The Ultimate Harry Potter bucket list (part two)

CALLING ALL POTTERHEADS! This is not a drill. I repeat. This is not a drill.

So I wanted to thank you all – wizards, muggles and everyone in between – for your patience in waiting for part two of this list to come out. As promised, here is the second segment of the Ultimate Harry Potter bucket list and because I’ve made you wait for it, I’m not going to bother with much more of an introduction except to say I hope you caught your breath after part one …

BECAUSE HERE WE GO WITH PART TWO (hold onto your brooms, and let’s see how many of these you’ve ticked off your list).

Graphic designed by Blondey on a Mission using canva.com

Go to Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station
Stick to your ticket and head on to the iconic wall that takes all magical students off to Hogwarts for their year of academia. Snap a pic by the wall (but be sure not to push the trolley too hard, or you might end up stuck on the other side … even though I don’t think I’d hate being in a situation like that). Then head on over to the delightful souvenir shop, where you can buy almost as much wizarding paraphernalia than if you were in Diagon Alley itself. Just be aware though that it can get extremely busy, so be sure to pick your times carefully.

Photo by Blondey on a Mission

Filming locations across England
Not all parts of the movies were filmed in a studio, and because JK Rowling wanted to display the English charm in all its glory to truly give the movies the right feel, several scenes were shot in real locations across the UK, but for now, I’ll just mention the ones in England. There’s the Gloucester Cathedral (which is featured in three movies), Durham Cathedral (featured in two films) and Alnwick Castle (which was used for the filming of many scenes) are just a few that I’m going to name. Basically, there are plenty of film locations dotted across the UK and if you’re as big of a Harry Potter fan as I am, making one or two of them a destination on your next holiday sounds like a pretty great idea.

Photo of Durham Cathedral by Almost ginger

A real wizarding class anyone?
Okay so Hogwarts itself may be out of the question due to the current travel restrictions and the Wizarding statute of secrecy and all … but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a few classes in the mystical, magical arts. That’s right there is a magical institution in Poland called The College of Wizardry where you can take classes in things like Potions, Defense against the Dark Arts and more … I don’t know about you, but this is definitely on my bucket list now.

Scene from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – image taken from postcard by Blondey on a Mission

Get sorted into a Hogwarts house on Pottermore (now called Wizarding World)
Every potter fan should know what house they belong to – it’s a right of passage into the wizarding world after all. Plus, how can you display your house pride if you don’t know which of the four you belong to? You can do the quiz over on the Wizarding World website (formerly known as Pottermore), but just so you know, here we do not discriminate against Slytherin nor is this all about Griffindor. I am, after all, a proud Hufflepuff so no matter what house you’re in we love you 🙂

Screenshot from Wizardingworld.com

Play Quidditch
You might be wondering how the flying fudge could you play a game with flying balls and is meant to be played on brooms in the air. Well, we may not have worked out the broom technology yet, but that doesn’t stop us muggles from trying our hand at Quidditch. Many colleges and universities have Quidditch as a sport (mine does), but you could also just gather a group of friends – all you need are brooms balls and some round posts. I’m actually quite excited to try out a game at university, although I call dips on not being the snitch.

Photo by Junkee.com

Buy a wand (or some other wizarding souvenir)
No fan is complete without making at least one purchase for a souvenir or some other sort of wizarding gear. There are so many spots in the world that you can buy official HP merch from (and I’m sure there are even more online vendors) so if you haven’t already, consider this an invitation to buy a wand or a robe. Or at the very least a cute little trinket that can live on your shelf and display your HP love proudly.

My tiny Harry Potter Shrine – photo by Blondey on a Mission

Show off your witchy side by wearing HP gear
What’s loving something without owning some sort of clothing-related merchandise? Clothes, after all, are such an easy way to display your love and pride for something. So whether you’re donning a Harry Potter dress, full Hogwarts uniform with the robe, a house hoodie or shirt or even a themed phone case, all fans should let their passion be known to the world and what you wear is often the best way to do that.

Photo by Blondey on a Mission
Photo by Blondey on a Mission

Visit the reptile house at the London Zoo
Yes, that’s right. That scene was not created on a set in front of green screens it was actually done at the London zoo. A fun day trip on its own, but it becomes more of a special occasion when you pay a visit to the very reptile house where Harry had that oh so polite conversation with a snake. Don’t forget to take a picture by the plaque!

Photos by Blondey on a Mission at the London Zoo Reptile House

See the sites and inspiration in Oxford
Oxford may be known for the city with a fancy university, but scattered all across the tertiary-education-centred city are nods to all sorts of writers and stories, particularly Harry Potter. What I’d recommend is to go on a walking tour of the city so you can see all the different sites (including the original Great Hall and the very tree where Malfoy became a handsome ferret). Even if you don’t like walking, I can guarantee that the experience is well worth the added exercise. If you’re interested in finding out what kind of Harry Potter sites you can see in Oxford, be sure to check out the blog I did about it here.

Devour a wizarding world treat
Last but not least, there is so much delicious food in the wizarding world that you can’t not have this as part of your list. I mean, just thinking of the Hogwarts feasts is making me salivate. Thankfully, there is quite a diverse range of things to try so you don’t have to be too adventurous (if Bertie Botts every flavour beans is making you nervous because ‘alas, earwax’ is not an experience you wish to have). There are chocolate frogs, fizzing whizbees and all sorts of other delicious things to try. Have you tried any wizarding food? What was it, and what did you think? Did it live up to your expectations?

Photo from Youtube.com

Wheewww that was a really long list, and I didn’t even get to put everything down! As you can see, there are so many great things to do if you enjoy Harry Potter. They range from the physically exhausting (cough cough Quidditch) to the relaxing (I’ll probably be starting that movie marathon soon), so there is something for everyone to do. Or, if you’ rea huge fan then it’s something to look forward to, planning how and when you can cross each one off the list. I’ve always loved Harry Potter – I think it is such a fantastic series that is both whimsical and magical but also filled with so much depth and nuance and tackles some very serious issues. There is so much love for the Wizarding World that JK Rowling has ensured all of us have a way to enjoy it. So I hope that if you do get to experience any of the items on this list, that you genuinely have a fantastic time doing.

Before I go though, I have to ask … how many items on this list have you ticked off already? Or, if you haven’t, what is one thing that you absolutely want to do? Don’t forget to also let me know about your Hogwarts House, and what you thought of any wizarding treats you’ve ever tried. Lastly, did you enjoy this bucket list? Would you be interested in me doing more posts like this??

Be sure to let me know in the comments section (you can even just tell me about your experiences!! I’m a fellow Potterhead, so I love chatting about all things Harry Potter with anyone) – maybe we can compare notes and start planning a Potterhead world tour?

Now there’s nothing left to say but … “mischief managed!”

Lots of Love
Blondey on a Mission xxx

Author: blondeyonamission

Hey everyone! I'm a lifestyle and travel blogger from South Africa and about to relocate to the UK for university. My blog is all about stories, tips and advice with topics ranging from university, organisation, friends, books, travel and more. Please check it out and I hope you enjoy xxx

46 thoughts

    1. Ahhh hello there Gryffindor!! Yay so glad to find another Harry Potter lover. Thank you so much for reading and thank you – I’m sure that one day you’ll be able to see them in person not virtually but at least virtual is still an option xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. This is amazing!! Great bucket list!! I’ve been to a lot of these places already, like the Platform 9 3/4!! Also there’s a place in Scotland known as the birthplace of Harry Potter!!! It’s amazing you shud check that out as well!! I absolutely loved this post!!!! Can’t wait for a part 3 😍😜😃😁

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Wow thank you so much and thanks for reading and commenting!!! Oooh yay I hope you enjoyed it when you visited. Yes I’ve heard of that but sadly haven’t been – I’m adding it to my travel list now 😂 Thank you so much again and hahaha not sure about a part three yet … unless you have any ideas? 😉😁😍😊❤️

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. The post was amazing!! Why wouldn’t I read it??!? That’s amazing!!! 😍😍😄 and I did enjoy my time there 😄 Sure! I would love a part threee! I’ll let you know if I have any ideas 😉🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You are so sweet thank you so much!!! (and really I appreciate every single read I get!!) 😍🙈😊 Yayyy that’s awesome and haha I’ll put my thinking cap on about a part three. Thanks so much 😁😉❤️

        Like

    1. Ahhh I love Ravenclaws!! (my brother and one of my close friends are both Ravenclaws). Awww no well now at least you have a whole bunch of ideas for when this lockdown finally ends! I hope that it ends soon so you can go and experience them 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Pingback: Mystery Blogger Award – Tall Blonde Tales

  10. Ah a Potterhead World Tour sounds amazing 😍
    I’d love to see more of the real life filming locations. They’re generally such beautiful and fascinating places. I’ve been to Lacock before and it was amazing. It was also a bonus for me that the village had been used for Downton Abbey as well.
    I knew you could actually see Platform 9 and 3/4 but I didn’t know there was a shop there too. I randomly found one once but I can’t remember where.
    I’d love more posts like these in the future (: I adore reading HP themed content.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Doesn’t it just?? That might be almost at the top of my bucket list 😍 I know I’ve been lucky enough to go to quite a few of them (my university is one of them!!). Ooh that sounds fantastic and thanks that’s really great to know! I’ll definitely put my thinking cap on about some more HP content – did you like the bucket list idea too? Thanks so much 😊😁

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Aww well i hope you get to do it one day then!! Omg that’s awesome, it must be amazing to go to university in a setting like that. I loved the bucket list idea (: and look forward to more HP content in the future 😊

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Aww thank you so much!! I know I’m so excited it feels quite unreal though … Okay fantastic I’ll definitely now keep my thinking cap on about more HP content. Thanks again for your support 😊💕

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Aww you’ve done quite a few HP things already so I’m sure you’ll get to do more in the future. I look forward to it (: and thanks again for the fantastic posts 💕

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Omg I loved this !!! I Get to know knew stuff about Harry Potter each day!!! And I call myself a huge potter head 😕 Anyway I just loved your list !!! Would absolutely love to visit some of these places!! And a potterhead tour sounds like HEAVEN!!! Loved your post and looking forward to seeing more from you!! Adored your merch!!
    ( btw a ravenclaw this side , tho my sister and my bestie are both hufflepuffs 😊)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hey yayyy I’m so glad you loved it!! Always love meeting fellow HP lovers 😊. Wow thank you!! Okay right definitely need to start planning that – thanks so much I really appreciate it 😊🙈 oooh cool my brother is a ravenclaw but glad to know of your hufflepuff connections 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  14. Pingback: The Potter Craze Tag!! – Tall Blonde Tales

Leave a Reply

Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s