Harry Potter

The Harry Potter studio tour has family day written all over it. Admittedly, some of us are more committed fans than others (Andrew only found out which house he belongs to this morning, and Toby couldn't quite manage it), but if you leave the planning to me, you just have to take what you get. And, just in case you are interested, Joss is a Gryffindor, Beth and I are Hufflepuffs, and Andrew was sorted this morning into Ravenclaw. Now, if only Toby were Slytherin, we'd have all four houses represented. I'm not sure he has the required ambition....

It was pretty amazing. The studios where the films were made over ten years, are now an 'attraction'. Sets, props, effects, and butterbeer, which smells like butterscotch.

After several hours at the studio, we were driven to Oxford for a walking tour, focussing on the Harry Potter related places and people.

I do love Oxford. The Tolkien and Lewis connection would be enough to earn my affection, but it is so very beautiful, historical and bookish! The Radcliffe Camera (above) is part of the Bodleian Library. The bridge of sighs (Hertford Bridge) is just opposite.

This building is also part of the Bodleian Library. Libraries are the best.

Bookshops are also good.

Earlier this year my friend and colleague, Cynthia, discovered that there would be a Tolkien exhibition at the Bodleian, while we were here. Our tour guide suggested we go there before we had to return, but, sadly, we were there too late in the day. Perhaps it would have tipped me over; too much for one day.