Sunny in London

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Search Results for: harry potter

November 10, 2018 by: Sunny London

Harry Potter Hotel in London- Georgian House Bed and Breakfast

Have you heard about the Harry Potter hotel in London? It’s somewhere I have wanted to stay for a while. Recently, I had the chance to experience a number of activities at the Georgian House. It is a five star bed and breakfast in London located within a short walk from Victoria Station. The design and aesthetic here was absolutely phenomenal. The highlight has to be the Georgian Doors though and I would love to find out where they sourced them from!

harry-potter-hotel-london-themed-rooms-georgian-houseIt is quite a big place really, as it technically features three properties right near each other. When we stayed, we had a warm greeting in Reception. The hotel employee was very friendly and swiftly took us to our room. In the video below I give you an insider’s look of how you find the secret area that has the Wizard Chambers at this London bed and breakfast. Not all rooms are themed this way.

Harry Potter Hotel in London: Wizard Chambers

The Wizard Chambers was exactly how I would imagine a wizard’s chambers to be. It even has an owl to deliver your messages!

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Ok so that owl is really for decoration but The Georgian House Wizard Chambers comes with a temporary mobile phone for you to use during your visit. Since Mr Sunny and I live in London and both recently upgraded to an iPhone X, taking the hotel’s phone when we left wasn’t necessary. However, I can imagine this is really useful for foreign guests. I can’t think it would be offered by many other bed and breakfast accommodations in London either. But, please let me know in the comments below.

Not long after checking in, we went off to enjoy their Cheese Afternoon Tea. You can read a full food review of that themed tea on the blog also. Once we finished the tea, we ran off to a local pub for a bit and then returned for the Wizards’ Cocktail class. While I think this experience is best for anyone visiting with small children who love wizards, Harry Potter and science, we had fun during the short activity. In the YouTube video you can see some of what’s involved and watch the bubbling, cool cocktail that you make in the class.

harry-potter-hotel-london-themed-rooms-georgian-house-wizard-cocktails

 

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Finally, we had Pimlico Pictures all to ourselves for our final evening thing to do. That’s actually a pretty funny thing to say because it is considered to be the world’s smallest cinema, and two was a tight fit. It is a small seat for two in what perhaps was a closet in previous years. There is a big tv and a cabinet with snacks. You can choose from a list of 30 movies they offer or sign in to your own Netflix account for a very private screening. We actually propped the door open a bit to have some circulation in the room while we watched the final Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows- Part 2. It just happened to be one of those October nights in London when summer decided to make another guest appearance in the Autumn weather forecast and the room does not have any air conditioning.

Harry Potter Hotel in London- Final Thoughts

We enjoyed our stay at Georgian House Hotel. The breakfast the next morning was packed with people! We had no idea there were that many people staying there the night that we visited. Adam Rowledge, the hotel’s General Manager, also won the Independent Hotelier of the Year award just before our visit.

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Our experience at Georgian House was complimentary. You can read more reviews on TripAdvisor about this London bed and breakfast. However, if you want a magical room tour of a Wizard’s Chambers, it’s best to sit back and watch this…

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes tips for how to tip when in London, food to eat in London, and advice for exchanging money. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning. And there is also an entire section devoted to Harry Potter Things to Do too.

October 6, 2018 by: Sunny London

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge

The Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge is one of the hottest events in London at the moment. Popularly referred to as the ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’, it has people waiting months to get a seat. As a former high school assistant principal, I could not resist writing a review in the form of a lesson observation after attending the magical course at Cutter and Squidge in Soho, London. At the end of this afternoon tea review you can find a few tips for ‘students’ who want to attend this coveted ‘class’ in London.

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Dear Potions Master,

Thank you for inviting me as a complimentary guest to your Potions Class for the purpose of a review. Your lesson objective to entertain and educate students about potions at the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy was clear and constant throughout the evening.

Potions Class Strengths:

Foremost, your classroom management ticked all the right boxes. Systems for organisation are clearly in place. The first evidence of this is the email pupils receive upon event ticket confirmation. In it- they are directed to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class. All students followed this directive on the evening of my visit. Further, your assistants were visible outside the classroom at the designated time and made sure to have pupils enter via small groups down the stairs to your room.

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They also clearly had the seating plan for the evening in advance. This ensured an organised and efficient process, which further allowed you to start and conclude your lesson as scheduled. Specifically, it is appreciated that these steps were necessary since the lesson took place in the bakery’s basement.

Without these steps in place, students could have been injured from pushing and shoving on the staircase due to their enthusiasm for the course. Upon entering the classroom students are given a place to hang their coat so they can quickly participate in the transformation to a wizard when they receive their cloak for the Potions Class. This also proves that you adhere to the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy uniform policy.

Your class began on time, as promised. Places were set in advance accordance to the structure of the lesson plan. Students quickly found their wands near their seats and could easily access all tools necessary for the start of the class. For example, they had beakers with chemicals needed for their first activity, as well as plates and utensils for the food that followed.

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You displayed your passion for teaching consistently through numerous appropriate jokes. Most notable are the ones about a particular franchise that can not be named. While students most likely choose the class because it is the closest thing to an actual Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London, you are careful not to make any direct references. Rather, the focus is on a wizard experience.

Throughout the lesson you keep students engaged when moving around to each of their desks, checking on their progress and making personal (and always professional) connections with them. Your evidence of this is in the surprise near the end of the lesson which includes each of these encounters. Students in the class are rewarded for their success in activities through the use of ‘dibbles.’ The items they can choose with them at the end of the lesson definitely encourage them to return to Cutter and Squidge for more inspiration and indulgence.

When students are creating Galaxy Juice, their first chemical mixture, you are keen to provide information about each ingredient and the order in which it needs to be poured to guarantee correct taste and appearance of the potion.

Classroom management is again supported with strategies of differentiated learning. Students are allowed to choose their choice of tea and diet preferences. Specifically, this is evidenced in the care you take to provide food options that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and child friendly.

You had a strong engagement from students during the entire lesson. To prepare students for questions, you met with them quickly and privately to give them time to consider an answer before being called upon in front of the whole group. This builds their confidence, makes sure they are not embarrassed in front of the class, and keeps the entertaining momentum of your lesson strong.

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The Potions Master

Your assistants had knowledge of how to serve the afternoon tea portion of the lessons in a timely fashion to all students and took their various drink orders quickly. With regard to the content of the food for the afternoon tea, it receives outstanding marks in taste and visual appearance. Students had adequate time to enjoy all the tasty food and make conversation with their peers.

The atmosphere in the classroom also reflects the themed Harry Potter afternoon tea well. This is evidenced in the teacher’s desk and countless wizard tools and memorabilia placed on the walls and desks.

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Potions Class: Area for Improvement

While the lesson is entertaining, moves at a good pace and features delicious food, there is one small area for improvement. You are commended on making sure students handle wands carefully and know where to put them at the end of the class. This direction ensures that the general public are not at risk from the occasional naughty student who would try to take them from the room and use them in an unsupervised environment. However…

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You should research the possibility of having students wear safety goggles or glasses during their lesson. I do appreciate that you will need to explore if this addition to the lesson would cause any copyright infringement on the franchise that shall not be named. I look forward to learning what you discover in this suggested area. I have made a few suggestions below.

Potions Class: Final Assessment

Thank you for inviting me to have this experience. It will be one I highly recommend to colleagues and any individual who inquires about Harry Potter themed activities in London.

My advice to future students in the Potions Class, AKA ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’ in London is below.

Kind regards,

Headmistress Sunny in London

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Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 1

Don’t be late! As detailed above, the class features an entertaining and delicious experience. You really would be naughty and deserve to stand with your nose in the corner if you arrive late and ruin it for others.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 2

Play along. The Potions Class is a themed Harry Potter Afternoon Tea. If you don’t openly or secretly want to be a wizard, skip it. You will need to recite chants, wave your wand and have an open heart about participation to truly enjoy the experience. In fact, I will candidly say that Death Eaters are NOT invited!

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 3

Save room for dessert. The class features surprises in all shapes. Be sure to plan on a non-stop food feast. If you aren’t in to sweets, you should get on your broomstick and fly somewhere else, Sunny friends.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 4

Book early. I am not kidding above when I say this Potions Class in London is a tough one to score a seat. Plan well in advance for your visit and go to their website as soon as you can to check availability.

For all the Harry Potter themed activities in London visit the Sunny in London Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London. And of course, leave your questions and ideas about all things Harry Potter in London below in the comments! But please know the Potions Class is full of surprises. I was careful not to ruin any in this review and am counting on the same from you too. However, if you follow my Instastories, you would have seen some fantastic views and videos of the experience!

Class dismissed 😉

WANT TO DOWNLOAD A FOOD FREEBIE?

SUBSCRIBE to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

harry-potter-afternoon-tea-london-potions-class-cutter-squidge-bakery-review

tours-theatre-in-london-sunnyinlondon

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London

Are you obsessed with Harry Potter and planning on visiting London? After living as an American in London for five years, one of the most popular trip planning questions I get from US readers is about the Harry Potter experience in London.

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Through time, I have been able to enjoy nearly every Harry Potter activity the city has to offer. I even ventured to a great one in Oxford too! Below is the Hall at Christ Church in Oxford. It was the inspiration for the Great Hall featured in the Harry Potter films.

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Due to the popularity of the Sunny in London Harry Potter reviews, advice articles and videos, it made sense to compile them all in one place to make it super easy for you muggles who wish they were magical. I will also include a money saving tip on the hottest Harry Potter activity in London at the moment.

Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea and Potions Class

For a wizard’s feast and lesson on how to make wizard potions, the Potions Class and Afternoon Tea at Cutter and Squidge bakery is something you don’t want to miss. As I indicate in the review, it sells out fast so you need to book well in advance. This afternoon tea review is also written in the form of a classroom observation, so I really hope you enjoy it!

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Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London: Sunny News YouTube

Stay in the Wizard Chambers at Georgian House. They are Harry Potter themed rooms and are every muggle’s dream…

 

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

Is the Harry Potter London Tour Worth It?

Harry Potter London Tour on a Bus!

See Hogwarts in the Snow!

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London- Read on the Blog

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

Harry Potter London Bus Tour

Hogwarts in the Snow- 5 Reasons You MUST Go!

Curious what the Harry Potter Studio Tour involves?

The Dueling Challenge: Harry Potter, London vs. Orlando?

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London- On the List

Even after a year of shows, the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play is one of the hottest tickets in London. It’s on my Harry Potter bucket list. When I see the show I will be sure to include a review here.

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However, did you know that every Friday at 1pm you can visit the website for a chance to get super discounted tickets? I have tried 5-6 times and not been successful. They only advertise 40 tickets. There is a weekly countdown to 1pm and when the time runs out, you can click to be entered in a random selection of people who have five minutes to purchase two discounted tickets for two shows the following week. On 4th August they released 400 discounted tickets to celebrate 19 years since Harry’s ‘first day of school’ at Hogwarts.

Also, The Georgian Hotel has a Wizard Chambers room designed to look like a room for a wizard. You can’t help but think it is what spending a night as Harry Potter would feel like.

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London- UK Experience

I have a Harry Potter board established on Pinterest which shares tons of other experiences you can enjoy around the UK. Please add any questions you have about the Harry Potter experience in London. Also, if you can add any information for readers based on your own Harry Potter experiences, please do so in in comments.

I’m always eager to try a new activity in London with a Harry Potter theme, so if you are hosting an event, please do let me know so I can include it here and on the Sunny News YouTube channel!

September 25, 2016 by: Sunny London

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

Are you planning a trip to London and need a list of Harry Potter Things to Do? As an American expat living in London, I frequently receive questions on social media and on the Sunny in London blog from Americans visiting London who love Harry Potter. They’re always wondering what they should do if they have a limited amount of time in town.

Aside from several specific reviews of Harry Potter activities, you’ll find differences between the Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction and the Warner Bros Studio Tour and suggestions for how to get to the studio in London in the blog too. The most recent blog article is a Potions Class that is the closest thing to a Harry Potter Afternoon Tea that you will find in London.

However, if you want a list of 10 Harry Potter Things To Do in London, then take less than four minutes to watch what’s available in this YouTube video. The end features a sneaky tip for how to never miss notification about the best Harry Potter news in London.

Be sure to leave questions you have about the activities and general London trip planning in the comments below.

I also put together some questions to ask yourself if you’re not sure about whether or not to go to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. I’ve had quite a few emails from people who are overwhelmed with all the choices they have for what to see the first time they visit London and specifically ask about the Harry Potter Studio Tour. If that’s you too, then this is for you…

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. There is also a comparison on Things to Do in London for Christmas That You Can’t Do In NYC…

The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

Harry Potter Things to Do in London for Americans

 

August 8, 2016 by: Sunny London

Harry Potter London Bus Tour

If you go on the Harry Potter London Bus Tour you can be chauffeured around London to see some of the best locations featured in the films! I recently had the chance to do this with Brit Movie Tours.

Since ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ opened at Palace Theatre, which was just near where I first lived in London, every muggle is buzzing with a renewed interest in the magical stories.

Twice I’ve visited the Warner Bros Studio tour in London. I also have been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Because many blog readers contact me about the Harry Potter experience in London, it seemed like a good idea to give this 2-3 hour tour a go.

Harry Potter Bus Tour London Brit Movie Tours Guide

Harry Potter London Bus Tour: What You See

Foremost, you need to know that through the duration of the tour, you will only get off the bus 5-6 times. It’s a long time to sit just to see a handful of exterior ‘sets’ up close. That being said, there were several times on the tour that I learned locations I walk by frequently were important sets in the films! For example, Australian House was used to shoot scenes for the outside of Gringotts Bank.

There were also two markets on the bus stops that I had yet to visit. They’re definitely on my list of things to do in London now. Both markets were sets for the Leaky Cauldron.

Harry Potter Bus Tour London Brit Movie Tours Guide Leadenhall Market

Harry Potter Bus Tour London Brit Movie Tours Guide Leadenhall Market

 

Harry Potter Bus Tour London Brit Movie Tours Guide Borough Market

Harry Potter London Bus Tour: What You’ll Learn

The tour guide shared tons of movie trivia with us as we moved through the streets of London. This was not only to provide us with interesting information but also to occupy our time as we sat in London congestion.

For example, as we crossed in to the City of London, he shard that roads leading in to London have a dragon statue. This marks the start of the City. Dragons always face outward to show they are protecting the city.

Movie Trivia on the Harry Potter London Bus Tour:

Did you know that no American actors or actresses were allowed to be cast in the film’s per JK Rowling’s direction? Verne Troyer (Mini-me in ‘Austin Powers’) is the only actor ever cast. It was due to height requirement, and his lines were dubbed over to avoid people hearing his American accent.

Routemaster bus no. 15 is what inspired the Night Bus featured in the movies.

There are several errors in the Charing Cross station scene. First, Mr. Weasley and Harry are shown going down an escalator to leave the Underground. Next, they struggle with Oyster cards. The films are set to take place in the mid to late 90’s, which was before the Oyster card was available until 2003. (If you’d like some travel advice, be sure to watch my YouTube video ‘20+ Tube Tips in Two Minutes‘)

When movie production companies want to film the London Underground, a member of TFL must be on the set at all times. In fact, it’s the TFL employees suggestion that they struggle to get through the turn stiles because the employee said it’s something very common that nearly happens to everyone.

The late Alan Rickman, who played Professor Snape, had to be told at the start of the films what would happen to his character. JK Rowling felt it was important he knew the path his character was on so he could adequately play the role. This occasionally caused arguments between him and the various directors because they couldn’t understand why the actor would modify or refuse some directions.

The London Eye in Harry Potter Films:

It seems I can never get enough pictures of the London Eye. But did you know it’s very difficult to film due to so many restriction? It’s barely featured in the London skyline shots in the Harry Potter films. Rules for filming the London Eye include: the film can’t promote terrorism and the attraction cannot be destroyed.

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If you’ve seen ‘London Has Fallen’, you may have noticed it doesn’t show the London Eye falling. In fact, the new ‘Independence Day’ only implies it’s destroyed. The one exception that exists is ‘Fantastic Four.’ In it, the London Eye comes off its axis and falls in to the River Thames. They get around the restriction because (SPOILER ALERT!) the super team puts it back together in the end.

Harry Potter London Bus Tour: On the Platform

The tour ends at the mock Platform 9 3/4 and has a photo opp for anyone who wishes to wait in the queue. Be warned, if it’s on a busy day, the line could be an hour or more.

As I mention in the video of the Harry Potter London Bus Tour, scenes were not actually filmed between platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross St Pancras International Station. They took place between platforms 4 and 5.

Now, watch the video which shows the stops you make on the tour, and the actual school that Danielle Radcliffe attended. If you can’t find it, leave a comment on the Sunny YouTube channel, and I’ll tell you the name of the school. One hint is: it’s located near the Millenium Bridge.

Harry Potter Bus Tour London Millenium Bridge

Don’t forget to read the other Harry Potter posts on the blog after you watch the video:

  • How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London
  • Hogwarts in the Snow– 5 Reasons You Must Go!
  • The Dueling Challenge: Harry Potter London vs Orlando
  • What You’ll See on the Harry Potter Tour

Harry Potter Bus Tour London Millenium Bridge

My experience was complimentary for the purpose of a review. This doesn’t affect my opinion expressed above. There are tons of walking tours I would like to try with Brit Movie Tours now, including: James Bond Tours, Romantic Comedy Tour London and the Krays Gangster London Tour. For Downton Abbey fans, they have a tour for you. And, Game of Thrones fanatics who are in Ireland, you might want to read this too. Let me know which ones you do! You can also check their TripAdvisor reviews to see what others have to say about the experience.

January 5, 2016 by: Sunny London

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour London on your bucket list?

Before you get too excited, you need to realise it’s not an easy place to visit. Sadly, it’s like Stonehenge because it’s isolated from everything.

Many people know about the Warner Bros Studio Tour where you can see so many treasures from the Harry Potter films. However, they don’t know the quest for getting there is worthy of its own adventure novel… well at least a chapter in one!

I was lucky to go with my British husband the first time I visited Warner Bros, because he drives. However, when I went to see Hogwarts in the Snow, the special Christmas event at the attraction, he wasn’t available to chauffeur.

Warner Bros Studio is 20 miles northwest of Central London. As an American expat living here, I haven’t tried driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road yet. I imagine most travellers to London aren’t renting or hiring cars for their holidays either.

The Harry Potter Studio Tour review I wrote regularly triggers questions from readers about location. Nearly everyone asks about options for how to get to the Warner Bros studio.

Directions for Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

You can visit the Studio’s webpage for directions. However, they aren’t as simple as they appear. As an American expat living in London, I’ve put together a list of what happens with each option.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Hire a Car

This is clearly the most expensive. When I entered the Central London location (Great Russell Street WC1B ) on Uber to inquire about a cab price cab one way to the Warner Bros Studio, I received this result:

Directions for Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Ouch! Can someone get me a broomstick to try flying first? 😉

Google Maps estimated the drive to be 41 minutes, with no traffic. It also indicated there were toll roads.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Take Trains

The website indicates that public transport links serve the attraction and a shuttle bus from Watford Junction is available. It costs £2 per return journey. These facts are simple, but there’s a huge hole that’s missing that you need to know. The time in between making connections can be significant!

When I had to get there myself, I relied on public transportation and had a disaster which nearly caused me to miss the Hogwarts in the Snow experience.

Directions for Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

I used the London Underground app, which I use daily. It estimated the journey to be 81 minutes with three station changes. I live in Zone 4 and had to travel in to Central London and back out to get to Watford Junction.

TFL Map London

What I didn’t consider, because I rarely use the Overground line (the orange one), is that these trains don’t run as rapidly as Underground trains. In fact, since an employee at a station gave me the wrong directions to a platform, I missed my train by one minute. The next one didn’t arrive for 20 more minutes.

Directions for Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

When I did arrive at Watford Junction, luckily the shuttle to Warner Bros Studio had not left yet and was parked right outside the station. My friend had been waiting for nearly a half an hour in the rain in line to board the shuttle.

Directions for Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour LondonAgain, the shuttles don’t travel between the station and the attraction that often.

We had tickets for the 9:00am tour but didn’t get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London until 9:45am. If trains ran fluently, I would’ve arrived at Watford Junction at 8:15am. My journey that day cost me £4 each way (Zone 1-8). It was off-peak as it was a Saturday. On my return, I was able to get a train that went directly to Euston and this saved me 40 minutes. Here’s the 2016 Journey Fare Finder by Zone so you can calculate your trip.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Ride in a Coach

When I researched this option, I discovered Golden Tours is a preferred partner of the Warner Bros Studio Tour London. This is their pickup schedule and locations, which are near Victoria Station and Baker Street Station in Central London. Including transportation and time at the studio, the experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Directions for Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Roundtrip tickets cost about $100 per person. This is at the exchange rate of £1=$1.49. If you’re in the UK, the price is about £68 for roundtrip transportation and admission to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Drive Yourself

There is no need whatsoever to rent (hire) a car if you’ll only be in Central London for your holiday. Therefore, it would be silly to do so just for one day for the purpose of visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour London.

Directions for how to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London Transportation

However, if you’re travelling from Warner Bros from outer London, or somewhere else in England, driving yourself would be the best of all options for a no hassle experience.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Be Creative

Of course, there’s always a horse if you want to go old school.

Directions for getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London Transportation

Or maybe you might even try your luck jumping through Platform 9 3/4 if you’re feeling particularly inspired.

But, I would strongly suggest you look in to one of the above suggested options first, because this is as far as I got…

Directions Harry Potter Studio Tour London Transportation

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London: Final Thoughts

No matter how you arrive, this attraction in London is absolutely worth the effort if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter books or Harry Potter movies. If you can’t make it to the Studio, there’s also the Brit Movie Tours Harry Potter Bus Tour. Below are videos of 10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London and highlights of what you’ll see at the studio tour. Also, I have published a video on 5 questions to ask yourself to determine if the Harry Potter Studio Tour is Worth it for You.

If you’ve been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, the Dueling Challenge: London vs Orlando is a blog review on how the two attractions compare. And, to see what the studio looks like for the holiday season, you can read my review of 5 Reasons You Must See Hogwarts in the Snow.

Want a Food Freebie in London?

SUBSCRIBE to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.
A Guide to London for Americans Visiting for the First Time

 

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November 1, 2013 by: Sunny London

The Dueling Challenge: Harry Potter, London vs Orlando?

With such close proximity to the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros, I never understood why Londoners were so eager to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Universal Orlando Resort…until I went.

As a devout Harry Potter fan, I can’t declare one a clear winner, but I can give you a solid comparison of the experiences. (For an in-depth London look, see my previous post)

Harry Potter, London vs Orlando: LOCATION AND PRICE

– The Warner Bros facility stands alone, far outside Central London. An Adult Ticket General is £29, (~$46) for a tour that could take around 3 hours.

– The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of six areas of the Islands of Adventure (IOA) theme park in Orlando. The other five are: Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.

Jurassic Park Orlando

An Adult ticket price is $92 (~£58), and it includes all day admission to everything. (Note: Universal Studios is a separate theme park)

Harry Potter, London vs Orlando: IF YOU ARE DRIVING A CAR

– London, parking is free. Yes. it’s free.

– IOA, parking is a flat rate of $16 (~£10)

(The process is exceptionally organised at both)

Harry Potter, London vs Orlando: EXPERIENCE

– In London, the experience is entirely visual and educational. You can stand in the Great Hall and see costumes, props and set interiors. The information exhibited about the film making process is rich, plentiful and intriguing.

– If you are seeking to feel like Harry Potter, Orlando probably is your best bet.

Harry Potter Orlando

It’s understandable why Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the most popular ride and racks up the longest wait-time each day.Harry Potter Hogwarts

The ride is located within the Hogwarts castle. It’s so intense, you are required to put all loose belongings, including your Harry Potter spectacles, in a locker prior to boarding. (Notice the WARNING sign in the picture below?)Harry Potter Orlando

With a small group of people, you ride through corridors of Hogwarts and “above” the castle grounds as if you were experiencing Harry’s adventures on a broomstick. The virtual experience requires a strong stomach. You get tossed around quite a bit. I loved it.

I was disappointed with the Flight of the Hippograff, which is appropriately billed as a family roller-coaster. BORRRRRING!

Harry Potter Orlando

Also, there’s the Dragon Challenge roller coaster. For those who had been to IOA prior to the Harry Potter addition, this coaster was called the Dueling Dragons.

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I wouldn’t suggest going on that ride on a full stomach.

Harry Potter Diagon Alley

In London, you can ride a broomstick in front of green screen technology and take home the DVD of your journey. I suppose for a more physical ride experience, you could always try your luck at platform 9 ¾ later in the day…

London Underground

Harry Potter, London vs Orlando: DIAGON ALLEY

– At Warner Bros, Diagon Alley is a small stretch in a sound stage and basically just features dressed facades.

Harry Potter Diagon Alley

– At IOA there’s an entire Hogsmeade area.

Harry Potter Orlando

You can step inside Olivanders and buy a wand, purchase sweets at Honeydukes, and pick up novelty joke items at Zonkos.Harry Potter Orlando

Harry Potter, London vs Orlando: FOOD

– At Warner Bros, there’s a small café in the entrance.

– In Orlando, you could go to the Hog’s Head Pub and Three Broomsticks. I ate there. It was edible, not impressive.Harry Potter Orlando

I’d suggest going to Seuss Landing for Moose Juice with green eggs and ham.

Seuss Landing

Seuss Landing

Harry Potter, London vs Orlando: BEER

– I thought for sure Brits would have alcohol in their Butterbeer, but neither location has it. In fact, I learned that both London and IOA use the same recipe.

 

Harry Potter, London vs Orlando: WEATHER

– If it’s raining in London, you could get wet at the half way point of the tour when you go outside to view props and sets.

– However, at IOA you will get SOAKED. (Not joking. Bring a change of clothes for this theme park. Most rides take place in water.)Islands of Adventure ride

And it’s a bit odd seeing snow on rooftops when everyone is walking around in t-shirts.Harry Potter Orlando

If I absolutely haaaaaad to declare a winner, one small detail might tip the scale. While I was washing my hands in the restroom (AKA “toilet”) at IOA, I was distracted by the most annoying female voice. As I was really bothered by it, I looked around to assess from whom the noise was coming but couldn’t pick one clear location.  Suddenly, I realized. I was in the presence of Moaning Myrtle!Moaning Myrtle

So there you have it! For a more detailed look at what’s available in Orlando, you might want to visit the virtual tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’ll give you a nice idea of the layout. Aside from the Harry Potter area, there’s easily a full day of fun at the IOA theme park.Islands of Adventure Hulk

Finally, if you’ll have wifi access, the free Universal Studio app is very useful for up to date ride wait times. Oh yeah, if you’re British, do yourself a favor and wear waterproof sunscreen. You’ll thank me later.

As a Florida native and someone who worked at Universal Studios years ago, I’d be happy to answer any of your questions about either experience.  I’ve also made a video to help people who aren’t sure if they should put the attraction on their list of things to do in London if they’re visiting for the first time. These are some questions to ask that will help your decision making…

If you’ve been to one or both, please leave your suggestions for others below.  All ABOARD!!!

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Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Harry Potter Hogwarts Express

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October 28, 2013 by: Sunny London

Curious what the London Harry Potter Studio Tour involves?

Butterbeer, Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s office… Attending the London Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros is an experience for every aspiring muggle!

Any true Harry Potter fan waiting for the underground has stared at a Charing Cross Station platform and thought…  Where is it?… Could I do it?

Platform 9 ¾.

Charing Cross Sunny in London

We believe in the magical world of Harry Potter. Whether it’s through reading the novels and/or seeing the films, we love the story of the most famous orphan with supernatural powers and know he exists somewhere.

Since we aren’t actually going to try to run through a wall at Charing Cross (I hope), we have two realistic options for a glimpse in to his world: the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando.

This year I visited both.

Foremost, the London tour tickets must be booked and purchased in advance. The studio’s webpage is fairly simple. From the available options, you select the day and time you want to attend. If you are planning on touring in the summer months, I suggest you book weeks in advance. (For non-Londoners, the studio is no where near Central London, so check out a map and consider transportation before you plan your day.)

Potter_Collage5

The tour claims to be three hours in duration, but that’s not necessarily the case.

First, you MUST arrive early, because the staff will begin the tour’s queue 10-15 minutes prior to its start time. As you wait, you will see the infamous “cupboard under the stairs.”

Harry_Potter2

Much like attractions at Universal Studios, once the doors open, you are herded with the tour group in to a large room while you hear an energetic employee deliver a speech. Next, you move with the crowd in to a cinema and see a short film.

After the movie, you pass through the giant doors in to the Great Hall and feel the immense excitement of what it could be like to attend Hogwarts. This is the last time you are with a structured group.

Potter_Collage6

Next, you move at your own pace through the Big Room to view the costumes, sets and props, which are displayed like museum exhibits and have signs detailing their relevance to the film.

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Potter_Collage2

When you are ready, you can enjoy some fresh air in the Backlot while you sip butterbeer and view a replica of Harry’s house. (Note: no matter what you hear, there’s no alcohol in the beer!)

 Potter_32

For the second part of the tour, you see the fascinating Creature Shop which displays animatronics used in the films.

Harry Potter

As you venture in to Diagon Alley, you’ll be impressed with the color and creative displays but shocked because it’s been dramatically reconstructed several times for the many films. Therefore it’s a bit small, especially in comparison to what Universal Studios features.

Harry_Potter25

The Art Department is intriguing, but the most breathtaking experience is seeing the Model Room as you end your tour.

Potter_Collage3

Well, that’s actually not the last stop. To keep up with the marketing “spirit” of modern day theme parks, you are dumped in to the gift shop as your last location.

Throughout my journey, I tried to absorb every detail and finished in a little over two hours. Even though I have worked in the film industry and know many of the “behind the scenes” secrets and tricks, I developed an even stronger appreciation for the masterful JK Rowling and the film’s production crew/cast. It’s an experience any fan would value at least once, but you’ll have to read my post on Harry Potter’s Wizarding World in Orlando to see how the two experiences compare!

I’d love to hear about your comments about the London Harry Potter Studio Tour or try to answer questions you might have if you are planning to go. Please leave them below. For questions to ask yourself to determine if the Warner Bros Studio Tour is worth it, watch this…

And, if you’re looking for more Harry Potter Things to Do in London, this video below is for you.

 

 

 

October 8, 2019 by: Sunny London

The Best Things to Buy in London

Have you spent months planning a trip to London? In all of your research on things to do and places to eat, you might not have thought about the best things to buy in London yet.

Finding a souvenir in one of the world’s most famous cities isn’t hard. Every attraction will have a gift shop, and it’s highly likely you will visit at least one during your trip to London.

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The Most Popular Things to Buy in London

In any big city you can find T-shirts, keychains, refrigerator magnets, snow globes and postcards. In London, popular iconic souvenirs include Big Ben figurines, small red busses, metal telephone boxes filled with bad tea bags, something from Harrods and umbrellas. In Central London, you will find countless trinkets displaying a Union Jack.

But, why not aim for something with a more local feel? In fact, why not bring home souvenirs from London that actual Londoners would typically buy or enjoy? Or souvenirs that are created by local artists?

After living in London for six years as an American married to an English man, I have had time to really explore and learn what the best things to buy in London can be.

The Best Things to Buy in London- Tea

Drinking tea all the time isn’t just a British stereotype. It’s what they do. For real. All the time.

But, to be honest, most drink the very inexpensive brand PG tips on a regular basis. You could grab a box of it here or go for something a little more royal and posh like tea from Fortnum & Mason. This iconic British luxury department store currently holds royal warrants from Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince of Wales. Famous British chefs who rave about Fortnum and Mason include Nigella Lawson and Mary Berry. Charles Dickens was a fan too.

What’s great about going for Fortnum and Mason tea is that you can find many of their popular products at World Duty Free in Gatwick and Heathrow airport. Keep this in mind in case you don’t have time on a short trip to London to go to the department store. It won’t necessarily be cheaper, but you can save it for last minute and not worry about finding room for it in your checked bag.

You will want something equally as memorable to hold while you drink your luxury tea. For fun London mug souvenirs, To Home From London has tons of options. You will find mugs with cheeky British slang, iconic British musicians and popular places you will have seen.

Recently, they sent me a few samples of products to share here with you.

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Travel Mug and Coasters from To Home From London
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Tote Bag from To Home From London

Buying a bone china teacup that was made in England is an option, but I always worry about an item so delicate breaking on a long international flight.

The Best Things to Buy in London- Sports

It’s not nearly as common for British people as it is for Americans to wear gear that displays their team’s colours or logo. But, they suit up for the match. Rather than a team jersey, most will likely have a scarf to throw around their neck so they can make sure their vocal cords are nice and warm when they need to scream for their team.

The Best Things to Buy in London- Books

Depending on where you eat in London, you might be able to buy one of the chef’s cookbooks.

Obviously those won’t be useful until you get home. If you want books that will help you on your visit, Mr Sunny and I recommend two London classics. These two souvenirs represent London life decades ago when we didn’t have smartphones to show us the way everywhere.

Now, with CityMapper, Google Maps and many other apps, carrying around a paper map is not necessary. Unless you don’t have WiFi, and some of you will not when you are visiting from America unless you arrange a pre-planned package with your data provider. If you need to go old school like a proper Londoner you would use this…

And then there is one that Mr Sunny and his dad can’t live without (except Mr Sunny relies on the app now).

Best Things to Buy in London- Travel Gifts

The ultimate gift store for travel lovers in London is Stanfords in Covent Garden. Inside you can find stationary, globes, notepads and paper. Take a look here at this fun London Map Journal which would certainly charm any travel lover who likes to write and document experiences.

Best Things to Buy in London- Online Gifts

If you don’t make it to Stanfords or you just basically want some London swag to surround you, they have tons of Gifts for People Who Love London. And gifts for Travel Addicts, Gifts for Map Lovers, and more.

The ultimate Christmas gift from London you could send yourself or someone else is a Fortnum and Mason hamper. They rank really high on the Royal’s list too.

And then there is the one souvenir that you can be guaranteed no one else has- your photos.

I think the best idea to commemorate your London trip is something showing your experiences. What about creating a calendar on Shutterfly of all your best photos? This way, every day you can be reminded of something special you did while visiting London.

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Best Things to Buy in London- Final Thoughts

For shopping, there are certain British brands or clothes, shoes and handbags that I recommend in my American’s Guide to Shopping in London, so I won’t go on about them here.

However, I will quickly highlight some things to buy in London that I would skip. Tons of websites suggest that you go to the M&Ms World store in Leicester Square. That just doesn’t make sense to me. You can get the candy at any convenient store in America.

Also, Harry Potter merchandise is easily accessible on Amazon.com in the US, so I wouldn’t take up space in my suitcase for it either. But, grabbing this picture at either the Warner Bros. Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour or at St. Pancras International Station is one to put in that photo calendar I suggested.

Directions Harry Potter Studio Tour London Transportation

What memorable souvenirs have you bought in a destination? Have you ever taken a photo and had it printed to remember your trip?

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning

Do you want a local travel guide to London? What if you could get all your London trip planning suggestions in one place and then decide what is best for you?

Stay right here, Sunny friends! In fact, you probably want to add this page to your London Trip board on Pinterest so you have it in a safe place.

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I’m an American blogger who has lived in London for six years. On Sunny in London I write about things to do, restaurant openings and British food, attractions, events, cultural differences and travel from London. My husband, Mr Sunny, comes from generations of London born, so he is an excellent source of ‘historic’ and life knowledge too.

This page is part of a series of resources to introduce you to the blog. It is updated regularly. Other pages include:

  • Best Things to Do in London
  • Food Things do Do in London
  • Major Differences in American and British Cultures
  • Trips- International Travel Tips and Tricks

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Basics

  • What is the Best Airport to Choose?
  • What You Must Plan in Advance for a London Trip
  • Tips for London Pass, Tickets & Apps (YouTube)
  • Best Day Trips from London
  • Visiting Stonehenge– How to Get to Stonehenge from London
What Month is Best to Visit London?

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Mistakes to Avoid

  • Why You Shouldn’t Plan on Seeing ‘Big Ben‘ (YouTube)
  • How to Spot Americans in London and Abroad as Tourists (YouTube)
  • British Slang Words– Travel Tips & Advice (YouTube)
  • Tips You Need for Your First Visit to London
  • What to Wear to an Opera– A Pretty Woman Story
  • How to Ride the London Underground not like an Arse
Rules You MUST Know for Visiting London

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Money & Shopping

  • Tips for Exchanging Money (YouTube)
  • How to Save Money on London Attractions (YouTube)
  • How to Tip When Visiting London (YouTube)
  • VAT Refund Shopping When Visiting London (YouTube)
  • American’s Guide for Shopping in London
  • British Brands and What to Buy in London (YouTube)

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Food & Hotels

For a detailed list of restaurants I recommend in London, visit the my Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies. Below are some highlights.

  • Covent Garden– Restaurants, Pubs and Attractions
  • Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide for Visiting London
  • Food You Must Eat in London (YouTube)
  • Harry Potter Hotel Room Tour (YouTube)
  • What Makes MacDonald Windsor Hotel Magical?

Don’t Miss Anything New!

Watch the Sunny News YouTube to see everything happening each week.

Subscribe to the Sunny News email to receive regularly updates about what’s hot in London. When you subscribe you’ll automatically receive the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London’ which you can download to your phone.

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