Holiday & Travel - Harry Potter and the Home Swap
As the last of the Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, turns ten (the official Trafalgar Square premiere took place on 7th July 2011), we thought now was a great time to share some Hogwarts inspired, luxury UK staycation holidays ideas.
To celebrate the anniversry of the premiere, Love Home Swap, an award-winning and members-only global home swapping platform, has curated a list of its favourite five Harry Potter inspired staycations, set near some of the places Harry Potter was filmed!
Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, this cosy stone terraced cottage is the perfect base for a magical getaway. The Grade II listed building is located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Alnwick in Northumberland, in which many scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Enjoy the tranquillity of the English countryside, including a beach just a five-minute drive down the road, and discover Alnwick Castle which was also a filming site for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Grimmauld Place Lookalike in Central London
Picture this. You’ve just hopped off the train at King’s Cross Station and taken a quick selfie at Platform 9 ¾ , before heading towards Bloomsbury – a fabulously central location that allows you to enjoy the multiple delights of London. When you arrive at this beautiful Georgian building you may notice certain similarities to Sirius Black’s family home Grimmauld Place which was pictured in the Harry Potter films (particularly The Order of the Phoenix). This beautifully decorated third-floor apartment has quick links to anywhere you'd like to visit in London - or simply enjoy staying at home, feeling like you’re in your own world while you’re tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Open-Plan Apartment Overlooking the Millennium Bridge
This beautiful apartment is in a fantastic central London location, overlooking the River Thames. Combining modern comfort and design with antique touches, this airy home boasts elegant accents such as an 18th century copper bath. You can see the Millennium Bridge from the balcony, which appears in the opening scene of film number six where Death Eaters fly over London, destroying everything in their path. Fear not though, this home makes for a relaxing city break, as next door you will find the Tate Modern! Borough Market is just five-minutes away, while the NFT is your local cinema and the West End is but a short walk away.
If you are an animal lover and you fancy an urban staycation, then why not home swap to the heart of Primrose Hill, which is minutes from the world’s oldest scientific zoo? Make sure you stop in London Zoo’s Reptile House, as this was where a Burmese python spoke to Harry in the very first film - then retreat home to this stylish three-bedroom property to rest your weary feet.
Hidden in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Forest lies Duchray Castle. This historic structure may not have moving staircases or paintings that ask how your day has been, but being half a century old, the castle offers luxurious accommodation in an idyllic forest setting. Set in the middle of a private area made up of gardens, grazing fields and woodland, you can imagine roaming the grounds of Hogwarts as you explore the 90-acre estate.
See also Luxurious Budget-Friendly Holidays For Every Traveller
