It has been quite a while since the release of the last Harry Potter film that marked the end of an enchanting era for a generation of wide readers and film buffs. But the magic of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and its renowned bespectacled graduate will forever live on a number of places.
If you are a Potter fan and wondering where to travel just so you could relive the adventures of the boy with the lightning scar, pack your suitcases now and steer your flying broomstick to any of these enthralling locations.
Alnwick’s Castle, England
Wandering along Alnwick Castle’s massive walls and vast terraces is a great way to appreciate this impressive Harry Potter location. With its breathtaking scenery of the countryside and beautifully landscaped grounds, Alnwick Castle, the second largest occupied castle in England was chosen as the location for Harry Potter’s first broomstick lesson and the crash landing of the Weasleys’ flying family car. Inside this once impenetrable fortress, guests will find luxurious state rooms filled with a spectacular array of furniture and art pieces. It also boasts of an astonishing library that houses 14,000 books and a pristine park that allows anyone a long and peaceful stroll. Potter fans will be delighted to see that the castle hosts broomstick trainings and regular Wizarding Weekends at the castle grounds.
Lavenham, England
Where to travel next for that ultimate Potter experience? To Lavenham, of course! With its flawlessly preserved 15th century buildings, antique taverns and gorgeous tea rooms, it comes as no wonder that this architecturally-striking medieval town was chosen as a Harry Potter setting. Almost every corner of Lavenham calls to mind times past which is why it is a perfect location for Harry Potter’s birthplace, the Godric’s Hollow. Must see’s of this town consist of the Tudor Guildhall of Corpus Christi, the home of Harry Potter’s parents, while history buffs can learn about the gruesome details of public executions that happened in Market Square.
Lacock Abbey, England
Potter fans can meander through Lacock Abbey’s dim naves and cloisters which were used as a Harry Potter setting for their hallways and classrooms at Hogwarts. In fact, the Sacristy became Professor Severus Snape’s potions classroom where Harry, Ron and Hermione first learned how to bottle and brew magic. This ethereal abbey stands at the centre of a pleasant 13th century village in Witlshire. Aside from the Harry Potter location, guests can drop by at some of the village’s other interesting outbuildings such as the bakery and brewery, or lounge around the sweeping lawns enclosing this stunning architectural creation.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Next in your Where to Travel List is Scotland. This beautiful country is filled with great shops, remarkable architecture and impressive volcanic hills. Edinburgh, meanwhile, takes pride in their Edinburgh Castle and the fact that Harry Potter was first created here! J.K. Rowling, the author of all the Potter novels, wrote the first book in two of the city’s cafes, the Spoon Cafe and The Elephant House, while she was struggling as a single mother. So, why don’t you pay these cafes a visit? You might just be the next best-selling author!
