Who didn't want to travel on the Hogwarts Express when we saw it in the Harry Potter movies? With its plush red interiors, brimming snacks trolley (Pumpkin Pasties and Chocolate Frogs - yum), and breathtaking views, we so longed for a ride.
Well what if we told you a journey on the Hogwarts Express could become far more than fantasy? The train is open for business right now.
The train used in the films is called the Jacobite, and runs a round trip in Western Scotland twice daily from April until October.
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Running from Fort William, about a two-hour drive from Glasgow (note: NOT platform 9 and ¾), all the way to Mallaig in the Highlands of Scotland, the journey covers some pretty spectacular ground and stunning scenery in between.
The Victorian train recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, and what better gift than to be voted the best steam train railway journey in Britain? Yes, the journey was awarded the high accolade by Boundless, the events club for public sector workers.
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The journey runs across 84 miles each way and promises to "take you past a list of impressive extremes."
You will start near Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, before visiting Britain's most westerly main rail station Arisaig, then you will trail along Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, and then the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, and finally, the deepest Loch in the whole of Europe, Loch Nevis.
Sounds like bucket list stuff to us.
The train stops on route at the picturesque village of Glenfinnan, and beyond that passengers will see equally pretty villages Lochailort, Arisaig, and Morar on route. Passengers can request to alight at Arisaig, where they can see the small isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna and the southern tip of Skye.
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The trip takes six hours each way, and passengers can opt to buy a single or return journey ticket. Singles cost £31.75 as standard, and if you're buying a return, you can go standard for £37.75 or upgrade to first class for £59.95.
We HAVE to go on this.
Featured Image Credit: Warner BrosTopics: Harry Potter, Life News, Life
