tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79414673736010788082024-03-28T09:52:26.075+10:00Travel Like A GeekThe unofficial story of one fangirl's adventures.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-55322558284770649572016-05-12T08:04:00.002+10:002016-05-12T08:04:45.920+10:00Reflections on the A-Z Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbTJJRRjCbeSra9YtDM5NuBbP4g_5Zc6NKN5uSEPURF99IoBvMSxdchuY4XEokqLK5JukhatqqWs83PwgPj8JbwSvKknJ7UniB8H2QJtTQRECoPKrmc7nXPTXtbAef-qAJqGU4BKomoMS/s1600/A-to-Z+Reflection+%255B2016%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbTJJRRjCbeSra9YtDM5NuBbP4g_5Zc6NKN5uSEPURF99IoBvMSxdchuY4XEokqLK5JukhatqqWs83PwgPj8JbwSvKknJ7UniB8H2QJtTQRECoPKrmc7nXPTXtbAef-qAJqGU4BKomoMS/s400/A-to-Z+Reflection+%255B2016%255D.jpg" /></a></span></em></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote a reflection post over at Fangirl Stitches. This is pretty much going to be the same as that one, so if you're reading both of them I'm sorry for the repetition - there's only one of me to do the reflecting!</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A-Z Challenge</span></a> is done and dusted for another year, and now is the time to breath and think about other things for a bit - like where I am going to go travelling next</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was my second year in doing the A-Z Challenge, and I set myself a mammoth challenge this year: cross stitch two alphabets AND write <span style="color: black;">about my Harry Potter travels. Why did I do this to myself?</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been wanting to write a blog about my Harry Potter travels for a while and this seemed like the perfect opportunity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't want to write about Harry Potter traveling under the <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> blog since that one is linked to my online cross stitch store</span></li>
<li><div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wanted to get back into blogging on the Fangirl Stitches page (after being absent for about 6 months)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't choose between the two cross stitch alphabets!</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Which all led to a crazy, busy, whirlwind month and a half.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Onto the reflections:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>I completed the challenge</strong> on all three projects - which is the most important thing. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I managed to include all my favourite (and least favourite) places in the Harry Potter tour, along with photos and screenshots. I have a few other places to add that didn't fit into the alphabet, which I will get to soon... I hope! </span>Both stitched alphabets are also finished and you can see them over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>I met some new people and discovered some new blogs</strong>. I've shared a few of my favourites over at Fangirl Stitches. </span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't visit nearly as many as I wanted to, and didn't get back to visit people as regularly as I wanted to either. Moving, not having internet for a few days in the lead-up, Easter, travelling, work, as well as trying to finish to cross stitch alphabets AND write two blogs took up most of my time, leaving very little time to read and comment on other blogs. I'm hoping to do the Blogging Road Trip and get back to visit some of the ones I missed/didn't read enough of, as well as find some more to read. Thank you to everyone who visited my blog, even if you didn't leave a comment. Big thanks to those who did leave a comment, and those who managed to visit regularly. I take my hat off to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>I got back into the whole blogging thing</strong>. Hopefully it will stick with me a bit longer this time! I'm not sure how regularly things will be posted to this blog now that the challenge is finished. I do want to write about the places that didn't make it into the A-Z Tour, and this blog will give me a place to "geek out" over things like going to Comic Con (which I will be doing twice this year!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll certainly<strong> do the challenge again next year</strong>, although again I'm not sure if I will do it here as well as at Fangirl Stitches. It will depend on if I have another tour/adventure theme I can come up with. I could always go into more detail on the studio tour - there's enough there to fill an alphabet I'm sure! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy travels,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ros</span></div>
<em><br /></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09468948808914679060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-77159692399459149242016-04-30T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-30T19:00:04.511+10:00Z is for London Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoX6RrEG4UTSBbcX732P6C8h1YxQemffmoelauJW3nNoVMEUr9G89PxIi7-Ev0Yw39MavLye3B9Kaz6-Iz18ylzXDpc0ql71mv2fC_7tpIGvBSb9ZSQ-XA5kl61PDVVljnXuA15VA7LjZ/s1600/Z+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoX6RrEG4UTSBbcX732P6C8h1YxQemffmoelauJW3nNoVMEUr9G89PxIi7-Ev0Yw39MavLye3B9Kaz6-Iz18ylzXDpc0ql71mv2fC_7tpIGvBSb9ZSQ-XA5kl61PDVVljnXuA15VA7LjZ/s320/Z+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">We’ve reached Z!
</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Hurray!</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Thanks for sticking with
me through this crazy journey.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">It’s not
over yet though, so on that note…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The final stop on our A to Z Tour of the Harry Potter Film
Locations is one of the first to appear in the series - <strong>London Zoo</strong>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">London Zoo</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, or Regents Zoo as it's sometimes known (being as how it is in Regents Park), is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It opened as a research facility in 1828, and then to the public in 1847. According to Wikipedia (and why would they lie?), it houses 756 species, with 17,480 individual animals.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiwKeOeqZtjIJmcSuxMlMv7Xrw1ZbDZseoZSfoOQrefjSUqdCzd3DON8kxh998S8CUreYJRiatEnGbcHjhSnT6s7YjRg-Smcfovp4rGteaNyHnlU5gMmCkZTUp3-L1HW_AbyiAxok6_1V/s1600/Zoo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiwKeOeqZtjIJmcSuxMlMv7Xrw1ZbDZseoZSfoOQrefjSUqdCzd3DON8kxh998S8CUreYJRiatEnGbcHjhSnT6s7YjRg-Smcfovp4rGteaNyHnlU5gMmCkZTUp3-L1HW_AbyiAxok6_1V/s640/Zoo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">At the beginning of </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The
Philosopher’s Stone,</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> Harry and Dursleys visit London Zoo, where Harry talks
to, and then frees, a boa constrictor in the Reptile House. The actual glass cage used is now an
information board, however the cage opposite (where Dudley can be seen looking
at reptiles in the background) now sports a sign identifying the use of the zoo
in the Potter film. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6qqRCI7otOnMma0_xOln0cp0X6tHwVDiKkga6oqdd0iDRdJzanN9978dj6tnonOC2u6bD6R-4IUHbnPPKxT-Nsl3-Rdoeg9oji2IVQ3V0dWv17Ei7G5kKv5CRfQ6k2GiQONmdXhrL_Nx/s1600/Zoo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6qqRCI7otOnMma0_xOln0cp0X6tHwVDiKkga6oqdd0iDRdJzanN9978dj6tnonOC2u6bD6R-4IUHbnPPKxT-Nsl3-Rdoeg9oji2IVQ3V0dWv17Ei7G5kKv5CRfQ6k2GiQONmdXhrL_Nx/s320/Zoo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The large gorilla
seen at the entrance to the Reptile House has since been relocated to the Zoo
entry gates.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5mzmvp2inMxRiRYc6mx2gNbYcIbbcNcflYpS_BXGi-AXKnPoaV8s_VPQ4dPjGecBf1QFCC8GPGg4eOB9asGDS7TrZLIoMYmZzJfYOwcpo-JA0QSS8TUxMiNlgZNXagmYLJhZ47xyeY3H/s1600/Zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5mzmvp2inMxRiRYc6mx2gNbYcIbbcNcflYpS_BXGi-AXKnPoaV8s_VPQ4dPjGecBf1QFCC8GPGg4eOB9asGDS7TrZLIoMYmZzJfYOwcpo-JA0QSS8TUxMiNlgZNXagmYLJhZ47xyeY3H/s320/Zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">In the Reptile House, you can still find a Burmese Python,
as well as a real Basilisk – a rather cute, harmless green lizard. There’s also an “Australian toilet” display
filled with green frogs. No Potter link,
but since I’m Australian it intrigued me.
I’ve stepped on a green frog in the past, when it made its way into our
bathroom via the toilet. Not a pleasant
sensation and I’m pretty sure I screamed – to the amusement of my housemate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">And with that exciting note, our Harry Potter adventure is
over. The Hogwarts Express has reached
its final destination, the Knight Bus has called “last stop”, the straw has
fallen out of the broomsticks. I’ll be
feeding back on my experience in a couple of days, in line with the dates set
by the </span><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Challenge Hosts.</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEGCKqQexdgizDmRdjdnv8LTEGnI0NNJx7al_4e03HBmmgBtdZE74wd-G5dZg8gFKMWNhOVCa3RARy7vAhGFeFtW_C9xpuOfS8XDYbCF6XHhRkyHWQItGReSoXt_HIFPfBESfL6iWEbXB/s1600/Z+-+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEGCKqQexdgizDmRdjdnv8LTEGnI0NNJx7al_4e03HBmmgBtdZE74wd-G5dZg8gFKMWNhOVCa3RARy7vAhGFeFtW_C9xpuOfS8XDYbCF6XHhRkyHWQItGReSoXt_HIFPfBESfL6iWEbXB/s320/Z+-+finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because I hadn't had the chance to use this photo yet.<br />Meeting Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), 2015</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Congratulations to everyone who made it through the A-Z
Challenge. And thank you to everyone who
stopped by and left comments – I really appreciated it! It was definitely a crazy experience –
writing two different blogs complete with photos AND trying to get two cross
stitches finished. Head on over to </span><a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com.au/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Fangirl Stitches</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> to
see how they turned out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Now to work out where to go next…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Happy travels,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Ros</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-32953452871407670322016-04-29T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-29T19:00:00.785+10:00Y is for Y Bother? Mistaken or Pointless Trips<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiEhQsGNS2rypA4ui2ZQAtYFhx3aXWGO3W4w6KMBhDgaF82lbe6gfbefa0wMqhUWuNzP1uLLKWDOsbj9hui_lqqb_nkJ3H40yhqwFsIDZrGENKjucaNQtK345gsGpLaL_M3t5yfDc6HGP/s1600/Y+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiEhQsGNS2rypA4ui2ZQAtYFhx3aXWGO3W4w6KMBhDgaF82lbe6gfbefa0wMqhUWuNzP1uLLKWDOsbj9hui_lqqb_nkJ3H40yhqwFsIDZrGENKjucaNQtK345gsGpLaL_M3t5yfDc6HGP/s320/Y+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">Okay, so that's the second time I've cheated. It's the second last day - I'm doing well!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">On the A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations, Y is for <b>Y Bother</b>. This is the list of places I visited by mistake (they weren't really in the films) or places that really weren't worth the detour/journey because either it's so hard to see the link, or they are really boring. This is the list of "<b>Places to avoid when planning your own Harry Potter tour</b>". It's also an excuse to show off more of my photos. Again, we're going to be jumping around the country a bit - hold on tight.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><b>Cape Wrath</b></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4lM3snw8E_wqb23vhYaI2dTNw5WrwMh_89Kz3VU8NQ4DYfKRfSIQdyD3EMVsHoEToF6Fml-eU5h2ceYftTyLLhI-jPx0ETuVNJjx3G6d1zpBzPLsECDZF1YLU6KFdTFF2ZRvR84HS7Ii/s1600/Y+-+cape+wrath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4lM3snw8E_wqb23vhYaI2dTNw5WrwMh_89Kz3VU8NQ4DYfKRfSIQdyD3EMVsHoEToF6Fml-eU5h2ceYftTyLLhI-jPx0ETuVNJjx3G6d1zpBzPLsECDZF1YLU6KFdTFF2ZRvR84HS7Ii/s320/Y+-+cape+wrath.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">Cape Wrath is the most north-western poin of mainland Britiain and accessbilt only by hire-boat-and-bus, or on foot. It was reported to be the location visited by Dumbledore and Harry in their hunt for the horcruxex, however as we learnt in the M post, this was really the Cliffs of Moher. Besides which, if you are not into bird-watching, there is nothing to do at Cape Wrath during the hour or so wait for the return but. Nothing except take a few photos and drink some very bad coffee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Power Station, High Marnham, Nottinghamshir</span>e</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnIWReOidvt4Oamfe_9PwwALnnQediROUcqzssvk6McpdPt_ykTRXLslv3ziaJOnyxc1s5NmihVQ8kg1hNzJ2AC3jMii1TxIsWwaqMZgOPWvtKIWp220OE8CYkrDKqTeybnnAyw9uK_xh/s1600/Y+-+power+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnIWReOidvt4Oamfe_9PwwALnnQediROUcqzssvk6McpdPt_ykTRXLslv3ziaJOnyxc1s5NmihVQ8kg1hNzJ2AC3jMii1TxIsWwaqMZgOPWvtKIWp220OE8CYkrDKqTeybnnAyw9uK_xh/s320/Y+-+power+station.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The Power Station Cooling Towers in High Manham were used as one of the many hideouts for the trio during their hunt for the horcruxes. However due to the dark and the very out-of-the-way-and-creepy village, I made do with a distant photo from the roadside, and probably wouldn't recommend anyone try to get too close. Honestly, it was creepy and about the only time in the two years I was in the UK that I felt unsafe. Maybe I've watched too many episodes of </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Midsomer Murders...</i><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;">Australia
House</span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kRiZAAYw-xVBzCitvAz5SAatI4WXQ4QHV0paGo2SB2tE0hhF74vhoGUqoSQj5h0ioUS0JcYENHUfhDLDcy4ZBYrEmMPib44VAYsGAxa4XdZfJpbHYuLmPXCcnJjW3x_OhfapyM2RHWJe/s1600/Y+-+Australia+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kRiZAAYw-xVBzCitvAz5SAatI4WXQ4QHV0paGo2SB2tE0hhF74vhoGUqoSQj5h0ioUS0JcYENHUfhDLDcy4ZBYrEmMPib44VAYsGAxa4XdZfJpbHYuLmPXCcnJjW3x_OhfapyM2RHWJe/s320/Y+-+Australia+House.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Exhibition Hall at Australia House stood in for the
interior of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
Security concerns mean visitors aren’t allowed inside, so they only
chance you’ll have of seeing the Hall is if you are a diplomat or some other
fancy official person invited to a fancy official event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><b>Green Lanes, Bourne Hill and Park Avenue, Palmers Green, London</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzglZuGZTPocD_nKQT8HmgtWyhyG7wQyJ92BslDwXAmtjCpyGwtSLbudRDLGLdp8ADB_lXoB7UqgDJjMQi2zX75-e0YAcs4FRXguXT7Nkg7mobK9wcjhY_D4LLoIlQSEpEEVPCU41OOpRN/s1600/Y+-+Palmers+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzglZuGZTPocD_nKQT8HmgtWyhyG7wQyJ92BslDwXAmtjCpyGwtSLbudRDLGLdp8ADB_lXoB7UqgDJjMQi2zX75-e0YAcs4FRXguXT7Nkg7mobK9wcjhY_D4LLoIlQSEpEEVPCU41OOpRN/s400/Y+-+Palmers+Green.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The Knight Bus tears along these roads on its way to deliver Harry to the Leaky Cauldron in the Prisoner of Azkaban. It zooms past the locations so fast it's difficult to work out exactly where the Knight Bus is, unless you live around the area and are familiar with the streets and shops. It's an ordinary main street, and not really worth the hunt.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Gypsy
Lane, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BPAQmY4bp4PEHHgfOGmJM5uyYZ79hG1hqWMTav7H8lBaCw6IcVOt9BENhTB9Qovatag8YX6NNSGQ7vPY05Qqjl1v1tdeu8J2zi-QSrDufmk4Y0ZXRqnzLFhdyZpo8-VtDwAzCv0O4YZX/s1600/Y+-+Gypsy+Lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BPAQmY4bp4PEHHgfOGmJM5uyYZ79hG1hqWMTav7H8lBaCw6IcVOt9BENhTB9Qovatag8YX6NNSGQ7vPY05Qqjl1v1tdeu8J2zi-QSrDufmk4Y0ZXRqnzLFhdyZpo8-VtDwAzCv0O4YZX/s320/Y+-+Gypsy+Lane.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The open field off Gypsy Lane in Abbots Langley, just south
of the Leavesden Studio, was used as the home of the Weasley’s Burrow in both </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Chamber of Secrets</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> and </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Goblet of Fire</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">. It’s an open field in the middle of
nowhere. There’s not a lot to see, and
it’s pretty hard to get to!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: orange;">Abbotsbury
Swannery, Dorset</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekbG7KdleS3ebIrLWOIJVBw3eKCnjkQ3GSrgzm8DZ9_9SM1ZYS6WvolASccSEL9YS8GCZr-PDRToycHxJ6Rkz6l-RIVVx9uTltrEU8KiSlc2o9V3du3vDrkYZ9yq5a3RbDKQ5nhBclNhb/s1600/Y+-+Abbotsbury+Swannery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekbG7KdleS3ebIrLWOIJVBw3eKCnjkQ3GSrgzm8DZ9_9SM1ZYS6WvolASccSEL9YS8GCZr-PDRToycHxJ6Rkz6l-RIVVx9uTltrEU8KiSlc2o9V3du3vDrkYZ9yq5a3RbDKQ5nhBclNhb/s640/Y+-+Abbotsbury+Swannery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">F</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">or </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Half-Blood
Prince</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">, the Burrow moved from Gypsy Lane to the village of Abbotsbury in
Dorset. The reeds of the Swannery can be
seen surrounding the Burrow, both when Dumbledore apparates Harry there and
later during the attack by the Death Eaters. </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">This listing is more of a timing one. If you visit in the winter when the place is closed and the reeds have all died (like I did), there is nothing to see . From the pictures on line, when the park is open it's very interactive and you may even get to see cygnets. So pick your timing better than me!</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.2667px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">Tomorrow is the last day - hurray! Which means my cross stitch alphabets over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> are also almost finished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">Happy travels</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.2667px;">Ros</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09468948808914679060noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-47668503483592416992016-04-28T19:00:00.001+10:002016-04-28T19:00:01.552+10:00X is for Not Crossed Off - the ones I've missed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FU7mm9GiiLLwo5IUQJSlEUSW0Ekn_R76TO-KbtCTBGHl3iUttNwbzOizYeL2p9UPyK9aXFhUomvM5mzL1bLWBvonSDbCUjc3whdAcjQczcMT0sSgFUGDsMJJUPTElCuOX1d3jB8MqJAW/s1600/X+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FU7mm9GiiLLwo5IUQJSlEUSW0Ekn_R76TO-KbtCTBGHl3iUttNwbzOizYeL2p9UPyK9aXFhUomvM5mzL1bLWBvonSDbCUjc3whdAcjQczcMT0sSgFUGDsMJJUPTElCuOX1d3jB8MqJAW/s320/X+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I cheated with that one. But it's the first one I've really cheated with (I don't count "R"), so I think I'm doing pretty well to have got this far! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our A to Z of the Harry Potter Filming Locations, X is for the ones I haven't crossed off my list - the places I'm yet to visit. and my reasons for another trip to the UK in the future. This post is going to be jumping over the place a bit so hold onto your broomsticks.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fourth Form Room, The Old School, Harrow School, Middlesex</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNmNvvd9uS2RKYtL41E08msOYBfZLoEYCN84njyJVbs_5rt4smPTLHpqek8y97t8C7XLMfNxzJkB0oi3L6Fzgf35VWDwnrMVxOVfynd-OV9Cgsbsol7sqohYxWGscJkML4Lrv2YqAOUqT/s1600/X+-+Harrow+Old+School.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNmNvvd9uS2RKYtL41E08msOYBfZLoEYCN84njyJVbs_5rt4smPTLHpqek8y97t8C7XLMfNxzJkB0oi3L6Fzgf35VWDwnrMVxOVfynd-OV9Cgsbsol7sqohYxWGscJkML4Lrv2YqAOUqT/s320/X+-+Harrow+Old+School.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flitwick's Charms classroom was filmed in the Fourth Form Room at Harrow School in Middlesex. It is a working school, and therefore only open to the public for tours at set times each year. Each time I looked it up thinking "I'll plan a visit", it was only to discover that I'd either just missed the tour, or it wasn't for another 6 months.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rannoch Moor Railway, Scotland</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6GpEA2zrWXr2zdQGqfU_C06lP699eefdZpgvACxH2alHOlByS4WNJBXgVSg0mn7iDA2zBcUUnKWTnSYsXyq4OL1nYKldUodx26fVYPieG4oWJPS2QNdhNSYaOdE_tbAhr2y5u_hRNw2d/s1600/J+-+other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6GpEA2zrWXr2zdQGqfU_C06lP699eefdZpgvACxH2alHOlByS4WNJBXgVSg0mn7iDA2zBcUUnKWTnSYsXyq4OL1nYKldUodx26fVYPieG4oWJPS2QNdhNSYaOdE_tbAhr2y5u_hRNw2d/s640/J+-+other.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned in the J post, Rannoch Moor was used for sections of the Hogwarts Express journey. Rannoch Moor is really only accessible by railway. The train runs from Glasgow to Fort William, which made it a bit difficult to plan a trip, given that I needed a hire car for the rest of my trip in Scotland, and Fort William doesn't really have car hire options. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spean Bridge Railway Station, Scotland</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsrWi1wXBZMltBOsZgj9m6_uEcgt4s_UWxZT-lr0KE-Ltb3d5Fz2MD-daE3An9hcxM4DXMZI4vNTMw4Qc_ricdiUnWzOeeVOaLnibwkEVzSoi8ZVM-UKDpGCKamS85FtN2021xUW666Db/s1600/X+-+Spean+Bridge+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsrWi1wXBZMltBOsZgj9m6_uEcgt4s_UWxZT-lr0KE-Ltb3d5Fz2MD-daE3An9hcxM4DXMZI4vNTMw4Qc_ricdiUnWzOeeVOaLnibwkEVzSoi8ZVM-UKDpGCKamS85FtN2021xUW666Db/s320/X+-+Spean+Bridge+station.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spean Bridge Railway Station, north of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, was used for the Hogsmeade Station in <i>The Half-Blood Prince</i>. I'd driven through Spean Bridge before I realised it and missed the station completely. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grassington Moore, Grassington, Yorkshire</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanEjLDjpiIdQ9WAyovjoohOVAYa_ATsVD4q2rdoY-trN-GDm9i3WnLHsEOk3PgAVRiMvDTHkBIuEOVKAz1F-bMqKcqCnbb7vqRu9v-t9INxwafVlX2zpjA769vZaWydoER5seH_PCY9KR/s1600/X+-+Grassington+Moore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanEjLDjpiIdQ9WAyovjoohOVAYa_ATsVD4q2rdoY-trN-GDm9i3WnLHsEOk3PgAVRiMvDTHkBIuEOVKAz1F-bMqKcqCnbb7vqRu9v-t9INxwafVlX2zpjA769vZaWydoER5seH_PCY9KR/s320/X+-+Grassington+Moore.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grassington Moore in Yorkshire was used as the backdrop for the Lovegood house. One of those out-of-the-way places I didn't get to. Another time.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queensway Tunnel, Liverpool, Merseyside</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQBDmfzoy7xGHHF6LIxyNsxsy7mSH-1EQOtGdWmhFkeJ6P4Yj0AD8pjJZ5bEUDBasrM2M-EAIvX4mQeJeWU201pAyGDT4gEldt9RbBGjYiLDFRwV9OxZI0dhAmPMUE8vwmKyNXF4B04b2/s1600/X+-+Queensway+tunnel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQBDmfzoy7xGHHF6LIxyNsxsy7mSH-1EQOtGdWmhFkeJ6P4Yj0AD8pjJZ5bEUDBasrM2M-EAIvX4mQeJeWU201pAyGDT4gEldt9RbBGjYiLDFRwV9OxZI0dhAmPMUE8vwmKyNXF4B04b2/s320/X+-+Queensway+tunnel.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The interior of the tunnel Hagrid and Harry fly/ride through in <i>The Deathly Hallows, part 1</i> was filmed in Queensway Tunnel in Liverpool. The tunnel is part of a toll road, and since I wasn't heading to Liverpool for anything else, I didn't make it to the tunnel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's going to be an interesting trip trying to fit all these places in next time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> I'm cross stitching two alphabets for the challenge - Pokemon and Supernatural themes. I didn't even have to cheat for the X post... well, only slightly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy travels</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ros</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-7250659042180117032016-04-27T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-27T19:00:04.755+10:00W is for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9kN4W5Wv9sn4nZhwiYQTOCkeKSMCsPG9ZbkZ6B8p-DGcISvdoglOyd10NOAIIM86C6AqErUTh2d7rk2gFjG-6ECUWK_nzaGkWb_QzfgHwJPXFPMlsirHu-6Vf2arVPjlKoP0ihvwd5fN/s1600/W+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9kN4W5Wv9sn4nZhwiYQTOCkeKSMCsPG9ZbkZ6B8p-DGcISvdoglOyd10NOAIIM86C6AqErUTh2d7rk2gFjG-6ECUWK_nzaGkWb_QzfgHwJPXFPMlsirHu-6Vf2arVPjlKoP0ihvwd5fN/s320/W+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The A to Z of Harry Potter Filming Locations tour has finally brought us to the biggest site of all - the <a href="http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/">Warner Bros. Studios</a> in Leavesden.<br />
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Leavesden wasn't the only professional studio used, with some scenes being filmed in ..., however Leavesden was the main studio used throughout the 8 films, and is the one that has been turned into <strong style="text-align: center;">The Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter</strong><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNP4y9tc4aNN2UMocIQVBikF9QhMXnc38T8gMLLR9CLf_YPjTreknRSr8X0QkUU0O9xWryS7nXLDx1XkDejQiioxTKi4fncuiVfBzOwFSSCvC0sXMotU9X4ED-hYtHluauVeCbxkFST4L/s1600/W+-+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNP4y9tc4aNN2UMocIQVBikF9QhMXnc38T8gMLLR9CLf_YPjTreknRSr8X0QkUU0O9xWryS7nXLDx1XkDejQiioxTKi4fncuiVfBzOwFSSCvC0sXMotU9X4ED-hYtHluauVeCbxkFST4L/s640/W+-+outside.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a>It is incredible. It is breath-taking. It is awe-inspiring. Even my non-Harry-Potter-fan friend loved it - particularly appreciating the behind-the-scenes information and displays: the special effects, prop making, robotics, costume design, etc.<br />
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So basically today's post is going to be one big photo-share fest, with a few trip-planning suggestions:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D98RyYxqcwjfhPwF_csY-d_4ufMjaf74f1XFiksIuD1gbwVLYGAVuA8bBPzosPdLTRXi3P3Xjb8hYJgnYPJI9Xw7qHRv1zWNYb7wu9eMKU7-HUzItKC4MkI6L6cIV3R_CMehFGBj7X3S/s1600/W+-+Hogwarts+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D98RyYxqcwjfhPwF_csY-d_4ufMjaf74f1XFiksIuD1gbwVLYGAVuA8bBPzosPdLTRXi3P3Xjb8hYJgnYPJI9Xw7qHRv1zWNYb7wu9eMKU7-HUzItKC4MkI6L6cIV3R_CMehFGBj7X3S/s640/W+-+Hogwarts+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>1. </b>BOOK YOUR TICKETS! Tickets are not available at the door, they must be bought in advance. A lot of the major hotels have tickets available for sale, including on-the-day, but you cannot buy them at the studio. I've heard of people who rock up thinking they can just get straight in. Don' be those people.<br />
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<b>2. </b>The Studio is open all year round. The first/last tour times vary so check <a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times">the website</a> for exact details. The Studio itself doesn't close until 3hours after the last tour time so even if you are in the last group to go in, you will still have plenty of time to explore. Also, allow time for the gift shop - it's almost like a whole other set.<br />
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<b>3.</b> On the gift shop note - the gift shop on the railway platform set sells different things to the main gift shop at the end of the tour. I didn't realise this - there were a couple of things I though "oh, I'll get that at the end so I don't have to carry it around with me" but couldn't because the shop at the end didn't sell it.<br />
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<b>4. </b>It's a self-guided tour. The tickets and times are used to space people out so you don't have a huge crush of people going through at once. You can spend as little or as long as you want there - the three times I've been I've stayed at least 3 1/2 hours if not longer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tour guides holding my cross stitch figures :)</td></tr>
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<b>5. </b>If you are going during the UK term time, remember that local schools do excursions to the Studio. I didn't take this into account the last time I went. It was a Monday, school had gone back a week or so earlier, I thought we'd be fine. We weren't. There were at least 4 large groups of over-excited 10-14 year olds. A later session would probably be a good idea, as usually by then school groups have left and local parents are less likely to bring their kids in on a week day afternoon. Of course, you still have to allow for the tourist kids... I don't think there is a "child-free" time.<br />
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<b>6. </b>If you speak English, don't get the audio guide. There is so much written information available and video clips playing that you won't get a chance to listen to even half of the audio guide so it's not really worth it. <br />
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<b>7. </b>Check the website and social media pages - they regularly run different promotions and events, so it's worth keeping an eye out for what's coming up when you're planning your trip. They do Halloween (Dark Arts), Hogwarts in the Snow, Animal actors (where they have the animal actors at the studio for you to meet), a Hagrid special... the list goes on.<br />
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<b>8. </b>Green screen shots - line up and have a go! You get to sit on green screen sets to drive the flying car, and ride a broom stick. There's a video portion to each - you can watch yourself on a TV monitor as you have a go so you can actually see yourself flying. Also, if you know your House, ask for your House robes. </div>
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*sigh* so much fun!<br />
<br />
Apparently there are plans afoot to open up other stages with sets and props from other films that have been made at Leavesden, but I've been hearing that for 4 years and so far nothing more has happened (apart from the addition of more Potter sets).<br />
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Until tomorrow, happy travels!<br />
<br />
Ros<br />
<br />
P.S. Don't forget - I'm also cross stitching for the A-Z challenge, over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com.au/">Fangirl Stitches</a>. W today is Weezing and Mary Winchester.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-8349726276832353482016-04-26T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-26T19:00:18.783+10:00V is for Lacock Village<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations today visits </span><strong style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Lacock Village</strong><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.cotswolds.info/places/lacock.shtml">Lacock Village</a> is located near Chippenham in North Wiltshire. The village dates back to the 13th century, and is owned almost entirely by the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbot-museum-and-village">National Trust</a>. Lacock is</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> Heritage listed - meaning that no physical changes can be made to the outside of any of the buildings. Electricity, telephone and television cables all run under the ground to preserve the look of the place. As such, it is a popular filming location, having been used for </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Pride and Prejudice</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">, </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Downton Abbey, Cranford</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">, </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Emma</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">, and </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Harry Potter </i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">to name a few. Lacock was one of my favourite places to visit in the UK - the old-world feel was incredible, and the buildings were beautiful. It was one of the places I visited a couple of times, taking my mother back there when she visited me in 2013.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Lacock Village</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The village itself appeared in <i>The Half-Blood Prince</i>, standing in for the village of Budleigh Babberton<i>.</i> Professor Dumbledore and Harry apperate to the centre of the village at the foot of a monument in the middle of the junction between Church Street, West Street and Chapel Hill. The monument itself was a fibreglass model constructed by the production crew. Dumbledore and Harry then head down along Church Street, before (magically) appearing in front of a muggle house on Chapel Hill. This house had become the temporary hideout of Professor Horace Slughorn. Slughorn, on the run from the Death Eaters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><strong>Lacock Abbey</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacock_Abbey">Lacock Abbey </a>was founded in the early 13th century as a nunnery of the Augustinian order. It remained a nunnery until the 16th century when it was turned into a residency. In the 19th century it was the home of William Henry Fox Talbot, a pioneer of photography. Lacock Abbey was used to film several cl</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">assroom sequences
in the first two films – back when they didn’t have the budget to build studio
sets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Sacristy</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> was used for Professor Snape’s classroom in <i>The Philosopher’s Stone</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The</span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Warming Room</span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">, </b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">with
its in-situ cauldron, was used for Professor Quirrel’s classroom, seen when
Professor McGonagall asks to speak to Oliver Wood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">In <i>The Philosopher’s stone, </i>the Chapter House was the original home of the Mirror of Erised, which shows Harry his heart’s desire, while in <i>The Chamber of Secrets</i> it had been converted into the study room where Harry becomes the topic of whispered conversation after it is revealed he speaks Parseltongue. A popular place, the Chapter House reappeared in <i>The Half Blood Prince</i> as the room in which Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape examine the cursed necklace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The Abbey's </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Cloisters</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">were used for some of the Hogwarts corridors.
They can be seen in </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Philosopher’s Stone</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> when Professor McGonagall is walking to find Oliver
Wood, and again in </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The Chamber of Secrets</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">
when Harry first hears the voice of the Basilisk snake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> I'm drawing near the finish of my </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 14.2667px;">mammoth</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> A-Z stitching challenge - cross stitching both a Pokemon and a Supernatural Alphabet.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy travels</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Ros</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-52828849964286701452016-04-25T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-25T19:00:28.051+10:00U is for Westminster Underground Station<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Qv9jOdxmjgFQ4-BGLLURDeUfBgmXXWMeoiGOeJl6If87r2pvVqLIAR12HsVRQ1rgM9j7YEaq7dOv9TWzxMnJMBuCZGS7ScND3D5nLHDDz87FBEEh8R3bAAxICZ1sLv2rJoqGNSmObC2/s1600/U+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Qv9jOdxmjgFQ4-BGLLURDeUfBgmXXWMeoiGOeJl6If87r2pvVqLIAR12HsVRQ1rgM9j7YEaq7dOv9TWzxMnJMBuCZGS7ScND3D5nLHDDz87FBEEh8R3bAAxICZ1sLv2rJoqGNSmObC2/s320/U+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Today's A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations once again takes us to a train station. This time it is <strong>Westminster Underground Station</strong> in London.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g0GEGFT6f6q6Dtl0XojyUGOrnEptnzhaxM1lJjlBs_TSwRQR8Ms9knkV6OUFksYlTpH9aLuHWW4hgcT7SoV3DtSIKSJ6_d9M2xBFL3lHUpGd85QhUj31MMTvo2OsVS0hSE5_5DqQMVG1/s1600/U+-+Westminster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g0GEGFT6f6q6Dtl0XojyUGOrnEptnzhaxM1lJjlBs_TSwRQR8Ms9knkV6OUFksYlTpH9aLuHWW4hgcT7SoV3DtSIKSJ6_d9M2xBFL3lHUpGd85QhUj31MMTvo2OsVS0hSE5_5DqQMVG1/s400/U+-+Westminster.jpg" width="362" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">As Arthur Weasley and Harry are travelling to the Ministry
of Magic in <i>The Order of Phoenix,</i>
they travel through Westminster Underground Station, where Arthur gets caught in the
ticket barrier. Second barrier from the
right – it became my favourite ticket barrier whenever I exited through
Westminster Station. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">On another note - Harry
and Arthur travel down the escalators (from the Underground Station) to the
ticket hall – these escalators would actually lead to the Jubilee Line, under
the ticket hall. Ever since someone
pointed it out to me, it’s bugged me each time I’ve watched the film!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I'm still cross stitching away, completing two alphabets as part of the A-Z challenge. You can see my progress at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>. U is for Uriel (Supernatural) and Unknown (Pokemon).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Happy travels,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Ros</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-12471241119822108582016-04-23T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-23T19:00:02.529+10:00T is for the Thames<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtpOaVKRDGpFWyEt-21CtNcPjRZtv_UkrzFADCKnM5r0oRG6vGVDFQ0dxl2U54O-qtNt_dPrTyxdJi1NnId8ZMdJVBmzj0fGuRfwXOwpdlTvUj71cSUertrAVmHXh_mYOmmDcpzIR3BJ5/s1600/T+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtpOaVKRDGpFWyEt-21CtNcPjRZtv_UkrzFADCKnM5r0oRG6vGVDFQ0dxl2U54O-qtNt_dPrTyxdJi1NnId8ZMdJVBmzj0fGuRfwXOwpdlTvUj71cSUertrAVmHXh_mYOmmDcpzIR3BJ5/s320/T+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations once again returns to London (what can I say, it's a big city). This time we are taking a trip down </span><strong style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">the Thames</strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pEP9M2I7dp_IR9xHnEG4ZfrRXwGqghtE05Kf20ti6FpoJsdtb_kOiV-p2edCsDah_FXIzH3gcg_wyN72TUwKXx-_rWWs2EZfyH3p31yNZbzrq0qLhGfFJ0JQVXPU8cckKo4V3e7JnBk6/s1600/Thames.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pEP9M2I7dp_IR9xHnEG4ZfrRXwGqghtE05Kf20ti6FpoJsdtb_kOiV-p2edCsDah_FXIzH3gcg_wyN72TUwKXx-_rWWs2EZfyH3p31yNZbzrq0qLhGfFJ0JQVXPU8cckKo4V3e7JnBk6/s400/Thames.gif" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This map shows the various bridges and their locations </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">to some of London's landmarks.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Thames">The River Thames</a> flows from the Thames Head in Gloucestershire, through Oxford, Windsor and London to the Thames Estuary in Southend-On-Sea, emptying into the North Sea. A total length of 380km, it is the longest river in England, and the second longest in the United Kingdom. The twisting section that flows through London is iconic, featuring regularly in souvenirs, television, and company logos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBd-0HT-YZV5QyCT3e56tvQfMv1ew9Dcf4xIBS99BCaODk7lqFlmlfJR_AOOqaB0Stj4dlS_2jJtuEWpqGMQMT1oa4rh1OOWyXgBhuWh7QCZwgLw4jLKaoq91IxfL1iMcsEAuez98LYap/s1600/T+-+bridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBd-0HT-YZV5QyCT3e56tvQfMv1ew9Dcf4xIBS99BCaODk7lqFlmlfJR_AOOqaB0Stj4dlS_2jJtuEWpqGMQMT1oa4rh1OOWyXgBhuWh7QCZwgLw4jLKaoq91IxfL1iMcsEAuez98LYap/s640/T+-+bridges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The London section of the Thames and its bridges appear at various stages of the
Potter film franchise. Scene-setting shots in </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Philosopher’s Stone</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> and </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Half Blood Prince</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> feature the
Thames. The Order fly under and around
various bridges as they head from Privett Drive to Grimmauld Place in </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Order of the Phoenix. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Mind you, the Order take a crazy route, flying east and then west along the river at different stages.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdiqBGTp77pNv0jC6wLhWnlFWo5d6XvsGR-p7x6lqq9hUDG95PvMZEn2C_0zDZiaeuPnve7nFuHTlRTcXAwt9CY9quNAvK0uMvFt4l-G_twvlVmtuX8IgHZDWLO4z9PfAjVYpjbbnASlT/s1600/T+-+westminster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdiqBGTp77pNv0jC6wLhWnlFWo5d6XvsGR-p7x6lqq9hUDG95PvMZEn2C_0zDZiaeuPnve7nFuHTlRTcXAwt9CY9quNAvK0uMvFt4l-G_twvlVmtuX8IgHZDWLO4z9PfAjVYpjbbnASlT/s640/T+-+westminster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> However a couple of
the Thames bridges get more than just a fleeting glance:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pxKBI3SgHAlAEoIr6yoC-JvE4F-kMZP6icZcZkl4AAh-6o3fbdVS7gMxIcifK9YxEKJsWcsqBucFlyG3U_tjGuntt_JYZupnY7mRSJeeRmxpLMauGKpM3Y9HI_VU7n5sZpDN4w6XYVw5/s1600/T+-+millennium+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pxKBI3SgHAlAEoIr6yoC-JvE4F-kMZP6icZcZkl4AAh-6o3fbdVS7gMxIcifK9YxEKJsWcsqBucFlyG3U_tjGuntt_JYZupnY7mRSJeeRmxpLMauGKpM3Y9HI_VU7n5sZpDN4w6XYVw5/s400/T+-+millennium+bridge.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">When the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Millennium Bridge</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> first opened, it was nicknamed the
Wobbley Bridge, after the pedestrians felt is swaying as they walked over
it. It closed two days after it first
opened, and was closed for two years as modifications were made to strengthen
the bridge and entirely remove the wobble.
As a small nod to the people of London, the Millennium Bridge is
wobbled, twisted and destroyed by Death Eaters at the start of </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Half-Blood Prince</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOCg6uJhFs6HZ43byOTaAKV3kKtefEi-tAtMfwrDM2hmy-To4O_p2ZaV-_ZQ2n9Ajoe1qFF9v3H8QQoxkFO6IayMU2qdG_LH3wkAPpc9hDez_qg6xbLm_BeynKYNllmO0m-4v6WxwPA37/s1600/T+-+Lambeth+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOCg6uJhFs6HZ43byOTaAKV3kKtefEi-tAtMfwrDM2hmy-To4O_p2ZaV-_ZQ2n9Ajoe1qFF9v3H8QQoxkFO6IayMU2qdG_LH3wkAPpc9hDez_qg6xbLm_BeynKYNllmO0m-4v6WxwPA37/s320/T+-+Lambeth+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Knight Bus squeezes between two red London buses as it
crosses </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Lambeth Bridge</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> – although in actual life the bridge only has one lane
in each direction, meaning the scene couldn’t actually happen. What – Hollwood doesn’t match real life?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Don't forget - because I'm crazy I'm busily cross stitching two pieces for the A-Z Challenge at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Happy travels,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Ros</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-9452626203034411512016-04-22T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-22T19:00:12.604+10:00S is for Scottish Lakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMExIZJgtokq9TqicWVb0_IQUOnKCodSdyJSJ0Sz1Vv_39o07tfj3_xs8FMkBwnDTx-NxRqVn7e6pCB8Ntkh2VKKAVpJDEZTB6bv9G6rlK2V434zRhvxwcXkFRZ6UMwd7IemOdeHDERp5/s1600/S+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMExIZJgtokq9TqicWVb0_IQUOnKCodSdyJSJ0Sz1Vv_39o07tfj3_xs8FMkBwnDTx-NxRqVn7e6pCB8Ntkh2VKKAVpJDEZTB6bv9G6rlK2V434zRhvxwcXkFRZ6UMwd7IemOdeHDERp5/s320/S+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVQqDjXQciQ4kxMOKAxo2dxl1stC274Rcd-8rq3m6xQ48pThD222sm3ochA5-VB3euxLSjMPNmYFh38aaAngJZunOlLCVatxV-dJiLFPxAxxPQGdhp7FRkOCi11aufavzyrAn4gFcMVff/s1600/S+-+map+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVQqDjXQciQ4kxMOKAxo2dxl1stC274Rcd-8rq3m6xQ48pThD222sm3ochA5-VB3euxLSjMPNmYFh38aaAngJZunOlLCVatxV-dJiLFPxAxxPQGdhp7FRkOCi11aufavzyrAn4gFcMVff/s200/S+-+map+2.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The A to Z of Harry Potter Film Locations takes us up into the highlands of </span><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Scotland</strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> to visit its many lakes, or "</span><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">lochs</strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">" as the Scots call them. There were 5 different lochs used over the course of the 8 films, so get ready for a long and photo-heavy post!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loch Shiel</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.britannica.com/place/Loch-Shiel">Loch Shiel</a> is a 28km lake, extending from Glenfinnan in the Scottish highlands to Loch Moidart, a sea loch. On the banks of Loch Shiel stands the Glenfinnan monument, marking the place where Charles Edward started the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Loch Shiel has already been mentioned a couple of times in this A-Z tour, its size and location making it a popular one for the film crew. I've already mentioned that the loch is seen behind the <a href="http://adventuringgeekstyle.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/q-is-for-quidditch-locations.html">Quidditch</a> stadium, and as the Hogwarts Express crosses the <a href="http://adventuringgeekstyle.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/j-is-for-jacobite-railway.html">Glenfinnan Viaduct</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacx0J-k935IEE6Ko1ifT2lsu58MHEsO75YlFK5yGaAJTokwhhSzz2jgSEJLCtuDfaKpyvK9OXRZPuIuYNh-EKXjZZQoz5fstYhH0f7IKuokgupf1phx1nhkXhSuCEUSeiblw50FoP1qFn/s1600/S+-+Loch+shiel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacx0J-k935IEE6Ko1ifT2lsu58MHEsO75YlFK5yGaAJTokwhhSzz2jgSEJLCtuDfaKpyvK9OXRZPuIuYNh-EKXjZZQoz5fstYhH0f7IKuokgupf1phx1nhkXhSuCEUSeiblw50FoP1qFn/s640/S+-+Loch+shiel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Loch Shiel has been used as Hogwarts' Black Lake in three of the Potter films. In </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chamber of Secrets</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, Loch Shiel can be seen in the background aerial shots of the castle, and in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Prisoner of Azkaban</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, Harry flies Buckbeak over the loch. In </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Goblet of Fire</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, the loch was the setting for the second Triwizard task, Victor Krum's</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> training ground, and in aerial shots of the Durmstrang ship. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">To be honest, a lot of the lochs look the same, and it can be a little difficult to work out which loch was used in which scene. However once you are there, just occasionally, you get a real sense of "</span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">yes, this was the spot where..."</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Loch Shiel and Vicktor Krum's training ground was one of those moments, because you stand on the exact spot where he walked up and down. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loch Etive</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loch Etive was one of my favourite lochs in Scotland - because it is so peaceful, quiet and out of the way... the northern end anyway, which is the section I want to talk about. The northern banks of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Etive">Loch Etive</a> are located 14 miles south of the main road through Glen Coe - a small twisting road that leads nowhere else. It runs for 30km south towards Oban, and is reported to be home to a colony of 20 seals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Loch Etive can be spotten in background aerial shots of Hogwarts in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Order of the Phoenix</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">. It was also used in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Deathly Hallows</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> as the lake the trio camp near before Ron leaves in a huff.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "arial";"><strong>Loch Eilt</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Eilt" style="font-family: arial;">Loch Eilt</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> is</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> located between Glenfinnan and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lochailort</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> in the West Highlands of Scotland. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;">Because of its position next to the train line, Loch Eilt has appeared in several Harry Potter films, both during aerial footage of the Hogwarts Express and through the carriage windows. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;">In </span><em style="font-family: arial;">The Prisoner of Azkaban</em><span style="font-family: arial;">, Hagrid stands on the banks of the loch, skimming stones as he informs Harry, Ron and Hermione of Buckbeak's execution. The loch's other claim to fame is that </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eilean na Moine, one of the loch's small islands, was the place where Dumbledore was buried. However Loch Eilt wasn't used in</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> these scenes; instead the Eilean na Moine was superimposed onto footage of Loch Arkaig. Speaking of which...</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial";"><strong>Loch Arkaig</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Arkaig">Loch </a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Arkaig">Arkaig</a> is located north of Fort William and west of the Great Glen. It is 12 miles long and reaches a depth of 300 feet. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loch Arkaig </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was used in <em>The Deathly Hallows</em> as the location of Dumbledore's grave</span>. Stephen Elson, the managing director of special effects firm Baseblack, said in an interview "We used technology to plop the island in Loch Eilt seamlessly into the middle of Loch Arkaig." Apparently helicopter footage of the loch was use in <em>The Half-Blood Prince, </em>with the loch at sunset situated behind the astronomy tower. To be honest, it looks like most other lochs in this scene, so who knows.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "arial";"><strong>Torren Lochan</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Situated in Clachaig Gully, the small lake of Torren Lochan is difficult to spot on a map, and it took me several drive-by's to find it. It's located in the area of Signal Rock, and there's very little information (if any) about it on line. There are some beautiful photographs though. Check out <a href="http://www.sftphotography.co.uk/landscape-photography-scotland-glencoe-area/">this webpage</a> for a good view of the lake as my photograph really doesn't do it justice - clearly I was on the wrong side of the lake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;">Torren Lochan is seen in </span><em style="font-family: arial;">The Prisoner of Azkaban</em><span style="font-family: arial;">, at the bottom of the gully behind Hagrid's Hut. It was also used as the lake where Harry fights the Dementors. However, due to the midgies, close ups were filmed at Virgina Water (from yesterday's R post) in Surrey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">At <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> I am cross stitching two alphabets for the A-Z Challenge - it's keeping me rather busy! Stop by to see today's Pokémon and Supernatural characters - Sandshrew and Sam Winchester.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Happy travels,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />Ros</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-39724835219741396502016-04-21T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-21T19:00:08.346+10:00R is for Virgina Water, home of the Roman Ruins<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The A-Z Tour of the Harry Potter Filming Locations stops off at the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Roman Ruins </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">at </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Virginia Water Lake.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/virginia-water">Virginia Water Lake</a> is located in Great Windsor Park in Surrey, south west of London. It was created in the 18th century and is believed to have been named after Queen Elizabeth I, the virgin queen. Located on the banks of the lake are the Leptis Magna ruins - a folly that was built to look like a genuine Roman relic with stones being shipped to the sight from a Roman town near Tripoli</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I admit - the letter for this post is a little bit of a cheat. The ruins, although they are pretty impressive, do not appear in any of the Potter
films. Instead
it is Virginia Water Lake itself that we're here to visit, as it <o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">was used for many of the close-up lakeside scenes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The Prisoner of Azkaban</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">, Harry, Ron and Hermione stand on the bank
of the lake while Hagrid tells them about Buckbeak’s execusion (although back
shots of Hagrid looking out over the lake are in Scotland!), and later Harry
fights off Dementors here (although again, long shots were filmed in
Scotland). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">In </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Goblet of Fire </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Harry reads on the bank of the river while
Neville fishes, Hermione conveys messages between Harry and Ron, and Harry
chats with Barty Crouch Snr. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Virginia
Water Lake was the location for the start of the second task of the Triwizard
Tournament, with a purpose built jetty… once again leading into (and looking
out over) Scottish lakes. The magic of
cinema! A cascading waterfall can be
spotted in behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes from the films. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecA7lgz1ApMjuj_GThURKvGqAfMks6Depj3nhobvr6YCEhjqZm8Oilc_lysRcozBP41dm9FGM9fxaNlCRnKy8zwEm08Ies-0fRwddr0iSY0UM4NiFFTwtdKfi-0vNpdA9SH2urALwmipk/s1600/R+-+Virginia+Water+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecA7lgz1ApMjuj_GThURKvGqAfMks6Depj3nhobvr6YCEhjqZm8Oilc_lysRcozBP41dm9FGM9fxaNlCRnKy8zwEm08Ies-0fRwddr0iSY0UM4NiFFTwtdKfi-0vNpdA9SH2urALwmipk/s640/R+-+Virginia+Water+3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Pic 1 - the bank and jetty they are standing on is at Virginia Water, the background is in Scotland</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Unused scenes from </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The Order of the Phoenix</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">, including a scene with McGonagall sitting
in a wheelchair reading a newspaper, were also filmed here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">There is some discussion on line and in books about whether Forbidden Forest
scenes from </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The Prisoner of Azkaban</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">,
including Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class were filmed at Virginia
Water or at Black Park (from the "F" post). Possibly if I'd visited either location in spring I'd have been able to work it out, but the plants on film didn't match the plants at either location while I was there. If anyone from the production company/film crew would like to confirm one way or the other I'd appreciate it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTD1a6w3-a6qFdK6Gg86vnsGEd_Fid-T-Mg6e5fukybmOLZC5iybG6Z1fK9h1RDrcYM_vQGtN7PsHXUeuUkzhDzUXq65WcNxfJIl1CtxDLpnSSCfdmdd-KJuRH9QKHbkiXereFrce0-tg/s1600/R+-+Virginia+Water+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTD1a6w3-a6qFdK6Gg86vnsGEd_Fid-T-Mg6e5fukybmOLZC5iybG6Z1fK9h1RDrcYM_vQGtN7PsHXUeuUkzhDzUXq65WcNxfJIl1CtxDLpnSSCfdmdd-KJuRH9QKHbkiXereFrce0-tg/s320/R+-+Virginia+Water+4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">It has been said though (by the infamous "they") that the trees at Virginia Water, with their large,
exposed knobbly roots, were the ins</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">piration for the studio sets used in
several of the other films.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cross stitching part of the A-Z Challenge continues at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>, where R is for Ruby and Rhydon.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy travels</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ros</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-39347667181192796932016-04-20T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-20T19:00:13.042+10:00Q is for Quidditch Locations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74g_zIqcDhAkiOOz7v8ZRFCIxsEmUqKWfHI8KsvA79GAvtUtIAwgNX9YZ4xgHd_PL84AhAEztE76_K1bJqTj0gdosnwGEig-d4GGWsikxO6AVUi0WwM3IUTaL-9RUPZwf9MwGI5Hm3zfo/s1600/Q+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74g_zIqcDhAkiOOz7v8ZRFCIxsEmUqKWfHI8KsvA79GAvtUtIAwgNX9YZ4xgHd_PL84AhAEztE76_K1bJqTj0gdosnwGEig-d4GGWsikxO6AVUi0WwM3IUTaL-9RUPZwf9MwGI5Hm3zfo/s320/Q+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Q on the A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations is for the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quidditch </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quidditch featured in five of the eight Potter films. Hogwarts Quidditch stadium was clearly enchanted as it tended to move around Scotland a bit, sometimes even in the middle of a match!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before we continue, we need a little Scottish-to-English translation: "ben" means "mountain"; "glen" means "valley"; "loch" means "lake".</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glen Nevis & Ben Nevis</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Nevis">Ben Nevis</a>, north of Fort William in Scotland, is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, standing 1346 metres above sea level. It is a popular location for bush walkers, hikers, mountain climbers, etc. Ben Nevis is one of the mountains surrounding Glen Nevis.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xoFHW3Lx0DNhw8Q3EzsCzpNWLb6yDZyB4x4dneMA-G1DTBtm6E1jkIJvU34sAkSv04hF_a7QGPnhDVGcGRq4JCbRWkSseDw8arELVE9-mui2fd17ePlRZKK8gTBeehhtK_OTUTzXkzrg/s1600/Q+-+Ben+Nevis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xoFHW3Lx0DNhw8Q3EzsCzpNWLb6yDZyB4x4dneMA-G1DTBtm6E1jkIJvU34sAkSv04hF_a7QGPnhDVGcGRq4JCbRWkSseDw8arELVE9-mui2fd17ePlRZKK8gTBeehhtK_OTUTzXkzrg/s640/Q+-+Ben+Nevis.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ben/Glen Nevis featured as the background to the Hogwarts Quidditch Stadium in four of the Potter films - </span><em style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Goblet of Fire, and The Half-Blood Prince.</em><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steall Falls, Glen Nevis</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bpfaus.com/documents/aussie-thongs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://bpfaus.com/documents/aussie-thongs.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">to avoid confusion - these are what Aussies call "thongs"<br />
Image: http://bpfaus.com/documents/aussie-thongs.jpg</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the northern end of Glen Nevis is a walk leading up to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steall_Waterfall">Steall Falls</a>, the second highest waterfall in Scotland. There is a rather stern sign at the begining of the walk warning hikers to wear proper shoes and be wary of slippery ground as it can become quite wet and muddy in sections. That being said, when I was there I saw people completing the walk in thongs and with small dogs so each to their own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Steall Falls have appeared behind the Hogwarts Quidditch stadium in two films. For the first task of the Triwizard Tournament in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Goblet of Fire</em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, the stadium is located on a ridge of Glen Nevis, with Steall Falls visible in the background. The falls can also be seen behind Ron during his trial for Gryffindor Keeper in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Half-Blood Prince.</em><br />
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<b style="color: #0b5394; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Loch Shiel</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I mentioned Loch Shiel briefly in the <a href="http://www.adventuringgeekstyle.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/j-is-for-jacobite-railway.html">J post</a>, and it will come up again in the S post. Loch Shiel </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">appears behind the stadium in</span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Chamber of Secrets</em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - one of those times when the stadium moved mid-match.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaR0ZCGQPSh_pER5a5kCXmbC-t9PkwdY4Yz1lIVYu4JTdIu7FcMvsoH9JtrM0PWJwLUmV1t6wM-tb3XfWYrYjODHJHwNr6IbzP00NeVQ-oDq-hvx_Y82WCh4A9Jw0U9Hdsa6_8umvrIpu/s1600/Q+-+loch+shiel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaR0ZCGQPSh_pER5a5kCXmbC-t9PkwdY4Yz1lIVYu4JTdIu7FcMvsoH9JtrM0PWJwLUmV1t6wM-tb3XfWYrYjODHJHwNr6IbzP00NeVQ-oDq-hvx_Y82WCh4A9Jw0U9Hdsa6_8umvrIpu/s400/Q+-+loch+shiel.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Beachy Head</span> </strong>was the location of the Quidditch World Cup, but I went into all of that back in the B post, which you can find <a href="http://www.adventuringgeekstyle.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/b-is-for-beachy-head.html">here </a>if you want to catch up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm cross stitching two alphabets for the A-Z challenge as well - you can see my progress on my <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">other blog</a> - Q is for Abadian (Supernatural) and Quilava (Pokemon)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy travels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ros</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-9191312790156373872016-04-19T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-19T19:00:11.567+10:00P is for Scotland Place<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-CDM7JxxBibV5cN9nrcyW7ktDOD-peDUAsxuxZmxoMk8XT1U92_qy1KeUBPb64YNyXPKPjIIH3_vrXREIi8niVlt7PEn-B6spBC1yrfax_uLdjOLt6S3uXNslYJX7Tx5lKXoUq8mvppx/s1600/P+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-CDM7JxxBibV5cN9nrcyW7ktDOD-peDUAsxuxZmxoMk8XT1U92_qy1KeUBPb64YNyXPKPjIIH3_vrXREIi8niVlt7PEn-B6spBC1yrfax_uLdjOLt6S3uXNslYJX7Tx5lKXoUq8mvppx/s320/P+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations heads back into London today. Our "P" stop (*snort* *giggle*) is at </span><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Scotland Place</strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">, a street in central London - it's near </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Trafalgar</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> Square, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey</span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9Of6A3Iy81vdRsc-KMuYF9NcmOeKzc8p-WCriwt_boOdPGPhEZvCKCnxY-uwXx-nNyQriSpEjIA5mEhHrcDb4HeTYj7fJ3Y3XKwYqM4HUszkQ-3514ZP9T18Yp4fp84MVvFVygS929yN/s1600/P+-+scotland+place+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9Of6A3Iy81vdRsc-KMuYF9NcmOeKzc8p-WCriwt_boOdPGPhEZvCKCnxY-uwXx-nNyQriSpEjIA5mEhHrcDb4HeTYj7fJ3Y3XKwYqM4HUszkQ-3514ZP9T18Yp4fp84MVvFVygS929yN/s640/P+-+scotland+place+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The visitor’s entrance to the Ministry of Magic was filmed
at the corner of Great Scotland Yard and Scotland Place. The telephone box seen in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Order of the Phoenix </i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">was built for
the film, as was the bridge next to it.
These were built over the wooden door in my photo. But apart from that,
it’s one of the few locations that was used basically “as is” and is instantly
recognisable.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL1q6cvd6A7aeZmMCP8KSE_PY2VvdfZeQHOkP8jXZjXhs6wHAmjwvorgWp7vy8KdRqYsmI7_b6VCNibTd51vdBczrFTD9AHfTvWoD-jsPrSWlkvFu2unoGgiq7-V2gWDxnejXhRXJSbot/s1600/P+-+scotland+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL1q6cvd6A7aeZmMCP8KSE_PY2VvdfZeQHOkP8jXZjXhs6wHAmjwvorgWp7vy8KdRqYsmI7_b6VCNibTd51vdBczrFTD9AHfTvWoD-jsPrSWlkvFu2unoGgiq7-V2gWDxnejXhRXJSbot/s640/P+-+scotland+place.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The corner appeared again in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Deathly Hallows, part 1</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> when Harry, Ron and Hermione sneak into
the Ministry of Magic. They hide behind
the roller door (redesigned to look like the missing wooden door I mentioned
earlier) before stunning Ministry employees and stealing their identity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I love the fact that the Ministry of Magic is located
beneath other official office buildings – the Ministry of Defence, Old War Office Building, Department for Climate Change, and Department of Health are all located on Whitehall/Parliament Street,
which Great Scotland Yard leads off of.
Downing Street (the Prime Minister’s office/home) leads off of Whitehall and the Parliament building is at the end of the road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I also love the fact
that Harry and Arthur get the tube to Westminster Station (more on that when we
get to U), before walking down to Great Scotland Yard and Scotland Place –
Westminster Station is one of the closest to this area. They do walk in from the wrong direction,
but that’s beside the point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Happy travels,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Ros</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">I'm also cross stitching the A-Z Challenge. You can see my P progress at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> where I'm working on a Pokemon and Supernatural alphabet.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span id="goog_525686403"></span><span id="goog_525686404"></span><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-64265270175247221742016-04-18T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-18T19:00:03.719+10:00O is for Oxford<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR_EpIoR6MhdAXq3bnBRxDH9eV_KinfRtSwQSLjQHqh7JBF70zSyKe759btiVUFXMEm_Gx3m7faJtZtLJWhlzeM9XZi7BDqDM794dHj0SWQRGPl8UPL0V_SCCJg9ZgZ4TQDCuxh3uGdVo/s1600/O+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR_EpIoR6MhdAXq3bnBRxDH9eV_KinfRtSwQSLjQHqh7JBF70zSyKe759btiVUFXMEm_Gx3m7faJtZtLJWhlzeM9XZi7BDqDM794dHj0SWQRGPl8UPL0V_SCCJg9ZgZ4TQDCuxh3uGdVo/s320/O+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRVPW6NwspbRXu-6JORujpglesxEqp2H6PTpupg80hkD_tjwJx_X15lQMbuUSXxjMI2_Ue74sBWMxkzeYzbPyMT0vSjXBHaWEeWKxF8aqwzmflJXFaq5DDTOwb8FPOXhRl6SZUVc4AtMn/s1600/oxford.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRVPW6NwspbRXu-6JORujpglesxEqp2H6PTpupg80hkD_tjwJx_X15lQMbuUSXxjMI2_Ue74sBWMxkzeYzbPyMT0vSjXBHaWEeWKxF8aqwzmflJXFaq5DDTOwb8FPOXhRl6SZUVc4AtMn/s200/oxford.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations today takes us to what is probably the most well-known location used in filming - the city of <strong>Oxford</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford">Oxford</a>, located in the south-east region of England, is most well-known as being home to the University of Oxford, the oldest University in the English-speaking world. The University is first mentioned in records in the 12th century. Oxford is a popular filming location, having featured in numerous movies and television shows, including <em>X-Men: First Class,</em> <em>Inspector Morse, Lewis, </em>and<em> Tomorrow Never Dies.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again this is going to be a bit long and photo-heavy - Oxford featured quite significantly in 3 of the Potter films.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; line-height: 107%;">Christ
Church College</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/">Christ Church</a> is a "unique joint foundation of a college of the University of Oxford and the Cathedral of the Diocese of Oxford." Parts of the college are open at set times of the day to visitors, including the Cathedral, dining hall, and parts of the grounds. Christ Church has produced 13 British Prime Ministers, which is more than any other Oxbridge (Oxford-Cambridge) college. Christ Church was the first location I visited where there was a crowd of people clearly visiting because of the Potter link. It was here too that I found the book "Potter Hunting in England" which made future Potter trips a lot easier.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvaxeccV_pK3_aT2gx7_OIaIwLo6GNlZM0o8QK733GbDeWzDa73I3q6NenYxSl1e-UfqppUJteVlnLqokbMUeJoP_i8b_PePwDVSEZn8_aE1uhwGsNNxDxyiaBVoON-XDpsA6pdVrBKlp/s1600/O+-+Christ+Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvaxeccV_pK3_aT2gx7_OIaIwLo6GNlZM0o8QK733GbDeWzDa73I3q6NenYxSl1e-UfqppUJteVlnLqokbMUeJoP_i8b_PePwDVSEZn8_aE1uhwGsNNxDxyiaBVoON-XDpsA6pdVrBKlp/s640/O+-+Christ+Church.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The stone staircase outside the Dinning Hall of Christ
Church appeared in the first two films as the entry to Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall greats the first year
students as they arrive at Hogwarts for the first time in <i>The Philosopher’s Stone</i>.
Harry later finds Ron and Hermione waiting for him there after leaving
the hospital wing. During <i>The Chamber of Secrets</i> Ron and Harry are
caught arriving late by Filch. Harry
also observes a conversation between Dumbledore and a young Tom Riddle during
the diary flashback.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Great Hall at Hogwarts was based on the design of the
dining hall at Christ Church, although the studio set was 1 ½ times the
size. It was the first set built, and
the only set to appear in all 8 films. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">New
College</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Despite its name, <a href="http://www.new.ox.ac.uk/">New College</a> is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, having been founded in 1379. Its full name is <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Warden and Scholars of St Mary's College of Winchester in Oxford, however it soon became known as New College to distinguish it from the other, older college of St Mary's.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLIA9SQTGM58asPp-ZQ5YLHuuZ-ImBaibDTTsmw2I0eJERTkl37Bn0z5Pp90doKkq5xKEmYT4bFPHLnPiHm-pMd3vvxBb02nRSyPb7QLqtGbBeccwb3fFpJ_Xt3hHn-cRM4JQTzxFZ_u9/s1600/o+-+new+college.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLIA9SQTGM58asPp-ZQ5YLHuuZ-ImBaibDTTsmw2I0eJERTkl37Bn0z5Pp90doKkq5xKEmYT4bFPHLnPiHm-pMd3vvxBb02nRSyPb7QLqtGbBeccwb3fFpJ_Xt3hHn-cRM4JQTzxFZ_u9/s640/o+-+new+college.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The grounds of New College featured in<i> The Goblet of Fire</i> as the location where Mad-Eye Moody disciplines
Malfoy by turning him into a ferret.
This is also where Harry tells Cedric about the dragons, and later calls
Ron a “right foul git”. Unfortunately
due to time constraints and parts of the College being closed, I was unable to
locate the exact tree and cloisters used in these scenes. I’ll just have to go back one day.</span><br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Duke
Humfrey’s Library, Bodleian Library</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The <a href="http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley">Bodleian Library</a>, attached to the University of Oxford, is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second largest in Britain (the first being the British Library). <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Humfrey%27s_Library">Duke Humfrey’s Library</a> is the oldest reading room at the Bodleian. It is named after <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester</span> who, when he died, donated his collection of manuscripts to the Library.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> Duke Humphrey's Library is stunning and just what I think a library should look like. Photography is banned, so I had to make do with a postcard.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4Hvp0ZkOQKe2AD2zvmxXN4OTrvltCLfvPG0rfU9193syx_nMZQWlp6x0OIejp39JsqhU-O8ZcXIVci8SQBW86Z-8acg7L6BxaAsw6ujbh5vyrFYdyNzZ5IGvvcgBwQCYnUt03Oesj-og/s1600/O+-+Bodlien.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4Hvp0ZkOQKe2AD2zvmxXN4OTrvltCLfvPG0rfU9193syx_nMZQWlp6x0OIejp39JsqhU-O8ZcXIVci8SQBW86Z-8acg7L6BxaAsw6ujbh5vyrFYdyNzZ5IGvvcgBwQCYnUt03Oesj-og/s640/O+-+Bodlien.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Duke Humfrey's Library was used for the Hogwarts Library during the first two
films, featuring when Hermione researches both the Philosopher’s Stone and the
Polyjuice Potion; and when Harry sneaks into the restricted section under the
Invisibility cloak. Subsequent films
were shot on a similar, albeit wider, studio set. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Divinity
School, Bodleian Library</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Physically attached to the Bodleian Library, the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divinity_School,_Oxford"> Divinity School</a> is the oldest purpose-built building attached to Oxford University. It was originally designed for use as a lecture and examination hall.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr9rc2jAsuVBn9-o2UaDvqGt4Yea1-YRPHweCMdZsEm2fXMsBwtNYLwjCQb6w3usTrt8w6LP17pYLOT6vmw-AGwnfFw5yAl9aRdWpIp2URc2QYspHr-Z7ZJ62xU_XMdmgkXKgf5R5xG91/s640/O+-+Divinity+School.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Divinty School
was used as the Hogwarts Hospital during the first two films, seen when Harry
wakes from fighting Voldermort in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The
Philosopher’s Stone</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">, and again when the bones in his arm are regrown in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Chamber of Secrets</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">. Hospital scenes in subsequent films used a
studio set based on the design of this room.
The Divinity School reappeared in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The
Goblet of Fire</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> as the room where McGonagall teaches the Gryffindors to
dance, including a very embarrassed Ron.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">That concludes our </span><span style="font-family: arial;">tour of Oxford. </span></div>
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<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">For something different, over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>, I am working on two alphabet cross stitch patterns for the A-Z Challenge - Pokémon and Supernatural.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">See you tomorrow</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Ros</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-2686523527064778372016-04-16T19:14:00.001+10:002016-04-16T19:14:09.957+10:00N is for North Yorkshire<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmtVAvvRXUxtKlgG28t3aM9tfyi-yxfVXrNpC9R4pQ4AqqUbmltlO_Naoaj41ZqMHKFLLyxZP4wZS6dR3ZKfJWYx5OlFM-6iz73_RHReE403qKo__yOfEZhNrp7FkPWbOoF10HdLJPoQz/s1600/N+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmtVAvvRXUxtKlgG28t3aM9tfyi-yxfVXrNpC9R4pQ4AqqUbmltlO_Naoaj41ZqMHKFLLyxZP4wZS6dR3ZKfJWYx5OlFM-6iz73_RHReE403qKo__yOfEZhNrp7FkPWbOoF10HdLJPoQz/s320/N+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The A-Z Tour of Harry Potter locations heads to <b>North Yorkshire</b>.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue;">Goathland
Railway Station</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The village of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goathland">Goathland </a>is located in North Yorkshire. In 2011, it had a population of 438 - so not a very big place! It is most famous for being the village where the television series <i>Heartbeat</i> was filmed - and tourist income from fans of the show provides most of the village's revenue.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPkjhrcplDVa4bF0sF5T0-PglQ57hYC76a_zG6TOfmM-spJO-mgPo3zCfOSSDbNDJqWgxZaHJENZHoAzoKKqGsVxYG8FfdXKBvM5Q45rlV9UHCnp6x3ElAWjKjFZuNJDiXETl9dyoEMPA/s1600/N+-+Goathland+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPkjhrcplDVa4bF0sF5T0-PglQ57hYC76a_zG6TOfmM-spJO-mgPo3zCfOSSDbNDJqWgxZaHJENZHoAzoKKqGsVxYG8FfdXKBvM5Q45rlV9UHCnp6x3ElAWjKjFZuNJDiXETl9dyoEMPA/s640/N+-+Goathland+station.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="line-height: 107%;">Goathland railway station was transformed into Hogsmeade
Station for </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The Philosopher’s Stone</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">. The first ever scene of the Potter series was
filmed here – the scene where Harry, Ron, Hermione and Hagrid say good bye to
each other. If you look closely, you can
see that Harry has green eyes and Hermione has bucked teeth, just like it says
in the book. However Dan Radcliffe reacted
badly to the contacts and Emma Watson had difficulty speaking around the false
teeth so the director decided to get rid of both teeth and contacts for the
rest of the film (and series).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">After filming this scene, the crew turned the Hogwarts
Express around and filmed it pulling into the station for the initial arrival,
when Ron first meets Hagrid. While I was
visiting Goathland Railway Station, a stem train pulled into the station… which
made for some great photos!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcoiWzIow9vM8IwG9DCWh5TK_zp4Zcb7UHDVyTP3_5komIlD3izbgpq4m7hCWcG203ii14yWkaPnrUn1qiWchNyNtQ1AAcYm-keXe2jQEowpVkAjMw87EHe1p7R-V2UNlG85Tx6ZtVMLS/s1600/N+-+Goathland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcoiWzIow9vM8IwG9DCWh5TK_zp4Zcb7UHDVyTP3_5komIlD3izbgpq4m7hCWcG203ii14yWkaPnrUn1qiWchNyNtQ1AAcYm-keXe2jQEowpVkAjMw87EHe1p7R-V2UNlG85Tx6ZtVMLS/s320/N+-+Goathland.jpg" width="290" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parked on the main street in Goathland is a blue Ford Anglia, one of teh police cars used in <i>Heartbeat.</i> It also happens to be the same make of car which Harry and Ron flew to Hogwarts in The Chamber of Secrets.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;">Malham
Cove, North Yorkshire</span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malham_Cove">Malham Cove</a> is a limestone formation located near the village of Malham (funnily enough). The cove itself was formed by an ancient waterfall. At the top of the Cove is a large limestone platform, where cracks have created a unique feature.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiUSfL8pbDzeNZiaOCwyEzvEM4YVaHK1NJKen5bY4DYFrXc-Mw9QFBj6fwx1MDiU_jAQzub2cnnnFzwKK794O1NExK3jmHVf_eBg-v4nQl84_e_9QD4U1Uq6HaHmdslQgMrqiwaQpNH_-/s1600/N+-+Malham+Cove.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiUSfL8pbDzeNZiaOCwyEzvEM4YVaHK1NJKen5bY4DYFrXc-Mw9QFBj6fwx1MDiU_jAQzub2cnnnFzwKK794O1NExK3jmHVf_eBg-v4nQl84_e_9QD4U1Uq6HaHmdslQgMrqiwaQpNH_-/s640/N+-+Malham+Cove.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">After Ron leaves them
in </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Deathly Hallows</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">, Harry and
Hermione camp at the top of Malham Cove. It is here they first discuss
the sign of the Deathly Hallows, and make plans to visit Godrick’s Hollow. The scenes in the film relied on helicopter
footage for the back plates, with the actors being filmed on a studio set. I went one better than the cast, and climbed
to the top of the pavement – the view was amazing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Fangirl Stitches I am cross stitching two alphabets for the challenge - a Pokemon themed one and a Supernatural themed one. Please stop by and check them out.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy travels</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ros</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-72216393510513712292016-04-15T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-15T19:00:03.863+10:00M is for the Cliffs of Moher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CgNQR43HOhzwGTDzOywQi7odMKV0_KPrN2S_GEx7p9oBe-Ql4q_f842Ps7K1Lhwl59Lol_MLLDPa0QwCH2gjjn1JmU85iIs9e8LSsYBnUHhqmn1Ko8xoy7Oe10o0e5M3luwXB4RO18Gd/s1600/M+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CgNQR43HOhzwGTDzOywQi7odMKV0_KPrN2S_GEx7p9oBe-Ql4q_f842Ps7K1Lhwl59Lol_MLLDPa0QwCH2gjjn1JmU85iIs9e8LSsYBnUHhqmn1Ko8xoy7Oe10o0e5M3luwXB4RO18Gd/s320/M+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The A to Z of Harry Potter Film Locations today takes us out of the UK and over to Ireland to visit <strong>The Cliffs of Moher.</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/">Cliffs of Moher</a> are located in County Clare, on the western side of Ireland. They are rather imposing, stretching for 8 km along the coast and reaching 214m at the highest point. If the weather is nice, you can go for a walk along the coast line to take it all in. If the weather is misirable (like the day I visited), then you can hang out in the coffee shop/restaurant in the visitors centre. (Or go for a walk in the rain and wind if that's your thing!).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrSo9l0r6AX4JLjohl6rtFiryqc8UWHZY-HxHhOT5mxEVk1QJX0Nqs2Gl0uXusXJl96z_cDpRhy4Ie6jkpDhrBz6Bz0t0djQqc82p4jGhjZNwBI121VY8GFMf8B6YnHO5mmGVc5rTbCE1/s1600/M+-+cliffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrSo9l0r6AX4JLjohl6rtFiryqc8UWHZY-HxHhOT5mxEVk1QJX0Nqs2Gl0uXusXJl96z_cDpRhy4Ie6jkpDhrBz6Bz0t0djQqc82p4jGhjZNwBI121VY8GFMf8B6YnHO5mmGVc5rTbCE1/s400/M+-+cliffs.jpg" width="362" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cliffs, located on the western coast of Ireland, were visited by Dumbledore and Harry during the their hunt for the horcruxes in <em>The Half-Blood Prince</em>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These impressive cliffs also featured in <em>The Princess Bride</em> as the Cliffs of Insanity, giving them even more fandom movie cred.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> I'm still working my way through the two cross stitch alphabets - Pokemon and Supernatural.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy travels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ros</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-967822539070884702016-04-14T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-14T19:00:06.606+10:00L is for the Leaky Cauldron<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx4n2CJiOUdhvQV2Lszn_XSI7ADSJyDLqsLW7NCMdpKOSc4IjiiXhPzQAuXR_jR3mCzPNRz0VWgHxnLLGSSMaiydoZAbH61Pz_FFM_3zA6iYZ27TsZZzCJ7uifuT5_hqp_WqZ6HUGFYze/s1600/P+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx4n2CJiOUdhvQV2Lszn_XSI7ADSJyDLqsLW7NCMdpKOSc4IjiiXhPzQAuXR_jR3mCzPNRz0VWgHxnLLGSSMaiydoZAbH61Pz_FFM_3zA6iYZ27TsZZzCJ7uifuT5_hqp_WqZ6HUGFYze/s320/P+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOd635LI_TsFKypNQsmuL_7ad3UT_Re1LTDnHBIphTzxA8incL1_bnj8dZtpPlQAnL6iHc6QXoUwO-D7fUxjLjmyKfDf3pREgFvYIHlrFdWAuIJoCA29-x77cMfPJwLQX2MI30yU0L2jE/s1600/L+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOd635LI_TsFKypNQsmuL_7ad3UT_Re1LTDnHBIphTzxA8incL1_bnj8dZtpPlQAnL6iHc6QXoUwO-D7fUxjLjmyKfDf3pREgFvYIHlrFdWAuIJoCA29-x77cMfPJwLQX2MI30yU0L2jE/s200/L+-+map.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Today on the A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations, we're visiting the three places used for the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Leaky Cauldron</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">, the all important tavern that leads you into Diagon Alley.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Leadenhall
Market</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Located in the historic centre of London, the covered <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadenhall_Market">Leadenhall Market</a> dates back to the 14th century. </span><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">Leadenhall Market was one of the first Potter locations I found on my own, after the guided walking tour. The market is in a beautiful building, with high angled ceilings and gorgeous window trims - the Grade II listed building was designed in 1881. The shops themselves are fascinating – old pen shops, book shopsand food markets, and other such things. It’s only open during the week (it’s in a business district) so I only ever got the chance to window shop, which was probably a good thing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">Harry and Hagrid are seen walking through Leadenhall Markets on their way to the Leaky Cauldron in </span><i style="line-height: 14.2667px;">The Philosopher’s Stone</i><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhe4KQlwBBfSXRH871hVDWBtRq3dhkT14NOkQRy3XRO3DmjuVr-jCYue_Ojef2IFNqqiQQDFz-IAZwjxOBtKyA4ipG4u3ByUDE0AWVCmsQqqjvGiLFkHQSQLcg06G7WdTFRQXsWe3lDc2/s1600/L+-+Leadenhall+Markets+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhe4KQlwBBfSXRH871hVDWBtRq3dhkT14NOkQRy3XRO3DmjuVr-jCYue_Ojef2IFNqqiQQDFz-IAZwjxOBtKyA4ipG4u3ByUDE0AWVCmsQqqjvGiLFkHQSQLcg06G7WdTFRQXsWe3lDc2/s320/L+-+Leadenhall+Markets+2.jpg" width="290" /></span></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
actual entrance to the Leaky Cauldron was the Glass House in Bull’s Passage. At the time of filming it was an abandoned
building; now it’s an optometrist’s office. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Borough
Markets </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to their website, <a href="http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/">Borough Market</a> is London's most renowned food market. It is located opposite London Bridge Stateion, with the tracks running right overhead.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqk6L1KZMSIr44xdDK2RgkyisoDELsLwQkSc9MDWXMcBgDrvVqJlq9FKbndhy8ufiYZRI_3UeDDfnTYKndfYuCVzCBp2qPAkvEsSIZoMYLefZp2FgK0LerWXFUkjzJNO7dUBv3hfmj7aJ/s1600/L+-+Borough+Markert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqk6L1KZMSIr44xdDK2RgkyisoDELsLwQkSc9MDWXMcBgDrvVqJlq9FKbndhy8ufiYZRI_3UeDDfnTYKndfYuCVzCBp2qPAkvEsSIZoMYLefZp2FgK0LerWXFUkjzJNO7dUBv3hfmj7aJ/s320/L+-+Borough+Markert.jpg" width="290" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Chez Michele, 7 Stoney Street, on the southeast edge of
Borough Street Markets, stood in for the Leaky Cauldron in </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The Prisoner of Azkaban</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">. The
Knight Bus, after tearing through the streets of London, drops Harry out the
front. It wouldn’t surprise me if the
reason the Leaky Cauldron changed locations was because the director couldn’t get a bus through Leadenhall Market!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Us6ZkbOfa2mE9vvvx1hBwZgzQpclpG4fyg1VHM-3u6twMol3d5BV1cNNRMAlNVRC5sTy9knBwSLt5y6kvwfIikLpNNSzySV_FSqoCXgbqbOTxoGOIT2HDNxIfYqCWTv2V9s4rYo9O5qL/s1600/L+-+Southwark+Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Us6ZkbOfa2mE9vvvx1hBwZgzQpclpG4fyg1VHM-3u6twMol3d5BV1cNNRMAlNVRC5sTy9knBwSLt5y6kvwfIikLpNNSzySV_FSqoCXgbqbOTxoGOIT2HDNxIfYqCWTv2V9s4rYo9O5qL/s400/L+-+Southwark+Cathedral.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The roof of Borough Market itself can be seen out of the window in Harry's room during his stay at the Leaky Cauldron, as can the train to London Bridge and the tower of Southwark Cathedral. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue;">Great
Newport Street</span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Adjacent to Charing
Cross Road in the West End, Great Newport Street, specifically the alleyway
next to Number 12, was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The Half-Blood Prince</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">. </span><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">It’s a random location, with nothing much to recommend it, but if you’re on Charing Cross Road anyway (and there’s a good chance you will be) you may as well stop and go “huh”.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the beginning of the film, Death Eaters
fly along Great Newport Street, down the alleyway, and burst through a wall
into Diagon Alley in order to kidnap Olivander. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy travels</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ros</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The A-Z cross stitch marathon continues at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> where I am working on two different alphabets... because I am mad.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-59518238513546785942016-04-13T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-13T19:00:34.991+10:00K is for Kings Cross and St Pancras Station<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX3eeyb5dSv9iiyyDWBAw_7MNTC1Wrpy8YEWdkiz5sTH-A5-LiEHidK06dJ3PgU9c4ElC6OXzJ6dgPzAnpGA40QTJSIqhBuy6y2hB9qTvKTUYCw-ONipmKHAkEn4vbQln1zl0F8r6y8XJ/s1600/K+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX3eeyb5dSv9iiyyDWBAw_7MNTC1Wrpy8YEWdkiz5sTH-A5-LiEHidK06dJ3PgU9c4ElC6OXzJ6dgPzAnpGA40QTJSIqhBuy6y2hB9qTvKTUYCw-ONipmKHAkEn4vbQln1zl0F8r6y8XJ/s320/K+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The train theme continues today as the A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations takes us back to London and to<b> Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Kings Cross and St Pancras train stations together form one of Britain's biggest travel hubs, with national and international trains, and a joint Underground tube station in between the two (Kings Cross St Pancras). Located on the northern end of Central London, Kings Cross railway station was opened in 1852, with neighbouring St Pancras was opened in 1868. The exterior of St Pancras is widely recognised for its Victorian Architecture, and is now a Grade 1 listed building. The design of Kings Cross was based on two large arched train sheds - these high arched roofs tower over the station platforms. It is no wonder that in the Potter films, platform scenes were shot on location at Kings Cross, with St Pancras standing in for the exterior of the station</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Kings
Cross</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Across the internet there is wide debate about the filming
location of platforms 9 and 10 in the Potter film series. A lot of this debate seems to stem from the
fact that platforms 9 and 10 at Kings Cross Station are not connected, and that
the bridge seen in <i>The Philosopher’s
Stone</i> and <i>The Order of The Phoenix</i>
no longer exists – it was torn down in 2009 and replaced with the glass one
seen in the background of my photo.
However, my visit to Kings Cross Station set the mind at rest as it is
clear that the roof and barriers seen in the films are the same as at the
station. Platforms 4 and 5 stood in for
platforms 9 and 10 throughout the film series, with JK Rowling admitting she
had been thinking of Euston Station when writing the novels (where 9 and 10 do
share a platform). <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Platform 5 was also used as
Platform 9 ¾.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">However, as I write this I realise that these platforms may
no longer exist. Kings Cross went
through a major remodel a couple of years ago and I haven’t been back since – I
know there was a lot of public outcry that they may be removing the old high
ceilings. I hope not. The place was stunning in an old worldy kind
of way. Just have a look at the long
shot in </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">The Philosopher’s Stone.</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> Have you been there recently? I’d love to hear how the station looks now…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">When I first visited Kings Cross in 2010, there was a little
sign marking the location of Platform 9 ¾.
It was hidden around the corner, out of the way, with a trolley half in
the wall. When I went back in 2012, the
sign had been moved due to the initial building works – a little more
prominent, but still small and unobtrusive.
Passing through the station at the end of 2013, I noted that the sign
and trolley had been moved to the main hall, near the ticket counters and
shops. There was rope for people to line
up at in order to take their photos.
Much more </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">there</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">, and a lot
easier to find!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u4phGXV7psF1c4C9sliFTqH4qKFwWOA7ru_muEQMyqcNKjDbvIL5Jk4KGE3LleKrfdm1M-dwBnWQKdZ5SUK04ORdRT3d0XG8j5FJP7jDBMRNLhkfQJOBkvAtyli8M8CrUqY8vU4n-hNX/s1600/K+-+Kings+Cross+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u4phGXV7psF1c4C9sliFTqH4qKFwWOA7ru_muEQMyqcNKjDbvIL5Jk4KGE3LleKrfdm1M-dwBnWQKdZ5SUK04ORdRT3d0XG8j5FJP7jDBMRNLhkfQJOBkvAtyli8M8CrUqY8vU4n-hNX/s640/K+-+Kings+Cross+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">St
Pancras Station</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The exterior of St
Pancras Station was used as the exterior of Kings Cross Station, both when
Harry and Ron fly the Ford Anglia in <i>The
Chamber of Secrets</i> and at the start of the epilogue in <i>The Deathly Hallows, part 2. </i> I think my black-and-white photo captures the old-world charm of the building quite well, even if I do say so myself!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy travels</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 14.2667px;">Ros</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 14.2667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 14.2667px;">The A-Z cross stitching continues over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a> too.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-55016594784771331772016-04-12T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-12T19:00:02.970+10:00J is for the Jacobite Railway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvkp3Ot5p02A7J_pdNqR-lbXDAuf-0WBSJMzpZLd3KZxtRF8NmBJOdgraVw6Qsp7L-_lyXrNz6_8_-TPZnXu4TMzwAJtK7vOev_B9G9y8-GW7aacCVJPATALeiHqJ6ex3rxhPV9etkSJ5/s1600/J+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvkp3Ot5p02A7J_pdNqR-lbXDAuf-0WBSJMzpZLd3KZxtRF8NmBJOdgraVw6Qsp7L-_lyXrNz6_8_-TPZnXu4TMzwAJtK7vOev_B9G9y8-GW7aacCVJPATALeiHqJ6ex3rxhPV9etkSJ5/s320/J+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We're back off up to Scotland today on the A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations - into the Highlands, and riding on the Hogwarts Express itself, otherwise known as the </span><a href="http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-steam-train-details.cfm"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jacobite Steam Train</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLaUxBgShjKF0nlps4XYAjEkGU4bbhGGooEDbVOjvwaIp6Ppqshn83s7EIzMcBDBJ_bY4AutSjPCpZAqOTF_ydCHE0vSVKf2R4WnVdgp4tWaSy2S62SaNLAjejWWIeOZrJfPiYEHoaD-J/s1600/J+-+Jacobite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLaUxBgShjKF0nlps4XYAjEkGU4bbhGGooEDbVOjvwaIp6Ppqshn83s7EIzMcBDBJ_bY4AutSjPCpZAqOTF_ydCHE0vSVKf2R4WnVdgp4tWaSy2S62SaNLAjejWWIeOZrJfPiYEHoaD-J/s640/J+-+Jacobite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the Jacobite in Scotland</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Owned by West Coast Railways, the Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William in the Scottish Highlands through to Mallaig on the western coast. The website claims it to be "one of the greatest railway journeys of the world" and I agree it is pretty impressive. You travel from the base of Scotland's highest mountain (Ben Nevis), past freshwater lakes, rivers, and finally end up at the sea. The scenery is spectacular throughout the journey - if your camera takes good moving pictures, you can wind up with some impressive shots.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun0nepCGfjIKhmBvYfYGQIasCAf_mzpUa7ajlz9EuK9bG31kZCKQDlIecKrCJBEKlevwuPZ_ZvUCAy-6heURqCkLpL7GHlc7AkNqzqXB_j6r2b4kZfQalL93XYbLRJA5awOIni5rwuW4u/s1600/J+-+other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun0nepCGfjIKhmBvYfYGQIasCAf_mzpUa7ajlz9EuK9bG31kZCKQDlIecKrCJBEKlevwuPZ_ZvUCAy-6heURqCkLpL7GHlc7AkNqzqXB_j6r2b4kZfQalL93XYbLRJA5awOIni5rwuW4u/s640/J+-+other.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenes that were filmed on Rannoch Moor rather than the Fort William-Mallaig line</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Which is why the overhead footage of the Hogwarts Express was so visually engaging and breathtaking. Nearly all of the footage of the Hogwarts Express in action was filmed along this 42 mile stretch of train track (</span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I go into more detail in the S post - stay tuned</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">). So much so, that it is easier for me to tell you what wasn't filmed here than what was. The long flat stretch in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Half-Blood Prince</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> and</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Deathly Hallows</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> when the Death Eaters stop the Hogwarts Express - they were filmed on Rannoch Moor, also in Scotland. That about covers it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WMFp2HlfnugE49n1vc-HIUiJpAJnFsZJkrIUADwRSoi2v9gSD9vY9JaSZCxZsBud-BAH2IwCD6ScpLTqcvlmEbltO-vyhbFbPxF-Lfbp88TgPN12FhFP24nd0mSbd6X4mQzru9dZGqdV/s1600/J+-+Viaduct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WMFp2HlfnugE49n1vc-HIUiJpAJnFsZJkrIUADwRSoi2v9gSD9vY9JaSZCxZsBud-BAH2IwCD6ScpLTqcvlmEbltO-vyhbFbPxF-Lfbp88TgPN12FhFP24nd0mSbd6X4mQzru9dZGqdV/s640/J+-+Viaduct.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top photo is the view we had from a boat on Loch Shiel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Most notably of course is the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenfinnan_Viaduct" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Glenfinnan Viaduct</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> - the large curved bridge that sits 100 feet above the ground. Leaning </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">carefully</em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> out of the window, I was able to snap some shots of the train as it passed over the bridge. There is a </span><a href="http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/glenfinnan.shtml" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">walk around Glenfinnan</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> which gives you a great view of the Viaduct and Loch Shiel, however it's not advisable to head out during the train's brief stop at Glenfinnan station - unless you don't want to complete the rest of your journey of course. Come back another day with a car. Or take a boat out on Loch Shiel - that gives you a good view too, and is what we did. If your driver times it right, you can watch the steam trains pass over the Viaduct.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslU82Rhf1asNmHQWoyFxn22pt7GibHuDiPYfsUIMTHJZ_N_wCwm2nTWTx78kNPMZUNaQJu47mEJy6Ua102VF4QcYgLJjVkbl4xZQvkSOJ_1ZSJjwN52dn9KC8-a84guVuUkKBWGVdcEdX/s1600/2.+Hogwarts+express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslU82Rhf1asNmHQWoyFxn22pt7GibHuDiPYfsUIMTHJZ_N_wCwm2nTWTx78kNPMZUNaQJu47mEJy6Ua102VF4QcYgLJjVkbl4xZQvkSOJ_1ZSJjwN52dn9KC8-a84guVuUkKBWGVdcEdX/s320/2.+Hogwarts+express.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hogwarts Express at the Warner Bros Studio Tour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hogwarts Express itself was originally one of the Jacobite trains, and stories abounded that when you took this railway journey, if you were lucky, you would be riding behind the actual train used as the Hogwarts Express. I don't know if that was ever the case, but it's certainly not any more - the Hogwarts Express is now on display at the </span><a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Warner Bros. Studio Tour</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Leavesden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Happy travels,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Ros</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">P.S. I'm still madly stitching away over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>. Today's J's are Jigglypuff and John Winchester.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-65663486073977595022016-04-11T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-11T19:00:02.344+10:00I is for Ivinghoe Beacon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0g94D6Y7shxThtS7anx1JUifvulkYCszrk9e4u7SwkBJfSES8x8y33aIbjCOIZWgZbnyEc2CGvpMhFizHVNYD265QVqMcdAYXeA3Tq89PxdqWLRdA918nsUhboFtZIF1pRx1hJXDZ5vF/s1600/I+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0g94D6Y7shxThtS7anx1JUifvulkYCszrk9e4u7SwkBJfSES8x8y33aIbjCOIZWgZbnyEc2CGvpMhFizHVNYD265QVqMcdAYXeA3Tq89PxdqWLRdA918nsUhboFtZIF1pRx1hJXDZ5vF/s320/I+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations is climbing <b>Ivinghoe Beacon</b> today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Located near the village of Ivinghoe in Buckinghamshire, the prominent hill of <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/features/ivinghoe-beacon-at-ashridge-estate">Ivinghoe Beacon</a> stands 233 metres above sea level. It is not the highest point in the area, but according to the National Trust, who own and manage the area, Ivinghoe Beacon offers the best view points and is a popular spot for walkers, sightseers and model aircraft pilots... flyers... drivers... whatever. For the walkers amongst you, there is a <a href="http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway/route/ivinghoe-beacon">3 mile walk up</a> to the Beacon and through the surrounding areas. If you're not a walker (like me) you can park up the top near the Beacon itself. Ivinghoe Beacon's relative proximity to the film studios at Elstree means that it has appeared in several different movies and television shows including Batman Begins 2 and the Dirty Dozen, as well as (of course) Harry Potter.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27lkeIHSuxfL9BDndlVFIicRPzrKaC0NS4Y6cAdI1KbuhFYCH-UOLoQw1kExuMlbNp46UYzJmPVtN0HITRqu5g715aJ1r10yjJISUFMC7O3eopXJH1iRLkaPOXzSo491DXFXUbVtq4JIz/s1600/I+-+Ivinghoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27lkeIHSuxfL9BDndlVFIicRPzrKaC0NS4Y6cAdI1KbuhFYCH-UOLoQw1kExuMlbNp46UYzJmPVtN0HITRqu5g715aJ1r10yjJISUFMC7O3eopXJH1iRLkaPOXzSo491DXFXUbVtq4JIz/s320/I+-+Ivinghoe.jpg" width="290" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">After walking through nearby Ashridge Wood (as mentioned in the "F" post), Harry, Hermione, the Weasleys and the Diggorys climb Ivinghoe Beacon search of the Portkey that will
transport them to the Quidditch World Cup in </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Goblet of Fire</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy travels!</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ros</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't forget - I'm also cross stitching for the A-Z challenge over at<a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/"> Fangirl Stitches</a> - both a Pokemon alphabet and a Supernatural one.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-89138333795484322962016-04-09T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-09T19:00:04.663+10:00H is for Homes<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1MeMYy47gQxKYspekFAitHqjLVis-afL0hA8TfpQSb39y9oXR1IHVHf6CaPuFFBp88J8ACOGm_2D3TTdvdbxYxQjmBzNuE8bS5I3q0L5XbuTZDadbh5DxZzspRnlpbBhAAybY7qqycMa/s1600/H+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1MeMYy47gQxKYspekFAitHqjLVis-afL0hA8TfpQSb39y9oXR1IHVHf6CaPuFFBp88J8ACOGm_2D3TTdvdbxYxQjmBzNuE8bS5I3q0L5XbuTZDadbh5DxZzspRnlpbBhAAybY7qqycMa/s320/H+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Once again, today we are going to be jumping around the country. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Today's A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Filming Locations is H for the <b>homes </b>of the Harry Potter characters. On the whole, the locations were just used for their exteriors and are private dwellings so not open to the public - still, you can see/photograph the outside which is what was used in the films in any case.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">9
Heathgate, Hampstead Garden</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">9 Heathgate is a two-story bungalow at the end of a quite street in the north eastern suburbs of London. The nearest underground (or tube) station is Golders Green on the Northern line. At the beginning of <i>The
Deathly Hallows, part 1,</i> after erasing her parents’ memories, Hermione
exists the family home and walks up the street towards St
Jude’s Church – both of which look just like they do in the film, hedges and
all.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">12
Picket Post Close, Bracknell</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Picket Post Close is in the village of Bracknell in Berkshire, the nearest train station being Martins Heron, on the London Waterloo-Reading line. The street is lined with identical-looking houses; in fact the whole area is filled with similar houses, almost all of which could be home to the Dursleys. However, it was number 12, Picket Post Close that was used as the location for 4 Privet
Drive in <i>The Philosopher’s Stone</i>. Subsequent films were shot on a <a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.com/">studio set</a> –
it’s been reported that the residents of Picket Post Close had demanded a much
larger fee to film on their street. I
dropped by to take photos on my way back from Sailsbury one weekend, but didn’t
hang around for long as I fell over when walking to the street, twisting my ankle
and scraping my knee so wasn’t up to walking the length of the street to find
the exact house! Clumsy Ros for the win.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Godric’s
Hollow</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">A medieval wool town in Sufolk, <a href="http://www.discoverlavenham.co.uk/">Lavenham</a> is famous for its half-timber houses and 15th century church. To me, however, it is most famous for being the template for
Godric’s Hollow. T</span><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">he final footage is a combination of background shots of Lavenham, digital buildings, and a studio set, with the actors filming in front of a green screen. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yrleg7pLoKwDqORMfU0SRR2pLwAJFCU55zsB6nc3B0ZIh524gx57xr3eTt4nKG_0OQHC0hwm_frV0IldSVxAxNzqj1GXmvaNUjOXXyttEVFjw43BbmG6VQlhRr3ojmfShtAiOdjCo9Mj/s1600/H+-+Godrick%2527s+Hollow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yrleg7pLoKwDqORMfU0SRR2pLwAJFCU55zsB6nc3B0ZIh524gx57xr3eTt4nKG_0OQHC0hwm_frV0IldSVxAxNzqj1GXmvaNUjOXXyttEVFjw43BbmG6VQlhRr3ojmfShtAiOdjCo9Mj/s320/H+-+Godrick%2527s+Hollow2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">de Vere House, Lavenham. <br />Image from http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/topic/harry-potter/</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The Potter's family home was based on the de Vere House, a grade 1 listed building available for self-contained holiday stays - it's one of those things I've found out since I visited the town, so I've had to make do with a photo from the internet. The de Vere House <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/9506802/The-cottage-where-Harry-Potter-was-born-goes-on-sale-for-nearly-1-millon.html">went on the market in 2012</a> for nearly </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 20.72px;">£</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">1 million, and is now the second-most photographed doorway in England (the first being 10 Downing Street). Although based on this house, the a</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">ctual building used was a studio set, now on display at the <a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.com/">Warner Bros. Studio Tour</a>. Personally, I don't see it... but who am I to argue with the internet?</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Hardwick
Hall, Derbyshire</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardwick_Hall">Hardwick Hall</a> is an achitecturally significant Elizabethan country house. It was built between 1590 and 1597 for Bess of Hardwick. Owned and managed by the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall">National Trust,</a> today Hardwick Hall is home to the most amazing collection of tapestries and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">embroideries, most of which date back to the 16th century. These tapestries were initially preserved as it was (wrongly) believed they were linked to one of the early monarchs - which means they still of a high quality and worth preserving in their own right! The tapestries are beautiful and very much worth a visit. Hard</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wick Hall w</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">as
used as the exterior for Malfoy Manor in </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The
Deathly Hallows, part 1</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">. Only the ground and
first floor were used, with the towers digitally added in post. The yew alley and gardens were digitally moved
from the side to the front of the property with the iron gates added in
afterwards. Personally, I thought the
building was imposing enough without the pointed towers.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: purple;">Clachaig Gully, Scotland</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Located approximately two miles east of Glencoe village, the Clachaig Gully became the home of Hagrid's Hut for the later films. On a ridge opposite <a href="https://www.clachaig.com/">Clachaig Inn</a>, set designers built Hagrid's Hut, the standing stones, and the Bridge to Nowhere. The location was used for <i>The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Order of the Phoenix</i>, and <i>The Half-Blood Prince</i>. Despite pleas from local business owners, all traces of the set were removed at the end of filming. I didn't climb the ridge because of a foot injury, and instead just photographed it from below.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Whew. Thank goodness "I" is going to be an easier entry! Before you ask, </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Ron's house is being left to another entry (Y... you'll understand when we get there!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Happy travels</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Ros</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I'm also cross stitching the A-Z challenge over at<a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/"> Fangirl Stitches</a> - both a Pokemon and a Supernatural alphabet. Please stop by and check it out.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-49772548739925481222016-04-08T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-08T19:00:01.658+10:00G is for Gloucester Cathedral<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzYWF1-MhKPfd0eo2zHwci4lwCR7XbAF2HUYSP432lKpYrykDEwUTQX6Avt7bl3jatk_7iqlLGikfpUkc4AJ9vEU8GQNFST4FJkMp-tWL1IsA-otMOHxJbiniQ9OtPZBKsg8AMtT1ncSD/s1600/G+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzYWF1-MhKPfd0eo2zHwci4lwCR7XbAF2HUYSP432lKpYrykDEwUTQX6Avt7bl3jatk_7iqlLGikfpUkc4AJ9vEU8GQNFST4FJkMp-tWL1IsA-otMOHxJbiniQ9OtPZBKsg8AMtT1ncSD/s320/G+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations takes us next to </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Gloucester Cathedral</b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">, which was used for the corridors of Hogwarts.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">A place of continuous workship for the last 1300 years, the current Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Invisible Trinity (or </span><a href="http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/" style="line-height: 107%;">Gloucester Cathedral</a><span style="line-height: 107%;"> for short) was begun in 1089. Still a place of worship today, the Cathedral hosts regular services, concerts, exhibitions, events and tours. If you're feeling fit, you can climb the 269 steps to the top of the tower, for a view of Gloucester. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral are spectacular, and
I really felt like I was walking through the hallways of Hogwarts when I was
there. All I needed was a robe and a
moving staircase.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;">The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, with its medieval lavatorium, became the corridors of Hogwarts. In <i>The Philosopher's Stone</i></span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> Percy Weasley leads the first year Gryffindors through the cloisters and across the courtyard before winding up at the doorway to the Gryffindor common room, covered by the portrait of The Fat Lady on their first night. They later retrace their steps on Halloween: Harry and Ron, running to find and warn Hermione, first
see the troll walking through the northern cloisters near the lavatorium</span><i style="line-height: 107%;">.</i><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoapyHoMIjRusLUH4sII6ycWoTT5BpRp5W6napekPmzLMpwh3_T3Av-Ast2rzFHmIG6bmsUHdniq-cmXsfkJ74EMwHPHvCOmADt8FT5uS3QxipwdMyayuu2Xs36GwR4jdJPstPu4Z5YuhV/s640/G+-+Gloucester+Cathedral.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The Chamber
of Secrets</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">, the warning “enemies of the heir, beware” is scrawled on the
corridor wall, and later a distraught Moaning Myrtle floods the cloisters. </span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfreWYAavlQ3XOD6US9C2XrhvdGql5Yj3HTOZpUU5WW6SNLenuQl5gefjJ7t01UODLQ6E2SOQllwP0AqJ5RIl-3fIh27aOet2iZe2sTyoci5e9GaySLOj581tCN5sx23LN1kqqcc4Uue0S/s640/G+-+Gloucester+Cathedral+lavatorium.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">The
Half-Blood Prince</i><span style="line-height: 107%;"> Harry, hiding in the lavatorium, overhears Snape and
Draco discuss the Unbreakable Vow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Side note - also in Gloucestershire (the county where Gloucester is located) is the village of <b>Dursley</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“The surname ‘Dursley” was taken from the eponymous town in
Gloucestershire, which is not very far from where I was born. I have never visited Dursley, and I expect
that it is full of charming people. It
was the sound of the word the appealed, rather than any association with the
place” said JK Rowling. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">I visited Dursley,
which is a standard small town – none of the conveniences of a larger place
(like somewhere for lunch!), and lacking the charm and friendliness of a
village. Do you get the impression that
I wasn’t too impressed? I apologise to
the people of Dursley – I’m sure you’re nice and I was just out-of-sorts. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Happy travels,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Ros</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>, I'm cross stitching two alphabets for the challenge. G is for Geodude (Pokemon) and Gabriel the Trickster (Supernatural)</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-83908587964439110212016-04-07T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-07T19:00:02.115+10:00F is for Forrests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LVMzEDuH5rbOXJDflt2Mk8h1Mpv-t848wRbm0dxfPO5Ywik-k6fhO5z6S-KsV4cu7dpuabjavIoTJcR-NehAabHNLxGU1WPkjGLQxmbinJCm8ECVDjKf8lwxCFC_MYEUl3gz5frDKvr6/s1600/F+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LVMzEDuH5rbOXJDflt2Mk8h1Mpv-t848wRbm0dxfPO5Ywik-k6fhO5z6S-KsV4cu7dpuabjavIoTJcR-NehAabHNLxGU1WPkjGLQxmbinJCm8ECVDjKf8lwxCFC_MYEUl3gz5frDKvr6/s320/F+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iiyv1iq-k4tAJxF9dje-O9bWAn9Q1oDxz9qYiYMuWyNOYm2TIV7cCbqNijEHaGsP05pXYl00KB87q08HztX3Q2Ie6hcVkbI0cGfL672RI2jFYbmTBoN-Y1mbqEp9xFayvMgtySUGjzJj/s1600/F+-+forests.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iiyv1iq-k4tAJxF9dje-O9bWAn9Q1oDxz9qYiYMuWyNOYm2TIV7cCbqNijEHaGsP05pXYl00KB87q08HztX3Q2Ie6hcVkbI0cGfL672RI2jFYbmTBoN-Y1mbqEp9xFayvMgtySUGjzJj/s200/F+-+forests.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">On the A-Z Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations, F is for
the many </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">forests</b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> used throughout the
films. We're going to be jumping around the country a bit, so hold on tight.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Several different forests stood in for the Forbidden Forest
(depending on the film and how dramatic or imposing they wanted it to look), as
well as train stations, camping grounds, and just general scenery. The specific areas used are hard to locate,
given that it’s a forest and trees grow, but I did my best based on the
reference books, online news articles, and behind-the-scenes videos I had to
hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JepMVIxx7fSTXJI_c8rIw4k3sJx5f_6wvUv9Isl7_IHclEI3ybwf0-iExZdIMzvZteZGyaDCMcdSF6bRVx0sPNIImcgHXp6oq07VFFGUfH919uDOJVXHuTvaw_5uMRuAuabZzzrENtwe/s1600/F+-+Burnham+Beeches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JepMVIxx7fSTXJI_c8rIw4k3sJx5f_6wvUv9Isl7_IHclEI3ybwf0-iExZdIMzvZteZGyaDCMcdSF6bRVx0sPNIImcgHXp6oq07VFFGUfH919uDOJVXHuTvaw_5uMRuAuabZzzrENtwe/s640/F+-+Burnham+Beeches.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Burnham Beeches</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Burnham
Beeches, Buckinhamshire</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/Pages/default.aspx">Burnahm Beeches National Nature Reserve</a> has been described as one of the best examples of ancient woodland in Britain. Some of the trees in this forest are more than 400 years old, and it is home to a variety of fungi, plants and animals. Burnham Beeches first </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">appeared in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Order of the Phoenix</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> as the place
where Luna introduces Harry to the thestrals. It was later used as two different camp sites in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Deathly Hallows, part 1 -</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> first when the trio
narrowly excape from the Ministry of Magic and try to destroy the necklace, and
later as the snow-covered Forest of Dean, when Ron rejoins Harry and
Hermione and destroys the horcrux. Burnham Beeches was also used in <i>The Princess Bride</i> (for those who are interested!)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Black Park</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Black
Park, Buckinghamshire</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/country-parks/black-park/">Black Park</a> is located in Wexham, Buckinghamshir. Running, walking, dog-walking, mountain bike riding, and fishing are all popular past-times for visitors to the park due to its wide open spaces and well-maintained pathways (I'm just repeating what their website says - I went and took some photos and left again). </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Black Park stood in for the Forbidden Forest in four of
the films. Harry sees
Quirrell/Voldermort drinking unicorn blood here in <i>The Philosopher’s Stone</i>; and Ron and Harry are rescued from Aragog
and his children by the flying car in <i>The
Chamber of Secrets</i>. It is here that
Hagrid shows Harry the dragons in <i>The
Goblet of Fire. I</i>n <i>The Order of
the Phoenix</i> the park was home to Hogsmede Station, with a platform and railway track
built especially for the film. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxA62Wm6wi9VIgerU0ysGaKzh_a0XeRlPf_Exdcp_Pp6M2lJGNjcLVwN60XJ8yQANAU7MuZSABOfKiJUcwYCT1nAO3k8y4RvmIea2E8h1Im42HScs-rlzWp0GukkucCUIrWxaG-y3IiTD/s1600/F+-+Black+Park.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxA62Wm6wi9VIgerU0ysGaKzh_a0XeRlPf_Exdcp_Pp6M2lJGNjcLVwN60XJ8yQANAU7MuZSABOfKiJUcwYCT1nAO3k8y4RvmIea2E8h1Im42HScs-rlzWp0GukkucCUIrWxaG-y3IiTD/s320/F+-+Black+Park.png" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The clearing just past the visitor's centre was used in <i>The Philosopher's Stone </i>and<i> The Chamber of Secrets</i> as the setting for Hagrid's Hut</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Swinley Forest</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Swinley
Forest, Surrey and Berkshire</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swinley_Forest">Swinley Forest</a> is located in Surrey and Berkshire, and was once part of Windsor Forest. Swinley Forest is a popular area for walking and mountain-biking, has an interactive visitor centre, and an iron age fort. For me, it was one of the nicer forests I visited in my hunt for Potter locations, and was the most recognisable.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDrrvBg0qUS3dkWFrZ_Gyn7CBkBXFh6OVGhi1dOrie8yGZ9XNRYEVRHt0dtyDax2ItOCoHKDKTU88aq_NIJ-BWx5DHD_KPilhY_37uBrsaOzISG59bS-08oJN0U1BH-p_dgsa3M1xFtAz/s1600/F+-+Swinley+and+Etvie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDrrvBg0qUS3dkWFrZ_Gyn7CBkBXFh6OVGhi1dOrie8yGZ9XNRYEVRHt0dtyDax2ItOCoHKDKTU88aq_NIJ-BWx5DHD_KPilhY_37uBrsaOzISG59bS-08oJN0U1BH-p_dgsa3M1xFtAz/s640/F+-+Swinley+and+Etvie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinley Forest, on the bank of Loch Etive</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Swinley Forest first </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">appeared in </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The Half-Blood Prince</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;"> when Harry chases Bellatrix, Draco, Snape and the other Death Eaters though the Forbidden Forest following Dumbledore’s death. In </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The Deathly Hallows, part 1,</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> Harry and Hermione disaparate from Swinley Forest after Ron walks out on them. For this sequence, the forest was relocated to the banks of Loch Etive in Scotland. Harry, Ron and Harry aparate<i> </i>back to the forest/loch before being chased by the Snatchers, a scene which ended with </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Hermione cursing Harry to make his
face swell. During this sequence, the
directed had to pull the trio aside and remind the actors that they were
filming a movie and not competing against each other!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Deathly Hallows, part 1</i> DVD menu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNCQlcUXGeDCRQJR1dim06sTnAyCfoYCDTXkJf18vB2XFBre0jnggTMvmT8_rBHDtsSUCKzCViEdXcgIHWUDrQ9xhW-Dgut1PrmoEUI_QgS-qrSdhJctZI0InVDn3m5Zp4_cFyItsEU0V/s1600/F+-+Ashridge+Wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNCQlcUXGeDCRQJR1dim06sTnAyCfoYCDTXkJf18vB2XFBre0jnggTMvmT8_rBHDtsSUCKzCViEdXcgIHWUDrQ9xhW-Dgut1PrmoEUI_QgS-qrSdhJctZI0InVDn3m5Zp4_cFyItsEU0V/s640/F+-+Ashridge+Wood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashridge Wood</td></tr>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ashridge Wood, Hertfordshire</span></span></b></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Located on the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate">Ashridge Estate</a>, Ashridge Wood has been managed by the National Trust since 1926. The Ashridge Estate includes beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands. Each of the different landscapes support a wide variety of wildlife, includng bluebells in spring, butterflies in summer, and deer in the autumn. The bluebells I saw were beautiful.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While on their way to
the Quidditch World Cup, Harry and friends meet Cedric Diggory and his father
in Ashridge Wood. The tree Cedric swings
down from is located in the Frithsden Beeches area of Ashridge Wood, however I
only found this out after I visited, so I walked through a completely different
section… no wonder I couldn’t find the tree! Although the one I did find was pretty close.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">And that finishes our tour of the forests from the Potter films! Only one location for tomorrow - thank goodness!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Until then, happy travels,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Ros</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Don't forget - I'm also working on two cross stitch patterns for the A-Z challenge over at my other blog, <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com.au/">Fangirl Stitches</a>. F is for Farfetch'd (Pokemon) and the Four Horsemen (Supernatural)</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-64788908043572783062016-04-06T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-06T19:00:02.603+10:00E is for Edinburgh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9x8ZmA3CUNklE9X0Lm5XqI4XExaFhI6nOHSZDzBYZ3gKegwL58sznwyTWlttRUwwCuVIEKK-Yy2JBq_23h7lwUnWnt3LwXArWxmRYocsFHdFooKi8My-4DHjXaAA27mmJTSwkf5TUPc9/s1600/E+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9x8ZmA3CUNklE9X0Lm5XqI4XExaFhI6nOHSZDzBYZ3gKegwL58sznwyTWlttRUwwCuVIEKK-Yy2JBq_23h7lwUnWnt3LwXArWxmRYocsFHdFooKi8My-4DHjXaAA27mmJTSwkf5TUPc9/s320/E+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Today the A to Z tour of Harry Potter Film Locations is off to </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh</b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, home to JK Rowling herself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://thisisedinburgh.com/">Edinburgh </a>is the capital city of Scotland, home to many historic buildings, festivals (such as the Fringe Festival and Royal Military Tattoo). There are a lot of quaint stores selling antiques and gifts. Basically, it's a city with lots of things to see and do, including the Edinburgh Castle, whiskey tours, tartan factories/shops, churches, museums, food...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are no film locations in Edinburgh itself, however there are lots of links to JK and to the writing of the series so it's certainly worth a visit as part of this tour. You can either explore the city on your own, or join one of the many walking tours around the city - Potter-themed, literary-themed, other-themed... I've done both a walking tour and my own thing and would recommend joining a tour - there's little you won't see as part of a walking tour, and you'll get a lot more information from your guide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On with our virtual tour:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Elephant Cafe where the first novel was written, and the Balmoral Hotel when the last novel was finished</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elephant House Café</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When she started to write the Potter novels, JK Rowling was so poor she couldn't afford to heat her house during the day. Instead she would go to the <a href="http://www.elephanthouse.biz/">Elephant House café</a>, buy a single cup of coffee, and spend hours writing in the warmth of the café. Today inside the café, there is a display dedicated to JK, and the walls of the bathroom are covered in graffiti notes to the author and her characters and quotes from the books. I admit - I added my own inscription when I had lunch there one day! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inscriptions on the bathroom walls at The Elephant Cafe</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The food at the café is delicious, and reasonably priced. The café is filled with elephant ornaments of all sizes, paintings and other works of art. However, my favourite thing is that you are not allowed to sit down at a table until you have ordered and have your food. None of this "my friend is ordering for me but at the back of the queue so I'm going to save us a table". As a sole traveller, this makes the world of difference as the tables aren't all filled with people waiting for their friends to order.</span><br />
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<strong>The Balmoral Hotel</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007" - this is the inscription that JK Rowling left on the marble bust of Hermes within the room at the <a href="https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/">Balmoral Hotel</a>. Room 552 has since been renamed the J.K. Rowling Suite, and reportedly costs £1000 per night. Just a little bit outside my budget!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">George Heriot's School</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">George Heriot's School</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.george-heriots.com/">George Heriot's School </a>was founded in 1628 as a school for the education of "puire fatherless bairnes". While it is now a private school for the wealthy, in accordance with George Heriot's legacy, the school still offers some bursaries to children without fathers. This is believed to have inspired the idea of Harry being an orphan.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greyfriar's Kirkyard and the tombstones that inspired some of the names in the novel</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greyfriar's Kirk and Graveyard</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Located on the walk between the Elephant Café and George Heriot's School, <a href="http://www.greyfriarskirk.com/">Greyfriar's Kirk</a> (church and graveyard) was a popular picnic location for JK Rowling. While lunching here with her baby daughter, JK found the names for several of the characters in her books including Tom Riddle and Professor McGonagall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's it for Edinburgh. Back to actual film locations tomorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Happy travels</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ros</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P.S. Because I'm crazy, I'm also completing the A-Z Challenge over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com.au/">Fangirl Stitches</a> where I am cross stitching 2 different alphabets - Pokemon and Supernatural. E is for Eevee and Ellen Harvelle</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-56714657970003284462016-04-05T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-05T19:00:07.314+10:00D is for Dartford Crossing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqAWklWHwCTJ7nduHB88X1Gr8nYbY2zhy0ODaVJsrrwzRU4QK-HWUM7-b71hwxp2KsNAGU9wRIyza2_Mg95o1jqgxUnKgVsqrxSWyI2TKBTWuygyFAwUkmNgoQKePNyM5Vo9TO7PwvWJU/s1600/D+-+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqAWklWHwCTJ7nduHB88X1Gr8nYbY2zhy0ODaVJsrrwzRU4QK-HWUM7-b71hwxp2KsNAGU9wRIyza2_Mg95o1jqgxUnKgVsqrxSWyI2TKBTWuygyFAwUkmNgoQKePNyM5Vo9TO7PwvWJU/s320/D+-+Map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D of the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations</span> is the <strong>Dartford Crossing.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartford_Crossing">The Dartford Crossing</a> is not really a tourist attraction. In fact, it's not a tourist attraction at all. It's a tunnel and bridge that crosses the Thames to link Dartford in Kent with Thurrock in Essex. As you drive from Dartford to Essex, you go through the tunnel. You drive over the bridge on your return journey. I used the crossing quite a number of times while I lived in the UK. I stayed with a friend near Darford for a few weeks when I first started working in Essex, and then once I moved I drove over/through the crossing to visit friends back in Kent. Have to say, I do not miss the traffic that accumulates on the bridge/tunnel. It's also one of the few toll points in the UK.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dartford Crossing</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> featured in <em>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1</em> as part of Hagrid and Harry's escape route. You remember the scene - they were flying Sirius' motorcycle, fleeing from Death Eaters, trying to make their way to the Burrow where Harry (and everyone else) would be safe. Hagrid decides the safest option to try and lose the Death Eater is to fly through a tunnel, straight into on-coming traffic.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfNgnrCUHM2Ae2NbvpGF6rmT0EY93cVgd-dPNFUFgV-Tp8Px6-9-w4XsfjIDvhvpiXHeGuO7RlofE83ft9Q0rMD03huiGmSLC941QXK20IyoeByPH7emLcOqpYgqpRf8Oc7W1sKRftZNd/s1600/Dartford+crossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfNgnrCUHM2Ae2NbvpGF6rmT0EY93cVgd-dPNFUFgV-Tp8Px6-9-w4XsfjIDvhvpiXHeGuO7RlofE83ft9Q0rMD03huiGmSLC941QXK20IyoeByPH7emLcOqpYgqpRf8Oc7W1sKRftZNd/s640/Dartford+crossing.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The entry to the tunnel is Dartford Crossing. The bridge (and its very heavy traffic) can be seen in the background as Harry tries to control the motorbike after they've left the tunnel. Interesting fact - the interior of the tunnel seen in the film is actually </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensway_Tunnel"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Queensway Tunnel</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in Liverpool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">One of my friends told me it was nightmare for the locals when this scene was being filmed - the Crossing was closed for ages that night, with traffic backed up for hours, and the locals not having a clue why. It was only when the paper reported it a couple of days later that they found out. Warner Bros were very secretive throughout their filming process - trying to avoid hoards of stalkers and crazy fans I suppose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another interesting fact - it's really not easy to try and photograph the tunnel entrance while driving/sitting in the car! The bridge itself is best viewed from </span><a href="http://www.bluewater.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bluewater</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, a shopping centre in Dartford.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Happy travels,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Ros</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I'm also completing the A-Z Challenge over at <a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/">Fangirl Stitches</a>, where I am cross stitching both a Pokemon and a Supernatural alphabet. D is for Dragonite and Dean Winchester</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681098442950123186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941467373601078808.post-89848468909680276292016-04-04T19:00:00.000+10:002016-04-04T19:00:06.769+10:00C is for Durham Cathedral and Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYEDCBWcsiQcRbKIm7uDNin8ZXk3HrXK80v7bKDL7OiveSotfc2hkoWIKo7GlclDJF78TM2OZ1c6dXjny4-ucVRdlA3ZgFB1_AbF2LwMklxb1gSuGxTJMpIAXfO1dELmDBEfkwgkGnHRF/s1600/C+-+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYEDCBWcsiQcRbKIm7uDNin8ZXk3HrXK80v7bKDL7OiveSotfc2hkoWIKo7GlclDJF78TM2OZ1c6dXjny4-ucVRdlA3ZgFB1_AbF2LwMklxb1gSuGxTJMpIAXfO1dELmDBEfkwgkGnHRF/s320/C+-+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again this will be long and photo-heavy, but worth it (I hope!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations takes us back up north to <span id="goog_940098385"></span>Durham City <span id="goog_940098386"></span>in </span><a href="http://www.thisisdurham.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">County Durham</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Today's C is the <strong>Cathedral and Castle</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not too far south of Alnwick ('A') is the historic city of Durham. The city sits on the banks of the River Wear and is built on seven different hills (or so it is claimed). Atop the tallest hill are the rather impressive Castle and Cathedral, separated by the Palace Green. Both the Castle and Cathedral are </span><a href="http://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">UNESCO World Heritage Sites</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durham Cathedral</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is a Norman building constructed between 1093 and 1133. It was originally built to house the shrine of St Cuthbert. The Cathedral is still a place of active worship, with regular services occurring throughout the week. Having visited quite a number of cathedrals across the UK, I have to say that the one in Durham is one of the more impressive ones and worth a visit even if you are not a Potter-fan. I know I said that about Alnwick Castle. I'll probably say it again many times. I'm not sorry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those of you who are Potter fans, however, there is plenty to see as the Cathedral appeared in the first two Harry Potter films as both corridors and courtyards. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cloisters at Durham Cathedral</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cloisters at the Cathedral appeared in both </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Philosopher's Stone </em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chamber of Secrets </em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as walkways linking classrooms and the courtyard. The cloisters in Durham weren't the only ones used in the film (we'll get to those later in the alphabet) and it can be a little difficult to pick them out due to set dressings and some digitally altered sections. Most notably, Durham Cathedral's cloisters appeared in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Philosopher's Stone</em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> as the trio returned from meeting Hagrid's dragon; and in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chamber of Secrets</em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> during Quidditch practice, and when Harry freed Dobby. In this later scene, a second row of windows were digitally added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cloisters at the Cathedral surround a central green courtyard. This courtyard, with its iconic well, was seen in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Philosopher's Stone</em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> when Harry takes Hedwig out in the snow; and in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chamber of Secrets</em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> both when Ron tells Malfoy to "eat slugs" and again when Neville tells Harry the dorm room has been ransacked. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Chapter House</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also featured in the film is the Chapter House, which is used as McGonagall's classroom and office in </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Philosopher's Stone</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chamber of Secrets. </em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately you are not able to visit the Chapter House as it is used for offices and meeting rooms by the Cathedral. A peek through the window is about as much as you'll get.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On to <strong>Durham Castle</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Built in the 11th century,</span><a href="https://www.dur.ac.uk/durham.castle/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Durham Castle</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> has been occupied by the University of Durham since 1840. Students live within the keep, and the Great Hall serves meals to both staff and students. The University library, offices, common room and chapel are also housed within the Castle. The Castle is open for tours at set times (it's a working building after all!). During University holidays, the Castle is available for conferences and general holiday accommodation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpT20CfEXDAkBvqnb0FHUioBXKUCgxxeNyn-8CUC0ZMd56S0sb6UqSJuNG7y3B_j4xmv9L4Wkw7IsQZDO8n33EqLUhpMZX4msqElJdB2i7QefdfjFKUGmknRU-J8Fw2nEk7l-LXNCtZaq/s1600/Durham+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpT20CfEXDAkBvqnb0FHUioBXKUCgxxeNyn-8CUC0ZMd56S0sb6UqSJuNG7y3B_j4xmv9L4Wkw7IsQZDO8n33EqLUhpMZX4msqElJdB2i7QefdfjFKUGmknRU-J8Fw2nEk7l-LXNCtZaq/s640/Durham+castle.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's right - you can stay in a castle and live out your own Harry Potter fantasies. I did. It was amazing. The room was basic but clean (typical uni digs, in my opinion). I stayed in the Keep in a room overlooking the Cathedral, and I ate breakfast in the Great Hall. One of those real-life Potter experiences. I'm rather envious of the students who get to live there full time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy travels,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ros</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P.S. Over at my other blog </span><a href="http://www.fangirlstitches.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fangirl Stitches</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I'm cross stitching both a Supernatural and Pokémon alphabet for the challenge. Please stop by and check out my progress. C is for Charizard (Pokemon) and Castiel (Supernatural)</span><br />
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