Ink Garden Free For Dad

Ink Garden - Fathers Day - Free Notebook, Mouse Pad, or Coffee Mug for Dad (Just Pay Shipping) 

USE Code: FREEFORDAD

Shipping Rates:$4.99 for the Notebook, $5.99 for the Mug, $4.99 for the MousePad. 

Vistaprint - 6 Father’s Day gifts for $6 and under

Forget the neck ties and tools this Father’s Day and personalize all your gifts this year. 

You’ll find six custom products for under $5 at Vistaprint – all are customizable and sure to bring a smile to dad’s face.

 
Does he have a favorite coffee mug? He will now! Upload your favorite photos of your husband and children onto a mug for just $2.99. 

Mouse pads make a great desk accessory for those long days at work – find fun designs for $3.99. 

Create a memory book for dad with photos from years past for $4. Plus, all the photos you upload will be saved in your Vistaprint account. Use them to create a personalized $5 T-shirt and desk calendar at $2.99. 

Add an engraved to the mix for just $4 and you will have the ultimate desk-kit to give to dad! All these reminders will keep him company at work day after day. 

T-Shirts: $5.52
Mug: $7.09
Mouse Pad: $5.52
Flip book: $7.30
Pen: $5.52
Desk Calendar: $7.27

PRODUCT REVIEW: Treat ~ Father's Day Cards

It’s almost June and time to start celebrating the contribution that fathers and father figures make for their children’s lives.

I remember as a child going camping every Father's Day, my Dad was a HUGE outdoorsman and whenever there was opportunity we were traversing in nature.

I remember in grade school making some of the neatest things for my Daddy, like homemade cards that he always displayed with love and handmade macrame artworks that he always put somewhere to be displayed with pride.  

I remember going through my Daddy's things after he passed away and becoming very emotional when I came across some of the things my sisters and my children had made for him over the years.  I never knew how much he cherished his gifts from his children and grand~children.

If any of you are looking for a groovy online site in which to purchase a Father's Day card for your Dad, Grandfather, Brother, Significant other or what have you, then Treat is the place where "cards get personal".

I found the ordering process to be quite simple, the directions are straight~forward and very easy to follow.  You can add personal touches, such as, photo's, your own words and phrases, you have total control over what you wish to place upon the card.

After your editing is done to your satisfaction, you proceed to the checkout where you can opt to have Treat mail the card to your recipient for you, or you can opt to have the card sent to yourself and you can forward it to the appropriate person in your life.

I found pages and pages of designs to choose from, there is truly something there for everyone, from the serious to the humorous, you cannot go wrong in finding a card to complete your message of love with.

There are several other neat features one can apply if they wish.  You can opt to have a gift card added to your Father's Day card if you wish, from popular places such as Amazon, iTunes, Target and many more.  

You can choose to have reminders set up or import them from Facebook so that you will never have to miss another important moment again.

You can also schedule your cards for up to one year, taking the onus off your shoulders to remember at the last minute to take care of your loved ones.

AND...your VERY first Treat card is FREE~!!  All  you need to do is use the code FREETREAT at the checkout and you can check out for yourself what an awesome site this is.  And it's not all about Father's Day cards either...they have cards for EVERY situation~!!

Oh...one thing that is not groovy, is that the FREE card is only available for folks from the United States as they don't have International shipping happening...but I do believe its in the works, so stayed tuned for any updates concerning the shipping practices at Treat.

And if you got a moment...the folks at Treat LOVE to make new friends...so connect with them today~!!

Ask your readers to follow the Treat social channels:

·         Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TreatCards

·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/treatcards

·         Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/treatcards/

·         Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/117542183382899885395/

**  Reviewed by me

Kaikoura New Zealand

Kaikoura: A New Zealand Wildlife Paradise

Find new adventures in Kaikoura, New Zealand...
Kaikoura is a South Island New Zealand township that has a lot to offer tourists. There are wildlife adventures, water sports adventures, shopping adventures and hiking adventures waiting for you. When planning your next vacation, consider visiting Kaikoura, New Zealand.

If you are a wine lover then Kaikoura is a great New Zealand vacation destination for you. Here you are going to find yourself in the middle of the New Zealand wine country. Sign up for guided tours of local wineries, private wine cellars and complete the day with a wine tasting adventure set against a beautiful New Zealand sunset.

Wildlife enthusiasts can also find great adventures that fit their interests in Kaikoura. Your first option is to book a whale watching tour. These tours are offered aboard yachts, as well as aboard helicopters. Kaikoura whale watching tours provide you with the chance to see whales like blue whales and killer whales from above the waterline.

Sea bird adventures are also available. These tours will take you to where the local seabirds, including the amazing Albatross, call home. Marine adventures are your third option. These tours are great for people with all levels of diving skills. Book one of these tours to see sea turtles, fish, sharks and marine mammals.

Seal
For an experience unique to Kaikoura, you will want to visit the Point Sheep Shearing demonstration. See how wool is sheared and processed, and then spend some time with the sheep feeding them and petting their newly sheered coats. Another unique experience that you can have is to visit the Sealside Gallery. This gallery specializes in pieces created by local artists.

Now that you know what you can do in Kaikoura, your next step is to find a place to stay during your New Zealand vacation. Kaikoura accommodations come in several varieties including: inns designed for backpackers, bed & breakfasts, hotels, motels, vacation homes and resorts. To create a truly unique vacation experience, you may want to try a lodging option that you have never tried before, such as a B&B or a hostel.

View from Dolphin Park Backpacker's BBH

After visiting local tourist attractions and playing hard all day long, you are going to get hungry. Luckily there are a lot of great eateries available in Kaikoura. Your first option is to dine at a local restaurant like the Donegal House or the Hislops Wholefoods Cafe. If you want something quick and easy, then you will want to stop by a takeaway establishment and pick up a meal to go. Some of your takeaway options include Hine's Takeaways, Kaikoura Seafood BBQ or the Black Rabbit Pizza, Co.

Breathtaking Sunset in Kaikoura!

Visit our New Zealand website to learn more of our 6 month vacation travel through the beautiful country of New Zealand.

Mother Of Pearl Mother's Day Series ~ Priceless Treasures ~ Cindy K. Stiverson

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series - a week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Sheila Walsh, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Bonnie St. John, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/6-5/13 and the winner will on 5/14. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there, Happy Mother's Day!


Priceless Treasure by Cindy K. Stiverson

We've heard it said and often find it true:
You don't know the value of a treasure until you're without it. 

We take for granted the things in life that seem so readily available.
   A paperclip or rubber band, to hold things together.
   A tissue or napkin, to wipe our nose to clean our face, to absorb our tears.
   A Bible to speak words of wisdom and instruction and life and love.

And a Mother, who is all these things and more.
   She is readily available.
   She holds things together.
   She wipes our nose, cleans our face (and our fingers, and, well…everything else!)
   She absorbs our tears and calms our fears.
  "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." (Proverbs 31:26)
   She loves.

Within hours after my mother passed into the gates of our heavenly home, I was missing her. Her quick wit…humor…charm. Her warm smile and melodious laughter, which served her well to the very end, as did our Lord Jesus Christ, who so graciously allowed her to slip quietly and peacefully into His arms.

She simply stopped breathing.

As I stood at her bedside in those priceless moments after her passing, I wanted to touch her skin as much as possible while there was still warmth in her body; to nuzzle my nose against her head and breathe in the scent of her hair while she was still there. Priceless treasures I was guilty of taking for granted, clouded by unmet needs. I was so consumed with what she was not, that I never fully appreciated who she was. It’s like I was blind, but now I see!

I see her strength, her commitment. Her perseverance…sacrifice…her unspoken love. I see how much she meant to me, how much she did for me, how much she taught me, and how much of the good in me was modeled by her.

She was a virtuous woman, as described in Proverbs 31 of the Bible.
“Her children stand and bless her… a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise (vs. 31).”


This last verse of the poem serves as an epitaph for the woman of virtue. It speaks of the legacy she leaves in her passing. It spurred me to write a personal epitaph for my mother, which I read at her funeral.

We publicly declare your praise today, 

and in the days to come,

for you deserve to be praised and blessed,

"We honor you, Mom, for all you have done!"

In my earliest of memories, 

You worked so hard, striving for the rest.

You persevered through great trials

and did your very best.

I know you are being rewarded

in ways far beyond our reach.

We honor you now by practicing what you've taught,

and even what you preached!

You've stood for us for all these years,

Today, we stand for you!

I pray that our applause on earth

will reach your heavenly ears.

With the reading of this poem, I asked everyone to stand. We clapped our hands in celebration and praise of the life of my mother, Margaret Alice Stiltner.

Imagine our surprise to discover that she had left a poetic epitaph for us! She had clipped it from an old magazine and framed it. I found it when I was cleaning her home, on a nightstand by her bed. My mother was never versed at expressing emotion. This was her sweet way of kissing us good-bye: a priceless treasure to remember her by.

###

Cynthia (Cindy) Stiverson is a speaker, writer, and artist.  In 1998, she founded Woven: Women of Virtue Network, a spiritual formation and friendship ministry. She pastors the women at Newark Church of the Nazarene in Ohio. She is currently working on her fourth Woven Workbook, and also a book for mothers and daughters on the subject of sexual abuse. Cindy considers raising her daughter, speaker/author Nicole Braddock Bromley, to be her greatest achievement. She loves the men in her life, hubby Mark, grandbabes Jude and Isaac, and son-inlaw Matthew. You can find more of Cindy at www.WovenWomen.blogspot.co m and www.CynthiaStiverson.com

Exciting News – the latest Pearl Girls book, Mother of Pearl: Luminous Legacies and Iridescent Faith will be released this month! Please visit the Pearl Girls Facebook Page (and LIKE us!) for more information! Thanks so much for your support!

Happy Cinco de Mayo~!!

Top 5 Roadside Attractions in Canada!

A trip through the countryside can often be a boring and unexciting way to get to the next destination. Kids whine, eyelids droop, and interest sags. With these five amazing sights to behold, your trip to Canada will be no ordinary trip. Instead, prepare to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

If you are anywhere in the vicinity of the smelting plants in Sudbury, Ontario, be sure to notice the "Big Nickel," a Canadian 5-cent piece that graces the grounds of Dynamic World, a theme park with a geology/mining theme. The city has many smelters in town and boasts many slag piles where the remaining slag after smelting is poured. Once you have seen the Big Nickel, ask for directions to the nearest slag pile to see a bit of molten wonder as it is poured onto the heap.

If metal-making is not quite the family hobby, try stopping for ice cream at the Coombs General Store. This ice cream parlor and general store is not quite your average stop, however. As you walk into the building, look up--you just might see the family of goats that calls the roof home. That is right, a flock of goats actually graze and live on the roof of the general store. After you have screamed with delight at seeing them, head inside for a delicious meal and ice cream cone. This stop is one of the most famous in British Columbia and will be sure to provide enjoyment for the entire family.

For all sports-related families, be sure to drive by the world's largest hockey stick located in Duncan, British Columbia. This small mill town is known for this hockey stick and the world's biggest totem pole. Of course, if the sight of the stick inspires you to stop for a game, just pull in--the gigantic hockey stick sits proudly atop the city's hockey rink.


The UFO landing pad in St. Paul, Alberta has attracted far more than just a few aliens to its grounds. While an alien has yet to take up the invitation, the tourist attraction welcomes thousands every year. The site offers an Interpretive Centre as well as a Tourist Centre and a UFO hotline that allows people to report sightings and other interesting tidbits related to the alien world.

A near-life-size T Rex stands watch over the museum that tells the story of their existence near Duncan, Alberta. During the dinosaur age, these huge scaly lizards roamed the area and left evidence that can be seen, admired, and, in some cases taken home (if you wish for a piece of dinosaur scat). Tour the museum or visit the Dinosaur Trail Golf Course for a truly creepy experience.

Photo: CP/Bill Graveland

Nearly every little town and hamlet in Canada has its own unique attraction. Roadside attractions are a fun way to keep the kids attention from dragging throughout the length of the trip. Make a game of it to find out who can find the most unique attractions as you drive across the country. Chances are, you will find a few exciting and memorable exhibits worth the view from your car window.

Presented by http://www.carrentalottawa.ca - the best place to get car rentals in ottawa!

10 Must-see Places in New York

Being one of the largest cities not only in the United States, but in the whole world, New York offers tourists an amazing experience. This city offers you incredible museums, the world's best galleries and also you can climb on top of some the world's tallest buildings. When writing this article, I really list out just 10 of the must-see attractions that New York offers, but anyways here is my list:

1. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. This gargantuan statue was given by France to America to honor their friendship. Across the Liberty Island, you can find Ellis Island which served as the arriving point of nearly all immigrants during the 1900s.

2. Times Square
Times Square is paradise for shopaholics. It is where you will find the majority of shopping centers and famous chain stores. It is also in this part of the city, where you can enjoy the renowned Broadway shows. You may check out Madame Tussaud’s or go on a food trip in various restaurants and bakeries.

3. Empire State Building
This 1,451 feet high structure is situated on the 34th Street and Fifth Avenue. Thousands of tourists flock in Empire State Building each year to view the familiar NYC skyline. The observatory of the building is found at the 86th floor, 1050 feet from the ground. Tourists can get a 360 degree view of the surroundings from the observatory.

4. Central Park
Central park lies at the heart of Manhattan island. This 843-acre park is one of the most popular public parks in the United States. If you love nature, this place is definitely a must-see. You can tour this amazing park by taking a stroll, biking or riding a boat.

5. Bronx Zoo
This zoo is home to 4,500 animals, most of them from all over the world and many representing the wildlife in the United States. While there don't feed the penguins or go on a safari.

6. Metropolitan Museum of Art
This museum features 2 million historical art pieces from all the over the world. Art lover or not, you are certain to have a fantastic time exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

7. Flushing Meadows
The largest park in New York City is the Corona Park. It is a popular place for family fun, so while there visit the Queen’s Zoo, the New York Hall of Science and The Queen’s Theatre.

8. Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan to all neighboring cities and it is a really popular landmark all over the world. It is the perfect point for sightseeing, enjoying a pleasant walk or just exploring the city.

9. Rockefeller Center
You would not want to miss the Rockefeller center, located in midtown Manhattan. There are 19 buildings covering the 22-acre center. The best tourist experience can be enjoyd at the rooftop of Rockefeller Center also known as ‘’On Top of the Rock”.

10.  Staten Island
 Staten Island Ferries offer a 25-minute free ferry ride, taking tourists from lower Manhattan to Staten Island which provides a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline and New York port -a view almost no one can forget.

If you want to learn more about some of the most popular tourist destinations all over the world stop by my blog - Channel Voyager. There you can even find some useful information about finding cheap hotels (in Denmark, where he lives, people refer to this term as hoteller) worldwide. 

6 Great Places to See on Your Tour of Costa Rica

The Central American country of Costa Rica is a true tropical paradise, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The nation boasts incredible lush jungles, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities and lots of historical landmarks worth a visit. In order to experience all that Costa Rica has to offer, it is recommended that you join a tour of some of the best destinations in the country. When planning your tour itinerary, be sure to include these 6 great places found in Costa Rica. 

1. San Jose: The nation's capital is where many tours begin, thanks to modern amenities and a wide range of activities and attractions. A knowledgeable local tour guide is incredibly helpful when visiting San Jose, as they can share information about the history and heritage of this beautiful capital city. Be sure not to miss places like the National Museum, the Parque Morazan or the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

 
2. La Fortuna de San Carlos: This small town may be famous, but it is actually so well-known thanks to being in close proximity to the nearby Arenal Volcano. This volcano, which erupts over 40 times each day, is a popular tourism destination in Costa Rica. A tour guide can help you get as close to the action as safely possible.

 

3. Cahuita National Park: Although Costa Rica has plenty of beautiful beaches, one of the most interesting environments is the lush tropical rainforest. Cahuita National Park boasts dense and diverse rainforests just next to the coast, making it a popular place to enjoy a day tour of this unique ecosystem.

4. Puerta Limon: This coastal city is one of the most interesting places in the country for those with a passion for history. Take a walking tour of the historical city centre and learn about the colonial style buildings and the early churches located there.

5. Playa Grande: To many tourists, the Playa Grande is simply a beautiful beach destination. However, with the help of a local tour guide it is possible to see the nearby Parque Nacional Marino Laus Baulas located along the beach. It is one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the Americas, and if you time it right you can see thousands of baby turtles hatching and heading to the sea.

6. Guanacaste: This province is one of the best destinations for those travellers who are interested in nature, hiking or Eco-tourism. A wide variety of tours are available to tour the local area and experience the flora and fauna first hand. Consider paddling in outrigger canoes through pristine territory, snorkelling in a protected national park or just hiking through the lush and tropical rainforests of the region.

Book unique escorted tours and Costa Rica travel with Bales Worldwide to get the best experience of central America. 

Cruise The Nile In Luxury

Ever pictured yourself floating down the Nile past the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings? Did you think it was impossible for you to bring this dream to reality? Well that is not so. Today there are numerous Nile cruises available and they are priced to fit almost any budget. Whether you desire a week or a night on this ancient river which provided the sustenance for the people who developed one of the world's first and greatest civilizations, it is well within your reach. With a mere phone call or click of a mouse you can be on your way to a journey down the Nile.

The Nile River is unique. It is one of those rare rivers which flow northwards. It is also a river which figures prominently in both the Judeo-Christian Bible and the annals of world history. The Nile is actually two rivers whose waters combine to give Egypt the rich soil which has fed its population for thousands of years and afforded them the strength and time to study and harness the forces of the universe to build their great civilization. The White Nile flows out of the East African rift zone, while the Blue Nile originates in the Ethiopian highlands. Those rivers meet in Khartoum and become the iconic river which waters the land of Egypt.

A Nile cruise is at once relaxing and stimulating. Many of the cruises originate at the Aswan High Dam and ease down river towards the delta. During the journey, guest are fêted and fed and told tales of the conception, design and construction of the iconic structures on the banks of the Nile and beyond. The cruises stop a various points along the river so guests can visit the monuments many have only seen in books or on film. Those tours allow travellers to walk the land where Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jesus and many other important biblical figures trod and touch structures that have fascinated man for many millennia.

You can serenely float down the Nile in air-conditioned luxury on ships with swimming pools, restaurants and bars. You can choose one of the pre-arranged cruise tours or design one of your own. Either way you and your loved ones will have the experience of a lifetime as you explore the land of the pharaohs. You can sit out on the deck and watch some of the world's best known monuments glide by or relax in your cabin and enjoy a private viewing. All your creature comforts are met on board the large luxurious ships. Dinner under a star-lit Egyptian sky while slowly cruising down the Nile is breath-taking.

Sail from Sakkara to Abydos, see the Valley of the Kings and historic Memphis, look into the face of the Sphinx and touch Egypt's Great Pyramids then return to the Nile for sumptuous meals and exotic entertainment aboard the ship and relax in palatial surroundings. A Nile cruise is a journey you will remember forever.

Bales Worldwide offer fantastic cruises through the Nile as well as providing expert advice on tailor-made holidays.  

Top Tips When Skiing With Children

Parents with Children: especially young children may be feeling quite apprehensive before taking their Children on a Skiing trip, especially if they have been an accomplished skier before and have had the freedom to ski how you would like. But despite the teething problems a ski holiday presents for a new family, it can make one of the best and most memorable family holidays for you and your children.

The essential ingredient is planning. As long as you plan your days and evenings it will help in making it a lot less stressful for the parents and more enjoyable for your Children. Here are some points to think about:

1. Accommodation.
When booking accommodation make sure you keep your children in mind. Ski chalets tend to have a more homely, comfortable feel. Chalets allow parents to be close to their children and can resemble a family home feeling. You will also want to be aware that if you’re asking for a family chalet – operators such as Ski Chalets only sell these types of chalets to family groups and you can be assured that there will be similar Parents in your boat. This can have the advantage of Noise around your chalet at night and making sure that your Children are not disturbed.

2. Skiing Time.
Secondly and probably the most important is the Skiing time. Of course you’ll want to ski and if you have very young children then there is the option of the local Crèche. They will be a number of these in the resort and the best advice to ask the operator for the best, closest. Yes it may sound like your abandoning your children to while you have fun on the slopes but these places are always run very well and it allows you to get the skiing time that you want. There is also the Ski school for those starting out Skiing. These are tremendously well run schools that develop your child’s skiing capabilities. A suggestion which is very common is for your child to spend the morning in the school meeting new friends and skiing with those suited to their ability and then spending the time with you in the afternoon.

This is a great balance for the both of you and believe me if you keep going and you use the ski school, your children might end up better skiers then you. (You can use it as a ploy so that end up taking you when you’re retired)

3. Eating and Drinking.
Eating and Drinking out – If you have been on the slopes all day then you’ll probably want to sit in front of a fire and doze off, however there are plenty of restaurants that cater for children and again advice is to ask your Ski Operator for the best restaurants in your resort. However don’t miss the chance to eat it as a family as well, nothing like a home cooked meal to keep your kids feeling comfortable.

4. Chairlifts
A Major Worry for some can be the chairlifts - Every parent fears that something may happen to their child and if you didn't know anything about Skiing Chairlifts are a pretty nervy  bit of machinery. However don't fear, with Lift Personnel at the top and bottom of every chair lift, and the fact that new Chairlifts are making it easier for people to get on and off there is no need to worry.  Just remember that if Chairlifts weren't safe then no one would be using them.

These are just guides and I am sure you will find your own routine, which you can settle into and enjoy your time on the slopes.
 

Written by Annabel, Event Organiser for Chillisauce, specialising in Activity Weekends.

How to Visit the “Real” Hogwarts Castle – a Guide for Harry Potter Fans

Hogwarts of School of Witchcraft and Wizardry plays a key role in the Harry Potter books and movies, providing young Harry with his education in the ways of magic and hosting many of his most exciting adventures. It is housed in an imposing castle close to the village of Hogsmeade, and seems to have a life all of its own. No wonder many Potter fans are desperate to visit the "real" Hogwarts Castle, to admire its towering exterior and explore its mysterious corridors and classrooms.

Unfortunately, visiting Hogwarts is something of a challenge. The producers of the Harry Potter movies didn't simply select a single, real-world castle to film in and around - instead, they found attractive locations all over the UK and then spliced them together using the magic of computer-generated imagery. Therefore, the only option to explore a full physical recreation of Hogwarts at present is to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park land at the Universal Orlando Resort.

For those willing to cover a greater distance, though, exploring the actual locations that were used to create Hogwarts is an incredibly rewarding experience. As well as stepping into the world of the movies, you’ll also discover a wide range of magnificent historical buildings, each of which is famous in its own right. Here's a run-down of the key sites featured in the films.

Alnwick Castle


Alnwick Castle, located in Northumbria close to the England-Scotland border, dates back to around 1096. It is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK behind Windsor Castle, having been refurbished and expanded on multiple occasions over the past nine centuries. The castle has had an eventful history, with the Dukes of Northumberland that own it having been involved in all manner of intrigue and plotting with British monarchs of the past. Today, it is possible to explore the castle’s impressive State Rooms, with guided tours on offer throughout the summer season.

One of the tours takes in the areas of the castle that were featured in the first two Harry Potter movies. This includes the site of Potter's first ever broomstick-flying lesson, as well as the spot where the Weasley's flying car crash-landed into the Whomping Willow.

Gloucester Cathedral


The magnificent Gloucester Cathedral sits at the heart of the city that lends it its name. Constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries, it is some 130 metres long by 44 metres wide, with a central tower that tops out at 68 metres tall. No wonder its stunning cloisters became part of Hogwarts, being used as corridors in both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Hopefully when you visit you won’t encounter a troll, be whispered to by the walls, or find the bathrooms overflowing.

Christ Church College, Oxford


Christ Church College provided one of the most enduring images of the Harry Potter movies, with its Great Hall having been the inspiration for the Hogwarts dining room. The hall stands out among the sites on this list as being one in which fans can truly feel immersed in Harry’s world – it’s easy to picture Professor Dumbledore making one of his trademark speeches while excited pupils look on in awe. The college is open to visitors is open every day except Christmas, although the Great Hall is closed between 12pm and 2pm.

Bodleian Library, Oxford


Not far from Christ Church College is the Bodleian Library, renowned for being one of the oldest libraries in Europe. While it still acts as the main research library of the University of Oxford, it is possible to explore the interior of several of its impressive buildings when purchasing various ticket options. This includes the 15th century Divinity School, which played the role of the sanatorium in the first two Harry Potter movies. Another of the library’s buildings, Duke Humfrey's Library, acted as Hogwarts own library in the first film and can be seen as part of a guided tour. Remember to bring your invisibility cloak.

Durham Cathedral


The second cathedral to form part of Hogwarts is located in Durham, and dates back to 1093. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the city’s biggest tourist attraction offers incredible views from the top of its 66 metre tall central tower. In Harry Potter’s first outing, he can be seen walking through the cathedral’s cloisters with Hedwig the owl, who flies off between its twin towers. You may not recognise them, though, as a spire was digitally added to them by the movie’s creators. You will recognise the Chapter House, which acted as Professor McGonagall’s classroom.

Lacock Abbey


The pretty village of Lacock is a fitting setting for Hogwarts, and its famous Abbey did indeed feature in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with Harry freeing house elf Dobby in its cloister walk. Professor Snape's somewhat basic classroom is also housed at the Abbey. The unusual building is a mesh of architectural styles, much like the fictional castle that it helped create, and can be visited almost year-round. The Potter producers liked it so much that they returned to film scenes for the sixth film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, in 2007.

Hogwarts Castle may not be real, but it is perhaps appropriate that this mystical place of learning was created using elements of some of the greatest real-life buildings in the UK. Explore all of the sites listed above, and you’ll feel like some of Harry Potter's magic has rubbed off on you.

Image credits
Alnwick Castle.jpg - Fiona James
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalekwidow/5794336394/
Gloucester Cathedral.jpg - James Clark
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cathedralcityguide/6447289165/
Christ Church College Great Hall.jpg - mtcv
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christ_Church_Oxford_Hall_2007.jpg
Bodleian Library Divinity School.jpg – Beth Hoffman
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventuresinlibrarianship/499476995/
Durham Cathedral.jpg - Karmin Photography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karen_cb/6269809461/
Lacock Abbey.jpg - Ben Bawden
http://www.flickr.com/photos/benbawden/4951822023/

Nick Sim is a major fan of the fictional worlds seen in both the Harry Potter movies and the UK's wide array of theme parks. Be sure to check out his listings of Alton Towers 2-for-1 vouchers and Thorpe Park deals when visiting the country.