Back to London...and Harry Potter

After a whirlwind tour of Ireland, we eagerly came back to London for one night only, with our Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets in hand.  I was incredibly excited to go to this, having grown up with Harry Potter et al, as was Chewy.  After a bright and early 6am flight from Dublin, we made it back to London and stayed with our lovely friends (and their cute, little cats), and prepared for the evening tour with a good old power nap.  Once we were well rested, and after several train journeys, and a final bus ride to the Warner Brothers' studios, we made it to the Great Hall...

 

The Yule Ball dress robes.  Even better in person than on screen.

Chewy is unhappy.  Very unhappy.  Very unhappy about not receiving his Hogwarts letter.

The Chamber of Secrets scares me to this day.

Butterbeer in hand!

It was the most magical evening, and we both had the absolutely best time.  I cannot recommend going to this enough, but do make sure you book your tickets in advance as they do sell out quickly, especially during holiday periods.  

And what made this visit even better? It was our anniversary! Take note boys, the way to a girl's heart is most definitely through Harry Potter related activities.

You Sound Like You're from Lundun, Part I

London!  Need I say more.  I've been a couple of times before, but am always happy to come back, and it was Chewy's first time here.  I love this city, and it turned on all its charm while we were there.  Our first port of call was the Natural History Museum, and some obligatory tourist photos ensued.

 

After some time spent looking at taxidermied animals and skeletons and insects and rocks and everything else inbetween, we had worked up some hunger.  Thankfully the Natural History Museum (which is also free by the way, if you're looking for something to do on a budget) is not too far away from Harrods, and so we walked through Knightsbridge to one of London's most famous department stores for a spot of lunch.

Chocolate scones anyone?

Delicious salads were had for lunch.  They really were yummy.  I would highly recommend you try some of them when you next find yourself in London.

The weather really turned lovely in the afternoon, and was perfect for a spot of walking.

After all this walking and touristy sightseeing, we were ready for some cultural goodness, and so visited the National Gallery (also free).  Unfortunately I couldn't snap any photos inside, as you're not allowed to, but I did manage to get this one of the roof, which I think is just beautiful.

By now we'd done a fair bit of walking, but decided to head up from Trafalgar Square to Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street..and then into the first oub we saw.  By now I'm sure you've picked up on my love for fruity, sweet ciders, and I was in extra luck.  Passionfruit cider.  Oh my goodness, I love it.

That evening we caught up with some old friends from Perth, which was absolutely lovely and we spent the nicest evening with them in a pub in Clapham.  On the way we passed the street sign in the picture below, and as Harry Potter fans were adequately stoked!

I'll end the post with the delicious veggie dog that Chewy demolished in said pub in Clapham, even though it unfortunately doesn't look like much.  So this was the end of our first day in London, a few more days still to come!