London, Reading & The Harry Potter Studio Tour

Back in September we went to the Harry Potter Studio Tour for my birthday treat. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan and have been wanting to visit the Warner Bros. set for ages so I was really excited when my boyfriend Jamie said he would take me there. We decided to stay in Reading as the Warner Bros. studios weren't too far from there, and because it was also a direct train journey away from London.  We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Reading, which was a lovely hotel situated right beside the River Thames.  

  I was so excited when we arrived at the studio tour. I proudly wore my Gryffindor scarf (even though I am actually in Hufflepuff according to Pottermore), another birthday present from Jamie. It was so surreal walking around the set and seeing everything up close. I love the soundtracks to all the films and I was so pleased to hear them playing throughout the tour. The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable and were more than happy to answer any questions we had about the films. I absolutely loved every minute of the Harry Potter studio tour and I can't wait to go and visit again as they have recently added a Dark Arts section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Another part of my birthday present was a trip to London to watch the Chase Christmas special being filmed. I am a massive quiz show fan, and I am obsessed with Christmas so this was the perfect present for me! We have been to the ITV studios before to watch a celebrity version of the Chase being filmed and it was brilliant. It was even more enjoyable this time as the set was decorated with a giant Christmas tree and all four of the Chasers took part. I was even visible (only just!) in the audience! The four celebrities were Paula Lane (Kylie Platt in Coronation Street), Steve Pemberton (Benidorm actor), Educating Yorkshire’s Mr Burton and comedian and actor Ben Miller. While we were in London we also had a quick stroll around South Bank, through St. James's Park (where there were some very friendly squirrels and ducks!) and down to Buckingham Palace.