Trying to plan a day out that satisfies a Harry Potter superfan and someone who couldn’t care less about wands and wizards can be tricky. Now, you would think it wouldn’t be tricky, right? For example, maybe something easy like trying Butter Beer together, or a Harry Potter themed high tea.
Yeah, honestly, those are two great activities, but what about those who want to travel? What about something that goes beyond just sitting there and sipping away at a cafe? Well, it’s definitely possible, and yeah, there is some middle ground!
Seriously, there are plenty of activities inspired by the Wizarding World that strike the perfect balance. Fans get their magical moments, and non-fans don’t feel like they’re drowning in a sea of spells. Everyone wins.
All Aboard the Jacobite Train
Well of course this one had to be first! Usually, this is one of the biggest ones that is on every Potterhead’s list and probably anyone who is just a major train enthusiast as well. For starters, the Jacobite train in Scotland is a dream come true for anyone who loves epic scenery, whether or not they’ve ever cracked open a Harry Potter book. So, this isn’t the exact same train as in the movie (that was most likely just CGI), but this is the exact same train line that the Hogwart’s Express went on.
So, you can ride the famous Jacobite train or alternatively ride the regional train (but this is really tiny and it’s used by locals). So in all honesty, if you’re wanting to eat Harry Potter snacks like the chocolate frogs in comfort, then you should pick the Jacobite train over the small regional train. And yes, this does go over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and yeah, it feels like stepping into a postcard!
Wander Through the Shambles in York
Okay, next up, the Shambles in York is like a fairytale come to life, Harry Potter fan or not. So, for those who love the series, it’s an exciting peek at the street that inspired Diagon Alley. But for everyone else, it’s just an incredibly charming place to explore (and it deserves a visit if you’re going to York anyways).
The cobbled streets, leaning buildings, and quirky little shops make it feel like you’ve wandered straight into a storybook. For the fans out there, they can dive into the themed stores, picking up wands and potions to their heart’s content. But what about for non-fans? Well, they can enjoy the Christmas shop, skincare boutiques, or an old-fashioned sweet shop (there’s a special candy that is only available in York and people will line up to get it).
Now, if you’re thinking about going to York, it can’t be stressed enough to just go during off-season. In the summer it’s packed, and around Halloween it gets packed too since York is a pretty famous haunted destination.
Dive into the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Even the most indifferent non-fan is likely to be impressed by the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. It’s not expensive, and it’s something that’s pretty remarkable, especially if you’re just a major fan of cinema (the art of it at least). But of course, for Potterheads, it’s an absolute must-see, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the sets, props, and costumes that brought the films to life.
