Leaving the modern world behind, we entered a fairy-tale as we stepped out of the car in Oxford, England. The architecture takes us back, but to when? The city boasts examples of every English architectural period since the 11th century. There is plenty to see in this town and trying to see Oxford in a …
Harry Potter Sites
Walking through History: Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts) in England
We each stepped inside Alnwick Castle for different reasons. For Jeff and I, it was part of the journey through time in the British countryside. Downton Abbey fans find it a familiar Christmas backdrop. And, for our girls and other Harry Potter fans around the world, it’s Hogwarts. Alnwick is not part of the Warner …
Photo Tricks: Shattering the Illusion of Broomstick Flying
Several years ago the girls and I took broomstick flying lessons in the same English courtyard that Harry Potter learned to fly. They were timed to fall just after the “On Location” tour of Alnwick Castle, an actual castle that was used as portions of Hogwarts during filming. To this day, people still ask me about …
Travel Tips for the UK and Ireland Visitors
We just spent five weeks driving around the UK and Ireland with a teen and a tween. We learned a lot, made many mistakes and discovered some great secrets. Here are my best travel tips for the UK and Ireland: See London but save most of your time for the rest of country. Go Slowly …
Edinburgh Castles, Cloned Sheep, and More Edinburgh Fun
Scotland’s largest city Edinburgh is really interesting. Most everywhere we looked we found stone buildings, narrow streets, and buildings with what seem like too many chimneys. It all seems to lead uphill towards the Edinburgh Castle and lots of Edinburgh fun! Lots of other sites to see in Edinburgh. A few favorites: We carried Lonely …
Broomstick Flying Lessons At Alnwick – Where Harry Potter Learned To Fly
What could be more exciting than taking broomstick flying lessons in the same field where Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasly and even Draco Malfoy all learned to fly? Today was that day! We had our first broomstick flying lesson at Alnwick Castle in the UK. The beautiful “living castle” sits along England’s North East …
London Fun: Classic & Quirky Things to do in London
London is one of those places that is both familiar and different, it’s modern and classic. A city that doesn’t deserve its stodgy reputation, as there are so many quirky things to do in London. Like most big cities, it’s what you want it to be. Take what you need, and leave the rest. Our …
Searching For Harry Potter Attractions In England
With a teen and tween in tow, we couldn’t visit the UK without seeking out Harry Potter Attractions in England and Scotland. We allocated about a week to see London, the classic destinations as well as finding Harry Potter sights in London. It’s an ambitious schedule, but we are up for the challenge. Today, we …
