American university students from various states came to the Forest of Dean as part of a tour to prepare for a study of book 7 of the Harry Potter series. The Forest plays a prominent part in the book, as Harry finds a vital wizard artefact in a pond when he is hiding out against the forces of Voldemort. The visitors went by Cannop Ponds and Soudley Ponds, but agreed that the artefact was most likely hidden in a more discreet area!
Visitors went to Symonds Yat rock to get a good view of the River Wye, which appears in the film. They were taken on a tour of the Wye Valley, going through JK Rowling’s village of Tutshill. On the way they experienced the beauty of Tintern Abbey, St. Briavel’s Castle and Chepstow Castle.
To top it off, the Orepool Pub served an excellent roast dinner, where the guide was asked to explain how Yorkshire Pudding differed from popovers!
