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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
The Kids' Book Review Bookish Places posts are a chance to celebrate museums, galleries and other places with a connection to children's literature and reading. The posts are compiled by KBR's Consultant Librarian, Sarah Steed, our intrepid traveller and hunter-gatherer of amazing places!
Platform 9 ¾ needs no introduction for
Harry Potter fans.
It is, of course, the spot in JK Rowling's bestselling novels, where Harry and his fellow students pass from Muggle London to the wizarding world, and travel on the Hogwarts Express.
It's also an extremely popular place at London's Kings Cross railway station, which is located on Euston Road, Kings Cross. Whether you arrive by train, tube, or on foot, make your way to the station concourse where you shouldn't be able to miss it.
Fans can line up to have their photo taken in character with a trolley and luggage, just as if they are about to slip through the brick wall.
Wearing an appropriate Hogwarts school scarf is key to getting the right look, and they are provided by staff in attendance to take professional photos. You can have family or friends take photos, too, so there is no cost involved unless you want to purchase one of the professional shots.
While you're there, Kings Cross also boasts the
Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, conveniently located right next to the photo opportunity, and packed full of official Harry Potter souvenirs.
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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
Every Hogwarts student needs a wand, and there are plenty to choose from. Hogwarts house-themed clothing is complemented by t-shirts like those celebrating Dobby as a free elf, or the Marauder's Map. You can also pick up your own official ticket for the Hogwarts Express, or order a personalised gift trunk for your journey.
Just about any imaginable product can be found in the shop. All manner of stationery, clothing, toys and confectionery are available. Boxes of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans offer a range of tastes (sweet and not so sweet), and there are packets of chocolate frogs and jelly slugs to tuck into as well.
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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is carefully styled to create a magical atmosphere. However, even if you can't travel to London, the products available in the shop are also available online, so you can indulge your favourite Harry Potter fans (or yourself) by shopping online.
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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
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| Photo: Sarah Steed |
Interested in taking a Bookish Places trip around the world with Sarah? Enjoy this sensational map, also created by Sarah, and check out our other Bookish Places posts here.
