Archives: 2009 February

No children’s book series has caught the imagination quite like Harry Potter. The stories have launched an industry in merchandise, games and movies. Fans like to see where the films were shot and several Harry Potter Tours organise guided visits to locations where memorable scenes from the books were brought to the screen. Many famous British landmarks and institutions have played a part in the filming. The challenge for the filmmakers was to find the right location to stand in for the fictitious places of the wizard world.

The British Tours Company runs various tours, offering different durations and permutations. The Oxford and Gloucester Tour takes in some splendid sights and is an interesting history lesson. The prestigious Oxford University was used for many scenes at Hogwarts School, its magnificent architecture of cloisters and archways being perfect for the job. Staircases in the University were featured along with the Great Hall, which was the inspiration for Hogwart’s Dining Room. The University Library served as Hogwart’s Hospital Infirmary.

The Gloucester part of the Harry Potter Tour includes the wonderful Norman Cathedral, which was used in scenes involving ghosts and talking portraits in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first in the series. The Moaning Myrtle scenes in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were also shot in Gloucester Cathedral.

Don’t avoid parking at Laguardia Airport because you’re frightened of city drivers, traffic or trouble finding a spot.

Don’t give up and spend money on a taxi or limousine, though. There are a lot of parking options at the airport. A few simple tips can make it much easier to find parking there. This airport has a lot of parking choices that the first-time visitor may not know about. Following are a few of them:

The first option is to have someone drive you to the airport; they can park in metered parking. Laguardia Airport has metered parking at Marine Air Terminal. Two hours is the maximum you can park there. This is enough time to get your baggage back and forth from the car.

Daily parking at the Airport includes parking garages and lots, of which there are seven. Each has handicapped spots and there’s at least one located near each major terminal, so this is a good option. You can also leave your car for up to 30 days, but this is more expensive than using the long-term lot. However, they don’t charge more than 30 dollars per 24 hour period, which makes it a bargain to park there compared to New York City parking garages!

Make sure you know which items are prohibited, what you can bring in your carry on bag, in your packed luggage or if there are any special packing requirements for certain items. You can take hand luggage with you on Newcastle flights; though make sure you check the requirements. There are also know more additional costs for extras and add-ons. Extra luggage and checked luggage for domestic flights now have charges. If you have any questions you should contact your airline.

There is a list of items on the airport web site that are prohibited in carry on baggage as well as illegal items that should not be found in your checked luggage. You need to know what allowed before you pack and then pack accordingly. There are airlines at Newcastle that do allow hand baggage of a certain size, just be sure to check the size allowance. As with any airport you cannot bring any liquids or sharp objects with you in the plane. Make sure you know the baggage allowances for your trip as they may be different for domestic and international flights.

Newcastle airport has shopping facilities available both before and after security. You will find the following stores at Newcastle airport; Whistlestop convenience store, WH Smiths, Biza tax & duty free, Boots, Claire’s, Chisholm Bookmakers, Dixons, JD Sports, Tie Rack, and Traveller.