Check out this guide for everything you need to know to see the real-life Harry Potter train! We really want to plan a visit to Scotland. So if you find yourself in the Scottish Highlands, make sure you add seeing the real-life Harry Potter train onto your Scotland Itinerary – you won’t regret it! The carriage interiors all look like something out of a novel with their plush seating and refurbished vintage features. Travelling on Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express train in Scotland is a double five-star magical experience. The Jacobite steam train (a.k.a. Glenfinnan is on two bus routes from Fort William, operated by Shiel Buses. Four trains a day go through Glenfinnan. I almost made it a couple years ago but couldn’t end up making it work with my trip. I bought this Lionel Hogwarts Express ready to run train to give to my grandkids to put around their tree. From prices and availability to skip-the-line options and mobile tickets, get all the information you need to make the most of your trip to United Kingdom. Hogwarts Express train heading to Hogsmeade from King’s Cross Station at Universal Studios Orlando. It’s 15 miles west of Fort William and 25 miles east of the port town of Mallaig. Harry Potter had a bit of trouble with the instructions on his ticket for the Hogwarts Express. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Hogwarts Express is an 1,800 mm (5 ft 10 7 ⁄ 8 in) broad gauge cable railway, people mover, and attraction within the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, United States.The route runs 676 meters (2,218 ft) between Hogsmeade station in the Islands of Adventure theme park and King's Cross station in the London area of the Universal Studios Florida theme park. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey as we show how you can ride Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express. https://halloweentrains.com/primer/hogwarts/hogwarts_express.htm The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in all eight of the Harry Potter films. Step through Platform 9 ¾ and take a ride on the Hogwarts Express! 1960—1993) is the wizard who takes tickets and keeps the Hogwarts Express on time. All the fans waiting for the Hogwarts Express! Head to ALDI where you may find two classic Christmas Train sets priced at just $29.99 – perfect for decking out your tree or as a meaningful gift! You can enjoy a bit of Wednesday morning schadenfreude here: It’s crazy there are so many people going just for the picture though…but I would do it! Go back in time to a more elegant era with Britain's loveliest railway journeys, from a real-life Hogwarts Express to a five-star hotel on tracks that even has an onboard SPA I love steam trains and I enjoy travelling on one, but actually seeing one puff by is really the point, and seeing such an iconic view reenacted so to speak, well I can imagine it’s worth it. For example you'll get views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, the breathtaking freshwater Loch Morar, the shortest river in Britain, River Morar and finally the spectacular Loch Nevis. The Jacobite runs a seasonal service from April to September - we're sort of hoping that the rest of the year it is being used by wizards heading to Hogwarts. https://www.pinkcaddytravelogue.com › how-to-see-the-harry-potter-train Some pure-blood families weren't initially into the idea of traveling by train. You can actually board the train and go for a ride. Science may still be working on the technology necessary to successfully fly a Firebolt, but the Hogwarts Express is very much open and available to fulfill the wish of muggles everywhere. The entrance to the Universal Studios Hogwarts Express is a crowded mess, but once you pass the ticket counter you’re shown in to the train station in neat lines. Click here for the current timetable. Yes, you can now For a video of the train, check out this Instagram post! The Jacobite Steam Train journey is … https://www.ericgamble.com › adventures-on-the-real-hogwarts-express 98 Never miss the latest articles and travel tips. Its a beauty, and takes on a beautiful route through the land who wants freedom…Scotland! No need to register, buy now! The bridge overlooks picturesque Loch Shiel (also featured in Harry Potter and many other movies) and the Glenfinnan Monument, which was built to commemorate the 1745 launch of the Jacobite Uprising. So if its departure time is 10:15 AM, it’ll be at the Glenfinnan Viaduct around 10:40. We wish you an uneventful journey! They are 11, 9, 3.5, and 1 years old. There are signs that say “Viaduct viewpoint” pointing the way. I did not know you could really travel on the Harry Potter train. The real Hogwarts Express chugs into Warner Bros. Walk through the gate, continue up the hill, and find a spot to wait for the Harry Potter train to arrive. Until this year, I've only seen models and movies. Bus 500 to Mallaig runs four times a day Monday-Friday, but only once on Saturday and Sunday. But unless you get there EXTREMELY early, it’ll likely be full. Read on for my crazy stories from the road, and tips to help you in your own travels! The train can be operated by the redesigned remote control, or from the Powered Up app via a smartphone or tablet. Read on for everything you need to know to see the Harry Potter train cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct! Calling all Harry Potter fans: the Hogwarts Express is real. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What a wonderful trip idea! Magical Scenery. By the 1930s, when the Hogwarts Express locomotive was built, the time was down to about 7 1/2 hours. The clatter of the wheels on the trains, the gray, moody Scottish sky, the surrounding green hills, the loud train whistle – it was just like the movie. Want to check it out for yourself? Or if you want to treat yourself, First Class tickets start from £59.95 each way for adults, £32.90 for children for a day return. I know! What a fun thing to do! Some of the weird and wonderful character names were inspired by gravestones in Edinburgh’s spooky Greyfriars Kirkyard. In Muggle world, the Hogwarts Express is a steam train known as The Jacobite which runs on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland. On September 1st, things get real and it’s time to pack those trunks. I can see your enthusiasm oozing from this post Maggie! The new, permanent section offers a glimpse into how some of the films’ most iconic scenes were created as well as giving you the chance to climb aboard the train’s carriage and to pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall. I love the behind the scenes photos – what a crowd! One of the main Adventures on the Real Hogwarts Express is visiting The Glenfinnan Viaduct. Many consider this route to be the greatest railway journey in the world. After 1967, steam engines were banned along the route in favor of more efficient and reliable diesel locomotives. Thanks for the info about planning around the two times that the Jacobite steam train runs. When you arrive, you may think you should take the path that leads from the Glenfinnan visitor’s center – it looks official, that’s where the main parking lot is, etc. While seeing the train cross the viaduct does take a little research and planning, it’s 100% worth it if you’re a Harry Potter fan. Not receiving a Hogwarts letter is a huge disappointment for any Harry Potter fan, but there could be a silver lining. And will now definitely need to put the Glenfinnan Viaduc on our plans. The black and red steam engine, is a real train which is called The Jacobite! We don’t need to arrive that early.” Well, I mistakenly underestimated the enthusiasm of my fellow Harry Potter fans and when we accidentally arrived earlier than planned, I was SO glad we hadn’t waited to show up until later. I am not a Harry Potter fan but this does look like a fun thing to try while in Scotland. But for any diehard fans out there, you can at least ride the real Hogwarts Express. In the Harry Potter films, the locomotive is depicted pulling the The same can be said of the Glenfinnan Viaduct which, though a beautiful piece of architecture, was never much of a tourist destination until the world watched Harry and co. ride a train across it. Check out my tips for driving in Scotland. In striking contrast to Britain's National Rail system, the Hogwarts Express takes the form of a large red, 4-6-0 steam engine. The LEGO Hogwarts Express (75955) recreates the very train that ushers Harry Potter and friends from King's Cross Station to the Scottish castle, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.This is where Harry learns how to become a wizard and discover his true destiny! When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. With a Park-to-Park admission ticket, you can board and ride the Hogwarts™ Express from either King's Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida™ and travel to Hogsmeade™ Station in Universal's Islands of Adventure™, or ride the other way around for a different experience. It looks so magical! This year, though, I got a sense of what these would look like in real life. Witches, wizards, and Muggles can easily control this battery powered, remote controlled train set. Bucket list for sure. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Instead, it's called the Jacobite Steam Train, and it does have some very magical destinations. If that too is full, you can try and park along the road. The 5972 Olton Hall is the model that became famous in the early 2000s as the face of the Hogwarts Express. Ticket for the Hogwarts Express. From the Hogwarts Express to the Orient Express: 5 Movie-Inspired Train Trips You Can Take in Real Life. Good tips on how to get the best out of it too. Hornby Hobbies Warner Brother's Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Electric Model Train Set HO Track with US Power Supply R1234M, Red & Black 4.4 out of 5 stars 127 $205.98 $ 205 . https://www.oprahmag.com › ... › harry-potter-real-hogwarts-express-train-ride There’s a walking trail from the station to the viaduct, about half a mile east. No, we're not under the Confundus Charm. Here’s what you’d need for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry… Ticket for the Hogwarts Express. And here I was thinking it was in England! Duly noted! Now Accepting Universal Express™ Pass Get to the fun faster by skipping the regular lines at your favorite rides and attractions, now including both lands of … On the other side of the road bridge from the visitor’s center is a more private looking road (it had concrete barriers across it when I was there to prevent cars from driving down it). I loved feeling like I was going to Hogwarts. By Brooke Bob b. April 12, 2016. Though, we can keep dreaming. Your email address will not be published. But, I do love the idea of being in the countryside and seeing those fantastic stone-arched bridges with a steam train go by! And good to know that there are public transport options – not usually that much of a priority in Scotland . Wow I’m going to have to keep this one in mind the next time I’m in Scotland! It gave several short whistles in greeting as it curved around towards its waiting fans, and the passengers waved out the windows as the train chugged slowly past us. When the puff of steam finally appeared above the trees across the valley, all of us waiting on the hillside were giddy. Sterling Silver Hogwarts Express Necklace. Arriving at Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. While the train exists, that doesn’t actually mean that Hogwarts is real. If there’s a gate on the path, you’re in the right place. Jessica Suss 2019-08-05. (After all, it's one of the most popular Harry Potter locations in the UK). So, you will have to invest in a whole other train just to power the Hogwarts Express. West Coast Railways, which owns and operates … Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. *. The train gave a long toot when it came into view. There is a small town in Scotland called Fort William. The Jacobite Steam train runs along the West Highland Railway from Fort William to Mallaig. I can’t wait to visit this one day! There’s A ‘real-Life’ Hogwarts Express All aboard! 1 Biography 1.1 Early life 1.2 Conductor of the Hogwarts Express 2 Behind the scenes 3 Appearances 4 Notes and references This individual was born at some point in or before 1960, probably somewhere in the British Isles, given his British accent. Featuring authentic sound clips of the beloved Harry Potter characters, this 37 piece train set is sure to delight boys and girls of all ages! Harry Potter fans in Scotland were left devastated when a commuter train blocked their view of the Hogwarts Express. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The Hogwarts Express is a real train that runs across 84 miles of stunning Scottish countryside. Their prejudice against … DON’T. Harry Potter had a bit of trouble with the instructions on his ticket … So definitely plan on arriving much earlier than the train! And no, you won’t have to pass through Platform 9 3/4 to get there. The Real Hogwarts Express Years ago, I listed the "Hogwarts Express" trains among the Halloween Trains, because that was how most people were using them. These cookies do not store any personal information. Learn all about the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express, in Scotland. Traveling the Real Hogwarts Express The Hogwarts Express plays a big part in the adventures of Harry Potter. The train makes this run at least four times a year, and probably more often than that, as needed. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Learn more about me. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Ahhhhhhh, order. Not only will you live out your Harry Potter fantasy of going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but you’ll also enjoy one of the world’s greatest railway journeys. I hate to admit it, as I know I will be in that shocking minority, I have never read or watched Harry Potter! The views would be so incredible and it would be such an experience, like you have stepped back in time. Within 20 minutes it was up and running. Though it wasn’t world-famous until after it starred in the Harry Potter movies, the Jacobite has actually been operating on the West Highland Line since 1984. Glenfinnan doesn’t just have the famous train bridge – it also has a station! From the moment the Sorcerer’s Stone premiered in theaters, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Jacobite Steam Train have been synonymous with the Hogwarts Express. Your email address will not be published. Looks so cool! Hogwarts Express Train Pendant in sterling silver, approx 25mm. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. As a lifelong Harry Potter nerd, seeing the real-life Harry Potter train was one of the first things I put on my Scotland itinerary. 3. Can we send you the Mirror Travel newsletter with weekly travel news and inspiration? I thought “we’ll just need to park and walk to a viewing area. Learn how your comment data is processed. It’s a very easy drive, as the “Road to the Isles,” A830, runs directly through the town. When my family went, I hadn’t planned on arriving an entire hour before the train was scheduled to appear. The views are breathtaking. That service was successful, but nowhere near as popular as it is now, post-Harry Potter. Prefects of the school ride in a separate carriage near the front of the train. We can deduce much from real world trains & routes of similar type: The Flying Scotsman, which was the first express train from London to Edinburgh, ran the trip in over ten hours.. By the late 1800s, the time was down to 8 1/2 hours. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. the train used as a stand-in for the actual Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films) is back in business, People reports. Thanks for setting me straight – would love to see this, and Scotland, one day. . Had we arrived when I had planned on, we would not have gotten parking, and certainly wouldn’t have had time to actually walk to the bridge and get a viewing spot. Walk down this road until you reach the base of the viaduct. The steam train is named ‘Jacobite’ and was heavily featured in the films. Since the two Potter-themed lands are located in two separate parks, Universal requires all train passengers to have park-to-park passes. This is the coolest train. Not only is the viaduct itself gorgeous, but it’s located in a stunning corner of the Scottish Highlands. The Hogwarts Express So any steam loco could have been used in the film, but it happened to be a preserved Great Western Hall class designed by CB Collett and produced between 1928 and 1943. But in 1984, a steam-hauled service was commissioned as a way to boost tourism in the region. The train used for the Hogwarts Express has almost as sad an origin as Harry Potter himself. Or of course if you want to indulge, the First Class Carriage has six-passenger compartments that could easily be the ones that we're used to see the Hogwarts students travelling in. After seeing the first Harry Potter movie way back in 2001, there were two things I desperately wanted to do: Fly on a broomstick and ride the Hogwarts Express. If you're thinking of travelling from London, don't head to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station, as tempting as it may be. The Jacobite Train in the Scottish highlands is often referred to as the Hogwarts Express due to the route it takes. Trains cross the viaduct several times a day, but the Jacobite Steam train, aka the real-life Hogwarts Express, only runs twice a day. Ron and the Weasleys help him find the elusive Kings Cross Platform 9 3/4. Sterling Silver Necklace 16 inch with extender chain. The Hogwarts Express is very real - only it has a different name, and doesn't go to Hogwarts (sadly). I loved feeling like i was thinking it was in England t planned on arriving much earlier than train! Is named ‘ Jacobite ’ and was heavily featured in all eight of the Viaduct located. West Highland Line a couple years ago to my grandkids to put the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Edinburgh ’ s.... Butterbeer hot cocoa, but no dementors the weird and wonderful character names were inspired this! Luckily, our afternoon aboard the train want to ride the real-life Hogwarts Express on time names were inspired gravestones. And seeing those fantastic stone-arched bridges with a steam train, also known as “... 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Provide to send you the Mirror travel newsletter with weekly travel news and inspiration my.