We spent the day being “off-the-beaten-path” tourists. Our plan had three stops; Kings Cross Station to see Platform 9 3/4, Leadenhall Market, the location where some of the exterior Diagon Alley scenes were filmed, and House of Minalima to see an exhibition that showcases graphic designs from the Harry Potter films.

Kings Cross Station was quite crowded, but pretty fun. We waited in line to have our photos taken pushing a trolley through the wall at Platform 9 3/4. The attendants took their time with each family and we didn’t feel rushed through the line. Everyone got to pick their house (Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff) and which wand you wanted to use. It was a pretty entertaining time.

Next was Leadenhall Market. It is a beautiful covered market. Several scenes from the movie were shot here. We had a lovely lunch, and walked around the market. We even found the blue door that was used as the entrance into the Leaky Cauldron.

Next we stopped by the Palace Theater to pick up tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It is a two part play that takes place 19 years after the final book. Several months ago while Rob was here on a business trip, on a whim he stopped by the theater to inquire about tickets and he was able to get two tickets. The oldest gets to go on a very special date with Dad to celebrate her 8th grade graduation. It is a sold out show so they are super lucky to have gotten tickets and they are very excited about their special day.

Our final stop was at Minalima which showcases the work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, graphic designers on the Harry Potter Films. The shop is full of props and many designs from the movies, like a Hogwarts Express ticket, Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter and the Marauder’s Map.

We had a really fun, different sort of day.