arry Potter is back! Back in all his glory and using every means of communication known to mankind to announce a Potter play – yes, a play, how about that! – in London that audiences' flocked to in the hundreds with the official opening on July 30th, 2016.

London poster advertising play

To get into the Harry Potter phenomen yourself, let me suggest YOU immerse yourself in the marvelous magic of a ride aboard Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express, as seen in the 1st HP movie. Yes, YOU really can do that, but you'll need to suggest (if you're a kid!) to your parents that you Hi-Tail it to where it was it was filmed – Scotland. Because I'm a train buff I made sure a few years ago to go visit the route of this special train. BTW, even if you're NOT a kid, you'll be just as thrilled to take an enchanting journey in this equally beguiling train.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct with Harry Potter train (photo courtesy Scottish Tourist Board)

One of the most spectacular parts of the journey is when the train goes over the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct. The surrounding countryside of the Scottish Highlands is a smorgasbord of captivating, colorful rolling hills – all alive with a gorgeous assemblage of rich earth tones, browns, greens and faded yellows that instantly let you know why the Scottish Highlands are so mesmerizing. The Centerpiece of this entire splendor is the Viaduct, just watch the first Potter movie closely, and you'll see the magical steam train that Harry's in going over this spellbinding, attention-grabbing Viaduct. It only takes one glimpse of the alluring scenery to see why, in a Nano second, movie directors and location managers, love this location.

Another view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct (photo courtesy Scottish Tourist Board)

As if aware I was only going to be visiting one time only at this awesome panorama, lo and behold a "Harry Potter Train" came into view and began to cross the Viaduct. White smoke drifted slowly skyward, spiraling up into the heavens like a Harry Potter wizard's spell. I was just able to make out the fact that the engine was a classic Gresley Class engine of LNER – London North Eastern Railway – which was one of the leading railroads of the 1930s - 1950s. Then, as magically as it had appeared, and as if to make sure I knew how lucky I'd been to witness this spell binding magic, that made it even more of a tourist attraction, the steam engine emitted that one-of-a-kind, uniquely British steam train whistle.

The train operates from Fort William to Mallaig (or reverse) and you'll enjoy a one-of-a-kind train trip that puts YOU in the world of Potter's Hogwarts Express. When the train comes into the station be sure to get your photo taken standing by this classic British steam engine of the 1930s.

THE Hogwarts Express (photo courtesy: Scottish Tourist Board)

Map Courtesy Scottish Tourist Board

Train buffs already know that this railroad line has (at last count) three spectacular steam engines. Two Gresley Class LNER engines, and one LMS Stanier Class engine. Back in the period of 1930 - 1950s, Great Britain had several, independent large railroad companies, and two of them were the LNER and LMS (London Midland and Scottish). This ride is 41 magnificent miles in length, taking you through gorgeous, jaw dropping scenery that'll come close to convincing you that yes, you really ARE in Harry's train. For more tantalizing train trivia, and related memorabilia, go online and type in Jacobite Steam Train. Now then, all you need now is to make your reservation to Scotland.

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