Pottering in Britain for kids

Visiting historic sites in Britain might seem a bit boring for the kids - until now, that is.

The British Tourist Authority has enlisted the help of Harry Potter to encourage tourists to visit some of the country's most historical, magical and even mythical spots.

The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, the London Zoo and Alnwick Castle in Northumberland all feature in the movie of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and are now listed in the tourist authority's movie map guide.

The guide also lists other places worth visiting, such as Muncaster Castle in Cumbria, where you can come face to face with owls, or the Giants Causeway in Northern Island, where you can follow in the footsteps of giants.

The guide is on the internet and is also available free from British Tourist Authority offices.

Contact: the British Tourist Authority in Auckland, ph (09) 303-1446