Harry Potter fans won't need a Portkey to get to the Wizarding World – there are heaps of magical breaks for muggles nestled across the UK.
We're talking apartments themed to look like everything from Hogwarts to the Gryffindor common room, Harry Potter's childhood home, Hagrid's Hut and even the real-life Hogwarts Express.
Oh, and then of course there are heaps of Harry Potter filming locations across the UK that are worth having on your radar if you're exploring a new British hotspot.
We've done the legwork for you and searched out some of the best Harry Potter themed breaks, from quirky accommodation to fun days out across the UK.
So, don your house robes, pack your wand and get ready for a magical stay…
1. Harry Potter themed apartment
The Canongate Luxury Apartment in Edinburgh has been transformed into a muggle's dream with a
We're talking a Gryffindor-themed bedroom complete with an illusion of floating candles, heaps of memorabilia (including a desk that reportedly belonged to J.K. Rowling herself), a living room decked out to look like the Gryffindor common room, and of course, heaps of Harry Potter books.
Even the doors are painted in the Hogwarts houses' signature colours. (You can take more of a sneak peek inside here ).
Oh, and it boasts a handy central location if you're planning to explore the Scottish capital.
Want to book a stay? Prices start from £114 a night on Booking.com .
-
Harry Potter fans can sneak into the Slytherin common room in the Studio Tour
-
Best UK literary locations that every book lover needs to visit at least once
2. Godrick's Hollow
Godrick's Hollow played a key role in the Harry Potter novels; after all, it's where Harry's parents were murdered by Voldemort (and where the Boy Who Lived got his lightning bolt scar).
In the films, it was actually The De Vere House in Lavenham, Suffolk, which doubled up as the property – and you can book stays from £110 a night on Airbnb .
Inside you can expect heaps of luxury thanks to the two four poster bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a sitting room complete with a log fire, and even a courtyard garden. The ideal retreat for Potterheads looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
If you loved the films as much as the books, then the Studio Tour needs to be on your radar. Wander through iconic sets from the Great Hall to the Gryffindor Common room, get up close to the costumes and props and learn heaps of fascinating secrets.
(There are even green screen experiences if you fancy creating some magical moments of your own!).
Adult tickets start from £47, child tickets from £38 – you can find out more on the Warner Bros Studio Tour website . Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.
It's easy to visit on a day out from London but if you are looking to stay nearby, TripAdvisor has a handy round-up of the closest hotels to the Harry Potter tour .
-
Prettiest National Trust spots used as filming locations for hit films and TV shows
4. Real-life Hogwarts Express
We're all disappointed we didn't get to go to Hogwarts as kids – but you can still experience a part of the wizarding magic on board the real Hogwarts Express.
Its real name is the Jacobite Steam Train, and it doubled up as the magical locomotive for the films.
It doesn't go to Hogwarts (sadly) but it does offer magical views, travelling between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland. Think scenery including Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis, to name a few.
The carriage interiors all look like something out of a novel with their plush seating and refurbished vintage features. (Or you can opt for six-passenger First Class carriages like the ones we're used to seeing Hogwarts students travelling in).
The Jacobite runs a seasonal service from April to September – adult tickets start from £31.75, child tickets from £18.75. You can find out more on the Jacobite Steam Train website .
5. Hagrid's Hut
Always wanted to sink into the armchairs by the fire in Hagrid's Hut? Thanks to a real-life replica near the North York Moors National Park, you can.
The aptly named Groundkeeper's Cottage comes complete with the turreted roof, stained glass windows and plenty of extra wizarding touches to make you feel like you've stepped onto a film set.
There are also a few extra comforts – think comfortable sofas by the open fireplace, a copper roll top bath and comfortable beds. (Oh, and no mischievous magical creatures in sight!).
Three-night stays start from £600, and the cottage sleeps up to six. You can find out more on the Groundkeeper's Cottage website .
6. Balmoral Hotel
A stay at this swanky hotel in Edinburgh doesn't come cheap – you'll need to empty your Gringotts vault with prices from £1,500 a night.
However, the hotel played a key role in Harry Potter series, as it was here where J.K. Rowling wrote the final book.
In fact, you can book the very suite where she locked herself away. It's been renamed the 'J.K. Rowling Suite' and there are plenty of magical touches in a nod to the world of Harry Potter, including an owl door knocker.
Inside, expect heaps of luxury including a huge bedroom with a king sized bed, an ensuite marble bathroom with a huge tub, and a separate living area with plush sofas and desks.
You can find out more on the Rocco Forte Hotels website here .
Alnwick Castle is a must visit for Potterheads, having served as a Hogwarts filming location in heaps of the films.
For example, the Outer Bailey is where Harry learns to fly broomsticks with Madam Hooch and learns about Quidditch – in fact, muggles who visit can take part in broomstick training at the castle.
The castle's courtyards and baileys were used for various scenes, such as when Harry and Ron crash-landed the Weasley family’s flying car, and often play host to heaps of fun themed events – including appearances from Harry Potter character lookalikes!
Looking to stay nearby? Lastminute.com has a guide to cheap hotels near Alnwick Castle with prices starting from £25 a night.
Source: Read Full Article