Hagrid's Cottage From Harry Potter Is Now Taking Overnight Guests
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Can't make it to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter World in Universal Orlando this summer? Don't fret. Hagrid is taking guests in Northern England.
OK, not exactly. But think of this as a good thing, because anyone who has at least seen the Harry Potter movies knows that Hagrid's actual hut doesn't scream posh accommodations. Rather, we have The Ground Keeper's Cottage at North Shire near Saltburn on the edge of the North York Moors National Park — which not only takes inspiration from the Hogwarts legend, but adds quite a few luxurious touches as well.
This cottage is riddled with magical inside jokes that owner and creator Carol Cavendish, longtime Potterhead, incorporated to assure guests get a charming "wizarding world" experience. "Books have always been an important part of my life even after being diagnosed with dyslexia when I taught myself to read," Cavendish told Metro UK. "They've also helped me through challenging times when I would turn to the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books for pure escapism."
Some of these touches in the cottage include an assortment of ink bottles and quills, a copper basin that's reminiscent of Dumbledore's pensieve, old baskets, ropes, leather bags and lanterns.
The layout and look of the cottage is also pretty authentic to the movie-version of Hagrid's hut itself with circular rooms, a stone fireplace, stained glass windows, stylishly rugged hardwood floors and "wood beams festooned with Hagrid-style paraphernalia."
Fans will also recognize the bathroom, while not very Hagridesque (yes, that's a word now), it looks a bit like the Department of Mysteries.
The hut also has a galley kitchen, dining space and room for the whole family (two sofas, a queen-sized sleigh bed and a bunk bed) and yes, dogs — as long as they're better behaved than Fang — are allowed join for a "small extra cost."
The Ground Keeper's Cottage will start taking guests May 2 to celebrate "Harry Potter Day", but you can make bookings now. Rent starts at currently 195 pounds ($252) per evening. And when you book, don't forget to use your Chase Sapphire Reserve to get 3x points on travel. Now that's magic.
Here are some more Harry Potter-inspired travels:
- Drink Like a Hogwarts Post-Grad at This Potter-Themed Beer Festival
- Calling All Muggles: The Real Hogwarts Express Train Is Back in Action
- Things You Need to Know About Hagrid's Newest Harry Potter Ride at Universal Studios
- This Unusual Destination Is a Hot New Tourist Attraction for Harry Potter Fans