Playing Potter: what can a Harry Potter fan do in London?
While the books and movies for the original Harry Potter series may have wrapped up years ago, that doesn’t mean that the magic is gone. For some, their love of Harry Potter is still as alive as it was right back at the beginning. If you want to spend a day out in London, you may want to consider visiting certain locations that can make that magic feel even more real.
Look into tours
A number of tours exist dedicated to J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. Visit here to see many that operate but, for those on a small budget, you may want to consider an interactive tour of different locations in central London that may have been featured in the movies. In addition to this, a guide might also be able to give you extensive facts about the filming, how locations were used, and even their connection to the cast and crew. This can allow you to spend some time with a small group of like-minded individuals who also love Harry Potter, and allow you to be taken directly to those special locations.
Have dinner in the Great Hall
At certain times of the year, the Warner Brothers Studios located near Watford Junction may allow you to book to have dinner just like Harry and his friends might. This may often occur around Christmas. However, they might also take event bookings at other times. You may want to consider the feasibility, as hiring the Great Hall can come at a significant cost. If that isn’t feasible, it may be a good idea to wait until they host a shared dining evening, allowing you to just book tickets for your party for a public event. Within this, you may be able to tour the studios and see the different props and costumes, get a complimentary glass of Butterbeer, and even enjoy a two-course meal.
See the sequel
Depending on where you stand, some people see The Cursed Child as a sequel, while others cannot view it as canonical. If you are in the first group, you may want to think about viewing both parts live. Although The Cursed Child has been published in screenplay form, it was ultimately written for the stage. Getting to see it at the Palace Theatre may help to sweep you up for a few hours, allowing you to really see what happens next. This theatre, built in the late 1800s, may give you magical vibes in itself, really setting the tone for the performance you intend to watch.
Spending time in London can allow you to gain numerous experiences. Alongside the normal tourist attractions that the ‘muggles’ might enjoy, you may also want to think about the ways you can bring your love for Harry Potter into the trip. Depending on your budget, and the time of year, these experiences may vary, so you may want to take that into account before rushing to book your stay as soon as possible.