A Harry Potter Themed Vacation to the UK Could Be Your Next Outing!

If you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, you are surely going to have a lot of fun. But did you know that you could add a little extra dose of fun to your vacation by picking up a theme? Yes, for instance, instead of just visiting the world-famous Harry Potter attractions, you can plan a vacation around it. The UK is, after all, the birthplace of the fantasy, thanks to J. K. Rowling’s penmanship.

Besides that, it is also a part of the word that forms a magnificent backdrop for some of the most memorable experiences for famous scenes from the books itself. Every Harry Potter fanatic will love this collection of activities that will draw you into the pages of the story, but all the same, even if you aren’t a fan or haven’t read a single Harry Potter book, these unique experiences offer incredible sights and memories that you won’t want to miss out on!

The Reptile House in London Zoo

Fans of the book franchise will know of the massive python that Hary Potter speaks to in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, in a language called Parseltongue. They free the snake and banish Dudley to captivity in its place. You stand a chance of seeing the reptile room for yourself in the UK! The exhibit’s entrance makes for a makeshift picture frame.

And it marks the beginning of your adventure in the reptile house. From the entrance, you start your journey down into the enclosure of the serpent from the silver screen. It houses a black mamba snake. There is a commemorative plaque adjacent to the mamba’s glass home, ensuring that you don’t miss it!

Millennium Bridge in London

In the sixth book of the series titled Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the so-called ‘Death Eaters’ destroy the prestigious Millenium Bridge. Of course, this is just a fictional story and the magnificent Millenium Bridge still stands tall and strong! You can visit London and get a first-hand experience of this beautiful architectural marvel with a stroll along the Thames river.

Hogwarts’ Castles

Three of England’s castles landed themselves in featuring roles in the film franchise of the Harry Potter series. The three castles are Alnwick Castle, Durham Castle, and Gloucester Cathedral. Alnwick Castle happens to be the second-largest of its kind in all of the UK. The filming of the exteriors of Hogwarts Castle was at the Alnwick’s castle. This was for the first two Harry Potter films. Besides the shooting locations, you could also sign up for a lesson or two in Quidditch. Yes, the Alnwick Castle hosts activities like Quidditch lessons!

The Durham Castle’ s construction dates back to 1093. It serves as a monastic cathedral from the Benedictine monks. Parts of this castle feature in the first two Harry Potter films. They were also in the Prisoner of Azkaban. Lastly, the Gloucester Cathedral has served as a site of Christian worship for more than 1,300 years. This is where the filming of the School for Witchcraft and Wizardry series took place. It was also in the sixth, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland

Tucked away in the magnificent Scottish Highlands is the Jacobite Steam Train, which serves as a perfect experience for being on the famed Hogwarts Express! This is an actual train that runs the route of the fictional Hogwarts Express, the route filmed in all of the Harry Potter movies. A ride on the Jacobite Steam Train takes you through the Glenfinnan Viaduct, or the famous ‘Harry Potter Bridge’, passing Glasgow to Fort William.

The Elephant House in Edinburgh

J. K. Rowling spent much of her time in cozy coffee shos when she was piecing together her fictional masterpiece that became the Harry Potter series. You can experience some of Rowling’s experiences by visiting these cafes and absorbing the scenery and the ambiance. Visiting these humble coffeeshops that sparked the birth of such a magnificent story is a wonderful experience. The first stop to make when setting out to do this is to visit the Elephant House, which overlooks the Edinburgh Castle.

Travel is something that many people love to do, but so many can’t decide on planning well. Usually, people opt for the same experiences others have gone on, taking the cookie-cut-out travel experience that may be entertaining, but is missing that magical touch of uniqueness. Take a twist on your next vacation by making it a thematic vacation. And what better way to do it than getting aboard with the idea of a Harry Potter theme vacation?