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London: Wellington and Harry Potter Tour

Rakabudiswa: 20.08.2024

We started the day by visiting the Anglican church “Saint Michael and all Saints” in Abbeywood. The service was very traditional and was conducted with a lot of incense and liturgy.


Saint Michael and all Saints in Abbeywood


Then we traveled to the city center using the new Elizabeth Line.


Wellington Arch


After a short walk, we arrived at Wellington Arch, which commemorates the British victories in the Napoleonic Wars.


Wellington Arch


Inside, there is a (very small) exhibition about these battles and the First World War, as well as some modern artworks. From the very top, you can overlook the surrounding streets, though the view isn't particularly great.


View from the Wellington Arch


Our visit to the arch was rather disappointing, so we soon moved on to Wellington's house, which stands on the opposite side of the street: Apsley House.


Apsley House


The house is still inhabited by the Duke of Wellington, but most of it is open to the public, and the Duke has to make do with an apartment.


Apsley House


Here too, there was an exhibition about the victory over Napoleon and the numerous gifts Wellington received for his military achievements from all over Europe.


Apsley House


On the upper floor, there were some rooms with many artworks and antique furnishings on display.
However, we didn't have time for a detailed tour with audio guides because we had booked a city tour in the afternoon.


London Bridge


It was once again a Harry Potter tour, where our tour guide showed us various filming locations in London.


Street Art


First, we walked through Borough Market, a historic market that was completely crowded on a Sunday afternoon.


Borough Market


Our path took us along the Thames and over the Millennium Bridge.


Millennium Bridge


Here, our guide pointed out the small artworks on the ground, which an artist created from flattened chewing gum by painting them in bright colors.


Art on the Millennium Bridge
We also went to the inspiration for Knockturn Alley, the dark alleyway off Diagon Alley.


'Knockturn Alley'


However, no filming took place here because the alley is too narrow. It was reconstructed in the studio.


Harry Potter Apartment
Harry Potter Apartment


After the tour ended, we strolled alone through the city.



Scotland Yard
Scotland Yard
We walked to “King’s Cross” station, where in the Harry Potter novels lies the access to platform 9 ¾, from where the Hogwarts Express departs.


King’s Cross
King’s Cross


We found that there is actually no wall between platforms 9 and 10. However, there is a photo spot set up at another wall - along with a long barrier and four security personnel managing the flow of tourists.


King
King's Cross


Even for a visit to the adjacent shop, you would have to wait in long lines, so we settled for a glance at the sign and then returned to the campsite.
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