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Harry Potter road trip: UK filming sites worth visiting

July 22, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s are many filming locations for the Harry Potter movie franchise scattered over the UK and Scotland, but frankly, not all of them are visit-worthy. For instance, the campsite Harry and Hermione find themselves in during the last book and movie is really more of a sewage treatment center with some grass outside. Other sites, however, have been destinations in their own right for years, and a few gems were virtually undiscovered by visitors until Harry Potter put them on the map. We’ve compiled our favorites. All you need to do is grab a flight and rent a car to check out these stops along a Harry Potter road trip of the UK.

Start in London:

King’s Cross Station: Visiting King’s Cross, the site of famous Platform 9 3/4 is a must for most Harry Potter fans. The wall that witches and wizards run into to access it is actually located between platforms 4 and 5. You can check out the location, then enjoy the decidedly Muggle ambiance of the busy station.

London Zoo: The Reptile House where Harry first learned he could talk to snakes on Dudley’s birthday looks just as it appears in the movie. Plan to stay and enjoy the rest of the London Zoo for at least the better part of a day. The zoo has an excellent lion exhibit and ‘sunset safari’.

Whitehall: The Palace of Whitehall was the main residence of the English monarchs in Londonfrom 1530 until 1698. While filming the Harry Potter series, the Ministry of Magic was set between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

Drive to Oxford:

From London, take A40 to M40 to Oxford. Once in the area, there are numerous Harry Potter sites to visit.

Oxford Library: The Hogwarts library, pictured numerous times, including when Harry researches Nicholas Flamel, is located in Oxford’s Duke Humphrey’s Library, which is one of the special collections reading rooms at the Bodleian. Hermione also reads about Polyjuice Potion there, and Harry and Hermione discuss who to take to Slughorn’s Christmas party here.

Divinity School: The Divinity School at Oxford is the setting for the Hogwarts infirmary. Even if you know nothing of Harry Potter, stop in here. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.

From Oxford, continue on A40 to Gloucester:

Gloucester Cathedral: The corridor that leads to The Fat Lady and Gryffindor’s common room is located in the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, beautiful to visit whether a Potter fan or no. You may also recognize it as the corridor where Ginny writes “The Chamber of Secrets has been opened” in blood on the walls.

Drive to Wiltshire:

Drive the A417 out of Gloucester to the A361 to Wiltshire. Continue out of town to Lacock.

Lacock Abbey: Lacock Abbey is a treasure trove of Harry Potter sites. Professor Snape’s classroom is located in the Lacock Abbey Sacristy. Also located in the Wiltshire Abbey is professor Quirrell’s classroom. Of note: this room houses a genuine cauldron. The room where Harry views his deceased parents in the mirror is also in Lacock Abbey. In Chamber of Secrets, professor McGonagall uses the same room for her lesson on how to turn animals into water goblets. Horace Slughorn’s house is nearby in Chapel Hill, Lacock, Wiltshire.

Return toward London:

12 Picket Post Close, Martins Heron: Better known as 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, this is the exact home depicted as the Dursleys’ house in the films. Martin’s Heron in en route back to London, but it’s fairly close to the city, so this stop can certainly be done as part of your London itinerary as well.

Going further afield:

To continue your Harry Potter tour through the north, start by driving up A120 toward Suffolk.

Lavenham: This charming village is the filming site of Godric’s Hollow. A wonderful medieval village worthy of your visit, Lavenham may not be covered in snow during your visit, as it was during Harry’s Christmas pilgrimage, but you’ll still find plenty to occupy yourself here.

Goathland Station: The station that serves both the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts is actually Goathland Station, on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

More to see in Scotland:

Alnwick Castle: Known as a popular filming location (it was featured in Downton Abbey, Robin Hood, and more), Alnwick Castle, Northumberland is the location for Madam Hooch’s first flying lesson. You’ll need to walk to the Outer Bailey (courtyard). Harry and Ron also land the Ford Anglia here in Chamber of Secrets.

Loch Shiel, Glencoe: The setting for the Hogwarts Lake (most of the time, anyway), Loch Shiel is located near the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You can definitely see both in a day.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber: One of the most recognizable settings from Harry Potter, this viaduct is the one the Hogwarts Express is crossing when Harry and Ron almost crash the Ford Anglia. During the summer months, you can take a ride along the track through West Coast Railways.

Bonus stops:

Wales: In scenic Pembrokeshire, Dobby’s tragic death takes place at Freshwater West.

Ireland: The well-known Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast of County Clare are featured when Dumbledore takes Harry to find the Horcrux in the sea cave. If you also want to see the rock on which Harry and Dumbledore stand, however, that’s 90 miles away off Iveragh Peninsula.

This post was written in partnership with Alamo Europe. Photo credit

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Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and his friends on your next visit to London

February 5, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s no doubt about it, children and adults all over the world are obsessed with Harry Potter and his adventures. From Harry Potter Book Nights, where fans gather to celebrate the Harry Potter series, through to tours of the locations and the studio where the movies were made, if you’re a Harry Potter aficionado you can always find something to satisfy your thirst for further knowledge of the young wizard.

In fact, the Harry Potter phenomenon has even stretched as far as Japan, where their enduring fascination has generated unheard of book sales, box office receipts, and even his very own theme park, since the release of the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, over 15 years ago. Just this week, the Japanese have taken their obsession one step further as a series of Harry Potter Manga characters created by a Japanese design company were released, albeit only in Japan for the moment.

The illustrations, which were created in collaboration with Shockhiku, a Japanese movie studio, and licensed by Warner Bros, represent 13 characters from the quintessentially English adventure, and include all the major players in the series from Harry himself, Hermoine Grainger and Ron Weasley to Albus Dumbledore and Professor Snape, who was played by the great British actor Alan Rickman who died recently. There’s even a Manga representation for Harry’s owl, Hedwig. Released as plastic folders with a character on the front and the four Hogwart’s houses on the back, the characters have typical Manga features, with enormous eyes, tiny feet and glossy hair.

However, for real Harry Potter fans, there’s nothing like being in London and taking a tour of the locations used in the Harry Potter movies. Whether you want to see Kings Cross Station, where they filmed the famous Platform 9¾, or 12 Grimmauld Place and the sites used for the Leaky Cauldron, an organised bus tour of the London locations is one of the best ways to get around London and see not just the places featured in the movies, but also some of the iconic London landmarks. With a tour guide to give you all the insider information about how the movies were actually made, it’s one of the best ways to immerse you and your children in the whole Harry Potter experience. Plus, if you really want to get in the mood, you can even dress as one of your favourite Harry Potter characters, although this is not a requirement.

Visiting London offers the perfect opportunity to find out more about how the movies were made, and to learn more about movie making in general if you’ve got any budding Steven Spielbergs in the family; so for this reason a Harry Potter Studio Tour is a must for any die-hard fans. During the tour you’ll get an up-close-and-personal view of the actual sets used to film all eight of the Harry Potter movies, plus you’ll get to see the stunning costumes, props and visual effects that were used to bring these truly iconic movies to life and to the big screen. Children will love visiting the sets, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Hagrid’s Hut, and they’ll also be given the opportunity for a photo shoot sitting in the flying Ford Anglia, made by Arthur Weasley, and used by Fred, George and Ron to rescue Harry who’d been locked up in his room.

Both of the above tours are available from Brit Movie Tours who offer a range of Harry Potter Tours in London and other locations throughout the UK.

Photo credit: Barry Benbridge

Exploring the Cotswolds with kids

July 18, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Want to add a dash of English country charm to your UK vacation? The Cotswolds are located within a day trip from London, but deserve a 2-3 day itinerary all their own. Unlike many European destinations which are ideal for public transit, the Cotswolds are best explored by car. This way, families can plan their own itinerary, take their time, lingering where desired, and go off the beaten path.

Pick up a rental car in London, and head to any of the following towns and villages that make up the Cotswolds, or venture just a bit off-course to include history-rich towns such as Stratford-Upon-Avon. Get ready to be charmed: these villages boast more than just pretty names.

Bourton-on-the-water:

When I first visited the Cotswolds as a girl, my favorite town was–and remains–Bourton-on-the-Water. With the River Windrush flowing through the village (navigated by stone footpaths) and ducks making the town center home, I was charmed even at age 12. I also loved the Model Village (yes, of the village), which is located in the gardens of the Old New Inn. What to do with kids: check out the model village and try the Butterfly Maze (both on Rissington Road).

Gloucester:

Gloucester is a very historic city (largest in the area) with a cathedral, cemeteries, and historic walking trails. Plan to spend at least a full day or overnight in Gloucester, and don’t be dissuaded by the few chain shops and restaurants you’ll find here. Gloucester is modernized, but not without its due share of Cotswolds charm. What to do with kids: head to Beatrix Potter’s House of the Tailor of Gloucester. See the inspiration for her beloved tales, and then check out the Folk Museum. If you have soccer fans in your midst, take in a game.

Stroud:

Known for its festivals and shops, Stroud leaves commercialization behind and embraces tourists with local culture and custom. The Stroud is the perfect place for walking (don’t tell the kids they’re hiking, and they’ll never notice). Trails bypass stone walls and pasture land, and offer ample opportunity for kids to stop and play, climb low trees, and spot wildlife. What to do with kids: take the family to Stroud’s award-winning farmer’s market or just hit the shops. What might be a chore at home (shopping, ick!) becomes a day of discovery at Stroud.

Berkeley:

Berkeley is home to Berkeley Castle, a 12th century castle with a dark history. It’s been home to 24 generations of the Berkeley family, and presides over the town, which is worth exploring in its own right. Stop by Dr. Jenner’s house, the pioneer of the smallpox vaccine, and at least stay for the day, exploring the shops and eateries. What to do with kids: let them burn off energy at the Cattle Country Adventure Park, where slides and play areas combine with petting zoos.

Bonus: Stratford-Upon-Avon:

Head north from Gloucester, and you’ll arrive within an hour in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the famous birthplace of William Shakespeare. En route, you’ll pass through Tewkesbury, an excellent medieval town, and once you’ve arrived, you can also tour Anne Hathaway’s home. Older children can see a play at the Royal Shakespearean Club theater, and everyone can walk through the town streets, gaining a feel for Olde England.

Where to stay:

You can’t really go wrong in the Cotswolds. This section of the UK houses a great number of their luxury house hotels (estate homes turned into hotels) and B&Bs shine here. With kids, we recommend house hotels for a slightly less intimate feel, and no matter where you stay, we suggest looking for properties with space for kids to play. One of my favorite Cotswolds memories is of floating paper boats down a creek outside our Stroud hotel.

Driving tips in the UK:

All visitors will know to stay on the left side of the road in the UK, but keep the following advice in mind:

select a small to mid-sized rental car (parking spaces, roads, and alleys are smaller in the UK than in the US)
take things slowly: take extra time to look behind you before moving into traffic, navigating roundabouts, and dealing with highway traffic
keep a sense of humor: our family still talks about the time Grandpa stalled out in front of a group of punk rockers by Stonehenge and almost took on several unwelcome hitchhikers.

Enjoy the Cotswolds!

This post was done in partnership with Enterprise Rent-a-Car but they had no input on the content. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit: Flickr/tlarescott and Francisco Antunes

Top summer attractions in London UK for kids

May 8, 2014 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following guest post is written by Kaamna Dhawan of Momaboard.

My family of four moved to London a few months ago and I can honestly say that as major cities in the world go, London is probably the most kid-friendly in the world. As my two and five-year old and I have been exploring our new hometown, we have been delighted to find summer attractions in London ranging from parks, theaters, cinemas, museums, and restaurants dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring children.

If you are headed to London for the summer, here are some of our favorite things to do:

Be one with the fossils at The Natural History Museum: This exquisite, free museum will keep your kids intrigued for hours. The biggest attraction is the beautifully (and realistically) executed dinosaur exhibit but the other sections are definitely worth a visit too. Loads of interactive options as well.

Get your Cap’n on at Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground: The beautiful Kensington Gardens are worth a visit for themselves and are an easy stroll across the lake from Hyde Park, but for the kids, it’s worth a trip over to the playground to explore the giant pirate ship and many other fantastically creative parts of the park. Please note that London parks take their security seriously: adults cannot enter without a child.

Enjoy the view from The London Eye: Ever been on a giant standing-room giant wheel? (Ever paid $30 to do so?). Expensive as it is, the London Eye is worth the experience once in your life. On a clear day, the views of London are spectacular. The Southbank area in which the London Eye is located is also very well developed and fun to hang around on a sunny weekend with street performers and restaurants.

Ride the top of a double decker bus. It’s amazing what a thrill kids get out it!

Grab a show: This is the land of Shakespeare and the Queen’s English. Theater is a must. You can catch one of the well-known shows like The Lion King, Matilda or Billy Elliot but I would recommend finding something uniquely London. Time Out has a great roundup of what’s going on at any point of the year.

Get a lux haircut in Notting Hill: Bella and Beau on Ledbury Road take kids’ cuts very seriously. Not only did my son get some serious styling there, he did it sitting in a very fancy car chair watching Thomas on an iPad. A day in the life of the rich and famous indeed!

Visit the London Transport Museum: Even though London has many beautiful free museums, I would definitely recommend a visit to the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden to experience the London tube simulator, pose as the driver of a double decker bus, or check out the history of transport from man-drawn carriages to how we do it now!

Eat! Although cuisine is not the UK’s most prominent contribution to the world, you can find some of the best ethnic cuisines in London: Indian, Lebanese and Chinese in particular. You will also find much innovation in the London restaurant scene so if you are a foodie, do your research before heading over to see what’s new and hot. A lot of good restaurants welcome children but it’s best to call and ask. It’s also fun to experience a pub lunch, and you will find that even these staunch London institutions are shaking it up these days. The Churchill Arms, for instance, is known for its amazing Thai food!

Want more? Check out Momaboard’s Ultimate Guide to London with Kids.

Kaamna Bhojwani-Dhawan is the founder of Momaboard.com, a website for globetrotting kids and their parents. Join the community on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

A family-friendly road trip through Scotland

April 26, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

It may be small in size. But, what it lacks in stature, Scotland makes up in sheer variety. In just a short space of time, you can see rugged mountains, deep lochs, cosmopolitan cities and remote islands. Here are just a few of the best road trips in Scotland to see some of the most family-friendly attractions this small, but perfectly formed country has to offer.

From Berwick to Edinburgh

If you’re travelling from England over into Scotland, then taking in some of the spectacular Northumberland cost line before heading north over the border is the perfect way to start your trip. From Berwick, driving along the east coast, you’ll find two of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring castles. Don’t stick to the main A1 road, but dive off onto the A198, which will take you to Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle. Dirleton Castle has a pit dungeon, which is horrifically fascinating for little ones who love Horrible Histories, while Tantallon Castle is a dramatic semi-ruined mid 14^th century fortress. Kids will love to see the replica gun in the East Tower, which looks exactly like the one which was used to defend the castle against James IV and James V in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

Drive time: 2 hours

Glasgow to Oban

It has a reputation as a grittier, more streetwise city than Edinburgh, but Glasgow also offers plenty to do with little ones. The Glasgow Science Centre, with its hands-on displays and interactive workshops, is a must-do, as is the Hunterian Museum, with its dinosaur, Egypt and meteorite displays. From Glasgow, the route along the A82 offers plenty of opportunities for breathtaking pitstops. Loch Lomond should be your first stop. You can cruise the loch on one of the ferries which take you to little islands and villages or you can hire your own boat to explore at your family’s pace, perhaps stopping off to enjoy a picnic. From here, head north and west on the A85 and the road winds dramatically through rugged terrain before you get to Oban and the surrounding coastal villages. Ganarvan beach is perfect for kids, with safe, shallow waters, swathes of sand and rock pools to search for sea creatures. From Oban, you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Mull, heading north to Tobermory, made famous by the television series Balamory. If you’re ready for a stop-off mid trip, then Parkdean’s Wemyss Bay site makes a great base for exploring Scotland’s west coast.

Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes

The Scottish Highlands

Just about anywhere you drive through the Scottish Highlands is guaranteed to be stunning. But no road trip through Scotland would be complete without driving along the incredible mountainous route though Glencoe to Fort William. While the Glencoe Mountain Chair Lift was designed to carry skiiers and snowboarders in the winter season, it’s worth a diversion even if you’re here during the summer months as it stays open year-round, affording excitement for children and spectacular views for everyone. You soar high above waterfalls, admiring views across Rannoch Moor from 2200ft.

Driving time: 30 minutes

Around the Isle of Skye

There’s not really any right or wrong route around the Isle of Skye, the most northerly large island in the Inner Hebrides. Try the A855 road, which loops around the Trotternish Peninsula. You’ll pass the Old Man of Storr, a rocky hill made famous through its appearance in the opening scene of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus as the birthplace of the alien. From this otherworldly landscape, further north, you’ll find plenty of places to watch dramatic waterfalls tumbling into the sea. The best is the Kilt Rock and waterfall. Also worth a visit is The Skye Museum of Island Life, a quirky museum housed in a selection of thatched cottages, which gives an insight into life there in days gone by.

From the mainland and driving a circular route around the peninsula: Around 3 hours

Tarbert to the Isle of Islay

The road from Tarbert to catch the ferry to the Isle of Islay gives you incredible views of the Arran mountains. The little fishing village of Carradale is worth a stop. Impossible pretty, the village has a harbour and a broad sweep of sand, with shallow, shelving water. Just south of the harbour, there’s a herd of feral goats, which has thrived on the rough grass and seaweed here as long as anyone can remember. From here, you take to A83 to West Loch Tarbet, where you can catch the ferry to Islay. Here, you can try pony trekking, kayaking and paddle boarding, or just meander around some of the single-track roads on the island. Try the Port Ellen to Ardtalla circular route, which will take you alongside the appropriately-named Seal Bay, where you’re likely to be lucky enough to see seals resting on the rocks. If you want to stay for a while and immerse yourself in island life, then the Ballygrant Inn is a good option when travelling with kids as there are two-and-a-half acres of grounds to let off steam in.

Driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Wherever you drive in Scotland, you’re sure to be met with incredible scenery. As the old Scottish saying goes, guid gear comes in sma’ bouk’, or good things come in small packages.

Photo credit: Flickr