Normandy and Harry Potter advice
Aug 6th, 2006, 05:48 AM
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Normandy and Harry Potter advice
In the future, I am planning to take my niece and her father (my brother) to Europe for a "Harry Potter" tour. We will do those sights on our own, beginning, of course, at King's Cross Station in London and then working our way to Oxford and north. That part is easy enough. But, my brother's two wishes are to see the D-Day sights in Normandy and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I've been to all of these sights, but I went to Normandy a few years back on an escorted tour which began in England and went from Dover to Calais to Rouen to Bayeaux, etc. So, I'm not certain what would be the best way to plan this trip--I'm thinking I should fly into France (where?), rent a car to drive around Normandy for about 2 days, then do the reverse crossing of Channel, heading to London, then end up finally in Edinburgh. I know it seems a disjointed trip, but the chances are that my brother will not return to Europe, so I want him to see the 2 things he is most interested in, while allowing his daughter her Happy Potter touring. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Aug 6th, 2006, 06:56 AM
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When we did our Harry Potter tour two years ago, www.travelbritain.org had a map and itinerary to follow. You may want to check to see if they still have that information available.
If you are going to Edinburgh, you may want to visit Alnwick Castle. The first flying lesson with broomsticks, from the first Harry Potter movie, was filmed on the lawn of the castle. In addition, the castle has world class gardens and the Duke and Duchess and their young family still reside at the castle. Our family enjoyed seeing the beautiful library and public rooms that are furnished with antiques. For example, the armoir is not just Louis XIV; it was owned by Louis XIV. It seems an earlier Duke picked it up on auction!
I think your plan of flying into Paris, driving around Normandy and then proceeding on to London and Edinburgh is doable. But rent the first car in Paris, return it in France, train to London, and then rent a second car when you are finished in London.
If you are going to Edinburgh, you may want to visit Alnwick Castle. The first flying lesson with broomsticks, from the first Harry Potter movie, was filmed on the lawn of the castle. In addition, the castle has world class gardens and the Duke and Duchess and their young family still reside at the castle. Our family enjoyed seeing the beautiful library and public rooms that are furnished with antiques. For example, the armoir is not just Louis XIV; it was owned by Louis XIV. It seems an earlier Duke picked it up on auction!
I think your plan of flying into Paris, driving around Normandy and then proceeding on to London and Edinburgh is doable. But rent the first car in Paris, return it in France, train to London, and then rent a second car when you are finished in London.
Aug 6th, 2006, 08:52 AM
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Someone posted about the Hogwarts Express train. It is the steam train and runs during the summer. Maybe someone can resurrect it. Apparently the regular train passes the same scenery (obviously) and it is terrific.
Instead of flying, maybe take the Eurostar to Paris and rent a car--or from Paris train to Caen and rent a car. Flying takes a lot of time--getting to the airport, security, etc. Trains go to the center of the cities. Is there a train to Calais or Le Havre? Ferry?
Instead of flying, maybe take the Eurostar to Paris and rent a car--or from Paris train to Caen and rent a car. Flying takes a lot of time--getting to the airport, security, etc. Trains go to the center of the cities. Is there a train to Calais or Le Havre? Ferry?
Aug 6th, 2006, 10:10 AM
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MaureenGP: Any interest in Paris at all? Because one way to do this would be to fly into Paris for a couple of days, then take the train to Normandy. Collect a car and drive around Normandy for 2 days. Drop the car in Calais and take the Eurostar from Calais to London.
Or if you don't want to do Paris there are ferries from Portsmouth to Caen and le Harve. If you don't want to take time touring in southern England, there are good train connections from London to Portsmouth.
London, Oxford, Gloucester, Alnwick, Edinburgh, and the Jacobite train would be a WONDERFUL trip. How long do you have for the full trip?
Or if you don't want to do Paris there are ferries from Portsmouth to Caen and le Harve. If you don't want to take time touring in southern England, there are good train connections from London to Portsmouth.
London, Oxford, Gloucester, Alnwick, Edinburgh, and the Jacobite train would be a WONDERFUL trip. How long do you have for the full trip?
Aug 6th, 2006, 11:31 AM
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The Hogwarts' Express is the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railroad. Hogwarts Station is in the little town of Gotland (sp?) in the North Yorkshire Moors. We did not ride the train through the Moors, but did watch it come through Gotland station.
Thank you, Nonconformist, for pointing out that Alnwick is not in Edinburgh - it is in Northumberland, south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, along the North Sea.
Thank you, Nonconformist, for pointing out that Alnwick is not in Edinburgh - it is in Northumberland, south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, along the North Sea.
Aug 6th, 2006, 01:18 PM
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I would agree with flying intp Paris and then taking the train to Caen before renting a car. You could then work your way around and up to Lille to catch the Eurostar. On the way, be sure to stop at the Vimy Ridge Memorial close to Arras. Your brother will appreciate the First World War history.
I also agree with Alnwick Castle. Beautiful drive and grounds.
One of the surprising things we found was how low key they were about "Harry Potter" sites. There was nothing to mark where the scenes were shot at the King's Cross Station. We met two other groups milling about the station looking as we were. Maybe that's why? They don't want to attract people to a working station.
In Edinburgh, 4 years ago, we looked up the restaurant where she did some of her writing for the first novel; Nicholson's a believe it was. When we went in the hostess said a few people came by but the manager didn't make a big deal of it. I could only imagine the advertising if it were here in Canada or the US. When we were in Edinburgh 2 years ago the restaurant had closed.
I guess Rowling just isn't up there in comparison to Shakespeare and so on. Still, it is a great way to spark interest for children in planning the trip. Enjoy!
I also agree with Alnwick Castle. Beautiful drive and grounds.
One of the surprising things we found was how low key they were about "Harry Potter" sites. There was nothing to mark where the scenes were shot at the King's Cross Station. We met two other groups milling about the station looking as we were. Maybe that's why? They don't want to attract people to a working station.
In Edinburgh, 4 years ago, we looked up the restaurant where she did some of her writing for the first novel; Nicholson's a believe it was. When we went in the hostess said a few people came by but the manager didn't make a big deal of it. I could only imagine the advertising if it were here in Canada or the US. When we were in Edinburgh 2 years ago the restaurant had closed.
I guess Rowling just isn't up there in comparison to Shakespeare and so on. Still, it is a great way to spark interest for children in planning the trip. Enjoy!
Aug 6th, 2006, 01:26 PM
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Aug 6th, 2006, 01:36 PM
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Marsha is right about the North Yorkshire Moors train/Goathland station. The Jacobite steam train in Scotland was also used for many shots including the viaduct.
I've been on both and both routes are truly amazing. The Jacobite has the more stunning scenery but the Moors railway is also terrific.
"<i>mark where the scenes were shot at the King's Cross Station</i>"
There is a sign for platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross - but the actual station is St Pancras. At Kings Cross there is the sign and a 1/2 luggage cart to portray the platform.
But as everyone knows - muggles can't see the platform anyway so I can't figure out why so many look for it
I've been on both and both routes are truly amazing. The Jacobite has the more stunning scenery but the Moors railway is also terrific.
"<i>mark where the scenes were shot at the King's Cross Station</i>"
There is a sign for platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross - but the actual station is St Pancras. At Kings Cross there is the sign and a 1/2 luggage cart to portray the platform.
But as everyone knows - muggles can't see the platform anyway so I can't figure out why so many look for it
Aug 9th, 2006, 07:54 AM
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The August issue of International Travel News states that until October 29, 2006, Alnwick Castle offers tours of places where scenes from the Harry Potter films were made, including the Quidditch matches, a flying car, Whomping Willow and Hagrid's Hut. For more information, visit www.alnwickcastle.com.
Aug 14th, 2006, 08:24 PM
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I really appreciate all of this input. It seems most of you agree about flying into Paris and working our way north to Normandy, then England, then Scotland.
I will have to work around a strict 2-week schedule for this trip due to my brother's work demands, so I did not plan to include Paris in the tour. I figured about 3 nights in Normandy, 3 nights in London, 3 nights in Edinburgh, and rest of time traveling to Harry Potter sites in Oxford and northern England. I know I will have to have it well-planned to hit all of the high spots.
I will have to work around a strict 2-week schedule for this trip due to my brother's work demands, so I did not plan to include Paris in the tour. I figured about 3 nights in Normandy, 3 nights in London, 3 nights in Edinburgh, and rest of time traveling to Harry Potter sites in Oxford and northern England. I know I will have to have it well-planned to hit all of the high spots.
Aug 15th, 2006, 02:15 AM
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Just returned from both Edinburgh and Normandy with our two children. I agree with post about renting car in normandy and then taking separate train to London.
As far as Edinburgh. We went to opening night of the Military Tattoo and our children loved it. However tickets sell out very quickly with weekends selling out with 24 hours of them going on sale. I monitored when the tickets were available which was around the middle of December and then got up in the middle of the night to buy them. We bought the more expensive tickets in the center section but thought the cheaper (around 20 pounds) tickets on the side in the middle were actually better tickets.
The opening weekend for the Tattoo was also the opening weekend for the Fringe Festival which again my kids loved. Lots of excitement and tickets for only 5 pounds for the shows. We saw the one-man star wars trilogy show and Harry Shear (of Simpsons fame). The streets are filled with performers and it is just a lot of fun. We got the hop-on and hop-off bus pass for 48 hours which included entrance to the Castle, Holyrood Palace and another attraction which we thought was a good buy since we could bypass the long line to get into the castle and we could jump on the bus at any time. They also showed us the place where J.K Rowling wrote the first book-which had previously closed is now under a new name.
With all of the festivals, we found some real deals on food since it appears that all restaurants have pre-show fixed menus at around 9 pounds for 3 courses. The food also was excellent.
We stayed at a great place called the Knight Residence where we had a 2 bedroom full service apartment for £150 a night. My kids liked having the full kitchen and all the space. It also had a washer and dryer which came in very handy at that stage of the trip. Service there was great. The Knight Residence is near the castle and only about 3 blocks away from grassmarket. We thought it was a great base for touring the city and a Sansbury is only 2 blocks away.
We were starting off in Belgium for our trip and rearranged our days because our son had seen Private Ryan and the Longest Day and really wanted to see Normandy. We are very glad we toured that area of France. I highly recommend the place we stayed at, Chateau Isle-Marie. I may be wrong on the spelling but if you check tripadvisor.com under "hotels in Bayeaux" it should come up as either the first or second hotel. It was magical and our kids really loved it. The property has been in the family for over 1000 years and about 12 years ago (after being empty since the war-the Germans used it as a headquarters) they turned it into a bed and breakfast. It is set on 150 acres with horses, great gardens and badmitton and other sport games for the kids. The people who run it, Dorthea and her cousin Simon are just wonderful. We had a two bedroom suite for 259€. Plus they started a new service where they have a group 4-course dinner in their Manor House which was very enchating and appreciated after our long drive from Brugge. We sat with Denmark's rep on military issues to NATO and our son was fascinated talking to him. Plus there were other children there to entertain our daughter.
Since many tour companies would not take our daughter on the tour due to her age, Dorthea and Simon arranged a tour guide with the most delightful woman named Nicole (I can't recall her last name). She is a former journalist and really knows her history. My husband thought she was the best tour guide we had ever had in our travels. She came to the chateau at 8:30 and we drove in our rental car and then returned at 6 p.m. We all enjoyed the tour. For that evening we ate at a restaurant about 5 minutes from the chateau called someting like "Le Fierme". Its significance is that it is located on one of only two bridges not blown up during D-day in the area and was used in Private Ryan in the last shot were the final battle in the movie takes place. The monument to the paratroopers is across the street.
There is a new museum not far from the Chateau on the road to Caretan called the "Dead Man's Corner Museum". We all enjoyed the museum very much and they had a "Band of Brothers" section with actual letters and gear of Sgt. Winters (the main character from the show.) They also had authentic WWII items you could purchase in a separate building so my son got a patch from the Big Red One which he is treasuring.
Our kids also liked the Bayeaux Tapestry however their were long lines to enter the exhibits. We discovered that you could bypass the exhibits and see the tapestry and use the audioguide which explains everythign you are seeing and covers what you miss from the exhibits.
We too have done Harry Potter on a previous visit. The british tourist authority does have a great handout and there is a train out of Fort Williams that is the Hogwarts Express. At Kings Cross station it is marked "Platform 9 3/4" we took pictures and then at Oxford at I think King's College, the dining room is the dining room used in the movie which our kids instantly recognized. Rick Steves in his UK tour book has a section on touring for Harry Potter which we found helpful.
Hope this info is helpful, itsv
As far as Edinburgh. We went to opening night of the Military Tattoo and our children loved it. However tickets sell out very quickly with weekends selling out with 24 hours of them going on sale. I monitored when the tickets were available which was around the middle of December and then got up in the middle of the night to buy them. We bought the more expensive tickets in the center section but thought the cheaper (around 20 pounds) tickets on the side in the middle were actually better tickets.
The opening weekend for the Tattoo was also the opening weekend for the Fringe Festival which again my kids loved. Lots of excitement and tickets for only 5 pounds for the shows. We saw the one-man star wars trilogy show and Harry Shear (of Simpsons fame). The streets are filled with performers and it is just a lot of fun. We got the hop-on and hop-off bus pass for 48 hours which included entrance to the Castle, Holyrood Palace and another attraction which we thought was a good buy since we could bypass the long line to get into the castle and we could jump on the bus at any time. They also showed us the place where J.K Rowling wrote the first book-which had previously closed is now under a new name.
With all of the festivals, we found some real deals on food since it appears that all restaurants have pre-show fixed menus at around 9 pounds for 3 courses. The food also was excellent.
We stayed at a great place called the Knight Residence where we had a 2 bedroom full service apartment for £150 a night. My kids liked having the full kitchen and all the space. It also had a washer and dryer which came in very handy at that stage of the trip. Service there was great. The Knight Residence is near the castle and only about 3 blocks away from grassmarket. We thought it was a great base for touring the city and a Sansbury is only 2 blocks away.
We were starting off in Belgium for our trip and rearranged our days because our son had seen Private Ryan and the Longest Day and really wanted to see Normandy. We are very glad we toured that area of France. I highly recommend the place we stayed at, Chateau Isle-Marie. I may be wrong on the spelling but if you check tripadvisor.com under "hotels in Bayeaux" it should come up as either the first or second hotel. It was magical and our kids really loved it. The property has been in the family for over 1000 years and about 12 years ago (after being empty since the war-the Germans used it as a headquarters) they turned it into a bed and breakfast. It is set on 150 acres with horses, great gardens and badmitton and other sport games for the kids. The people who run it, Dorthea and her cousin Simon are just wonderful. We had a two bedroom suite for 259€. Plus they started a new service where they have a group 4-course dinner in their Manor House which was very enchating and appreciated after our long drive from Brugge. We sat with Denmark's rep on military issues to NATO and our son was fascinated talking to him. Plus there were other children there to entertain our daughter.
Since many tour companies would not take our daughter on the tour due to her age, Dorthea and Simon arranged a tour guide with the most delightful woman named Nicole (I can't recall her last name). She is a former journalist and really knows her history. My husband thought she was the best tour guide we had ever had in our travels. She came to the chateau at 8:30 and we drove in our rental car and then returned at 6 p.m. We all enjoyed the tour. For that evening we ate at a restaurant about 5 minutes from the chateau called someting like "Le Fierme". Its significance is that it is located on one of only two bridges not blown up during D-day in the area and was used in Private Ryan in the last shot were the final battle in the movie takes place. The monument to the paratroopers is across the street.
There is a new museum not far from the Chateau on the road to Caretan called the "Dead Man's Corner Museum". We all enjoyed the museum very much and they had a "Band of Brothers" section with actual letters and gear of Sgt. Winters (the main character from the show.) They also had authentic WWII items you could purchase in a separate building so my son got a patch from the Big Red One which he is treasuring.
Our kids also liked the Bayeaux Tapestry however their were long lines to enter the exhibits. We discovered that you could bypass the exhibits and see the tapestry and use the audioguide which explains everythign you are seeing and covers what you miss from the exhibits.
We too have done Harry Potter on a previous visit. The british tourist authority does have a great handout and there is a train out of Fort Williams that is the Hogwarts Express. At Kings Cross station it is marked "Platform 9 3/4" we took pictures and then at Oxford at I think King's College, the dining room is the dining room used in the movie which our kids instantly recognized. Rick Steves in his UK tour book has a section on touring for Harry Potter which we found helpful.
Hope this info is helpful, itsv
Aug 16th, 2006, 04:55 PM
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ITSV, you have been SO helpful! I will print out all of the information you have given me. Best of all, you have made me see that the combination of Normandy and Edinburgh is doable!
I have been to Normandy, as I said, but on a bus tour, so I have no feel for how to put it together myself. So, your advice is invaluable.
I have also been to the Tattoo and loved every minute of it. But I bought a hotel package that included tickets, so I appreciate your advice as to when to go online to order tickets. We sat in the center section opposite the castle entrance as well, but I agree that the side seats might even be better.
I am not doing this trip in the near future--but because there will be six people traveling together, all on a tight 2-week schedule, I am starting now to figure out the logistics. Then, when it is time to make reservations, I'll be organized.
I'm so grateful for all of the suggestions by the posters.
I have been to Normandy, as I said, but on a bus tour, so I have no feel for how to put it together myself. So, your advice is invaluable.
I have also been to the Tattoo and loved every minute of it. But I bought a hotel package that included tickets, so I appreciate your advice as to when to go online to order tickets. We sat in the center section opposite the castle entrance as well, but I agree that the side seats might even be better.
I am not doing this trip in the near future--but because there will be six people traveling together, all on a tight 2-week schedule, I am starting now to figure out the logistics. Then, when it is time to make reservations, I'll be organized.
I'm so grateful for all of the suggestions by the posters.
