Are you ready to live a more magical life?
Are you tired of hiding your enthusiasm for the things you really love?
Does the world of Harry Potter intrigue you more than your everyday life?
Do you ever wish that you were around people who really GOT you?
Do you want to have some bragging rights that would impress even Sheldon?
Are you ready to change your life?
Are you an inquisitive nerd in search of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with magic and mystery?
Then join me, Pat Tallman, (star of Night of the Living Dead, Babylon5, Star Trek, Army of Darkness) for a fantastic adventure in London!
I’m going to share with you the tools that helped unlock miracles and magic in my life that will also make big changes in yours.
We’ll do some incredible things together and experience the wonders of this world class city, following in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Charles Dickens & more.
You have an exclusive Backstage Pass!
Imagine yourself in these exciting scenes in London!
Scene 1:
You are surrounded by some new best friends laughing in delight as you gaze in wonder at the sights gliding past you while we tour around in our private bus.
Scene 2:
You are all dressed up, waiting in the lobby of a classic West End theatre, about to see a play that has hundreds and thousands of fans green with envy. And you get to see it in London!
Scene 3:
We are walking together around the ancient Tower Of London, being led by one of the Queen’s own Yeoman guards who is regaling us with stories of this infamous castle.
Scene 4:
We are following in the footsteps of one of the most dangerous murderers in history.
Scene 5:
You have a day that I custom designed for you, that includes the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- The Making of Harry Potter, seeing the actual sets and props used in the films!
All the while you are in the company of people who love exactly what you love, and they are quickly becoming people you absolutley love to be around!
When you get home you will have stories that will make other fans envious for the rest of your life!
“The Quest Retreats adventure was a blast! … more fun than I could imagine in a trip!” K. Wilson
Not only will we see the sights in London, but we’ll go even further. Mystery, magic and going where most people you know just don’t go.
Ever wonder about ancient days when beings worked spells, and communed with invisible forces? Could there have been a time when magic really happened?
We’ll visit an area of England renown for it’s relationship with magic. Stone circles and mounds that are still unexplained. Interesting ‘events’ still happen there that science hasn’t figured out yet. Stonehenge and Bath! We’ll be there when most tourists won’t be!
”The quest retreat was the most invigorating experience of a lifetime and I am looking forward to joining additional adventures.” D.Curnutt
Why should you join me?
- This is a completely unique behind the scenes way to experience London. All of our trips and adventures are created by me just for you! No pre-fab tours for my people! No way!
- This is the trip I would plan for myself, and it’s so much better to share it with people I care about! You!
- You have always wanted to do something like this, but didn’t want to do it alone. Sometimes you feel like an outsider in other groups.
- I. Get. You! You will be with like minded, kind and fun smart folks who are looking forward to getting to know you.
- Not only do you get the awesome trip, the custom designed events and impossible-to-get theatre tickets, but practical tools! During our calls and time in London you will be learning tools to make changes to make your life the adventure of your dreams.
- I have done all the work! Countless hours over several months researching, negotiating and brainstorming to find the coolest, most exciting and create the best experience for my fellow nerds, and you can step right in!
- I have planned and checked and double/triple/quintuple…you get the idea, to make sure this is amazing. And I am there to take care of any thing that might arise, so you do not have to.
- This will be an experience of a lifetime. I love to surprise my guests with wonderful things, large and small.
- I look for the unusual both in venues and in the people who I introduce you to.
- I am a nerd too and know what we like…and don’t!
London.Doesn’t the thought of this city bring up the most amazing images? Scenes from books we have read, films we have seen. It has the most modern and edgy fashion, theatre, music and art, while resting on ancient bones we can still explore; If you know where to go! I have sought out some adventures that should be on everyone’s bucket list!
“Pat is a genuine, sincere person who puts aside her celebrity and makes every effort to engage the group, and everyone she meets for that matter, on a personal level. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was well taken care of from arrival to departure.” Doug B.
And if that’s not enough, I’ve created an exclusive extra!
The Quest Retreats Harry Potter Experience!
You will be my guest ……
to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in the West End!
The Cursed Child is the 8th book in the Harry Potter series, written as a play. When I heard about it, I knew I had to go. So did hundreds of thousands of other people. They are completely sold out til 2018! I only have 4 tickets left! Would you like to join us?
Does this get you excited? Do you have to keep from performing some magic and want to sign up?
The Cursed Child marquee
I took this of the incredible marquee at The Palace Theatre when I visited in May. My photo doesn’t do it justice! And when I walked around the block, the actors were taking a break from rehearsal and outside the stage door having tea!
This Adventure is for you if:
- You love the idea of igniting your life with an adventure.
- London is a place you’d really like to visit and have a special kind of experience.
- You love Harry Potter and think going to the Palace Theatre in the West End and seeing the play Harry Potter and The Cursed Child would be just really fantastic.
- You love trying new things, meeting cool people, and seeing new places.
- You like having insider access.
- You love Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter and Doctor Who.
- You like being thrilled and a little bit scared by the mysterious.
- You love feeling well taken care of. Pampered even!
This is not for you if:
- You cannot walk at an easy pace for a couple of hours. This is not a strenuous trip. We will be on our feet and on the move. But we are not trying to out run molten lava. As far as I know. (*See disclaimer.)
- You prefer to travel on the safe and narrow, avoiding the unexplored, and want to stay with the crowds.
- You think red heads are an abomination and should be stoned in public squares. (**See disclaimer.)
Stonehenge, Avebury and Bath
Stonehenge is arguably the most famous of the standing stone circles that have intrigued people for thousands of years. They predate the pyramids of Egypt! We will learn about them, the people who created the circles and what the circles were used for on our private tour.
Avebury is older than the more famous Stonehenge, and for many visitors, far more spectacular. The multiple rings of Avebury are cloaked with mysteries which archaeologists have only begun to unravel. Here we will be able to walk all around, and touch the stones, and hike up and down the mounds,contemplating their weirdness.
Your Adventure Mentor!
“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” William Butler Yeats
This quote really means something to me.I aspire to create connections between people. To find common ground, share experiences, support each other and form community. This gives life meaning to me. And to give life color, I need to travel and see new places, to stretch my wings and meet new people. Would you like to join me?
Have you felt like life was stuck? Do you look around and wonder if this is it? Have you experienced a set back and want to rebuild but don’t know how?
I went through a big break down which had lead to an even bigger break through. These past years have been ALL ABOUT rebuilding a meaningful life. A life that has me feeling all the joy, love, hope and connection I could ever want. I want to look around me and say “WOW! I had no idea I could be this happy. That this could be my life!”
I have found the way to do that and I can share it with you. On our calls, and during our time together, I will introduce the tools that worked so well for me, work with you to help you use them and support you while you practice them.
“For me the benefits of Quest Retreats began before the retreat itself. The thought of spending several days with Pat and the group, a series of interesting (fabulous) events during those days, made for an impossible to resist urge to get out of my comfort zone and make some significant changes. I began to see some new possibilities for how to approach my own future and achieve goals I had not dared set. It was also incredibly fun.” Doug B.
I want to inspire you. I want to see you rock your life by not accepting the status quo, what other people think, staying in fear based choices rather than listening to your dreams of living the the life of your bad-assed self. Let’s experience adventure and fun together and get inspired!!! Inspired to live life more fully, to experience joy and wonder and maybe even write that into those stories, or paint that painting, whatever it is that aches to be expressed! Learn more about Pat…
Read what people are saying about Pat and Quest Retreats
“Pat Tallman was like Malcolm and we were like the crew of Firefly – all different, yet somehow working together and having fun. It was a nerd’s dream come true.” Dario S.
“Pat impressed me with the preparation she put in before-hand. We were well informed what to expect, and what we needed to have with us. The pacing of events was spot on, and things went off flawlessly. The choice of events was stellar!” Kevin W.
“Pat is truly one of the kindest individuals I have encountered…” Darcy C.
“Pat Tallman was an excellent guide on the retreat, not only in having planned out the logistics well, but also being available to help us process our experience. A couple of us met her every morning to meditate, and every now and again everyone met up to discuss what was going on and what impressions were coming up for us. But Pat was not some distant figure but was willing to discuss her own experiences openly and honestly to put her perspective into context, which I found helpful and admirable.” Auddie H.
Our Home Base
The location cannot be beat in London. Almost all London sights are within 5-10 minutes walking distance. Trafalgar Square is 2 minutes away with the National Gallery and the St. Martins-in-the-field church, which has a cafe in the catacombs under the church! We will be 100 yards or so from the river and Embankment station. There is a bridge right there that will lead you too Southbank with the National Theatre and ITV Studios where sitcoms and talk shows are recorded, including my favorite, Graham Norton.
If you walk along the river, it’s 5 minutes to Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminister Abbey. On the way you can stop by Scotland Yard, Whitehall, and Downing Street. From Trafalgar Square it’s a 5 minute walk to Piccadilly Circus, Soho, and Chinatown, 10 minutes to the West End!
You are right by two major tube stations: Embankment, where five stops west will take you to South Kensington and all the museums and Royal Albert Hall. Six stops east will take you to Tower of London. And Charing Cross Underground, where four stops north will take you to Baker Street, The Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussaud.
You will have your own studio apartment at the Hotel Citadines Trafalgar Square!
The Citadines gets a 4 star review on Trip Advisor and our own Super Scout Pernille checked out the rooms herself, in person. The rooms are small by American standards but clean, cheerful and modern. The studio apartments have a double bed, a small kitchen area with refrigerator,a small dishwasher, two hotplates and two sets of plates and utensils. There is a nice breakfast area downstairs if you want to socialize! Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day, at no charge. All the rooms have hairdryers, and TVs and lots of closet space. There are two Supermarkets right downstairs for supplies. I will be providing you with a breakfast allowance which gives you the choice of having breakfast in your room or downstairs with your mates! They serve a continental breakfast buffet with freshly baked pastries, break, cheese, jam, juices, and a waffle machine, so you can make your own waffles. There are loads of pubs and restaurants right on the street. We won’t be without sustenance! There is a gym and spa next door to work off any beer we didn’t walk off the day before!
Itinerary
Our itinerary might have to be a bit flexible due to weather. England in November can be unpredictable. I have plenty of wonderful things we can do if the weather isn’t cooperating. So many things I want you to experience! I am heading to London in late March to research further and may make changes for the better then. Our dates for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and for the Harry Potter Studio Tour will not change. 🙂
Tuesday Nov 15th: Arrivals!
Everyone arrives at hotel. Gather for evening dinner (included). You are picked up at London Heathrow and driven into the heart of London to our base of operations! The Hotel Citadines Trafalgar Square! After you get settled, we will ‘round the corner to our home pub, the Sherlock Holmes!
A traditional English pub dinner and a few pints set the scene for getting to finally meet in person your fellow Questers. After dinner, we will have a walk around our neighborhood, maybe stroll along the Thames, getting our bearings, shopping and having a bit of exercise before retiring. Tomorrow is a big day!
Wednesday Nov 16th
Theatre! This was the whole reason for the dates for this trip. Our tickets to Harry Potter and The Cursed Child! Last October, after pre registering weeks before for the privilege, I got up in the middle of the night and spent 10 hours securing our tickets. The play is sold out now, and you cannot get tickets!
Luckily, you have me.
We have the morning to spend some time together, and I’ll release you to do some shopping or sight-seeing and have lunch, until showtime. We will meet before walking to the West End and the Palace theatre, only 10 minutes away.
The Palace opened in 1891 and is an iconic West End theatre. The play is the 8th book in the Harry Potter series. JK Rowling wrote the story, Jack Thorne is credited with the script and John Tiffany is directing. The story starts 19 years after we last saw our heroes. Harry and Ginny have three children of their own. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is in 2 parts. We see both Parts on the same day.
In between we’ll have dinner (included) at the Phoenix Artist Club! “Secreted away down the same little side street used in the opening sequence of Harry Potter and tucked beneath The Phoenix Theatre lies our charming escape from the London norm. Our lively and nostalgic theatre bar & Restaurant is located in the original dressing and rehearsal rooms of The Phoenix Theatre where Laurence Olivier made his debut on stage in the 1930s in “Private Lives” with Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence.”
The casting is still being updated and the actors look like a fantastic group of talent. Jamie Parker is playing Harry Potter, Noma Dumezweni playing Hermione Granger and Paul Thornley is playing Ron Weasley. I can’t wait! After the show we can decide to go have another pint or go back to the hotel!
Thursday Nov 17th
The Tower Of London! There is no place in the whole city as evocative as the Tower, nor as steeped in royal and macabre history. William the Conqueror constructed the White Tower in 1078 (and this gives the whole castle its name). Richard the Lionheart added to the castle in the 12th century and Edward I added the outer ward in the 13th century. The layout of the Tower of London has remained pretty much unchanged since! It’s one of the many reasons I love going there.
The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary, popularly known as the Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. We will have a tour by one of these cool dudes.
The Tower deserves a good deal of time and we shall take it all in at our leisure.
When we have had our fill of jewels, armor, ghosts and ravens, we’ll head back to the Citadines to regroup before going back out for an evening of Haunted Spooky Fun! Tonight we will be in the hands of an expert guide. And we’ll need it. The ghosts in London are no joke! I won’t say too much here because…No Spoilers! But you will not forget this evening.
Friday Nov 18th
Today we head out of town! Boarding our private bus, we’ll head out of London and off to the Salisbury Plain, the most mysterious part of England.Along the way we will be able to see the wonderful countryside and get more perspective.
We will visit Stonehenge, Avebury and the Roman town of Bath. I love that we can get up close and personal with these ancient bones of the earth that have been an intimate part of spiritual human history for thousands of years. As we drive to Bath, we’ll be able to see a giant chalk drawing on the sides of the mounds.
In Bath, we’ll see the town and the amazingly complete remains of The Roman baths and the Victorian restoration that are still fed by water from one of Bath’s three hot springs. Rain 10,000 years ago seeped into the hills, was heated by the rocks, and now bubbles up into the baths. These are the only hot springs in Britain. In pagan times the healing powers of the spa waters were known and used by Celts. Examples of Roman mosaics, sculpture and other arts are in the museum here. Both the museum and the baths are living textbook examples of classical architecture. The ‘Roman’ statues overlooking the baths were carved in 1894 just after the rediscovery of the Roman part of the baths.
Fun Fact: The baths are mentioned in the books of many great writers such as Jane Austen (Northanger Abbey and Persuasion), Tobias Smollett (Humphrey Clinker) Charles Dickens (Pickwick Papers) and Thomas Hardy (Far From the Madding Crowd). Even Shakespeare refers to the baths in his sonnets!
We’ll have dinner here (included). In April, I’m planning on a visit to the Bath and seeing what we have time to do. I’ll report back then with an update!
Saturday Nov 19th
This morning we will head off for a part of London I love, Notting Hill. Portobello Market is famous all over the world because it’s so eclectic, with antiques mixed with trendy items and collectibles as well as simple European trinkets.
The people watching alone is amazing. We can stick together or scatter off on your own. I’ll take a group through the market and back to the hotel. You’ll have your Oyster Passes and maps to get you around anywhere the Tube or buses will take you! We will meet at the Citadines in time for our evening event!
One of my childhood heroes was Sherlock Holmes. We’ll be visiting his home on Baker Street and learning more about this enigmatic character.
Sunday Nov 20th
You’ll have the day free to do what ever you like! When I go somewhere, I like to spend time walking about on my own, with only my thoughts for company. You might join up with a new friend from our group! I’m sure you will want to see something, go shopping or just have time to simply walk around this amazing city. I will provide ideas and directions to attractions for those who would like them.
The evening is the Jack The Ripper walking tour! I found a leading expert who knows this subject backwards and forwards. Never getting enough of ghost stories and the macabre, I really wanted the best guide I could find. We will finish in a pub. We’ll need it.
Monday Nov 21st
The Harry Potter Experience
Today It’s a special Quest Retreats experience I have put together! A completely unique adventure created by me for YOU!
We are picked up on our private bus at our hotel in London for the trip to Watford.
The other Harry Potter World Experiences in Orlando and Los Angeles are replicas and rides in theme parks.
This is the real deal. The real sets, amazingly detailed props, and truly astonishing animatronic creations are all here for us to see close up and personal.
After a short cinematic experience, guests will be welcomed into the Great Hall. We will be one of the FIRST to see Warner Bros. Studio Tour London decorated for the Christmas period just like the sets were dressed in the films!
During the tour, Questers, can watch their teammates fly a broomstick like a member of the cast, (getting a souvenir photo!) discover spellbinding special effects techniques and duel with wands before being invited into our newest addition of Platform 9¾ where they will find the original Hogwarts Express train, and then toasting success with a Butterbeer in the backlot.
Guests will then depart through the Studio Tour Lobby to collect their souvenir of their amazing experience! Back on our bus to London!
We will have dinner together (included) at a place TBD. We will celebrate our trip tonight and toast to our new friendship which will long outlast the trip. These memories will last a life time. I cannot wait to share it with you.
Tuesday Nov 22nd: Take off!
Tower bridge with firework, celebration of the New Year in London, UK.
Let’s have a special breakfast together! We will make sure you get to your point of departure. The hotel has transport or I will arrange something for you.
“Yes” Said Gandalf; “for it will be better to ride back three together than one alone. Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of out fellowship in Middle-earth. Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Flights
There are several airports in the London area. Let me know well in advance which airport you are flying into. We will make sure you are picked up. Try to arrive early enough on the 15th to join us for the Welcome Dinner! If you are coming from North America, you most likely will be flying into Heathrow.
What’s Included
- Your private room at the Citadines Trafalgar Square hotel for 7 nights
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Breakfast every morning at the hotel with your allowance
- Tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child parts One and Two
- All entrance fees to any guided tour or walk on the itinerary
- Entrance fees for Stonehenge , Avebury and Bath
- Private bus for the Bath tour day
- Private bus to Harry Potter Studio Tour
- Entrance fee to the HPST Fast Track plus souvenir photo and booklet
- Lunch and snacks on the HPST
- Tips for the excursions
- 4 dinners total: Tues Welcome night, Wed Theatre night, Fri dinner in Bath & Mon Fare Thee Well night
- Special Facebook group
- 4 teleconference calls
What’s NOT Included
- Flights
- Other meals not mentioned as included.
- Spa services or rentals not mentioned as included.
- Souvenirs and other personal shopping
- Personal, medical and trip insurance
- Tips for the hotel housekeeping
The Value
I have spent countless hours researching, negotiating and brainstorming to find the coolest, most exciting and create the best experience for my fellow nerds!
If you were to try to put together a trip like this on your own…you couldn’t.
Not for this price.
I have found unusual excursions and found the most wonderful way to do the best excursions. Trips that nerds like us will really love.
You COULD try to take some of the same TYPE of excursions;
research them, book them, get there, deal with the crowds and most likely be disappointed in a few of them (because how would you know for sure if they were good?),& not be with 10 new best friends.
And by the end of all of the planning, stressing and running around, you would be EXHAUSTED!
You cannot get the tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child unless they extend into late 2018.
There is nothing like what I have arranged for the Harry Potter Studio Tour.
You can go, stand in line, and go with the other muggles.
OH! And their bus tickets expire in 3 hours! They HAVE to leave 3 hours after they get there! Would you have known that? (I didn’t until I was there. ) We can hang for as long as we like, and our private bus picks us up and drops us at our door.
I got discounts where I could because we are a group. The hotel is giving us a good price and you get the upgraded room as a bonus!
I bought out groups even though their minimum was more than we will be so we could have a better experience.
And for some reason, we are welcomed because I know some folks who were on a certain sci fi show. I have no idea why they liked me, but I took advantage for you.
I will be sharing the tools I have learned over the years to change my angry and stressed filled life into what I had always wanted: Loving, joy filled, abundant…and free! Where ever you might not be totally satisfied with the way things are going, I can help you unblock and unlock it. You get practice and support along the way.
If all this sounds good, I look forward to taking you on this epic journey!
FAQs
How many people are going?I only have 10 tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child! Ten people will be in our group. We may have a few more on the HPST excursion.
Can we be in touch before we go? Yes! We will have 4 group calls, 2 before and 2 after, and a private Facebook group.
What are the food options? There are several wonderful eateries around the hotel that provide a wide range of options. We have 2 supermarkets right next to our hotel to buy any other supplies for your kitchen!
Can you help me share a room? The rooms are too small to share with someone you are not very close to! If you are coming with a partner, I recommend upgrading to a one bedroom.
Do I need travel insurance? Yes, travel insurance is a must. We like Travelers Insurance who have a variety of plans.
I’m worried about the adventure excursions; do I have to? I want you all to come on all the excursions. I will never push anyone who isn’t either confident enough or just not up to it, but it is the whole point!
What is the activity level? It’s not like our Hawaii Adventures! As long as you can walk at a moderate pace for a hour, you’ll be fine. We can take breaks, get food etc. But we will be on our feet quite a bit.
Can my partner come? Sure! Your partner can share your room. They cannot attend our group sessions or excursions and must buy a HPST special ticket from me.Let me know and we’ll talk about it.
Can I extend my stay? You can stay as long as you like! Email me and we’ll get you set up!
How do I pay? I will send you an invoice, if you are accepted, for the deposit.You can use Paypal or Fed Ex me a check.
What to bring or not bring? We’ll talk in more detail about that, but here is a list of things I like to bring:
- Good walking shoes, broken in. Not Brand New!!!
- Waterproof footwear. We could be in rain. Once sneakers are wet, they will stay wet! Bummer!
- Umbrella (compact)
- Raincoat or slicker
- Warm layer of clothing
- Nicer clothes for the Theatre night.
- Hats, gloves, scarf
- Cameras, Go Pros , selfie sticks, whatever floats your boat! Backpack to carry your gear on the excursions.
- A great attitude of adventure! We are going to have an amazing time!
*Disclaimer: We cannot predict Mother Nature, including volcanic action. Or alien nature, including…anything.
**There will be no stoning of any individual, Red Headed or Alien, on our part. Even at the Tower of London.
How to Apply
Step One: Click the Apply button and fill out the form, answering the questions so I can get to know you a bit.
Step Two: You will pick a time to chat with the office, and decide if this Quest is right for you.
Step Three: Once accepted, you get the chance to choose how you want to pay!
