Britain: Exchanging Places in England or Scotland in the Spirit of Harry Potter. With the release of the latest J.K. Rowling book,  Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows  and the next Harry Potter film to debut in the autumn, parents continue to ask us for advice about vacationing with Harry Potter. We have a series of vacation suggestions that will aid in formulating the plan for a trip to Britain. In the spirit of the popular book series and the movie sequels, muggles with a penchant for adventure can make plenty of interesting and magical connections even without a ticket for the night bus.

Our first suggestion, consider exchanging places. What does Harry Potter have to do with home exchange? Not a lot! But one company in the UK, Home Base Holidays based in London offers an assortment of homes near Harry Potter film locations, a good start on an adventure. They have choices throughout the UK, many within easy access of one of the film locations.

One of the main advantages families find in swapping homes is the space and convenience of staying in a real home-away-from-home. Most members with children try to arrange exchanges with another family with children of around the same age as their own; the obvious advantage, toys, books, videos, and child comfort-space. Living in a real neighborhood gives the opportunity to explore a local, off the beaten track areas and often meet their exchange partners' friends and neighbors. In neighborhoods it is easier for children to make new friends and while they won't meet the 'real' Harry Potter they are almost certain to meet kids with an English accent.

Whether you are interested in Harry Potter, Merlin’s King Arthur, Paddington Bear or Alice in Wonderland Home Base Holidays has the places. We asked them to provide us with a short list of places that are near Harry Potter film locations which include London plus the counties of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and in Scotland, Edinburgh and the West Highlands. For the full menu you will have to go to their website www.homebase-hols.com. (Home Base Holidays, London N13, UK. Tel: +44(0) 20 8886 8752)

Home Exchange Locations: The film locations listed below correspond with home exchange choices. It is a good place to start for families interested in being based in a home in or close to a HP movie location. 

Surrey: A cottagey 1920's house was once the gardener's lodge of a larger property. It offers a garden, new kitchen and ample parking.  Local shops good and within walking distance; the county town of Guildford is just 10 minutes by car. Farnham has Georgian influences and some interesting architecture; local or nearby amenities and leisure pursuits include golf, walking, trout fishing, monthly farmers' market, theatre, cinema and good restaurants. Bonus points: It is only a 7-minute walk to rail station and one hour to London. Surrey Home Exchange

Oxfordshire: A late 19th century stone-built cottage has original beams & large stone fireplace; two double bedrooms, each with a double bed and one with en-suite shower;  bathroom with corner bath, plus a living room, dining room, kitchen, garage, and a garden. It is located in village eight miles from Oxford city centre and the nearest town is  Abingdon on Thames (England's oldest town) about three miles Oxford is home to England's oldest collegiate university with its wealth of medieval architecture, tiny hidden inns and pubs and extensive literary connections, including C S Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. Bonus points: London 45 minutes by train. Oxfordshire Home Exchange

Central London: This home is a recently renovated spacious one-bed apartment in a Victorian mansion block, 100m from Tower Bridge and the River Thames. Our home is located in an incredible central London location, with excellent transport links to the West End and all of London's major attractions. There is also a fantastic range of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants within 15 minutes walk, including those in the popular areas of Borough Market and Shad Thames. Parking is available, and we have two bikes you can use as well. Bonus points: The flat is 15 minutes drive, or two tube stops from Waterloo Station and Eurostar; it is situated only a 20 minute bus ride from Liverpool St Station, with express services to Stansted Airport. Central London Home Exchange

Buckinghamshire: This house is located on a quiet road within walking distance of the largest village in England – Cranleigh and within easy access by public transport.  Built in 1939, we have spent the last year renovating it and it now offers 4 bedrooms and a den that can be used as an occasional bedroom, two bathrooms, lounge, office area and a very large kitchen overlooking our large back garden. Large by London suburban terms anyway!. It is a nice, comfortable family house, ideal for families with kids. Bonus points: Our location is easy by car to Guildford where trains will take you to London in 35 minutes. Buckinghamshire Home Exchange

Scotland, Aberdeen: Attractive, semi-detached cottage, built in 1905 situated in Ballater village (Royal Deeside) with outstanding views over an 18-hole golf course towards mountains. Recently renovated, the house has sun porch, living room with oil stove leading to large family kitchen, double bedroom and two twin bedrooms, playroom, bath + shower room and WC. We have a garden out the back of the cottage. Next door are tennis courts, golf course and an attractive riverside walk. There are opportunities to hill walk and cycle in the beautiful surrounding area. Fishing is available locally. The village has very good local shops and excellent restaurants. The Queen's summer residence Balmoral Castle is nearby with Landrover safaris by the estate ranger. National Trust Castles are within easy drive as is the famous whisky trail on Speyside. Bonus points: Ballater is located in the Cairngorm National Park and is a great place for a holiday with masses of activities to do - golf on the doorstep and other courses nearby, walking, safe cycle routes and mountain biking, castles and gardens to visit. (Visit the website www.dalbrack-ballater.co.uk) Local shops all within five minutes walk provide all our needs. Need to know: The cottage is a second home (exchange need not be simultaneous) but it is equipped to the same standards as our main home (especially the kitchen!!) However there are plenty of local restaurants of all standards available to save you cooking on holiday. We have plenty of toys, TV, DVD and video and CDs, games, maps and books. More information Aberdeen Home Exchange
 

Make it happen. More options may be found by contacting Home Base Holidays, 7 Park Ave, London N13 5PG, UK. Telephone +44(0)20 8886 8752 Website: http://www.homebase-hols.com or Weblog: http://homeexchangetravel.blogs.com