Friday 1 April 2016

A is for Alnwick Castle


First stop on the A to Z Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations is Alnwick Castle.

I apologise now - this will be a photo-heavy post. 

Located in Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is impressive from the get-go.  Amazing gardens, a tree-house restaurant, and a stunning castle and keep.  It is still the home of the 12th Duke of Northumberland, and so is only open to visitors for part of the year.  However, when it is open to visitors, you are actually able to tour sections of the family home, including a fairly impressive library.  Alnwick Castle has featured in many television shows and movies, including the 2014 Christmas Special of Downton Abbey, and (my whole reason for visiting) the first two Harry Potter films.
Hagrid and Harry perform magic tricks
Alnwick Castle have really embraced their Harry Potter link, with actors dressed as the characters performing at different times of the day, a film-themed tour, and flying lessons.  I did my own thing (the tour times didn't line up with when I was there), and found the following locations:
Alnwick Castle - the approach and outer walls
Alnwick Castle became the inspiration for Hogwarts, forming the original grounds and outer walls, and the base from which CGI walls extended.  The approach to the Castle is immediately recognisable, as it appears in several scene-setting shots in the first two films.  It was also made into part of the Hogwarts model for fly-over shots.
Alnwick Castle - the outer Bailey
The Outer Bailey of the Castle appears in scenes set in the Hogwarts grounds.  In particular, the Flying Lesson and Harry's Quidditch practice with Oliver Wood were set in the Outer Bailey.  When you visit Alnwick Castle you can attend a flying lesson on the exact spot where Harry first learnt to fly.

Alnwick Castle - the Keep
Other areas of Alnwick Castle which appear in the Harry Potter films include the Keep, and the Inner Bailey.

Alnwick Castle - the inner Bailey
Tomorrow we're heading to the opposite end of England, almost as far away from Alnwick as I'll get during this challenge.


Happy travels,

Ros

I'm also completing the A-Z Blog Challenge over at Fangirl Stitches, where I'm stitching two of the alphabets from my Etsy Store. A is for Abra (Pokemon) and Anna Milton (Supernatural)

13 comments:

  1. Hi Ros,

    Great topic. Looking forward to seeing the different locations as I am a big HP fan too.

    Sean at His and Her Hobbies

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  2. This is the second post today I see about this castle :) Great pictures! This just reminds me of the Downton Abbey episode where they tried to play tour guide in their on home for people, and they couldn't answer any of the questions... :D
    I like this theme! I found it through your other blog. I'll be back!

    @TarkabarkaHolgy from
    The Multicolored Diary
    MopDog

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    Replies
    1. Glad you found it. :) I haven't seen that episode of Downton, but it sounds like a good one. Now you're making me want to go and find the other post about this castle - always interesting to see someone else's take on the same topic.
      Ros
      Fangirl Stitches
      Travel like a Geek

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  3. This is so much fun! I love seeing your photos intermixed with the ones from the films! I thought this location sounded familiar from Downton Abbey as well! I can't wait to read the rest of your posts and see all of your amazing pictures. Thank you for taking us on this Harry Potter journey through the UK!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome :) I love being able to share my photos and travels.
      Ros
      Fangirl Stitches
      Travel like a Geek

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  4. It looks like a wonderful castle to explore! I liked all the pictures of it too, glad you featured them here!

    great start to the challenge!

    betty

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    Replies
    1. It was beautiful and very well presented. Glad you like photos - there's lots more to come!
      Ros
      Fangirl Stitches
      Travel like a Geek

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  5. Rosalyn I'm incredibly impressed with your Theme and am extremely excited to see the rest of your posts!

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  6. What a fun and interesting post Roslyn.

    Linda

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