Introduction: My 12 Days Traveling Through England & Scotland
This trip was a combination of independent travel and guided touring through CIE Tours and Highland Experience Tours.
It wasn’t a perfectly curated itinerary—it was a real trip with a mix of structured touring, transit days, and personal exploration.
Some days were very full with guided sightseeing. Others were travel-heavy, with trains, transfers, and hotel changes. That balance is important to understand when planning time in the UK, especially when combining England and Scotland in one trip.
I’m sharing each day as it happened—what we did, how the travel flowed, and what stood out along the way. This is meant to give a realistic look at what it actually feels like to move through different parts of the UK over nearly two weeks.
Day 1: Arrival in London & Warner Bros Studio Tour London
After arriving in London, the first priority was simply adjusting to the time difference and getting grounded after international travel. I always keep the first morning light after a long flight, and this trip was no different.
We spent some time walking around London in the morning before heading out in the afternoon to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Warner Bros Studio Tour London Experience
This is one of the most detailed film studio experiences I’ve ever visited. It is not a ride-based attraction—it is an actual working studio space used during filming of the Harry Potter series.
You walk through real sets, including:
- The Great Hall
- Diagon Alley
- Hogwarts corridors
- Props, costumes, and creature effects displays
What stood out most was the level of detail in everything. These were not “replica” sets—they were original filming environments, preserved and displayed in a way that lets you see how the films were actually created.
It also gives a behind-the-scenes look at production design, special effects, and set construction that most viewers never think about when watching the movies.
London Travel Note
Getting to the studio requires a train + shuttle combination, which is straightforward but does take time to coordinate. It’s not something you want to rush, especially after arriving in London the same day.
After returning to London, we ended the day with a simple dinner. I had Steak and Ale Pie, which is a classic UK dish and a good introduction to local pub food.
