Guess what today is? Today is a hallowed day for those of us who’ve always believed that there is some magic in an otherwise largely Muggle world. To celebrate the birthday of both J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter, and to thank them wholeheartedly for letting us into a world which was far more satisfying than our own, Holidify comes up the best places which all Harry Potter fans should definitely visit.
1. Broom Lessons – Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Remember Madame Hooch’s broom lessons in the movies? Well, the exteriors and interiors of this Victorian Castle were largely the locations for filming. Lovely place to be, right?
2. Hogwarts Express Tracks – Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber, Scotland
What would I not give to take the train journey to Hogwarts every year! A major attraction for me would be the trolley, but the locations are just too awesome to be passed up. The point here is, you can take that lovely train journey, and be completely mesmerized by it.
3. Platform 9 ¾ – King’s Cross and St. Pancras Stations, London
And you thought running into a wall was all a sham! Well, the perfectly positioned half luggage cart begs to differ. The next time you’re in London, this is definitely somewhere to head to for some hardcore posing.
4. The Forbidden Forest – Black Park, Iver, England
For those of you who enjoy the occasional chills, head over to the Black Park in Iver. The locale for the haunted forest, this one will definitely be a fun experience. Who knows, Aragog might come out to shake hands with you!
5. Reptile House – London Zoo
One of the very first scenes in the iconic series, the Reptile House did have us all hooked! To recreate, step into the London Zoo for some feels.
6. Diagon Alley – Leadenhall, London
We all wanted to punch a certain Draco Malfoy in the face and hug an adorable Mrs Weasley, right there in Diagon Alley. Well, Leadenhall in London was where the exteriors of Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron were picked up from, and chances are, you’ll be sniffing back a few tears if you go exploring.
7. Georgian House Hotel
Who here wants to sleep on Harry’s bed, surrounded by Gryffindor colors? Well, none of us will ever say no to that. Head over to the Georgian House Hotel, to get a blazing feel of living in a Hogwarts Dorm!
8. Hogwarts Lake – Glencoe, Scotland
The next time you feel life’s throwing too many lemons, head over to Glencoe to savour the mesmerizing beauty that Hogwarts is.
9. Hogsmeade Station – Goathland Train Station, Yorkshire
This is the place where the Hogwarts express finishes it’s long journey. Plenty of tourists from all over the world flock to this little station. If you’re a Pottermaniac, you should do so too!
10. To have it all – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando, Florida
Do you want to drink in Wizard culture all at once? Head over to the Wizarding World at Florida! Drink Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice, see the likes of the specially created Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade and shop at extremely quirky shops from the Potter World. Do you need any more mantra for happiness? 