Welcome to the fourth post in our journey through Harry Potter’s England.
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Next up on our journey? Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey. It’s time to take a peak inside a Hogwart’s classroom! But before you head back to class, take the time to explore a quintessentially medieval village.
Lacock Village – aka Godric’s Hollow
Vacationers of all kinds will enjoy an afternoon wandering medieval Village of Lacock, which dates back to the 1300′s. Walking along Lacock’s cobble, meandering streets is like stepping through a time machine straight back to medieval times. This once-prosperous medieval village hasn’t had a major building built here in over 200 years! It’s as if the hands of time come to a complete stop in Lacock.
Lacock has also had it’s share of magicals mixing it up with the local muggles. That’s right! The village of Lacock is the inspiration for Godric’s Hollow. It’s where Harry lived with his parents, Voldemort walked enroute to James and Lily Potter’s house, and where Hagrid flew in on his motorcycle to rescue Harry on that fateful eve. Even Professor Dumbledore has wandered these ancient streets.
Be sure to allow at least an hour or two to enjoy the village shops, perhaps pick up lunch at a local pub, and hang out in the central courtyard. Who knows who might wander by as you munch your lunch in the village square.
Lacock Abbey – Inside A Hogwarts Classroom
Are you ready to “be schooled” like Harry, Hermoine, Ron, and Malfoy too? Then it’s time to check out Lacock Abbey, where several classroom scenes were filmed.
Professor Snape your best bud? Then head on down to the Sacristy, also known as Professor Snape’s Potions classroom. Beware of mysterious liquids here!
Don’t miss the Warming Room, complete with a genuine cauldron. Sit down for a lesson in Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Quirrell. Hmmm, I wonder if that cauldron has any left-0ver potions in it?
And as you gaze upon this 13th century architecture, envision Harry, Ron and Hermoine running through the hallways of Hogwarts School of Wizardry. Recall when Harry was chosen to be on the Gryffindor’s Quidditch. Yep, all that happened in Lacock Abbey’s cloisters. Just watch out for Mr. Filtch and Mrs. Norris. They’re always on the prowl, waiting to catch a young magical who’s not where he’s supposed to be!
A Little Lacock Abbey History
Wow, this place has been around forever! Lacock Abbey was established as a nunnery in 1232, then became the private home of William Sharington in 1539. You can still see some of the original 13th century structure in the cloisters, as well as traces of the original medieval wall paintings.
The main house has been home to the Talbot family for many years, and currently houses the Fox Talbot Museum. Look for the oldest photographic negative in existence while in the Fox Talbot house – Henry Fox Talbot was a pioneer in photography.
Worthy of a visit no matter your Harry Potter fan status!
Visiting Lacock Village And Lacock Abbey
There’s so much more to see and do at Lacock and Lacock Abbey than “just” Harry Potter. When at the Abbey, be sure to check the schedule of Family Activities. Who knows? There might just be a spell casting challenge across the cloisters!
Lacock Village and Abbey are located west of London, just south of Chippenham, and thirteen miles east of Bath.
The Journey Continues To …. Gloucester Cathedral
Next up on our journey through Harry Potter’s England is Gloucester Cathedral – In The Halls of Hogwarts.
Don’t miss the first three posts of the journey:
1. A Muggle’s Exploration of Harry Potter’s England
2. Alnwick Castle – Quidditch Anyone?
3. A Muggle’s View of Harry Potter’s London
Have you been to Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey? Did you taste some yummy treats at the local bakery? What was your favorite adventure while in Lacock? Let us know in the Comments section below.
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It’s July and I’m on vacation. But don’t take a vacation from my blog! I will continue to post through-out the month. Don’t forget to also leave a Comment. I might be delayed in answering them, but I will get right on that when I return from my travels. I promise.
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Images from Warner Brothers, CBiederman, TimSchofield via Flickr (The Cloisters), and Wikipedia (Lacock Abbey).