That’s the tagline on all the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 posters. And it’s true. The books are done and now films are done and for many people, it feels like the end of an era. I’ve been involved in the world of Harry Potter for nearly 15 years and it’s been, well, magical. I’ve eagerly awaited each book, only to read it too quickly, and watched and re-watched the movies. I’ve warned my friends that I’m going to see DH Part 2 with that I’ll probably (definitely) cry.
But it’s not really the end for Potter fans. Parts of Harry Potter exist in the real world and you can go visit.
For example, Platform 9 ¾ has been recreated at Kings Cross station. Despite wanting to visit both times I’ve been in London, I haven’t been able to make the trip yet so it’s still on my list. Also, on my list for HP fun is Oxford. I know a few people studying there and I want to visit with the secret intention of visiting the inspiration for Hogwarts Great Hall – Christ Church. Unfortunately, they won’t serve you butter beer.
You can also walk through the cloisters at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire and pretend you’re on your way to Charms class. I’m far from being school-aged but I’d use my imagination.
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type (which I am admittedly not), The Deathly Hallows Part 1 offers a lot of stunning locations. Watching that film, I was really blown away by some of the vistas, shot in locations around the UK such as Yorkshire Dales National Park, Burnham Beeches and Malhem Cove to name just a few. Or you can check out Freshwater West Beach, the idyllic setting of Shell Cottage.
Perhaps the most popular tourist destination for Harry fans is Alnwick Castle, the stand in for Hogwarts. Yes, Hogwarts really exists and yes, someone actually lives there. Alnwick Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland and is used as a residence. (Side note: The heir to the dukedom is rumored to be dating Pippa Middleton. If they get married and she gets to live in Hogwarts, my jealousy of the Middleton family will be beyond overwhelming.) Alnwick Castle has served as a film set many times over but Hogwarts will always be its greatest claim to fame to most of us.
With 8 films shot over 10 years, the locations listed here are obviously only a small selection of all the locations Harry Potter has used. Rick Steves list some others and there are many organized tours around the UK that you can take. If you’re stuck in the US, you can also visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida
When the music swells over the end credits this weekend, many fans will feel that it’s truly the end of 15 great years. But the magical world of Harry Potter is entwined with our real one if you know where to look.
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