November 16, 2001 the first Harry Potter movie debuted in theaters around the world. Now 20 years later a new generation is engrossed in the book series and movies, my own daughter is part of that group. Through her love of all things Harry Potter we have had the opportunity to visit some of the most popular sites associated with the series and have several more on our to do list.
Top 3 sites to immerse yourself in the magic of Harry Potter
London is chockablock full of film sites for the movie. You can stroll through Leadenhall Market where scenes of Hagrid and Harry were filmed before they entered Diagon Alley. You can walk over the Millennium Bridge which can be seen in three of the movies. A visit to Kings Cross Station and platform 9 3/4 is a must for any fan. As is a visit to the Warner Brothers Studio, a short ride from downtown. It’s at the Studio where you can go behind the scenes and visit the original movie sets, costume department, art department and many other unique sites.
Universal Studios Orlando, Hollywood or even Japan. A completely different experience than the Studio tour in London, these parks provide fans the opportunity to feel like they are part of the movie. Rather than just visiting the movie set. In the Orlando parks you can walk through Diagon Alley or even Knockturn Alley, visit Ollivander’s Wand Shop and enjoy butterbeer in a number of different forms. Then, catch the Hogwarts express to Hogsmede to continue the experience. It’s not unusual to see park guests in full costume, even on the hottest of days, sporting house colors and full robes.
Scotland – No Harry Potter fan can resist the opportunity to ride through the Scottish countryside on a steam train. The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan viaduct made famous in the films.
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