London and Harry Pottering

Clockwise from top left: Part of a huge display of posters, letters, advertisements etc. used in the Harry Potter films, at the Harry Potter Studios; the changing of the guard; Goblin prosthetics, HP Studios; Big Ben tower; Some excellent fish and chips; Potions class at HP Studios; Model of Hogwarts used in filming

As you can see, the Harry Potter Studios were my major London highlight. The (obligatorily) steeply priced gift shop aside, the Studios themselves are worth it for any Harry-Potter-inclined nerd. Animatronics, sets from Umbridge's office to the Weasley's kitchen, Death Eater masks, the incredibly intricate model of Hogwarts, and delicious, frothy butterbeer are just some of what's crammed into these rooms. And I couldn't make it out without a wand, of course.
Aside from that, we (my study abroad group on an unofficial trip) spent this long weekend whisking around London proper, between the National Portrait Gallery, Fortnum and Mason, St. James' Park, and Harrods (a department store the equivalent of a Christmas feast for the eyes -- exorbitantly priced fashion, a toy section filled with enough flashing lights, plush and robots to entertain for hours, and a room practically just for pet clothes).