London Magic & Butterbeer Dreams

Martina K.
Jul 23
4 min read

Updated: Aug 21

4 Days of English Breakfasts, Studio Tours & So Much Walking 🇬🇧✨

I never used to dream of visiting England.

When I first started learning English 15 years ago, I was totally obsessed with American English and all things North America. England just never called to me… until I found out about the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Suddenly, I needed to go. And the moment I set foot in London, it instantly stole my heart.

My first trip was back in 2023, and this year I got to return again - another 4-day getaway, and somehow it was even better than the first.

A Smooth Landing & City Wandering

We flew into Gatwick early in the morning - super convenient, since it connects directly to Victoria Station by train. We stayed at St. George's Hotel, just a short walk from Pimlico Station, and only 15 minutes from Victoria. From there, we hit the ground running.

London’s public transport is a dream, but we also walked a lot (my hips felt it, trust me 😂). On day one, we ticked off some classics:

• Big Ben and Westminster Abbey

• Photos with the iconic red phone booths

• Wandering through Covent Garden

• Spotting the Harry Potter statue in Leicester Square

• Exploring the Natural History Museum (hello, dinos!)

• And of course... Starbucks stop: oat shaken espresso with tiramisu flavor this time 😍

A Royal Surprise

The next morning kicked off with a hearty English breakfast, and on our walk to Hyde Park, we noticed something happening around Buckingham Palace. Turns out… they were rehearsing for the King’s birthday parade! We stayed to watch, and it was incredible.

Horses, guards in full uniform, brass bands - it felt like a mini version of the real thing.

Later that day, we visited Madame Tussauds, then headed toward Oxford Circus, Soho, and Carnaby Street. We had Mexican food for lunch, desserts to follow (because of course), and even when it started raining, we just embraced it.

We finished off the evening at the National Gallery, surrounded by art and cozy vibes.

The Magic of Harry Potter Studios

Day 3 was the one I had circled in my calendar.

Harry Potter World Tour, round two - and it was just as magical as the first time.

We took the train from Euston Station to Watford Junction, then hopped on the dedicated shuttle to the studios. I even came prepared in my new blue plaid Hogwarts dress with the crest on it - felt like I’d stepped straight into the books.

The whole tour was themed around the Goblet of Fire anniversary this time, and there were live performances by Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students. The vibes were unreal.

We explored every section, took so many photos, had butterbeer (my favorite), and ate hot dogs for lunch. No matter how many times I go, it never gets old. If you're a Potterhead, this is your dream come true.

Final Day: Dinos & Riverside Calm

We still had almost a full day before our evening flight, so we made the most of it. In the London underground, I spotted an ad for a Jurassic World Exhibition in Battersea, and we had to go. We grabbed breakfast at Megan's by the Battersea (gorgeous fairy lights, Turkish-style food, loved it!), then explored the exhibition.

It was short (about 45 minutes), but the dinosaurs looked so real, and the immersive atmosphere made it an awesome experience, especially for dino-lovers like us (Jurassic World is my second all-time favorite after HP).

We ended our trip with a walk through Battersea Park, soaking in one last peaceful moment before heading to the airport.

London Eats: Vegan Feasts, Sweet Treats & Butterbeer Dreams

I always love tasting the local flavors, and this trip was delicious from start to finish:

- Mildreds (vegan English breakfast – tofu scramble and realistic sausage 👌)

- Floozie’s Cookies in Covent Garden – gooey, filled, vegan + gluten free bliss

- Pret became our go-to for coffee + sweet snacks

- Mexican lunch at King’s Court in Soho (tacos at Club Mexicana!)

- Donutelier - pistachio rolls that felt too pretty to eat

- Hot dogs + butterbeer at Harry Potter Studios 🍺

- Megan's at Battersea – cozy interiors, Turkish breakfast heaven

- Subway, Takis chips, and salt & vinegar Doritos (yes I had to try them 😋)

And our farewell dinner at Nando’s in the airport: I had the halloumi chicken tortilla and it was the perfect end.

London, You Have My Heart

London is this incredible mix of royal elegance, cozy bookstores, buzzy markets, beautiful parks, and magical moments tucked into random corners of the city. Both times I’ve visited, the weather has been kind, the food has been comforting, and the energy has been addictive.

I’m already thinking about when I’ll be back. Maybe next time with more days, more snacks, and maybe another Hogwarts outfit 🪄