Day 2 Harry Potter!

 This morning I got up early to give me plenty of time to explore Oxford, well Oxford University. I started at Tescos for groceries then found my way through a market to some buildings. They are absolutely stunning. They are so old but so well crafted and huge! My main goal was the Bodlean Library. Inside here was were many scenes from the Harry Potter movie but mainly the infirmary scenes. Amazing! After wandering for a few hours it was time to go. Oxford is beautiful. If you haven't been, you should!

Next I drove to the Warner Bros Harry Potter studio tour. I was super excited for this! All movies were filmed here, apart from when they went to other locations. We queued up and while waiting we saw the cupboard under the stairs. So tiny! We watched a short movie about growing up on the sets by Daniel, Emma & Rupert then we went in.....to the Great Hall! WOW! It was stunning, all decorated for Christmas. After that I wandered on my own. There are sets, props & costumes from all the movies. It's amazing to see how small add-ons things really are, like the Gryffindor common room, when they look so big in the movies. I got to ride a broom stick on green screen and walk through the Forbidden Forest & see Aragog the acromantula (spider for you Muggles!). They sold authentic butterbeer (yum!), the Knight Bus and to finish was a large scale model of the Hogwarts Castle, covered in snow. It was truly awesome to see the real sets & props. It was also great to learn things you didn't know, like how they play Quidditch!

Next I had to return the car to the airport & head into London to my hostel. Walking out of Waterloo station I was instantly lost. Which way?? I managed to find a sign which helped direct me & I eventually got there. After dropping my stuff, it was time to head out for my night walking tour of London.

Firstly I went to Trafalgar Square (the long way I think), then I went to find Shaftesbury Avenue to go to Doughnut Time (our Aussie doughnuts in London!!). Took a while and I got distracted by the M&M's shop (soooo much chocolate!!!), but eventually I made it. Then it was  time to take the underground to Kings Cross. Here was another Harry Potter adventure waiting!  The filming location for Platform 9 & 3/4 is there! And a Harry Potter shop. Of course, it's a must visit! I spent ages in the shop, trying not to buy everything!

Next was another underground ride to Leadenhall Market. Another Harry Potter filming location, this one Diagon Alley.  It is a stunning little arcade sort of area. Everyone should see it!

Next was the Tower of London & Tower Bridge for night light viewing. They look amazing all lit up at night. When I was crossing the bridge, the alarms went off & I got to see it rise! It was quick & silent! Then it was well and truly bed time so I got the bus back to the hostel.