Monday Miles: Quick trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter [Video]
This week’s edition of the Monday Miles sees us peeling back the curtain of one of the biggest movie franchises of all time, Harry Potter.
IT is Monday again and we are back with another edition of the Monday Miles, where each week I, Dillon Pillay, journalist for the Southlands Sun, guide you through stories of my international adventures.
If you’ve been following along, we’ve strolled across bridges and through castles, but this week we’re leaving the muggle world behind and walking straight into the wizarding one. Grab your wands as we venture through the Warner Brothers Studio: The Making of Harry Potter.
Also read: Monday Miles: Looking into London’s iconic Tower Bridge [Video]
Visiting the studio felt like stepping into the pages of the book itself. The tour is a dream for every potterhead, and even for the less dedicated fans of the series, the attention to detail and craftsmanship is amazing.
A few of my highlights included walking into The Great Hall, visiting the Forbidden Forest, boarding the Hogwarts Express, trying out Butterbeer, and of course strolling down Diagon Alley. There are so many incredible sets, props and costumes, you could spend hours getting lost in this make believe world that was made real.
@sun.newspapers Join Southlands Sun journalist, Dillon Pillay for this week’s Monday Miles where he takes us on a tour of the Warner Brother Studios in London and explores the making of Harry Potter. #mondaymiles #travel #london
10 magical highlights
1. The Great Hall:
Found at the start of the tour, stepping into the Great Hall was incredible. I think the best part of The Great Hall was seeing the floating candles being suspended. It just goes to show how much actually goes into making the final product a reality. Another really fun aspect was the frog choir who welcomed us to the hall.
2. The house common room and dormitory:
Warm, cosy and rich in detail, the Gryffindor common room is exactly as it looks on screen. From Harry’s trunk to the messy dormitory beds, it’s incredible to see how these lived-in sets were dressed to make them feel so real.
3. A glimpse of the Yule Ball:
The Yule Ball installation was absolutely stunning, complete with frozen sculptures and dresses. The enchanting exhibit would make anyone wish to attend a ball just like it
4. The potions classroom:
Dark, brooding and lined with hundreds of bottles and vials, the potions classroom was one of my favourite spots to see and that is mainly due to Professor Snape. Each set-up also had an interactive feature and the classroom had the potions bubbling.
5. Gringotts bank:
One of the best designed sets was the infamous goblin-run bank. The marble pillars, chandeliers and dragon overhead make it one of the most immersive sets you’ll see. The special effects also add a nice touch.
6. Dumbledore’s office:
With its endless bookshelves, filled with ponder and bewitching curiosities, Dumbledore’s office was a favourite for many.
7. Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express:
Of course, the tour would not have been complete without boarding the train to Hogwarts and getting the iconic photo of pushing your trolley through to Platform 9¾.
8. Diagon Alley:
Walking along Diagon Alley was hands down my favourite. Peeking into Ollivander’s, Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes and Flourish and Blotts, seeing the bright coloured buildings and just feeling so immersed was so incredible. It’s as close as it gets to a real wizarding street.
9. Hogwarts Castle model:
The breathtaking model of Hogwarts Castle, situated at the end of the tour, was a sight to see. It was huge and so intricate. The soundtrack and sparkling lights work together to create the ultimate magical finale.
10. Butterbeer:
The list could not be complete without talking about the Butterbeer. It was super tasty and honestly tasted like a cream soda float! Plus they gave us the Butterbeer in a souvenir mug.
An enchanting experience
From the tiniest prop to the towering sets, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour was a truly magical journey through the making of Harry Potter. Again what an experience to be able to see how much work goes into making these movies come to life.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the Monday Miles. I will see you guys again next week, same time same place.
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