Harry Potter in York? What?
We planned to go to York for a day trip for a while but never got round to it. As you may know Holly is a massive Harry Potter fan. She is OBSESSED. I thought she may enjoy a wander down the famous Shambles as it’s apparently the inspiration for Diagon Alley from the stories. After a quick Google, it turns out that York is cashing in on the Harry Potter franchise too and now has three shops. Hols would be in her element!
York is only around an hour from us, so we set off just after rush hour. Holly even waited until we hit the motorway before she started on her snack box. I think that’s the first time ever! Usually it’s nearly all gone by the time we get to the end of our lane!
We parked in a car park on Nunnery Lane which turned out to be one of the most expensive car parks – I paid £11 for 5 hours parking. I also had to faff around using that Ring Go app/phone line malarkey as I stupidly didn’t take any cash with me. It also turned out to be quite a way from The Shambles. After wandering past some beautiful old buildings and through the ancient gate on Micklegate, we stopped off at a funky vinyl cafe for a quick coffee. I can’t even pretend I’m trendy enough for this place!
Refuelled, we wandered through the city centre to the Shambles. When we reached the end of the street Holly’s eyes lit up. She was so excited! We went into all 3 shops, one after the other, but bought surprisingly little (thankfully!). The shops are all located really close together.
I couldn’t believe that people were queuing to get into The Shop That Must Not Be Named!
After hitting the shops, we wandered down the Shambles then back to The Flax and Twine as they served a Harry Potter themed lunch called a Wizard Picnic. Consisting of a sandwich, choice of ice cream or brownie and a Butterbeer, Holly loved it! I had a more basic goats cheese panini. If you get chance to browse in The Flax and Twine, they have some beautiful antiques and household items.
Unfortunately this is the extent of our exploring York. It dropped cold, and Holly wanted to go home. We also had a minor fall out because I wouldn’t buy her an octopus (despite having already bought her a colouring book, chocolate frog and notebook from the Harry Potter shops).
I’d love to go back and explore York again though. There are so many beautiful historic buildings!
Other Harry Potter themed things to see in Yorkshire include Goathland station which was the setting for Hogsmeade Station in the films. We’ve also been up to Alnwick Castle as this was the setting for Hogwarts Castle. I’ll get round to blogging about that some time!
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