If your family, like mine, is full of Harry Potter fans so engrossed in Rowling’s world that they practice saying their favorite charms (it’s LeviOsa, not LeviosA), know what their patronus would be and ask you to knit them Christmas sweaters with their initials on them, you might want to consider a family trip that will let their inner witch or wizard shine. The real magic of the series, both the books and the movies, is how it immerses you so fully into a world that is both far away and fantastical, yet just beyond the world we muggles live in. There is something mysterious and magical about London and Scotland to begin with, so having these places as the backdrop for the stories is as important an element as anything else and makes for a great destination. And if we can’t receive our Hogwarts acceptance letters, visiting these magical Harry Potter destinations is the next best thing.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
Courtesy of Warner Bros Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter
The magic of the movies is brought to life in this tour of the studio where the movies were filmed. You will see enchanting sets, props and costumes galore. You’ll be amazed to learn about the special features and the work that went into making everything so perfectly detailed. Even the colors of the costumes reflected the nature of the characters who wore them. After learning so much about the behind-the-scenes of the movies, watching them later (for the 36th time) will be even more entertaining. The end of the tour will bring wide-eyed grins to your faces when you see the full model of Hogwarts that takes up an entire room. It’s easy to imagine being a first year crossing the lake and taking in the castle for the first time.
Harry Potter Film Locations in the City by London Walks
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London Walks is one of the best tour companies and it’s easy to find a Harry Potter walk with them that fits your schedule. On this walk, your fabulous guide will take you through the various spots where the movies were filmed and even include some interesting facts about the City of London along the way. The guides are great at interacting with the kids in the group by asking them questions about the movies and focusing on things they know children would be interested in. You’ll gain an incredible amount of knowledge about the films and the city. And the next time you watch the movies you’ll be able to say, “Hey! We’ve been there!”
Harry Potter on Location in London Town by London Walks
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This walk features the Westminster locations that can be seen in Order of the Phoenix, Prisoner of Azkaban, Half-Blood Prince and the Deathly Hallows. Just like the Locations in the City walk, the guide will tell you about so much more than just the great Harry Potter tidbits; it’s a history lesson as well. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can do both walks to make sure you don’t miss any of your favorite spots from the films.
Harry Potter Locations at Oxford
Courtesy of Footprints Tours
Many Harry Potter scenes were filmed at Oxford and visitors to this historical school will soon learn that there is quite a rich literary history here. Footprints Tours offers guided walking tours on campus that specifically reference the Harry Potter scenes. Not only that, but they also delve into some other Oxford inspired works, like Alice in Wonderland, for literature fans.
The Real Hogwarts Express in Scotland
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Get your chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans ready and take a train ride on the real Hogwarts Express, also known as the Jacobite steam train, and not only will you get to ride across the Glenfinnan viaduct that is famously seen in the Harry Potter films, but you’ll also be treated to exquisite views of the Scottish Highlands and learn a lot about Scottish history along the way. You can even book a seat in the “Harry Potter Style” compartment for the ultimate wizarding experience.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando
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For those who can’t make it across the pond to see the real sites and movie props, look no further than Orlando, Florida for a completely immersive Harry Potter experience. Visitors to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade will feel like they have just stepped into the books and movies themselves. Prepare to be amazed at the fire-breathing dragon that sits atop Gringott’s Bank and work your magic spells throughout the parks with your very own Ollivander’s wand. Be sure to take the train both ways because the experience is different as you travel between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Stock up on sugar quills at Honeydukes and don’t forget to sample the butterbeer. To top off the experience, the parks feature some great rides for all ages, including a recreation of the epic escape from Gringott’s on a 2,000-ft long indoor rollercoaster.
Carrick Buss runs the family travel blog Along for the Trip.