With 7 novels translated into more than 70 different languages, 8 feature films, 11 video games, 4 parallel books, one theatre production, one (future) spin-off movie trilogy and an incalculable number of fan-fiction pieces, the beloved Harry Potter saga has become the most popular literary franchise in history. Ever since his very first appearance in 1997, the now-legendary young wizard has touched the hearts of more than 450 million readers around the world.
« I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. »
If you’re one of the people who wouldn’t hesitate to sell their soul for a chance to live in the fantastical universe created by British author J. K. Rowling, know that it is possible… In some way ! Fans of magic and adventure, here are 6 travel destinations for the ultimate Harry Potter pilgrimage !
Originally from Toronto, Paige fell in love with traveling at the age of 15 after spending the summer in Nuremberg, Germany. Since then, she has visited more than 20 countries and likes to share her discoveries on her blog, Page by Paige. This year, she chose to explore the Scottish capital, which was also J. K. Rowling’s home for many years ! In fact, she used to sit at The Elephant House cafe for hours at a time, drinking tea and looking at the stunning Edinburgh Castle through the windows while writing her first Harry Potter manuscripts. Here’s another fun fact : Rowling also finished writing the last chapter of the seventh book in room #552 of Edinburgh’s prestigious Balmoral Hotel, where you can now stay for a mere 1,000 £ a night !
Open since March 2012, « The Making of Harry Potter » exposition in Warner Bros. London Studio offers fans of the series a unique and unforgettable incursion behind the scenes of its theatrical adaptations. Californian blogger Kiersten, a.k.a. The Blonde Abroad, was just like a kid in a candy store when she got to experience the tour ! Her favorite part ? The set of Diagon Alley, which features old Ollivander’s wand shop, the Owl Post Office and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes !
Founded in the 12th century, the University of Oxford is the United Kingdom’s oldest academic institution. Weekend getaway enthusiast, Lucy from On The Luce drew up a list of the best places to visit if you have 48 hours to spend in Oxford, a place she sure knows a lot about… And allow me to add that this beautiful town is also one of my favorites in the entire world ! This mythical place was once the home of various important figures such as Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein and no less than 47 Nobel prize laureates, and it was used as a backdrop for many movies through the years, including the ones we’re currently interested in. For the production of the Harry Potter films, the university’s Christ Church College was turned into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry !
Torontonian blogger Patricia, or Some Girl Trish, has many passions. One of them is the wonderful world of Harry Potter, just like every other person of her generation, so when she heard about the recent opening of a Harry Potter themed bar in her city, she just had to check it out ! In the heart of downtown Toronto, The Lockhart is quite a small place, so she had to wait in line for a good 45 minutes in the cold and rain before she could get in… But she says it was well worth it ! « It was rather magical to be there surrounded by other Potterheads, and I definitely recommend going. »
Everyone knows where Harry Potter’s magical adventures truly began : On the mysterious Platform 9 ¾ of King’s Cross Station, where every young wizard goes to board the Hogwarts Express train ! It’s hidden somewhere between Platforms 9 and 10… Will you dare to go through the brick walls ? Russian photographer Murad Osmann, who became famous for his spectacular series featuring his girlfriend leading him by the hand through countless locations across the world, took a minute to capture this lovely moment while on holiday in London : another magical one to add to his already amazing collection !
The last stop of our magical journey is every young American’s ideal vacation spot, where it’s always hot, sunny and where dreams do come true… Orlando, home of Sea World, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, three of the United States’ most famous theme parks ! Since 2010, the latter encloses a magical and colorful place that took two years to build, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can visit most of the series’ most iconic locations, such as the village of Hogsmeade, the dark corners of Knockturn Alley, Honeydukes sweet shop, Hagrid’s cabin and, of course, Hogwarts itself ! Brooke Saward, founder and editor-in-chief of a gorgeous blog called World of Wanderlust, wrote a sentence that says it all : « All in all it was THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE ! »
So, my Muggle friends, what will your next destination be ?
