[title]
The Hogwarts Express hasn’t been having an easy time lately. Known as the Jacobite IRL, the steam train that chugs through the Scottish Highlands, over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and starred in the Harry Potter franchise was recently forced to take time off the tracks due to safety concerns.
It was brought to a stop in March while it awaited a ruling over its doors that were deemed ‘unsafe’ by the Office of Rail and Road. It was also temporarily cancelled last summer thanks to safety concerns over its hinged-door carriages, which for the past 30 years it has been given exemption for.
But today, it was finally back in action. West Coast Railways has now fitted the train with central locking doors that comply with regulations, with services recommencing today (April 15).
Only for a bit though — it seems to have broken down within hours and a bunch of trains along the West Highland Line were cancelled as a result. On top of that, many Potter fans who had booked a trip might still miss out, as the service is running at a reduced capacity and only in the morning (rather than its usual twice a day).
We're sending our best to the Jacobite, but right now you're probably better off finding a flying car or checking out these other absolutely stunning train journeys though the UK, instead.
Did you see that the UK’s whitest beaches have been revealed?
Plus: Edinburgh’s legendary Jazz Bar is closing for good.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.