Tell them Harry Potter was there
November 1st, 2007
I watched an interview with JK Rowling on TV this morning where she was talking about life after Harry Potter and discussing her revelation that Dumbledore was gay that had so shocked the audience at a question and answer session she gave over the weekend in Carnegie Hall, New York. Who’s Dumbledore I ask?
She’s just published a new fairytale of which only seven copies have been published. All were lavishly bound and in her own handwriting throughout. Six of these she’s given away as a thank you to individuals that had supported her during the writing of the Harry Potter series, the seventh is to be auctioned off in December in aid of charity. Bids will start at £30,000 ($60,000) and will probably end up in the stratosphere. Start saving, Potter fans.
As you can guess I’ve never read a Harry Potter book, viewing it as “Lord of the Rings” for kids but there’s no doubt it caught the imagination of the younger generation. It’s also been good for our travel industry in general as families travel to Britain in search of locations seen in the film. Locations such as Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Glenfinnan Viaduct between Fort William and Mallaig, Gloucester Cathedral and numerous others.
So a tip to parents. If you’re coming over here with children and are worried that they won’t like the historical stuff that you’ve got planned on your tour tell them it appeared in one of the Harry Potter movies and they’ll love it.
Keith Roberts
Entry Filed under: All of Britain, England, Scotland
2 Comments Add your own
1. Christie Fisher | January 8th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I want to applaud and profoundly thank all of you at myguideBritain for creating such a truly, over the top, totally memorable vacation my mom and I took in May of 2007.
It was our first time traveling to Scotland so we put ourselves totally into your hands and it just couldn’t have been better. The hotels were all first class. The car was superb and the entire route was a total blast. It was also well within our budget.
We landed in Edinburgh for 3 nights and it was so beautiful. If you love old architecture, cobblestone streets, lots of sweet pubs and so much rich history it is not to be missed. We visited Edinburgh castle, museums, pubs, shops. We took that travel bus which I highly recommend that takes you all over the city. You can get on and off when you want.
Then we drove up to Aberdeen (2 1/2 hours) and stopped in St. Andrews. A very nice college town with lots of great shops and restaurants and of course the famous golf course. Then to Aberdeen but we didn’t leave ourselves too much time. Very beautiful though.
Then over to Inverness. Another 2 1/2 hour drive but the MOST GORGEOUS OF THE TRIP. I think it was the A9. absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful. Ever few feet is a post card. Inverness was gorgeous also and so much fun. Right on a canal. Visited a castle, (sorry forget the name) museum and all over town. We stayed at the Glen Mohr and the food was excellent and the accommodations very nice. The pub at the Glen Mohr is NOT TO BE MISSED I forget the name. A CLASSIC, GORGEOUS SCOTTISH PUB.
Then off to Fort Williams very rural and beautiful. Saw so many little lambs walking in the streets. We took a boat ride on Lochness. Nothing special. You have the option to stop off and visit the remains of a very old castle. We didn’t opt. Were only here one night. Would stay longer again.
Then drove down to Stirling. Loved Stirling. Visitied the William Wallace Museum a must and Stirling Castle, another must. Such a quant historical town, cobblestone streets, so much character. gorgeous. Then we drove back to Edinburgh only 1/2 hour away to fly back home.
I wouldn’t have changed a thing except staying even longer. So far the best vacation we have ever taken.
Above all of the rich, historical, glamorous cities and countryside it was the Scottish people that made our trip so memorable. There is such a deep passion and reverence that these people have for their culture. You understand very quickly why William Wallace is still talked about, why a museum was erected in his name, why Mel Gibson made such a potent historical account of his life and what he accomplished. They are a true, genuinely kind and very loving people.
A huge THANK YOU to myguideBritain for giving us such spectacular memories!
Love,
Christie
2. Keith Roberts | January 11th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Christie,
Thank you very much for your comments.
We try hard to put together itineraries that our guests will love and are delighted that you had such a great time in Scotland.
The pub at the Glen Mhor is Nicky Tam’s and we agree with your comments - we found it a great place to unwind with some very agreeable malts!
Best Regards
The Team at myguideBritain
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