. For babies and toddlers, they have monitors, baby bath, and sterilizer ready for use. For toddlers you can get highchairs, sippy cups, socket covers and strollers. Don't forget about the big kids! They have Lego sets, Face painting kits, games, drawing materials, Play Station 3, and DVD players. You may never have to leave to hotel!
Platform 9 3/4, Kings Cross, London
BHP (Before Harry Potter), this was just a standard train station, but because of HP this has turned into a tourist destination for every fan. As a huge fan myself, when I was there 12 years ago, I was able to take my picture at Platform 9 3/4 when there were not many other HP tourist options there. Now thousands of people visit and take their picture there. It's a must for every HP fan.
Fox Travel, Tahnee, at Platform 9 3/4
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Bodleian Library, Oxford
This library was used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, and Goblet of Fire. But those aren't the only movies filmed in this historic library. You may also recognize it from some scenes in X-Men First Class, The Golden Compass, Pocahontas: The New World, and many more.
Harrow School, London
This actual school that dates back to 1615 was used to film Harry Potter's first-class experience at Hogwarts in Philosopher's Stone. You might remember this scene well, it's where Professor Flitwick was teaching "Wingardiam Leviosa".
The London Zoo
While a great destination for the whole family to visit while in London, you can also stop by the reptile house to see where Harry Potter learned he was able to talk to snakes and make the glass disappear to give Dudley a fright.
Christ Church Great Hall, Oxford
This filming location was used as the Great Hall in all the Harry Potter movies, as well as served as the location for Dumbledore's office. This is probably one of the most recognizable locations from the movies as so many important and iconic scenes were filmed here. Christ Church was founded nearly 500 years ago when Cardinal Wolsey, then adviser to King Henry VIII, to improve Christ Church Great Hall, Oxford education and train young men for an active life in the Church and State. While here you can take a walking tour of the property.
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Seven Sisters Country Park, England
These beautiful cliffs are the scene for Harry Potter, The Weasleys, and the Diggorys all used the boot portkey to transport them to the Quidditch World Cup in the Goblet of Fire. Seven Sisters Country Park is a perfect spot for those that love Harry Potter, and spending the day in nature and hiking.
Piccadilly Circus, London
Lit up by neon signs in the center of the city is Piccadilly Circus, one of the most notable areas in London. You will also find the Statue of Eros. Today Piccadilly Circus is busting with tourists and locals alike, it is said that that if you stay in Piccadilly Circus long enough, you will eventually bump into everyone you know. While this is a must stop for anyone visiting London, it is also a fantastic spot to stand where Harry, Ron, and Hermione apparated to when escaping the Death Eaters at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Millennium Bridge, London
The Millennium Bridge, over the river Thames, was completed in 1996 and is just one of the multiple Millennium Bridges around the world. You might recognize the bridge from the opening scene in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince where the Death Eaters destroyed it. It was also seen in other movies like Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy, Run Fat Boy Run, and Namaste London. Millennium Bridge, London
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Destinations in Scotland
Visiting Scotland is like visiting a fairy tale! Cobblestone streets, fascinating history, hundreds of year-old architecture, and incredible beauty, Scotland is a treasure trove of adventure for everyone. But if you’re a Harry Potter fan, Scotland just got even better with points of interest directly relating to the movies but that will be of interest to non-Harry Potter fans too!
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
One of the most memorable scenes from many of the movies is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous train track that curves through the beautiful green hills. You can take the Jacobite Train across this bridge for yourself. Just don't plan your trip in mid-August as the Ginfinnan Gathering and Games takes place and shuts down the train and bridge. The Viaduct also looks over the location where Bonnie Prince Charlie defied the British Royal Crown and the Jacobite Rising began.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
The Elephant House, Edinburgh, Scotland
Sip tea or coffee in the spot where JK Rowling dreamed up one of the best literary tales of our time. Make sure you visit the bathrooms to see graffiti, or "love notes" to JK Rowling and Harry Potter characters. But maybe don't let the younger kids in as some of the graffiti is a little on the risqué side, IE "I'd get sleazy for Ron Weasley".
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland
On the 5th floor in room 552 of this 100-year-old hotel, sat JK Rowling at the desk in her suite as she wrote the last Harry Potter book, The Deathly Hallows in 2007. The door to the room has a little owl and a small golden sign that says the JK Rowling Suite. In two corners of the room there are two busts that are signed by JK Rowling herself after she finished her story. Be sure that when you are in Edinburgh you visit this amazing piece of literary history where JK Rowling spent 6 months here writing the last novel.
Loch Shiel, Scotland
Was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire your favorite movie in the series? Do you want to feel like you are a part of the TriWizard Tournament? Then you will need to visit Loch Shiel in Scotland where some of the most famous scenes were filmed during the competition. You might also notice that this lake is used as the lake at Hogwarts.
Glencoe, Scotland
You might recognize this area from many of the films, but most notably as the location of Hagrid's Hut overlooking the Torren Lochan. Currently Hagrid's hut has been dismantled, but you can still hike the beautiful area and feel like you are a witch or wizard making your way down to take a class on magical creatures with Hagrid. Maybe you will see Buckbeak! It wasn't just Harry Potter that was filmed in this location, you might also recognize it from movies like Highlander with Sean Connery, Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail, and Rob Roy.
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Steall Falls, Scotland
Steall Falls is the background for many of the Harry Potter films during the many Quidditch scenes. A great shot of the waterfall is seen in the Half Blood Prince when Ron tries out for the Gryffendor team, and in the Goblet of Fire when Harry Potter and the other Tri-Wizard competitors battle the dragons for the Golden Egg.
Steall Falls, Scotland
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Destinations in the United States
While none of the Harry Potter films, or even Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them were filmed in the US, there are still plenty of Harry Potter related things to do here without having to travel across the pond. As you will find below, no matter where you are in the US a wizarding event isn’t too far away!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando, Florida or Los Angeles, California
You didn't think that we would get through a guide about Harry Potter destinations and not talk about these two theme parks dedicated to the story, did you? Both theme parks are located at Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood. If you are a Harry Potter fan there is no other place that allows you to immerse yourself so completely into the story. This magical place is amazing for all ages but the majority of rides at both the Wizarding World and Universal Studios are geared towards older kiddos that have a need for a thrill! They have a new ride that opened on June 13, 2019 called Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure!
Fox Agent, Tahnee & son, at Universal
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Harry Potter Conference and Festivals
A Harry Potter conference is held annually at Chestnut Hill in Pennsylvania. Participate in fun activities like Quidditch tournaments and ride the Hogwarts Express. There are many festivals held all over the USA. Here are a few for you! • Chestertown, MD annual Harry Potter Festival every Fall • City of Lumos Festival in Aurora, IL • Kent Potterfest in Kent, OH • Roanoke Harry Potter Fest in Roanoke, VA • Harry Potter Festival USA in Jefferson, WI
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
While in New York City you must visit the critically acclaimed Broadway Play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Brought over from London to the Lyric Theater see the play that is centered around Harry Potter’s son. You can also read the play before you go to NYC!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child NYC
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Miscellaneous Destinations
Not every Harry Potter related activity needs to be where they filmed the movies. As evidence below you can have a wizarding great time at an adult only event and destinations all over the world!
Czocha Castle, Poland
While this is not a filming location for the movies, you can visit this castle for a true immersive Wizarding experience at the College of Wizardry at Czocha Castle. For 4 fun filled days you will get to experience what it is like to be a wizard by attending different classes that teach you potions, spells, duels and more. You will start the 3-night experience by getting your new wizarding identity and being sorted into one of the houses. Your trip will end after one house is declared the winner of the weekend. Included in the cost is all meals, 3v night stay, robe and tie, student handbook, and a school map. Sorry kids, this is for 18+ only.
Czocha Castle, Poland
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
The Harry Potter Exhibition
The Harry Potter Exhibition started in Chicago in 2009 and gave guests a chance to get to immerse themselves in all things Harry Potter. For the last 10 years it has traveled all around the world delighting thousands of fans. Currently the exhibit is in Valencia, Spain until August 2019. You can follow where they will be next here.
Valencia Spain
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Contact Us!
If you are a Potter Head or maybe your kids are, a UK vacation is right up your ally! Non-HP fans can enjoy the incredible history, beauty, and entertainment that these locations have to offer while also having your Potter Head fans excited to see where their favorite book was brought to life in the epic movies we all love.
If you are interested in planning your own Harry Potter (or not so Harry Potter) vacation then find out why booking with a travel advisor is the way to go and contact Tahnee or your favorite Fox Travel advisor at 281-363-0808.
We will make sure that your vacation, wherever you go, is magical! After all, there are so many castles and destinations to explore.
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