Fly on a broomstick, discover a brand new Harry Potter theme park and go to different lesser-known magical spots world wide!
Photo credit score: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
The Wizarding World has been a type of escapism for me since my very first ebook as a child. And though the final film adaptation got here out in 2011 (sure, 12 years in the past), they’re nonetheless my consolation motion pictures of selection to observe on a comfy day in.
With the most recent Harry Potter theme park in Tokyo, it’s evident that witches and wizards haven’t stopped craving for extra magic. So, I made a decision to search out 11 different horcruxes lesser-known Harry Potter experiences across the globe!
If you’ve by no means stopped believing magic is on the market, that is for you. Hold on to your brooms, trigger right here’s the last word Potterhead journey bucket listing ????
p.s. a printable Potterhead Travel Checklist lies on the finish!
1) Tokyo Harry Potter Theme Park
Photo credit score: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
Opening on 16 June 2023, The Making of Harry Potter Tour in Tokyo would be the first Warner Bros. Studio in Asia, and the third on the planet (the opposite two are in Hollywood and London)!
It’ll have unique units from the Fantastic Beasts motion pictures which aren’t displayed on the London studio tour — so that you’re assured a distinct Harry Potter expertise!
Photo credit score: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
The exclusivity doesn’t cease there — the largest Warner Bros. Studio Tour store on the planet will probably be discovered right here. So relish the enjoyment of buying all of the wizarding goodies in a single place!
*Note: Tickets are on sale from now until 30 September 2023, however do verify the official web site for updates.
*Pro-tip: Follow the official Twitter account for hints and sneaks in regards to the park in the event you’re including this to your Potterhead journey bucket listing.
Entrance payment: ¥6,300/pax (~S$62/pax)
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 10PM
Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, 1-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima ward, 179-0074 Tokyo
2) Hogwarts School Grounds
Photo credit score: Alnwick Castle
A real fan of the Harry Potter motion pictures can already hear Hermione’s voice saying, “Besides, you don’t even know how to fly!”
Alnwick Castle is a backdrop for a lot of iconic scenes within the motion pictures however this was the place our first-year golden trio had their first broomstick classes. And guess what, so are you able to!
Photo credit score: Good Journey
While broomstick classes are beneficial for these aged 6 – 16, converse to a employees in case your interior youngster wants to do that — you’ll almost certainly be accommodated.
Other than flying on broomsticks, you may as well be a part of the Alwick on Location movie tour to see the interior bailey the place Harry and Ron crashed the Ford Angulia. Plus, get a photo-op on the Lion Arch — aka the best way out and in of Hogwarts!
Before you allow, don’t overlook to flick thru unique Alnwick Castle x Harry Potter memorabilia on the Courtyard Gift Shop too.
*Pro-tip: Plan your journey utilizing this route planner in the event you’re getting right here by rail or bus!
Entrance payment: From £19.50/pax incl. broomstick classes (~S$28/pax)
Opening hours: Varies (closed throughout winter)
3) Livraria Lello
Said to be frequented by the creator herself whereas she was residing in Portugal, Livraria Lello is a must-add to any Potterhead journey bucket listing!
This bookstore is rumoured to be the muse behind Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry — and it’s simple to see why. From step one in, you’ll be greeted with attractive structure that screams magic and grandeur. Even the outside seems to be like one of many retailers alongside Diagon Alley.
Although entry was free, the bookshop has change into considerably of a vacationer attraction now so that you’ll want a ticket to enter. It’s a disgrace we will’t use obliviate on the muggles and skip the queue.
*Pro-tip: Purchase an entry ticket on-line — it permits precedence entry and can be utilized to dock €5 off a ebook buy ????. Lunch hour and late afternoons are the most effective time to pop by this bookstore as there’ll be fewer crowds.
Entrance payment: From €5/pax (~S$7/pax)
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 7PM, closed on PH
How to get there: From São Bento station, stroll about 8mins up alongside Rua dos Clérigos, till you attain Rua das Carmelitas
4) Warner Bros. Harry Potter Tour
Photo credit score: Klook
The whole forged and crew of the Harry Potter motion pictures spent over 10 years on this important filming web site in Leavesdon — making Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London basically a Potterhead’s holy floor.
While strolling behind the scenes, look out for nuggets of knowledge that can make you an asset on trivia recreation nights. For occasion, do you know that the classic books in Dumbledore’s workplace are literally remodelled cellphone books?
*Pro-tip: Queue in entrance of the Great Hall earlier than your tour begins for an enormous shock when the doorways open! Otherwise, you’d be tiptoeing on the again wishing you would Ascendio above the crowds.
Photo credit score: @wbtourlondon by way of Instagram
Having a butterbeer (non-alcoholic) is a should to finish the Harry Potter expertise so don’t overlook to seize a mug (£3.95) on the Backlot Cafe. Butterbeer is a candy concoction of butterscotch and wheat — they now have bottled vegan variations accessible too!
*Pro-tip: Dress up in your Hogwarts uniform as there’ll be many alternatives to recreate film scenes on the precise units!
Entrance payment: £51.50/pax (~S$85/pax)
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR (Round-trip bus excursions accessible from completely different pick-ups round London)
Read additionally: Harry Potter London Itinerary: The Quintessential Guide To 4 Days in London for All Potterheads
5) Gryffindor’s Common Room
Photo credit score: AirBnb
Going to theme parks and iconic places is one solution to recreate the magic. But one other approach is to have a sleepover in The Common Room — an AirBnb designed to seem like Gryffindor’s hideout.
This condominium is a haven crammed with duplicate props from the films and Harry Potter Blu-ray Discs for a film marathon. The kitchen is well-stocked and free to be used, however there aren’t any home elves to assist with the cooking!
Photo credit score: AirBnb
With all this magic round, it appears simple to overlook that this unit sits alongside a busy road close to Victoria’s waterfront. So after a day of Muggle watching and casting spells from the balcony alcove, take off your invisibility cloak and whisper to your self ‘Mischief Managed’.
Cost: From S$176/evening
Address: Yates St, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (actual location offered after reserving)
6) Orlando’s Wizarding World
Photo credit score: Universal Studios
Orlando’s Wizarding World is the one Universal Studios theme park that has two Harry Potter-themed areas — Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade! Best half is you may experience on the Hogwarts Express that’ll take you from one space to a different.
The Leaky Cauldron, Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes, and Knockturn Alley are timeless gems that make Diagon Alley a basic favorite. But with the brand new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Hogsmeade, each themed areas are a must-visit while you’re there!
Photo credit score: Universal Studios
Also, don’t miss out on the hidden interactive gems throughout the park. Seek out no less than six of all of them round Diagon Alley — from trying into the Mirror of Erised to talking Parseltongue to the snake at Magical Menagerie!
There are extra secret options in Hogsmeade too, trace: holographic howlers and actual mail service on the Owlery. Have enjoyable with the hunt! And no, muttering revelio gained’t work.
Entrance payment: From ~S$203/pax
Opening hours: Varies
Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
7) Harry Potter Cafe
Photo credit score: Harry Potter Cafe
As a nod to the extravagance of a Hogwarts Feast, the presentation of meals on the Harry Potter Cafe, Tokyo takes centre stage.
The Harry Potter-themed menu contains drinks, desserts and important course meals starting from ~¥1,200 to ~¥2,350. At simply ¥1,400, this Hedwig Cake is among the cutest objects on the menu — it’s virtually too fairly to eat!
Photo credit score: Harry Potter Cafe
Drinks are named after spells or charms (there’s one referred to as Wingardium Leviosa!) But they’re all non-alcoholic so nobody’s getting stupefied right here ????
There’s additionally a 3.5m-long model of Harry’s wand hanging from the ceiling — good for a photo-op you may’t get anyplace else!
Opening hours: 11AM – 5PM for cafe menu, 5PM – 11PM for dinner menu
Address: Akasaka Biz Tower, 5 Chome-3-1 Akasaka, Minato City, 107-6301 Tokyo
8) Godric’s Hollow
Photo credit score: AirBnb
Remember within the final film (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1) when Harry and Hermionie had been strolling alongside Godric’s Hollow trying on the Potter’s House? They had been truly taking a look at this home proper right here!
Named De Vere House, this magical dwelling sits alongside the medieval village of Lavenham in Suffolk, England.
Photo credit score: AirBnb
De Vere House is now transformed into an AirBnb the place rooms come totally furnished, with breakfast and entry to the courtyard. Do notice it’s solely open to these 18 years outdated and above although!
I’d think about studying Deathly Hallows right here would give an entire new that means to “I open at the close”. (Brb, grabbing tissues.)
Cost: From £145/evening, min 2 nights (~S$210/evening)
How to get there: Take a prepare from London to Sudbury. From Sudbury, take bus 753 in direction of Bury St Edmunds and alight while you see The Swan Hotel alongside High St.
9) The Potter Trail
Photo credit score: The Potter Trail
The Potter Trail is a 75-minute free tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town that takes one round iconic spots which have influenced or have been influenced by the Harry Potter mania.
Walk by means of Greyfriar’s Kirk the place the actual Tom Riddle — whose title impressed Voldermort’s — is buried! Or stroll alongside the streets which could have impressed Diagon Alley. Don’t overlook to convey a wand as there’ll be alternatives to good your *swish and flick* alongside the best way!
Photo credit score: The Potter Trail
The tour will even take you previous the well-known Elephant House the place the good creator herself spent numerous hours writing the books. Unfortunately although, the tea home is quickly closed on account of a fireplace however reconstruction works are ongoing so verify their web site for updates!
Cost: Free
Tour timing: Book a slot prematurely
Meeting level: Statue of Greyfriars Bobby, on the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row
10) Hogwart’s Express
Photo credit score: West Coast Railways
From being the primary place the place the golden trio met to being the setting for the final scene in ebook seven, The Hogwarts Express wants no introduction.
But do you know that the Jacobite is the precise prepare behind the inspiration for the magical locomotive? Instead of Platform 9 and three/4 although, the round-trip route begins from Fort William Station earlier than making its approach by means of Glenfinnan, Arisaig, and Mallaig.
Fun truth: The scene within the film the place Ron hangs out of the blue Ford Angulia is at Glenfinnan!
Photo credit score: West Coast Railways
For an immersive expertise, ebook the compartment class as a substitute of the primary class! Compartment lessons (class D) are six-person carriages during which Harry, Ron, and Hermoine sit throughout their commute to Hogwarts. But take notice that outdoors meals and drinks should not allowed in school D.
*Pro-tip: Bring some money so you will get meals off the trolley woman from the buffet.
Cost: From £57/pax (~S$94)
Timings: Varies
Address: Fort William Station, Tom-na-Faire, Station Square, Fort William, Highland, PH33 6EN
11) Hagrid’s Hut
Photo credit score: North Shire
Hagrid’s Hut has at all times been a spot of refuge for the golden trio. So for these looking for someplace protected to run, why not keep on this Grounds Keeper’s Cottage?
Located in Yorkshire Coast, this quaint lodging is made up of a residing space, a built-in kitchen and a bed room. And though it’d look small, this dwelling can match as much as six individuals!
Photo credit score: North Shire
Plus, the lavatory right here is making my interior Draco Malfoy come to life. Those deep emerald inexperienced floor-to-ceiling tiles and dim lighting are simply beckoning for me to Slyther-in that luxurious copper tub.
*Pro-tip: Book no less than two months forward as slots are sometimes snapped up!
Cost: From £195/evening (~S$323/evening)
Address: Golden Hill Farm, Liverton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland, TS13 4TJ
12) Japan’s Wizarding World
Located inside Universal Studios Japan, Japan’s Wizarding World in Osaka is dwelling to the well-known Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience — an immersive expertise that’s clinched the title of the world’s primary experience for 5 consecutive years!
Plus, there’s a recreation of the Black Lake right here that you could’t discover in Orlando — the timber across the lake are populated with actual owls too ????.
Other Harry Potter experiences right here embrace magical performances by college students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Or channel your interior Hermionie Granger and look out for alternatives to attend a Wand Studies lesson across the park.
Make a cease at Ollivander’s and get an interactive wand — it will flip the whole park right into a wizard’s playground. With a numbered map, discover areas the place you may make snowstorm, conjure water with Aguamenti and extra!
Spells take follow and correct enunciation to work — so keep in mind, it’s levi-O-sa not levio-SAR!
*Pro-tip: Use the JR Pass to go to each theme parks in Tokyo and Osaka, which provide Harry Potter experiences.
Entrance payment: From S$86/pax
Opening hours: Varies
How to get right here: Take the JR Yumesaki Line from Nishikujo station. Alight after one cease at Universal City station.
Read additionally: 10-Day Japan Rail Itinerary For First Timers Under S$900 — Tokyo to Osaka
Epic Potterhead Travel Bucket List
Fireworks above Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Japan!
As a real fan, it was thrilling for me to listen to in regards to the new Harry Potter Studio in Tokyo. Although, I wasn’t positive if I wished to make a journey to Japan only for that!
But now that I’ve discovered trails of the Harry Potter franchise all around the world, I would simply plan a visit to discover just a few of those hidden gems suddenly. As it seems, I didn’t want Marvolo Gaunt’s ring to resurrect the Potterhead in me, just a few analysis!
If you’re additionally impressed to plan a magical journey of your individual, take notice that a few of these places are a bit of out of the best way from normal vacationer sizzling spots! So plan your route properly by checking the transportation schedule, reserving seats early and factoring in further time for commuting ????
Bonus: Harry Potter Experiences Checklist
Print out our helpful guidelines earlier than you go in your journey and tick off the places as you go alongside! Or tack it in your workplace cubicle as a reminder to make that journey occur ????
Know of another points of interest so as to add to our Potterhead journey bucket listing? Let us know within the feedback beneath!