If you have been following this blog or if you had a look at one of my posts about Edinburgh, you might already know that I am somewhat of a big Harry Potter fan.
I have been reading the books since I was only 6 years old, and they were a big part of my life growing up. I didn’t have a disgustingly awful childhood, but it wasn’t exactly easy either. My parents got divorced when I was only a little girl, and as a result I always found it hard to bond and befriend other children because even then, I felt much older.
I read a lot as a kid, I read to escape reality and the things that made me sad in the world; and by the time I turned about 8 years old, it became pretty apparent to all the other kids that I was different, and consequently, I seemed to have the words “easy target” emblazoned across my forehead until I hit high school.
It was a bit of catch 22. I read to escape my life. The fact that I preferred the company of books to people alienated me and made me a target for bullies. However this only led to me seeking more escapism from books. It was a bit of a vicious circle.
The Harry Potter books were some of my favourite books growing up. I related to the characters, I loved the stories and I dreamed of one day getting my letter from Hogwarts. This love has continued right through to adulthood and though I don’t read the books as obsessively as I did when I was younger, I still really love them. So despite the fact that I am probably one of the few people that quite dislikes London (sorry), I did want to return just so that I could go to Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden.
It. Was. Amazing!
Everything my inner child could have wanted, she got. I truly did feel like a little kid again, finally physically in the world I had dreamed about for so long.
I loved seeing the Boys Dormitory, especially one Mr Ron Weasley’s bed. The Harry Potter books also got me through puberty and adolescence and I had the biggest crush on Ron Weasley for most of my childhood and early pubescence. As a hormonally driven young teenager, I had imagined (fantasised?) about this bed for quite a while, so it was about three different kinds of hilarious to finally see it in real life and not just in my imagination.
Ultimately though, getting to taste Butterbeer was pretty high on the list of highlights. It did not taste anything like I expected. It was really sweet and kind of like creaming soda, it was unusual, but awesome. Kind of like the Harry Potter books.
Finally, I was not going to leave London without seeing Platform 9¾. My excitement levels were really quite high that day, as is evident in the following photograph.
Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Would you love to visit the studios and see your childhood come to life?
THE LOWDOWN
Getting to London: London is one of the biggest hubs in Europe and has endless rail, air and land connections
Phoenix Hostel: This is my favourite backpackers in London, click here to learn more
Camera: Images captured with an iPhone 4S
Remember: Even if you dislike London like me, it is worth braving for the Harry Potter goodness!
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Beautiful pics! Dream come true. 🙂
I’m not an avid fan, but would love to see the Studio. hopin’ this Fall! 🙂
I might consider the trip just for the butterbeer !
I want to see a post on London! What’s not to love?!
Ha! I’ll have to see what I can do but I just never quite connected with London
Hope you don’t go through the wall, you might not know your way back LOL. Great photos.
I’m a HP fan too. I’d love to visit the studio in London and the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in USA and embrace my inner child as well. I love the 9 3/4 photo but I can’t believe you don’t love London. It might possibly be my favorite city 🙂
What a fantastic experience. Sheer joy!
I just added this to my London itinerary!
Yay! You will have the best time 🙂
I’m putting this on my list of things to do next time I’m in London. I’m a big Harry Potter fan too.
It’s definitely worth the trip! 🙂
This does look fun, and I adore London.
I’ll bet that was a lot of fun! What a cool place to visit!
Okay, Ellen, you’ve captured me. First, thanks for following my blog. Having just read your blog on Harry Potter, I’ve hit your follow button as well. My wife Peggy and I travel extensively as well but right now we are at home in Oregon. Our evening entertainment of the moment: going through all of the Harry Potter movies, again. 🙂 I look forward to following your adventures. Be sure to check out my present series on Burning Man. It’s an event you would probably enjoy since it’s magical. –Curt
What a joy! It isn’t always easy to find that inner kid. Nice piece. 🙂
Visited the one in Japan just a few days ago and it was awesome!
Even for the non-Potterheads (like me), it’s a brilliant experience! I’ve just heard that they opened a whole new section recently, so I would love to go back to check it out 🙂
I soooooooo really want to go !!! im going to have to book a trip down some time this year. every where I look people are going and taking amazing pictures. x
I love your writing! It is funny and easy to accept. Keep going and let us enjoy your posts.
After all this time reading your blog, I am not at all surprised to learn that you are a HP fan. I always knew you were my kind of girl! This sounds like a dream trip for me. I am considering trekking down to Orlando Florida just to go to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios. Maybe you could put that on your itinerary! 😊
Oh I would love to! Unfortunately I doubt I will be able to make it to the States any time soon 🙁 I will have an Iranian stamp in my passport stamp soon which I am very excited about, but which will make it hard for me to enter the States 🙁
That’s sad. It’s a shame it has to be that way. Maybe someday.
I’ll list this place so i’ll visit next time I’m in London. I’m also big fan of Harry Potter too.