Yesterday was 31st July- Harry Potter's birthday. I celebrated in true HP fan style, with a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour at Leavesden Studios. It was incredible!
This is going to be a very photo-heavy post and, I should warn you now, there will be spoilers.
Happy to read on? Cool. Let's go!
Details of the doors to the Chamber of Secrets (left) and Gringotts bank. The attention to detail in every prop is insane. Just look at the scales on that snake. Every single scale has individual detail.
Gringotts money- Knuts, sickles and galleons.
Sirius Black's Azkaban prisoner number and his face burned out of the Black family tree tapestry.
Lily Potter's letter to Sirius. If you know the books well, you will understand why this is so significant. It was really moving to see this.
Is it totally weird to be this excited about things that have actually touched Alan Rickman? The potions classroom is absolutely beautiful. Every bottle has a different hand-made label. I could have stayed there forever!
I found this replica of Snape's coat in the gift shop. Rich has agreed (not that it took much persuading) to wear this as his wedding suit. I knew I was marrying him for a reason!
The beautiful Ministry of Magic and a pile of Daily Prophets, with every story on the cover written up in full.
Butterbeer! This is the only place in the UK where you can buy Butterbeer. I didn't have any since I tried it in Florida and I wasn't impressed. I did have a sip of Laura's here but, as suspected, my tastes haven't changed over the past year.
Inside the Weasleys' Ford Anglia. We were doing our best Ron and Harry impressions as we imagined the Hogwarts Express descending behind us!
The compulsory shot outside number 4 Privet Drive. Laura actually curled up on the doorstep with her cardigan wrapped around her head for a Baby Harry photo opportunity but I won't embarrass her by posting it up here!
Outside Godric's Hollow. It was so beautiful and very touching to think about the huge significance of this building.
In Ollivander's, every single crew member has a wand box with their name on it. As you can see, I found Helena Bonham Carter's. The man in there knew where everybody's was and you could ask him to show you particular boxes.
The absolute highlight of the trip. A huge scale model of Hogwarts. I can't even tell you how emotional this made me. As the lights dimmed to replicate nightfall descending upon the castle, the lights inside began to glow and the music swelled to a crescendo, I teared up a little.
It was an absolutely wonderful way to spend the day. I am, without doubt, going back again. There's just so much to see. I couldn't possibly take it in on one visit!
Have you been? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
It was an absolutely wonderful way to spend the day. I am, without doubt, going back again. There's just so much to see. I couldn't possibly take it in on one visit!
Have you been? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
So beautiful! Now I want to go there badly, but since I live in America currently (boo) I'm afraid I'm delaying that trip for a bit! Your outfit, thought simple, was absolutely lovely. May I ask, how do you make your beehive in your hair perfect every day? If you've already done this, ignore me, but could you perhaps post a tutorial? Thanks so much! <3
ReplyDeleteAaw, that sucks! It's a permanent feature though so maybe one day you will make it!
DeleteI hadn't thought of doing a tutorial. I'll perhaps film that tomorrow. Thanks for the idea!
I am SO jealous. Also. Alan. Rickman. <3
ReplyDeleteBoyfriend doesn't even like Harry Potter! Man, I'm just all over jealous.
Thanks for sharing!
-Zie
I am totally in love with Alan Rickman. It's quite ridiculous!
DeleteAmazing.
ReplyDeletesoo amazing and so so jealous! i want to go there! i would love to go to the one in florida, some day i will go and it will be magical! glad you had an awesome time, there is no possible way that you couldn't!
ReplyDeletexo,
cb
Oh man! I would love to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteLove from Jo'burg
I'm gonna go there some day! Looks amazing
ReplyDeleteAhh, I can't wait to go!
ReplyDelete(I also share your affection for Alan Rickman, his voice is so yummy)
Oh I know! His voice has to be the most delicious thing in the world!
DeleteOH MY GOD I AM SO JEALOUS I CAN BARELY CONTAIN IT! This looks great, I must go immediately!
ReplyDeleteaww thanks for sharing these photos to us who can't go there Becky. I'm a potterhead myself so I truly appreciate these. Aww and I know what you mean about that letter being so meaningful. I teared up a bit reading the first part. And the potions room! Godric's Hollow looks so cool! I can't help but gush.
ReplyDeleteKathy
http://mypeachdays.blogspot.com/
I love your pictures!
ReplyDeletewww.onegirlsempire.com
HOW fun!!! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://AnthonyElle.com
So jealous of you! What an experience! :)
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that?! I am admittedly a bit of an HP fan girl. :)
ReplyDeleteI stumbled on your blog and actually squealed..while sitting at work. The Mr & I are heading to London/Amsterdam in October, and one of our big points to see is the Harry Potter studio tour. -Excited- doesn't begin to describe it. Your post did nothing to dampen that spirit, but instead shot it up with steroids. I cant wait to go! Fabulous post, and a great great blog!
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing!! I would love to go there!
ReplyDeleteSO cool! i love that your allowed to take photos so everyone can see how awesome. I hate when places like that dont allow photography. looks like a super fun trip though!
ReplyDeleteSo cool. I love that they allowed photos. so many places like that dont allow photography. but its super cool to be able to see how awesome that is. looks like you had a good time!
ReplyDeleteSO cool! i love that your allowed to take photos so everyone can see how awesome. I hate when places like that dont allow photography. looks like a super fun trip though!
ReplyDeleteOH MY HECK! I want to go there!!! That is seriously so awesome!! Thanks for sharing! Found you from the blog hop! Have a great sunday!
ReplyDelete