Magical Wizardry Road Trip Itinerary: Unveiling the Secrets of Harry Potter’s UK
Day 1: London – The Wizarding Capital
Not many people associate a motorhome with the Big Smoke, but transport is easy from many motorhome sites! Get discount off your booking at this motorhome site when you hire with us, with transport links into the centre of London. Or, if you borrow your dad’s blue flying car it could be even quicker than the Tube…
Morning
- Begin your magical journey in London with a visit to Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station. Make sure you take a photo pushing your bags!
Afternoon:
- Stroll through the bustling streets of London to visit iconic locations such as the Millennium Bridge (destroyed by Death Eaters in “Half-Blood Prince”) and the Ministry of Magic.
- Enjoy a magical afternoon tea inspired by the wizarding world.
Evening:
- Head to the West End for a spellbinding performance of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Day 2 – Harry Potter Studio Tour
Explore the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, showcasing the real sets and props used in the films. This is outside of the city centre in Watford, so you’ll be able to drive there if you want.
We’ve allocated a full day for this, as there are plenty of options to enhance the tour. Do a green screen photo shoot as though you’re riding your broomstick, visit the Chocolate Frog cafe for some food or the Backlot for the only draught butterbeer in Europe.
It’s only an hour to tomorrow’s destination, so it’s up to you if you’d like to head straight there from the tour or set off in the morning.
Day 3: Oxford – A Touch of Academic Magic
Get discount off this Oxford site with a bus that runs straight into the town centre!
Morning:
- Explore the stunning Bodleian Library and Divinity School at Oxford University, which served as Hogwarts’ library and infirmary in the films.
- Visit Christ Church College to see the Great Hall, a source of inspiration for the Hogwarts Hall.
Afternoon:
- Wander through the charming streets of Oxford, discovering hidden gems reminiscent of Diagon Alley.
Evening:
- Have dinner or drinks at a wizard-themed pub. The Turf Tavern is a Greene King pub but looks like it was dropped straight out of Hogsmede!
Day 3: Visit Malfoy Manor
Morning:
It’s a longer drive this morning, 2 1/2 hours, from Oxford to Derbyshire. Book in at this site, brand new for 2024, with our hire discount. It’s 20 minutes from Malfoy Manor.
Afternoon:
National Trust site Hardwick Hall is better known to Harry Potter fans as Malfoy Manor. Explore the home of the prominent Slytherin family and stand in the room where Voldemort planned the second wizarding war.
Evening:
Local pub The Hunloke Arms has history and charm to make even Snape smile.
Day 4: Alnwick Castle – Quidditch and Herbology Lessons
Morning:
- Journey north to Alnwick Castle, where scenes from Harry’s first Quidditch lesson and Herbology class were filmed.
- Try your hand at broomstick flying lessons on the same grounds where Harry took to the skies.
Afternoon:
- Explore the beautiful Alnwick Garden, featuring the Poison Garden inspired by Professor Snape’s expertise.
Evening:
- Enjoy a magical dinner in Alnwick and recount the day’s adventures.
Day 4: Edinburgh – The Birthplace of Harry Potter
This site offers access into Edinburgh and a fantastic view of the sea!
Morning:
- Visit the Elephant House Café in Edinburgh, where J.K. Rowling penned some of the early Harry Potter books.
- Explore the city’s enchanting streets and discover hidden magical spots.
Afternoon:
- Tour the Edinburgh Castle, drawing parallels to Hogwarts.
- Visit the Museum of Scotland for a closer look at the country’s rich magical history.
Evening:
- Dinner at the Wizard’s Thistle, a magical restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh.
Day 5: Glenfinnan Viaduct – The Hogwarts Express Adventure
Morning:
- Head to Glenfinnan to witness the iconic Hogwarts Express passing over the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Capture the magical moment and enjoy the breathtaking Scottish scenery.
Afternoon:
- Take a scenic drive through the Highlands, exploring magical landscapes.
- Prepare a lovely picnic in your motorhome.
Evening:
- Conclude your journey with a magical farewell dinner in a quaint Highland village.
Embark on this enchanted road trip, unraveling the magic woven into the fabric of the UK, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
