Across The Pond
by Sara Gaynes Levy
This past March, I had the incredible opportunity to visit London with my oldest child, 7, to celebrate the launch of the Hogwarts Library Collection with Yoto, a screen-free audiobook player for kids. While Yoto planned the centerpiece of our trip— a fantastic day on a British Pullman train where we had afternoon tea and got to see the English countryside— we planned the rest of our magical itinerary on our own to complement the Potter-themed celebration. For young Wizarding World fans, here’s our guide to a bloody brilliant time in London.
Where to stay
Yoto selected The Standard London as our hotel, which was conveniently located across the street from King’s Cross Station, the famous train station from which Harry journeys to Hogwarts. Visiting the train station is a must for any Potter fan, as there is a special photo op at the location of the mythical Platform 9 ¾, the invisible-to-non-magical-folks platform where Harry and friends catch the train to school. There’s also a Potter-themed shop full of references to the books and movies in the station. King’s Cross St Pancras station is also home to six lines of the London Underground, which made getting around the city quick and easy. The Standard was a great spot, with a comfortable room and tasty breakfast options.
What to do
On our first day, we booked a combo ticket for the London Eye, the famed observation wheel, and Big Bus London, a double-decker tour bus with audio commentary. The Eye was a hit with my daughter, who loved that while it looks like an adrenaline junkie’s dream, it’s actually slow-moving and peaceful with spectacular city views. There was a boarding station for the Big Bus just steps from the Eye, which we rode to see famous London sights like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and the elegant homes in Mayfair. We disembarked the Big Bus to visit Hamleys Toy Store, a seven-story toy mecca said to be the oldest toy store in the world. (If you’re nostalgic for the glory days of F.A.O Schwartz in N.Y.C., Hamleys evokes the same childlike wonder.) From there, we ventured back to the King’s Cross area for dinner, visiting Australian eatery Granger + Co. In addition to a delicious main menu, they have a separate children’s menu full of familiar favorites.
On our second day, we saw a matinee of Matilda on London’s West End, keeping the theme of “children with magical powers” going. The show is adorable and very child-friendly. Before the show, we shopped around Covent Garden, an easy walk from the West End. (Highly recommend the fantasy-themed shop House of Spells if you’re looking for another dose of the Potter memorabilia, and they also had merch for popular series like Lord of the Rings and Stranger Things.) We had lunch at Seven Dials Market, a food hall with everything from Syrian food to smashburgers. My daughter declared her burger from there to be “the best in the world.”
We had dinner at Smith + Wollensky London with the Yoto team, which was just as delicious as the stateside locations we’ve visited.
On our third day, we had our train experience on the British Pullman, which left from King’s Cross. This majestic train evoked the classic Orient Express cars, and we had exceptional high tea and service while we took in gorgeous views of the English countryside. Yoto provided audio players for the kids to listen to while the adults sipped champagne and enjoyed the tea service. It was absolutely a highlight of the trip!
Nearby King’s Cross is a branch of Dishoom, an insanely popular Indian restaurant that, believe it or not, also had a kid’s menu. I would say it’s definitely best for adventurous kids, but it was nice to be able to try a spicy main while my daughter’s dinner was mild. Lines for Dishoom can get very long, but they will take reservations before 5 p.m.
For our final full day in London, we took a day trip to Leavesden Studios and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, where the Harry Potter films were shot. The studios are about an hour outside London, so we booked a combo ticket to take the tour and receive transport there and back. The tour is self-guided, and takes three to four hours depending on how much you want to take in— there is tons to see and learn. There are also multiple cafés and an incredible gift shop. This was probably my daughter’s favorite part of the trip. For young fans, seeing the sets, props, and behind-the-scenes magic (of which they reveal a lot!) is a priceless experience, and one I wholeheartedly recommend.
After the studio tour, we had dinner at Instagram-friendly spot Zizzi, an Italian eatery with multiple locations (we went to the Covent Garden one). It was very good and, again, super-kid friendly.
Before our flight back to the U.S., we had time for a quick visit to Harrod’s— a must do for first-time visitors to the UK, of course!— where we picked up some souvenirs for the rest of our family. It was a truly magical trip!
_______________
Enchanted Day Trips Closer to Home
by Marisa MacLean
Not heading to London anytime soon? No worries. These fun, whimsical spots are all within driving distance of Westport and packed with just the right amount of magic to make any day feel like an adventure.
1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child The Lyric Theater, 214 W. 43rd St., N.Y.C.
This award-winning production brings the wizarding world to life with jaw-dropping illusions and a storyline that picks up where the books left off. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tagging along, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Color Factory 251 Spring Street, N.Y.C.
Bright, bold, and made to be explored. This interactive museum is full of larger-than-life color-themed rooms—complete with a giant ball pit, a confetti room, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
3. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt + SkyLift 45 E. 42nd St., N.Y.C.
If you’re up for something unforgettable, head to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Take the SkyLift—an all-glass elevator that rides outside the building—to the top, then walk through mirrored rooms, cloud-like spaces, and sky-high ledges with unreal views.
4. TWA Hotel Rooftop Pool at John F. Kennedy Airport 1 Idlewild Drive, Queens, NY
This isn’t your average airport hotel. The TWA rooftop pool is heated year-round and overlooks the runways—perfect for watching planes with a retro drink in hand. You don’t even have to stay overnight; day passes are available.
5. LEGOLAND New York Resort 1 Legoland Blvd., Goshen, NY
Build your way through a full day of rides, shows, and attractions at this colorful theme park, just over an hour away. It’s ideal for kids who love to imagine, create, and explore.
6. Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT
From beluga whales and penguins to hands-on exhibits and a 4D theater, Mystic Aquarium makes a great excuse for a family day trip. Spend the morning with the sea life, then wander the shops and ice cream spots downtown.