Harry Potter things to do in London

London is full of magical spots and things to do. I have put together a little

list here: 

First up are three fab stores and shops, who also have fabulous displays. 

- The House of Mina of Mina Lima

It just celebrated the third birthday and is a little store on a few floors right behind the Palace Theatre in London. It's full of designs by Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina. They designed The Marauders Map, the Hogwarts School books, the Dialy Prophet and so many other things. It's a must-see for every fan, they have wonderful prints as well. 

- The Noble Collection

This store is located in Covent Garden and is full of replicas and other Harry Potter merchandise. You can get a time-turner, the Philosopher's Stone, all the Horcruxes, house related items, plushies, wands and so much more. I love the way they displayed everything, so pretty. 

- Platform 9 3/4 store

This one is obviously located at King's Cross station and has so many things. Shirt, house related items, bookmarks, notebooks etc. A dream come true for every potterhead. 

Now let's continue with other activities and places. 

- King's Cross and St. Pancras

These two stations are right next to each other. You can take a photo in front of platform 9 3/4 and of course visit the shop as well. 

- Warner Bros Studio Tour

The obvious must for every fan. The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is located in Watford and can easily be reached from London by train. It's a unique experience to visit the  Harry Potter film set. You can walk through the great hall, see the Gryffindor common room, walk through the Forbidden Forest, see the Hogwarts Express, Gringotts, Privet Drive and so much more (will publish a separate post). The store, in the end, is paradise. 

- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Go see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre, it's amazing!

Read my review here. 

- Millenium Bridge

It played an important part in the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. 

Other places: Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, Grimmauld Place (houses and Claremont Square), Diagon Alley (Cecil Court and Godwin's Court). 

Of course there are also several walking tours you can do through the city.

Harry Potter Spots in Edinburgh

I have always wanted to go to Edinburgh, all the Harry Potter related places were a very great extra. Here is a list of places you should go to, when you are a potterhead. 
The Elephant House

It's the birth place of Harry Potter, where J.K. Rowling spent some time writing Harry Potter. There are some frames in there with her pictures on and you should definitely go to the toilet there, the walls are full of Harry Potter related quotes and words. 
Nicolson's Café (now Spoon)

This is where J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Outside the café there is also a little sign with her photo on and the information. 
Greyfriars Kirkyard, George Heriot's School

On the graveyard, you will find graves of people, who have inspired some names for the books: Moodie, McGonagall and most famously Thomas Riddell. The spelling is a bit different, bit still. Next to McGonagall's grave, there is the George Heriot's School, it inspired Hogwarts. The graves are not easy to find. You have to go to the back of the church through an archway and then to the right or towards the gate to the school. 
City Chambers for J.K. Rowling's handprints

City Chambers is located on the Royal Mile, you can hardly miss it. There are a lot of fingerprints there, I thought I will never find them. I started on the left hand side though and they were right there. What a special moment!
Shops: Boy Wizard and Museum Context

Both shops are located on Victoria Street (the inspiration for Diagon Alley) and several other locations. Both sell lots of Harry Potter merchandise and they are just full of magic. A must-see place for every fan. 
Victoria Street (Diagon Alley)

It was inspiration for Diagon Alley and it's so pretty!!! It's colourful and very cute. There is also a Diagon Alley sign in Candlemaker Row. 
The Balmoral Hotel

J.K. Rowling finished the last chapter of the last book in this hotel. The suite is now named after her. 

Potterrow Port (Order of the Phoenix)

It has inspired the tunnel/walk way for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, where the dementor attacked Harry and Dudley. 

From one Harry Potter city to another. London calling...

On Monday, April 15 I took the train from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross. The whole journey took 4 hours and 40 minutes. On the way I looked at the lovely scenery, listened to music, wrote some blog posts and read Lindsey Kelk's newest book. At Kings Cross I took the underground to Covent Garden and checked in at my hotel.
After that I immediately left the hotel again and walked around the Covent Garden area (one of my faves). My first stop was The Noble Collection store, they have all the official Harry Potter merchandise, as well as other movies like Fantastic Beasts, Lord of the Rings, The hobbit etc. I was in there last time we were in London as well, but i wasn't feeling well and didn't have the energy to properly look around. So this time I really took my time looking at every single detail. They have all the wands, plushies, replica of the Philosopher Stone, the Rawenclaw Diadem, the Grindlewald pendant, the Triwizard cup etc. they also have brooms, arteft boxes, house related things etc. you can definitely spend hours in there. The way they display things is brilliant, so pretty!!! I didn't bux anything yet, but definitely kept some things in mind. Then I just went into some stores: French Connection, Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger, & other stories etc. I also walked around covent garden looked at the beautiful flowers and enjyod the su shine, before having dinner at the hotel restaurant Monmouth Kitchen. The have a tapas style menu, which is fab. They have changed it a little bit, so I tried some new things and had my beloved Chardonnay from Chile. The rest of the evening was spent in the room and I went to bed early, because...

...Tuesday meant an early start. I gave myself enough time to get to the Harry Potterr studio tour in Leavsden. I got a coffee and ate breakfast on the train from Euston. Then of course I took the bus and collected my ticket. My time was at 10.00 am, but I took some tiemto look at the new entrance first. The huge dragon is very impressive, die hen there are all the oictures from the characters ariznd the dragon, plus the castle and some ither details. There are also costumes and windows with some nice details. Completely new is also the chocolate frog café, the marauders map around it and part of the enchanted ceiling. The whole entrance to the cinema room is different, covering all eight movies. From the cinema room, you go to The Great Hall and then the room with all the props and sets. Then comes the Forbidden Forest and Platform 9 ¾, both have a shop. After that comes the Backlot Café and then the whole exterior area with The Knight Bus, Privet Drive, the bridge and more. From the creatures area, we see all the goblins, which afterwards leads to Gringotts (the new part). What they did there is fabulous, the main hall of the bank is great and I really liked the Lestrange vault. When you come out of Gringotts you walk through Diagon Alley, the the model section and the the Hogwarts model, before stepping into the wand shop and then the actual shop of the tour. I spent a really long time in the shop and walked home with quite a few things (details in my studio tour post). I had lunch at the studios as well and enjoyed a coffee from the Chocolate Frog Café, before taking back the train to central London. From Euston station, I went to Kings Cross and headed to the 9 ¾store, I had to stand inline to get in. I couldn’t resist buying some little things. Then I took the time to relax at the hotel, get changed and have ddinndinner there 

Dinner there again. They have a fab menu, so I had to try other things. Before going to the theatre I went to Trafalgar Square ad took some phtos there and looked at the London Eye. Fiddler on the Roof was playing at The Playhouse theatre and I really enjoyed the show. Great story, fab acting, wonderful voices (read my musical review to know more). 

Wednesday was another Harry Potter day, but I started with a yummy coffee from Monmouth Coffee and some shopping on Regent Street. I bought some summer shorts at Abercrombie and Fitch and just browsed through my fave stores. At 12 I headed tob e beloved restaurant in Carnaby Street called Dehesa, another Tapas place. I had to rush a bit and eat fast, because I had to go back tot he hotel ,leave my tjings there,pick up my ticket and go to the theatre. Luckily, the theatre was on the way back, so I got my tickets before going tot he hotel. I quickly freshened up and walkedto the thatre, it was just a three minute walk. I took some time to take photos in front of the theatre, with the ticket, without, me standing in front etc. Then I had to stand in the queue to get in. They tell you tob e there an hour early, because they take their time checking bags and tickets, the line actually goes around the theatre. The momentI got in, I checked out the store first to see what they have, bought a program, got a coffee and chilled at the bar. Then part one started and I actually had tears in my eyes, a very special moment (more details in my review, soon). After part one I went to the Mina Lima store and actually ordered two very special prints. I then had dinner and enjoyed a little drink at the hotel, before going back tot he theatre for part two. It was amazing, just incredible!

On Thursday I took my time in the moring and I had to pack, which wasn’t easy, because I bought some things ;). After checking out I got my coffee first and walked to Piccadilly Circus, where I went to Tesco first ad then to Waterstones, a must of course. Then I did the res of Regent Street, especially Ted Baker, where I bought some culottes. I had to go back to Dehesa for lunch, because it was justso delicious and I wanted to take my time. The afternoon was spent in Liberty, Starbucks (outside in the sunshine), Mina Lima again and Foyles. Sadly, it was time to say goodbye to London after that, I took the underground to heathrow airport.

London really is a home away from home, I miss it already and want to go back. 

Edinburgh - Travel Diary

Friday, April 12. Could have been the 13th, with the things that went wrong. I got up early and went to the airport with enough time, just to drop off my suitcase and being told that my flight has a delay of over five hours. The plane was supposed to take off at 11.30 am, the new time was 4.50 pm. Well, I went to Starbucks for coffee first and then went into some shops before security. After an hour, I went through security and walked around, trying to find out, how I can get my money back. Then I went to the center bar to get some lunch and a drink, we got a 20 francs voucher for lunch. So that killed another hour. Then I got another coffee at Starbucks, sat down and read my book. Unfortunately, I was sitting in a restaurant area, so I had to move. About 90 minutes before the new boarding time, I finally had a gate and slowly went there. At the gate, I enjoyed some snacks, continued reading and started talking to a lovely Scottish lady. After that, they moved back the takeoff time several times until it stopped at 5.10 pm. Boarding was obviously late, but at 5.00 I entered the plane. You now think that I was finally able to go. Well, you thought wrong, eight passengers didn't turn up, so they had to take out their luggage. Due to that, we lost our starting slot and the new one was only 50 minutes later, because plane traffic is high around London, fabulous... Well, the plane started moving at 6.00 pm. And we landed in Edinburgh at 7.10 pm (UK time) and guess what, the ground staff wasn't ready for us. Well, I arrived at the hotel at around 8.00 pm, quickly checked in and went for a little walk around the area before the sun was gone. 

Victoria Street

I got up very early on Saturday because I wanted to make most of the day. The road leading from my hotel to the Royal Mile is called Victoria Street and it was an inspiration for Diagon Alley, it's so pretty. It was a sunny day and I headed straight to Starbucks for breakfast. Then I walked up the Royal Mile to the castle, where I took some pictures of the view around, then waited for my entry time. At 9.30 am the doors opened and I started exploring the castle. There is so much to see, you can get an audio guide, but I didn't. That meant I read all the signs carefully (in the beginning anyway). It was very interesting and it's just so pretty. I think I spent about 1 1/2 hours there, before walking down Royal Mile again towards Canongate. A must see stop was the City chambers, to see J.K. Rowling's golden handprints on the floor. I popped into some shops on the way, like The Boy Wizard, one of the Harry Potter stores and some typically Scottish ones. The walk to Canongate and Holyroodhouse is quite long and my hands started to get cold. I just quickly looked at Holyroodhouse, before heading to Calton Hill. A lot of steps later, I made it and I spent quite some time up there, there is so much to see: the National Monument of Scotland, The Nelson Monument and the Dugald Stewart Monument. The views all around are absolutely fantastic. Well, after that it was time for some lunch, I headed to John Lewis and the restaurant there. Then I of course explored the department store a little bit. At Starbucks, I stopped for a coffee and walked to the area between The Balmoral Hotel and the Scott Monument, where I just sat down, enjoyed my coffee and the view. Then I hit some shops (didn't buy anything) and enjoyed the sunshine in Princes Street Gardens, with a great view of the castle. Towards 5.00 pm I walked back to the old town, went into Museum Context, the other Harry Potter store, and then took a look at The Elephant House (where J.K. Rowling wrote the first part of the Harry Potter series). Another must-see for Harry Potter fans is Greyfriars Churchyard, especially some graves, which inspired names in the books: Riddell, Moodie, and McGonagall. Next to the cemetery is also a school, which apparently inspired Hogwarts (George Heriot's School). The funny thing: I also saw the school from my hotel room window. Back at the hotel I ordered room service, watched tv, enjoyed a bubble bath and chilled. I walked over 21 km, quite exhausting, in a good way of course.

Calton Hill

Princes Street Gardens

On Sunday I slept a bit longer and went to Starbucks for breakfast again. Then I bought some Harry Potter stuff at The Boy Wizard (a Hogwarts jumper, a bookmark, and some magnets) and headed to the New Town. I went into the shos properly this time. I also spent a lot of time at Waterstones, also for lunch. At Jenners, I tried on some clothes, because Ted Baker had 30% off everything. I found some great tops. The weather was very cloudy the whole day and very windy and cold, so I decided to go to the National Scottish Portrait Gallery. They had a really nice photo of the queen standing in the Scottish Highlands, that was very pretty. For dinner I went to the Pizza Express, I had a yummy vegan pizza. I didn't want vegan, but it had the perfect toppings. The rest of the night was spent with tv and a bath. 

Calton Hill

Princes Street Gardens

Scott Monument

Edinburgh Castle

Monday marked the end of my time in Edinburgh. From one Harry Potter city to another, London calling...  (next blog post)

I really enjoyed my time in Edinburgh, it's a beautiful city with so much to offer. I love the mixture between old and new and of course the Harry Potter aspect of it. Keep your eyes peeled for some Harry Potter tips as well. 

View from Edinburgh Castle

Hogwarts A Mystery

As a big Harry Potter fan and potterhead, I had to download this game of course. 
The excitement in the beginning was huge and it's actually still there, because the game has some great parts, but also some annoying ones. 
Of course you pick a name first and buy everything you need at Diagon Alley. It's where you meet your best friend Rowan. She is kind of a guide and helps in the beginning. Then it's time for Hogwarts. You get to pick your own house and start your school year. There are side and main tasks. Some are lessons in charms, potions etc. other are helping Hagrid or finding something.  You basically create your own story. Other characters and Hogwarts professors ask you questions and you pick an answer. Your character is well know as well and your brother once went to Hogwarts. This story is full of mysteries about Cursed Vaults. It's your goal to find out more about them and of course you want to fin your brother. 
At the moment you can get to the end of year three/four with very excited plot changes all the time. You get to know the teachers and lots of other students. Some become enemies and some become friends. You can up your level with friends by talking to them in the Great Hall or playing gobstones. You can of course level up and also gain attributes: courage, knowledge and empathy.
I like the fact that you can make your own decisions and pick answers. It kind of makes the storyline special for everyone, even though the plot is still similar for everyone. Discovering Hogwarts, going to lessons and talking to friends is great fun. The most annoying thing about the game is the loosing energy thing. It happens quickly and it takes a lot of time to regain it, so there is a lot of waiting involved. The choice of clothes is not that great either. On top of that I think that certain things are pretty obvious (answers when you talk to friends or play gobestones with them) and other get repetitive (lessons). 
All in all, I still enjoy it very much, because I want to know what happens next and I actually kind of have a little ritual of when I play, so I don't always have to wait on energy. 
Can't wait to see what happens next. 

Things I didn’t like in the Harry Potter movies

Not too long ago I wrote a post abut things I didn’t like in the Harry Potter storyline, read it here:

I said there already that I don’t want to change anything about it and I’m really happy the way it was written, it’s J.K. Rowling’s story and plot and that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

The movies are a bit of a different thing though and I think a lot of you will agree with me. We all read the books first and then watched the movies. To not make the movies to long things were changed and scratched and yes, I’m not happy about certain things in the movies. Here the are:

-       Harry’s and Lily’s eyes: Harry has green eyes like his mother. This is a very important fact in the book! In the movies neither Harry nor his mother have green eyes. NO-GO!

-       Dobby/Winky: There were no Dobby and Winky in 4th movie, which is a shame. The scenes with them in the kitchen are adorable and on top oft hat: Dobby helps Harry with the second task.

-       Dragons in the first task: In the movie the hint to go out with Hagrid before the first task comes from Ron, but actually it was Hagrid asking Harry to come see him.

-       Ginny’s and Harry’s first kiss: It happened after the deciding Quidditch game!!! Not in the room of requirements. Ginny wasn’t even helping him hide the book oft he half blood prince.

-       Peeves, Ludo Bagman: Nowhere to be seen in the movies.

-       Time travel: In the book it’s clear that interactions with their own selves are a no-go, but why is Hermione throwing rocks at themselves?!

-       Potions challenge in the philosopher’s stone: Hermione gains 50 points for Gryffindor through that and it’s vital in the storyline, not happening in the movie though.

-       Ron and Hermione: So they kiss after they destroy a Horcrux in the chamber of secrets?! In the book their relationship developed nicely.

-       The Weasley house attack: This only happens in the 6th movies, wheer Bellatrix and Greyback attack the Weasley house, IT’S NOT IN THE BOOK!!!!
-    Harry asking Cho to the yule ball: In the movie they are in the owlery! It did NOT happen this way!

There are some more things, but these things disturbed me most! How about you, was there something you didn’t like about the movies?