Film and literature are powerful motivators for travel, and the magic of Harry Potter has been one of the biggest drivers of film-related travel to England over the last 20 years.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the publication of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," VisitBritain is celebrating with a magical map that outlines some of the country's most inspired literary destinations.
"Harry and his wizarding world continue to hold generations of readers from across the globe spellbound, firing up imaginations and inspiring people to explore locations and landscapes and experience the wonder themselves," said VisitBritain director Patricia Yates.
[CALLOUT]
VisitEngland has also named 2017 the Year of Literary Heroes, shining a spotlight on England's literary destinations and anniversaries.
Harry Potter isn't the only one celebrating a milestone. Other notable ones include the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's death, the 125th anniversary of the first Sherlock Holmes book, and the 75th anniversary of Enid Blyton's Famous Five.
Literature and film have long been drivers for tourism, and the U.K.'s rich literary history has been drawing tourists for generations.
Recent productions have boosted tourism in their respective regions: Many traveled to Snowdonia to see where "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" was filmed. Highclere Castle in Hampshire is home to Downton Abbey, and it continues to draw crowds who are interested in the backdrop of the popular drama.
Last year's "BFG," inspired by the Roald Dahl novel, featured the Angel of the North and Isle of Skye.
[READMORE]READ MORE: VisitBritain Launches New 'British Famous' Campaign [/READMORE]
Tourism to the U.K. has been up this year, and part of that boost is driven by the successful marketing of its popular filming destinations. The latest numbers suggest that, for 2017, there was a record 11.8 million overseas visits to the U.K. from January to April-up 11 percent more during the same period in 2016.
Visitor spending was also up more than 14 percent, setting a new record with visitors relinquishing £6.2 billion during their stays.
The upward trend seems to be continuing this summer. Latest flight booking data from ForwardKeys notes that bookings for international arrivals to the U.K. this summer are tracking 12 percent ahead of the same period last year.
Where to Celebrate Harry Potter
Those looking to celebrate one of England's most famous wizards can plan an entire itinerary around his magical endeavors.
The Jacobite Steam Train, located in the Scottish Highlands is often referred to as 'the real life Hogwart's Express'. The train travels between Fort William and Mallaig along the West Highland Line.
J.K. Rowling began the Harry Potter novels in an Edinburgh cafe, and fans can take a tour inspired by the books through the city, stopping at the cafe and other magical locations.
Bo'ness Motor Museum in Falkirk is home to Ron Weasley's Ford Anglia (from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets). Visitors can also see Aston Martins and James Bond's Lotus Espirits from "The Spy Who Loved Me."
You can stay in the very Edinburgh spot where Rowling penned the last chapter of the final book in the series-"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"-in the J.K. Rowling Suite at the Balmoral.
For further magical inspiration around the country, check out the map below.
<invalidtag async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></invalidtag>
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
