A Bit About 4 Privet Drive in London
In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, four Privet Drive locations were featured in the movie. This replica of Harry Potter’s old home is now a favorite stop on the Warner Bros. Studio tour. I found this location really exciting because it allows you to get up close and personal with props from the movie such as the Map Room, the Pensieve Room and the Astronomy Tower. It is also very authentic and feels like you are really in the scene.
The location where the Pottery Barn is located is actually based on another location in the Harry Potter book, which is the real location of the Leaky Cave. However, the current film version is much smaller and has a more modern feel. This location was chosen because the film crew wanted to use the space for a high school type of setting. They also wanted something that would give a more quaint feel than the Pottery Barn. According to the people at the location, they were given permission to use the Harry Potter theme because it fits the studios’ aesthetic better.
Another location used in the Harry Potter films is the Forest of Dean. This location was the setting for one of the first Harry Potter films. It also appeared in the second film and three in the eventual fourth. The Forest of Dean is supposed to be the location where Tom Riddle made his final escape from Hogwarts. The series takes place in the same place as the first movie as well, though the island of Riddle’s Island was later used in the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movies.
The third location which can be found on 4 Privet Drive is Diagon Alley. This is the location where the infamous “Hufflepuffs” reside. I was really excited to visit this location because it featured one of my favourite scenes from the Harry Potter books – the exchange in the galleons between Rubeus Hagrid and Filius Flitwick. This scene really captured me because it reminded me of those scenes from the original trilogy where the three minsters spoke in ancient human languages. When I got there, I was told that the house is actually situated on the grounds of a beautiful house on Privet Drive. According to the people at the location, the owner prefers to let visitors enter through the kitchen rather than through the front door.
The last location to feature on this year’s list of the best and most unique attractions in London is the new Harry Potter-themed themed area of the British Film Festival. This fascinating festival has been running for the last seven years and showcases the best films from all over the world. During the course of the week, a number of films with the Harry Potter theme are screened. My personal favourites are the Harry Potter: Birth Day special features, Harry Potter: Films 4-Parties and the Making of Harry Potter: Birth Day.
Overall, this was a great year for my family and I had a great time travelling around London. London is certainly growing up as I’ve grown up and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us here in this wonderful city. One thing is for sure though, I will always remember the day I visited 4 Privet Drive. It was such a nice experience and it will stay in my heart forever.