You're a Wizard Harry!

On day 2 of our London trip, we went on a tour of the Harry Potter Studios.  We took the bus from Watford Junction which took us straight to the studios.  When you start the tour, you watch a short video which ends on an image of the Great Hall doors.  The screen then slides up and reveals the REAL Great Hall doors!!

Inside the Great Hall, you can see many costumes such as uniforms and teachers' outfits.  I was surprised as to how small it actually was! 

The rest of the tour was unguided and we got to go around it at our own pace.  The next room has a lot of small sets scattered around and the mirror of erised, Dumbledore's office, the potions classroom and Hagrid's bike amongst other things.

The tour then carried on outside where you're able to taste the famous Butter Beer, take a seat in the car, go on the knight bus, see Privet Drive and at the time we went, we were able to see the owls which played Hedwig.

The tour carried on back indoors where all of the characters were shown including the make up, prosthetics, wigs and masks.  We ventured on to Diagon Alley and saw Flourish and Blotts, Olivanders, the Owlery, Gringotts, and Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

The tour finished on a high when we turned round the last corner to see a huge model of the whole of Hogwarts.  The model was so intricate and had every little detail on it and made it seem so real. It was a fantastic way to end the tour!

We then had to go through the shop to get to the exit and I bought a chocolate frog and some Berty Bott's every flavour beans.  We also had lots of fun looking at the many different wands, robes, broomsticks and soft toys.

It was a fantastic trip and I'm so glad I've finally gone and visited.  I'd definitely recommend it to anyone and is a great trip for the Harry Potter geeks amongst us!

Amy x

London Baby!

Last weekend, my boyfriend took me away to London for a couple of nights for my 21st.  Our train was at 9am which was clearly too early for me as I fell asleep at the train station!

We decided to go sight seeing and also to the London Dungeons, using the underground tube to get there.

I'd recommend going to the Dungeons if you're ever stuck for anything to do in London.  It's basically a walk-through story of the past 1000 years in London, ranging from Guy Fawkes, Jack The Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and the Black Plague.  The actors are brilliant and really get into their parts and make you feel like you're actually there.  One in particular, a baker who used human meat, pointed at Michael and told him he was succulent and juicy which had me laughing, and then she turned to me and told me I smelt :(  There were times where I got a bit wimpy though such as on the ride where it goes pitch black, but other than the odd scare, it was hilarious and definitely worth going! Unfortunately, I couldn't get any pictures as they don't allow it inside the Dungeons.

We then went to see Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and The Eye, whilst getting pestered by a man dressed as a cowboy (?) who wanted £20 off us for a picture! 

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We then went to Bodeans, a BBQ smoke house in which Michael had been to before.  I had a BBQ chicken burger, whilst Michael had pulled pork and burnt ends with a side of onion rings.  The food was delish and we even treated ourselves to a pudding.

After a long and tiring day, we decided to head to Wetherspoons for a drink.  It's nice that everything is within walking distance in London, but our feet were killing us and it was only day 1! Definitely too many staircases in London! We then went back to the hotel to get a good nights sleep for the next day - Harry Potter Studio Tour!!!

Amy x

Birthday Meal & Cocktails

On the Saturday night, we went out with a few of my friends to Miller & Carter steak house for a lovely meal.  The restaurant was very posh with mood lighting, excellent music choices (S Club 7!) and an equally excellent menu.  I chose the BBQ chicken, the same as I had last time I went as it was soo yummy.

It was great to see all my friends again after a few months apart and catch up on the latest goings on.  I also got to introduce my boyfriend to my friends for the first time ever and I'm so glad they all got on ok :)

Yes that is a One Direction badge I am wearing, it was on one of my birthday cards and so I had to put it on!

We then moved on to The Font, a cocktail bar in the centre of Manchester.  It's a great place for students as the cocktails are cheap (starting from £2).  We had a fair few cocktails there after the agonizing walk from the train station in heels which hadn't been broken in yet!

We all got the last train home after enjoying our cocktails.  I had a lovely night with great friends and can't wait for the next time I see them :)

Amy x

Birthday Weekend Part 2

 Birthday weekend round 2! I arrived home (eventually after a change of train, 3 delays and 2 changes!) on the 14th March with my boyfriend for another birthday weekend, this time with my friends and family at home.  When I got in, my cards and presents were waiting for me in the lounge.  Here are some of the things I got :)

Balloons from my parents and god mother

A double bed!

Make up brushes

Thomas Sabo bracelet

Cupcakes!!

I also got a trip to London at Easter from my boyfriend including going to the Harry Potter Studio Tour which I'm soooo excited for!!!

I've been spoilt this year and I'm so lucky to have the best family and friends to celebrate it with me :)

Amy x