After landing in London and running a quick camera errand for Erin, Erin and I settled down into our hostel and grabbed dinner. We were both feeling a bit "hangry" and were thankful for the short walk to the pub to warm up and rest after some traveling! We stopped at the local co-op to grab some snacks for tomorrow. We were eager to fall asleep that night for a busy day ahead.
After much research and concern, I was able to book tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour by opting into a tour of Oxford University as well. Erin and I were very excited for today's adventures! We got up early and took the Tube to our meeting location. While driving towards Oxford, it almost reminded me of driving the back roads of Pennsylvania! When entering Oxford, one can definitely see the Hogwart's vibe of the town and I absolutely LOVED it. Erin and I checked out prime Harry Potter filming locations and explored the town, checking out a local Christmas market and flea market as well. I wish I had more time to explore Oxford, but I guess that is just another reason to fly back to the U.K. one day!
After everyone loaded up in the bus and settled in watching Harry Potter, we arrived at the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Erin and I have waited for this opportunity for YEARS and were feeling quite excited to finally go. We got to see main sets of the Harry Potter films including additional props and costumes and Harry Potter memorabilia. We did get to indulge in Butterbeer and Butterbeer ice cream (so good)! After taking our grand old type exploring the Studio, we hopped on the train back to London to end our night at The Cauldron. The Cauldron is a ~magical~ bar where you can make your own "potions" in London. I was able to snag ourselves reservations and you could choose two "potions" to create using your wand and other magical accessories. It was a magical way to end a magical day.
The next day, Erin and I fully explored London. We started the day by visiting Abbey Road and exploring Kensington Palace. An exclusive exhibit displayed Princess Diana's most famous dresses and outfits which I greatly enjoyed. After exploring, Erin and I grabbed a late lunch at a local pub. Next, I surprised Erin by walking by The Parent Trap house in London, passing by additional gorgeous and colorful London streets! We walked by Harrods, a famous department store in London, and watched the sun set from Buckingham Palace. We admired the beautiful Westminster Abbey and Big Ben (despite the construction on the clock). We ended the day by exploring the Christmas Market by the London Eye, indulging and warming ourselves up with the best Bailey's hot chocolate ever and some snacks. We quickly checked out a local brewery before heading back to our hostel for a restful night.
We had nearly less than a day left in London and made the best of it! We started the day by grabbing snacks at the local co-op and visited a store called Pimpernel & Partners. For Mumford & Sons fans, this location should look VERY familiar. Next, we took the Tube to visit Kings Cross Station and "pass through" Platform 9 3/4. We explored some local shops and stores, before heading to a fabulous vintage store where I got myself a yellow "jumper." Definitely, one of the best vintage stores I have been to! We grabbed a late lunch at Leadenhall Market, another Harry Potter filming location before ending our day in London at London Bridge. We stopped by our hostel to grab our luggage and hopped on the train to the airport. Prior to taking off, we did experience some drone issues.
Yet beside our rough ending in London, Erin and I absolutely loved our experience. We definitely agreed we wish we spent more time in Oxford and greater opportunities to explore the local London neighborhoods and enjoy some tea. Yet, it is just a perfect excuse to come back and visit again!