Alnwick Castle - Alnwick, United Kingdom - History and Visitor Information Site information Alnwick Castle HISTORY Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is one of the largest castle complexes in England and has been the historic home of the famous Percy family for over 700 years. It has risen to more recent fame due to its role as the location of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movie franchise. A great medieval castle, akin to Windsor, the foundation of Alnwick was laid sometime after the great Norman invasion of England in 1066. The castle was, however, substantially rebuilt by the Percys in the 14th century and it is the fascinating tale of them, the Duke of Northumberland’s family, which echoe throughout Alnwick’s walls. From political clout and military achievement to failed rebellions and gunpowder-plotter, the Percys have often played a crucial role in English history. One of the most famous members of the family was the young knight Harry 'Hotspur' Percy, who was immortalised in Shakespeare’s play Henry IV. A statue of Harry Hotspur stands at Alnwick Castle today.

More recently, Alnwick has become even more recognisable as the set for the film adaptations of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. While it’s not recommended that you travel here via platform 9 and 3/4, a visit to Alnwick is definitely a must for fans of the franchise. Seasonal tours and themed activities - broomstick training and archery to name but a few - mean a day packed full of friendly fun for all the family. The new attraction, the ‘Lost Cellars’ is sure to excite with top of the notch visual and audio effects to heighten the sensory experience – just be sure not to face the cellars alone! The gardens are also not to be missed featuring one of the country’s largest tree-houses to keep the children entertained; moreover, many of the attractions can be toured with a guide and the poison garden is a particular highlight. If that isn’t enough, the castle also boasts an impressive picture collection, chapel and a series of museums that are weaved throughout the interior celebrating the history of both Alnwick Castle and the wider Northumberland area.

Alnwick Castle - Britain ExplorerBritain Explorer Alnwick Castle 448 Views Only registered users can save listings to their favorites Alnwick Castle is the stately home of the Duke of Northumberland, located in the town after which it takes its name. It is considered to have some of the most exceptional gardens in the United Kingdom. Built following the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, it is one of the largest currently-inhabited castles in England at the current date, second only to Windsor Castle itself. The duke and his wife live in the castle following a 700-year-old family tradition, but the grounds remain open throughout the summer. A FAMILY HISTORY Construction of the castle began in 1096 by Yves de Vesci, a kinsman of the Norman conqueror Robert de Vesci. First mentioned through texts in 1136 when it was captured by King David I of Scotland, the castle was described as being “a very strong fortification”. Later in the same century it fell under attack twice by William the Lion, with the latter resulting in his capture outside the walls.

After the de Vesci family line was ended following acts of treason against King John in 1212, the castle and surrounding lands were bestowed to Anthony Bek, the heir of a family of knights who had served under previous kings for centuries. The Percy family, powerful lords in the north of England, has benefitted greatly from the wars with Scotland, and in 1309 Henry Percy purchased the barony of Alnwick from Bek, and the family has owned the castle since. ALNWICK GARDEN In October 2001, Duchess Jane Percy began construction of The Alnwick Garden bordering the castle, an ambitious £42 million project consisting of an enormous cascading fountain and 42 acres of gardens. In 2004, a large “tree house” project was added, housing a café and visitors centre. It is considered to be one of the largest tree houses in the world. In 2005, a poison garden was added which showcases plants including cannabis, opium poppies, hemlock, and foxglove. A MAGICAL SETTING Alnwick Castle’s most famous appearance on the big screen was in the first two movies of the Harry Potter franchise.

In the first movie, The Philosopher’s Stone, it is the site of Harry’s Quidditch practice and in the second, The Chamber of Secrets, it is where the crash-landing of Ron’s father’s flying Ford Anglia was filmed. The castle was also used as a stand-in for the interior (and sometimes exterior) shots of Hogwarts, and fans with a keen eye will spot similar halls and structures to those seen in the movies. On the small-screen, the location has been featured in many programs, including Black Adder in the 1980s and Downton Abbey’s 2014 Christmas Special. NEAREST CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Dunstan Hill Top historic British TV and film locations you can actually visit – including those from Sherlock, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice Visit Cornwall with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 2. The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent, from Sherlock and Call the Midwife This giant 400-acre space was used by the Royal Navy several hundred years ago.

Although it closed in 1984, part of the area has been transformed for visitors, who can come to see historic warships, Georgian rope factories, submarines and the shooting location for period dramas such as Mr Selfridge, Les Miserables, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Call the Midwife and, more recently, Meryl Streep’s new movie Suffragette, among others. Visit Kent with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 3. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, from Harry Potter This beautiful 14th-century keep is still owned by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and is recognisable as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. Alnwick is in the background during many dramatic scenes including the Quidditch games. Visitors can actually take part in a broomstick training session in the very spot where Harry had his first lesson. Other activities include stateroom tours, artisan craft making and sword juggling shows. This same location was also been used in movies Becket, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Ivanhoe, and Elizabeth. Visit Alnwick with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 4.

Royal Naval College, Greenwich, from Les Misérables This stunning building on the Thames has become a filming hub in recent years. Blockbusters to utilise this impressive site include Les Misérables, Skyfall, Sherlock Holmes, The King's Speech, The Mummy Returns, The Duchess, and The Golden Compass, among handfuls of others. The site is well and truly open for visitors, who can amble around Sir Christopher Wren's twin-domed creation, the spectacular Chapel and Painted Hall – recognisable from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Madness Of King George, and more recently scenes from Thor: The Dark World. Visit Greenwich and stay in London with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 5. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, from Doctor Who and Tess of the D’Urbervilles As one of the most famous sites in the world, it’s no surprise that movie directors come from far and wide to get these monoliths in their frames. This spot has featured on dramas closer to home too – it served as the burial site of the Pandorica (underground prison) in Doctor Who.

Here, we see Matt Smith stand on one of the stones and give a speech to all the baddies as they whiz about above him. The BBC mini-series Tess of the D’Urbervilles also filmed here, we see Gemma Arterton as Tess Durbeyfield and Eddie Redmayne as Angel Clare have a smooch among the rocks. In real life, people come to visit this mysterious site, because it’s unfathomably old. Archaeologist bods believe it was created around 3000 BC to 2000 BC and others think there is a strange spiritual significance to the area. Visit Witshire with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 6. Highclere Castle, Berkshire, from Downton Abbey The 5,000-acre estate and Jacobethan castle shot to fame due to ITV's hit series about British class. In fact, Downton could well have saved the property, owned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, from closure. It needed £11.75 million worth of repairs prior to the series.

Now the striking property has up to 1200 visitors per day, all paying an entrance fee, which contributes to the upkeep of the grounds. Guests can wander about upstairs and downstairs and experience extravagant rooms such as the saloon, with its intricate details designed for the 4th Earl by Thomas Allom; the library, complete with 5,650 books; and the drawing room, dressed in green French silk. Visit Berkshire with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 7. Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland, from Game of Thrones This 18th-century National Trust property was used as a setting for HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. It doubles as Stark Castle in Winterfell, and the courtyard scenes from series one. Here we watch Brandon Stark practise his bow and arrow while Jon Snow and Robb Stark watch. These same grounds are also used when Robert Baratheon returns to Winterfell and meets Ned Stark. It’s possible to visit this striking property with its mixture of Gothic and classical styles, and take part in special interactive days, when visitors can dress up in the period garb and act out their own historic scenes. Visit Northern Ireland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 8.

Culzean Castle, Scotland, The Queen Helen Mirren's Oscar-winning depiction of our head of state took place at this dramatic cliff-top setting, the former home of the Marquess of Ailsa. Scenes from The Wicker Man with Edward Woodward were also filmed here. Surrounded by Culzean Country Park, the castle is set on the Ayrshire coast and overlooks the tempestuous sea and rolling green Arran Mountains. Step inside for a taste of the high life, a curving double staircase, and to view period objects from the past. Visit Scotland with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 9. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, Pride and Prejudice Featured in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Matthew Macfadyen, Chatsworth doubled as Pemberley – Mr Darcy’s grand residence. It’s believed that Jane Austen drew inspiration for the novel from Chatsworth while visiting the area in the early 19th century. The grand staircase and ceiling of the Painted Hall from the movie still remain (from the scene where Elizabeth and the Gardiners begin their tour of Pemberley).

Meanwhile, the Sculpture Gallery features when Elizabeth Bennet sees the bust of Mr Darcy. The bust still remains in the property, and visitors can snap a picture with it during a visit. More recently, the three-part BBC period drama and murder mystery Death Comes to Pemberley was filmed in Chatsworth’s grounds. The exterior can be seen throughout the series. Visit Chatsworth House with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 10. Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, from The History Boys A medieval deer park, 12th-century abbey and a Cistercian corn mill make up this fascinating site, which featured on the 2006 British film The History Boys, starring Dominic Cooper, James Corden and Richard Griffiths. The Fountains Abbey doubled as the setting of a school visit in the movie, in which two teachers try and get the boys interested in history and increase their chances of getting a place at Oxbridge. The final scenes of Omen III: The Final Conflict, and scenes from The Secret Garden were also captured here. Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for more than 400 years, until Henry VIII ordered the monasteries to be shut.

It’s still possible to take a stroll around the structure and go into the arched chambers and halls. Visit Yorkshire with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 11. Ham House, Surrey, from Anna Karenina This 17th century period mansion in Richmond-upon-Thames doubled as the grand Russian apartments in the 2012 movie Anna Karenina – a tale about love and adultery. The property’s Long Gallery was used for Vronsky’s 19th century St Petersburg apartments. Inside, visitors will be rewarded with opulent Baroque decor, fine oil paintings and parquet floor, plus the opportunity to spot a ghost – it’s regarded as one of the most haunted houses in the UK. Other film shoots include Disney’s John Carter, Never Let Me Go and The Young Victoria. 12. Osterley, London, The Dark Knight Rises Otherwise known as Wayne Manor, Christian Bale and Michael Caine took over this Georgian country house for a week of filming for the 2012 Batman movie.

The library in this huge house must be your first point of call, hidden behind a door in the bookcase is a secret passage that was used when filming the bat cave, then follow it by the 130ft Long Gallery, decadent staircase and overwhelming entrance hall. Scenes from The Young Victoria, Miss Potter and Edge of Love were also set here. Visit London with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 13. Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, from The Duchess Keira Knightley’s 18th century-set blockbuster was filmed here over four weeks in 2007, using more than six rooms in the estate. Elaborate details were added to already decadent rooms, to create that over-the-top air of opulence aristocrat Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire would have been accustomed to. Those who visit will recognise the pillared walkway, house exterior and library from the movie. Visit Derbyshire with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 14. Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, The King's Speech Founded in 673 by St.

Etheldreda, the daughter of an Anglo-Saxon King, this intricate church carved from Purbeck Marble, was used to film scenes from Colin Firth’s 2010 historical drama about King George VI. Ely Cathedral stood in for Westminster Abbey in the movie, it also featured in Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Boleyn Girl. Inside the Gothic arches guests will find religious paintings on the ceiling created by Henry Le Strange and Thomas Gambier, and a rare octagonal lantern, built when the old tower collapsed in 1322. Visit Ely with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 15. Knole, Kent, from Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows In the Sherlock sequel movie, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Knole is transformed into the courtyard of a Swiss Castle. Professor Moriarty (played by Jared Harris) is seen entering Knole’s Stone Court in the movie. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Rush also filmed scenes for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides here, as Captain Barbossa. Scenes from The Other Boleyn Girl were also captured here.

Knole is still one of England's largest houses, and at one point had had 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and seven courtyards. Now this Elizabethan property is looked after by the National Trust, it’s possible to wander around this vast 1,000 acre estate and experience how the other half lived. Visit Kent with Radio Times Travel, see here for more details 16. Broughton Castle, Oxfordshire, Shakespeare In Love Much of this historic house, owned by the Fiennes family, Barons Saye and Sele, was built in 1306, but later editions such as the gatehouse came in the early fifteenth century. In the movie, we can see Broughton in the backdrop as Viola De Lesseps (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) stands on her balcony and says “Romeo Romeo, a young man of Verona.” And Shakespere (played by Joseph Fiennes) appears in the cultivated gardens below. Scenes from The Madness of King George and episodes of Noel's House Party also took place here, visit on selected bank holidays. 17.

Castle Howard, Yorkshire, Brideshead Revisited Home of the Howard family for more than 300 years, this magnificent 18th century residence was used as a filming location for both the Granada Television's 1981 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited and the two-hour 2008 movie of the same name. You may also recognise the exterior from Lady Lyndon's estate in Stanley Kubrick's 1975 film Barry Lyndon. The property holds year-round exhibitions and allows entrance to certain areas of the house, where visitors can spy original four-poster beds with gold trimming, historic paintings, rich green parlours, painted domed roofs and countless busts of noblemen throughout the ages.

Film locations for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) Regentï¿½s Park Zoo , Regent's Park, NW1 (tube: Camden Town, Northern line) Leadenhall Market , Gracechurch Street, EC3 (tube: Bank, Northern and Central lines) Greater London: Harrow-on-the-Hill (rail, from London Marylebone; tube: Metropolitan line) Harrow School : Visiting : Seven Prime Ministers including Sir Winston Churchill, attended Harrow School.ï¿½The school's Fourth Form Room, seen in the film, is Britain's bestï¿½preserved 17th century school room. Berkshire: Martins Heron Station (from London Waterloo) Wiltshire: Lacock Abbey , three miles from Chippenham(Great Western Main Line from London Paddington) Gloucestershire: Gloucester Cathedral , Gloucester (rail: First Great Western from London Paddington) Oxfordshire: Bodleian Library , Broad Street, Oxford Northumberland: Alnwick Castle . Alnwick is 33 miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and 80 miles south of Edinburgh (both served by international airports).

(rail: East Coast Main Line from London King's Cross) Co Durham: Durham Cathedral , Durham (rail: East Coast Main Line from London King's Cross) Yorkshire: North Yorkshire Moors Railway : Grosmont Station is reached by the Esk Valley Railway , running between Whitby & Middlesborough Hertfordshire: Warner Bros Studio Tour , Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR. Leavesden is 20 miles north-west of London (rail: Watford Junction, from London Euston. Shuttle bus service to the studio from Watford). Tickets must be bought in advance, and do ensure you arrive 20 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. Trivia Alnwick Castle is a veteran location, seen in Disney’s The Spaceman and King Arthur; Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves , with Kevin Costner ; Mary Queen of Scots ; Becket, with Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton ; and Elizabeth, with Cate Blanchett Gloucester Docks were featured in Maurice ; and nearby Cheltenham College in Lindsay Anderson 's If....

North Yorkshire Moors Railway hosted filming for All Creatures Great and Small and Neil LaBute’s Possession, with Aaron Eckhart and Gwyneth Paltrow Harry Potter location: Home of the dreadful Dursleys, ‘4 Privet Drive’: 12 Picket Post Close, Martins Heron, Berkshire The first of the Harry Potter saga is filmed on locations all over England, setting the tone as a terrific kids’ movie, studded with enough scene-stealing Brit character actors to keep the grown-ups entertained. It pieces together disparate sites across the length and breadth of the UK. For instance, although the elaborate exterior of ‘Hogwarts School’ is largely computer generated, scenes inside the school were filmed in at least six different locations, ranging from County Durham in the north of England to Wiltshire in the west. We start out in Berkshire , where the house of the dreadful Dursleys, at ‘4 Privet Drive’, is 12 Picket Post Close, Martins Heron, (rail: Martins Heron, from London Waterloo), one rail stop away from Bracknell. As ever, do remember that this is a private home.

Harry Potter location: Harry talks to the serpent: Reptile House, Regent’s Park Zoo, London In London , it’s at the Reptile House of London Zoo in Regent’s Park, that Harry ( Daniel Radcliffe ) learns he can speak to snakes and liberates the boa constrictor (though what kind of life a boa constrictor can expect in Regent’s Park is anybody’s guess). A long-established film location, London Zoo can be seen in Carol Reed ’s The Fallen Idol , The Jokers, Arabesque , Turtle Diary and An American Werewolf in London . The famous Penguin Pool can be seen in About a Boy , and its little-known Prince Albert Suite in British comedy Leon The Pig Farmer. The zoo’s entrance, on the Outer Circle, was transformed – with a little CGI – into the exterior of the ‘All England Lawn Tennis Club’ for 2004 rom-com Wimbledon .

>Harry Potter location: The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron: Bull’s Head Passage, Leadenhall Market, London The entrance to ‘The Leaky Cauldron’ was an empty shop, now an optician store – The Glass House, 42 Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market in the City of London (it’s just beneath the famous Lloyd’s Building). The market itself has been a frequent film location. Within the market, The Lamb pub was the site of the raucous brawl in John Wayne 's only English movie, Brannigan . More recently, Angelina Jolie zoomed through the arcade on her motorbike in Lara Croft – Tomb Raider , while Russell Crowe enjoyed a Chinese meal here in Proof of Life. Harry Potter location: The interior of ‘Gringott’s Bank’: Australia House, Strand, London WC2 The crazily angled exterior of ‘Gringott’s Bank’ is obviously a set, but the interior is the imposing Exhibition Hall of Australia House, the Strand WC2, with its chandeliers and Australian marble columns.

Find it at the eastern end of the traffic island, where Aldwych meets the Strand, but unfortunately, you’ll have to be satisfied with the exterior – it’s not open to the public. The same interior became the Kremlin in Matthew Vaughn ’s X-Men: First Class . Harry Potter location: The film’s ‘Platform 9 3/4’: Platforms 4 and 5, King’s Cross Station, London NW1 The Hogwarts Express supposedly departs from ‘Platform 9 3/4‘ of King’s Cross Station. The magical entrance is actually the arched wall between Platforms 4 and 5. Don't go running into those bricks. Trust me, it doesn't work. And it’s a little more difficult to try now, though. Since the major revamp of the station, which saw the addition of the huge western concourse, you can no longer wander onto the platforms at will. You need to be a traveller with a valid ticket.

Harry Potter photo opportunity: ‘Platform 9 3/4’: by the entrance to Platform 9, King’s Cross Station, London NW1 As a concession, if you head towards the entrance to Platforms 9, 10 and 11 in the new concourse, you’ll find not only the Harry Potter shop, but the chance for that unmissable photo-op with a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall marked ‘Platform 9 3/4’. Go on, you know you want to. North to North Yorkshire , where ‘Hogsmeade Station’ is Goathland Station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway , a few miles southwest of the coastal resort of Whitby in North Yorkshire . Dating from 1865, the station served for just 100 years until it closed in 1965. In 1968, Goathland became the headquarters of the fledgling North Yorkshire Moors Railway , opening to passengers again in 1973. And this is where it starts to get complicated.

Harry Potter location: the corridors to Gryffindor, at Hogwarts: the Cloisters, Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester ‘Hogwarts’ itself is a dizzying assembly of different locations. The richly-vaulted cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral , Gloucester, down in the southwest of England, became the corridors leading to ‘Gryffindor House’, where the lady in the oil painting asks for the password. Harry Potter location: the quadrangle of ‘Hogwarts’: Durham Cathedral, County Durham The cloisters of Durham Cathedral , in the northeast, became the snowy quadrangle of ‘Hogwarts’, where Harry sets the owl flying. The nave of Durham Cathedral , incidentally, also became the ‘Palace of Whitehall’ in Shekhar Kapur ’s epic Elizabeth , with Cate Blanchett . Harry Potter location: "Hogwarts’ classrooms: Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire Back south (I told you it was complicated), to Lacock Abbey , a Gothicised 13th Century abbey in Lacock, three miles south of Chippenham in Wiltshire , which supplied many of Hogwarts’ classrooms.

Harry Potter location: Professor Snape’s Potions Class: Sacristy, Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire The Sacristy became Professor Snape’s ( Alan Rickman ) Potions Class: “How to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death”. The Warming Room – which really does contain a genuine cauldron – is Professor Quirrell’s ( Ian Hart ) Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, and it’s in the Chapter House that Harry stumbles upon the miraculous ‘Mirror of Erised’. Harry Potter location: Professor Quirrell’s Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Warming Room, Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire The house was home of the Talbot family, including the famous pioneer of photography Henry Fox Talbot. In fact, the oldest photographic negative in existence is a picture of the latticed window in Lacock Abbey , taken in 1835. You can see the very window if you tour the house, which houses the Fox Talbot Museum, dedicated to the work of the inventor. The house, and the Medieval cloisters seen in the movie, is open daily (except Tuesday) from the beginning of April to the end of October.

You can see it also in The Other Boleyn Girl and 1958 Civil War melodrama The Moonraker. Harry Potter location: Another ‘Hogwarts’ location: Alnwick Castle, Northumberland The Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle , Northumberland is the site of Madame Hooch’s flying lesson. Alnwick is also featured in Shekhar Kapur ’s historical epic Elizabeth , with Cate Blanchett , glimpsed briefly in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves , with Kevin Costner , and was the backdrop for Disney fantasy The Spaceman and King Arthur. Harry Potter location: Professor Flitwick’s class: Harrow Old Schools, Harrow-on-the-Hill Professor Flitwick’s ( Warwick Davis ) Charms Class, where Hermione ( Emma Watson ) manages to levitate a feather: “Wingardium Leviosa!”, is the Fourth Form Room of Harrow Old Schools , Harrow-on-the-Hill in Greater London .

Founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter granted by Elizabeth I, Harrow remains one of the country’s most prestigious schools – old boys include a clutch of Prime Ministers, writers as diverse as Lord Byron, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Anthony Trollope – and screenwriter Richard Curtis ( Four Weddings And A Funeral , Notting Hill ...). Coincidentally, another Old Harrovian was the same photographic pioneer Henry Fox Talbot, who lived at Lacock Abbey . Harrow more recently stood in for the interior of ‘Trinity College’ in Stephen Hawking biopic, The Theory Of Everything . The venerable Bodleian Library of Oxford University supplies two locations: Duke Humphrey’s Library is where Harry tries to find out about Nicholas Flamel; and the elaborately fan-vaulted Divinity School became Hogwarts School’s hospital. The same location served as the lobby of the ‘House of Commons’ in The Madness of King George . And finally, of course, you can now take the Warner Bros Studio Tour , of the Leavesden studio, 20 miles north-west of London. The studio began life as Leavesden Aerodrome, a factory and runway where Mosquitos and Halifax Bombers were manufactured.

The disused facility was used as a studio to film the first Pierce Brosnan Bond movie, GoldenEye , in 1994 (the huge ‘St Petersburg’ set was built here to accommodate the tank chase). Parts of George Lucas ’s The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones were subsequently filmed here, but it was the Harry Potter films that really put the studio on the map. In the end, the series was based at Leavesden for over ten years, so there’s p[lenty to see. The tour features sets – including Hogwarts’ Great Hall, one of the only sets to be used in all eight films, and Diagon Alley – as well as costumes and props. Pippa Middleton 'dating' George Percy, heir to the Harry Potter castle | Daily Mail Online comments Cold water was poured on claims today that Pippa Middleton is in a serious romance with a wealthy earl who is heir to one Britain's richest and grandest dukedoms. It was reported in today's Sun newspaper that the royal bridesmaid, 28, had followed in her sister's noble footsteps and is dating George Percy, heir to the ancient Duchy of Northumberland.

The pile he will inherit, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, has perched on the Border in some form for more than 1,000 years. Spokesmen for both families declined to comment publicly on the report, but a Royal source said this afternoon that the claims were 'unfounded'. 'Romance': Pippa Middleton and George Percy share a joke at the Queens Club championships last summer Such is the popularity of Pippa, the report was swiftly picked up by more than 30 news organisations around the world, including USA Today, CBS News, the New York Post, the Telegraph and the Times of India. A source told the Sun Earl Percy, 27, whose trust fund guarantees him an income of £250,000 each year, is completely besotted with Pippa and completely in love with her. 'It looks likely the Middleton sisters will be completing the double before too long,' the source added. What is not in doubt is that Earl Percy and Pippa have been close friends since meeting at Edinburgh University. They are even reported to have had a fling in the final year of their studies in 2008.

Eye-catching: Pippa Middleton captured the nation's attention after her sister's wedding last April And the speculation about their relationship has persisted since. After he was seen helping her get over her break up from banker Alex Loudon last year the pair were forced to deny they were an item, insisting they were 'just friends'. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Nevertheless, the Sun reported, their relationship blossomed into love at a New Year's Eve celebration thrown by the Middleton family. Pippa is said to have sat herself next to Earl Percy at supper and made sure she was by his side throughout the evening before finally making her move. 'Windsor of the North': The family's grand pile, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter film franchise Royal sources told the Daily Mail last year that Pippa's ex-boyfriend had never been entirely comfortable with her close friendship with Earl Percy. The pair have been confidantes since they shared a flat at Edinburgh University along with Ted Innes Ker, son of the Duke of Roxburghe. Over the summer the couple were seen at endless social events, including the Queen’s Club championships.

Pippa broke up with banker Alex Loudon last year Alnwick Castle is known as the ‘Windsor of the North’ and the Percys are regarded locally in Border country as royalty. The family’s wealth is conservatively put at around £300million and includes more than 100,000 acres of land as well as an estate in Surrey and Syon Park in London. His parents, Ralph, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, and gardening-obsessive mother Jane are sensible sorts and withheld much of his inheritance to stop him going off the rails. But Earl Percy is no dilettante. After studying geography at university, with a specialism in renewable energy, the energetic earl recently set up in business and is poised to drill the first commercial geothermal well in Country Durham.

Royal wedding: The Sun claimed Pippa's new love is said to have blossomed this New Year's Eve and her family, including Kate are thought to approve Harry Potter road trip: UK filming sites worth visiting - Pitstops for Kids Harry Potter road trip: UK filming sites worth visiting July 22, 2016 by Amy Whitley Leave a Comment There’s are many filming locations for the Harry Potter movie franchise scattered over the UK and Scotland, but frankly, not all of them are visit-worthy. For instance, the campsite Harry and Hermione find themselves in during the last book and movie is really more of a sewage treatment center with some grass outside. Other sites, however, have been destinations in their own right for years, and a few gems were virtually undiscovered by visitors until Harry Potter put them on the map. We’ve compiled our favorites. All you need to do is grab a flight and rent a car to check out these stops along a Harry Potter road trip of the UK. Start in London: King’s Cross Station: Visiting King’s Cross, the site of famous Platform 9 3/4 is a must for most Harry Potter fans.

The wall that witches and wizards run into to access it is actually located between platforms 4 and 5. You can check out the location, then enjoy the decidedly Muggle ambiance of the busy station. London Zoo: The Reptile House where Harry first learned he could talk to snakes on Dudley’s birthday looks just as it appears in the movie. Plan to stay and enjoy the rest of the London Zoo for at least the better part of a day. The zoo has an excellent lion exhibit and ‘sunset safari’. Whitehall: The Palace of Whitehall was the main residence of the English monarchs in Londonfrom 1530 until 1698. While filming the Harry Potter series, the Ministry of Magic was set between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. Drive to Oxford: From London, take A40 to M40 to Oxford. Once in the area, there are numerous Harry Potter sites to visit. Oxford Library: The Hogwarts library, pictured numerous times, including when Harry researches Nicholas Flamel, is located in Oxford’s Duke Humphrey’s Library, which is one of the special collections reading rooms at the Bodleian.

Hermione also reads about Polyjuice Potion there, and Harry and Hermione discuss who to take to Slughorn’s Christmas party here. Divinity School: The Divinity School at Oxford is the setting for the Hogwarts infirmary. Even if you know nothing of Harry Potter, stop in here. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. From Oxford, continue on A40 to Gloucester: Gloucester Cathedral: The corridor that leads to The Fat Lady and Gryffindor’s common room is located in the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, beautiful to visit whether a Potter fan or no. You may also recognize it as the corridor where Ginny writes “The Chamber of Secrets has been opened” in blood on the walls. Drive to Wiltshire: Drive the A417 out of Gloucester to the A361 to Wiltshire. Continue out of town to Lacock. Lacock Abbey: Lacock Abbey is a treasure trove of Harry Potter sites. Professor Snape’s classroom is located in the Lacock Abbey Sacristy. Also located in the Wiltshire Abbey is professor Quirrell’s classroom. Of note: this room houses a genuine cauldron.

The room where Harry views his deceased parents in the mirror is also in Lacock Abbey. In Chamber of Secrets, professor McGonagall uses the same room for her lesson on how to turn animals into water goblets. Horace Slughorn’s house is nearby in Chapel Hill, Lacock, Wiltshire. Return toward London: 12 Picket Post Close, Martins Heron: Better known as 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, this is the exact home depicted as the Dursleys’ house in the films. Martin’s Heron in en route back to London, but it’s fairly close to the city, so this stop can certainly be done as part of your London itinerary as well. Going further afield: To continue your Harry Potter tour through the north, start by driving up A120 toward Suffolk. Lavenham: This charming village is the filming site of Godric’s Hollow. A wonderful medieval village worthy of your visit, Lavenham may not be covered in snow during your visit, as it was during Harry’s Christmas pilgrimage, but you’ll still find plenty to occupy yourself here.

Goathland Station: The station that serves both the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts is actually Goathland Station, on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. More to see in Scotland: Alnwick Castle: Known as a popular filming location (it was featured in Downton Abbey, Robin Hood, and more), Alnwick Castle , Northumberland is the location for Madam Hooch’s first flying lesson. You’ll need to walk to the Outer Bailey (courtyard). Harry and Ron also land the Ford Anglia here in Chamber of Secrets. Loch Shiel, Glencoe: The setting for the Hogwarts Lake (most of the time, anyway), Loch Shiel is located near the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You can definitely see both in a day. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber: One of the most recognizable settings from Harry Potter, this viaduct is the one the Hogwarts Express is crossing when Harry and Ron almost crash the Ford Anglia. During the summer months, you can take a ride along the track through West Coast Railways. Bonus stops: Wales: In scenic Pembrokeshire, Dobby’s tragic death takes place at Freshwater West.

Ireland: The well-known Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast of County Clare are featured when Dumbledore takes Harry to find the Horcrux in the sea cave. If you also want to see the rock on which Harry and Dumbledore stand, however, that’s 90 miles away off Iveragh Peninsula. This post was written in partnership with Alamo Europe. Photo credit Subscribe to our Pit Stops for Kids seasonal newsletter, and get an exclusive tips sheet FREE! Join us! About the author AUTHOR: Amy Whitley is the founding editor of Pit Stops for Kids and content editor of Trekaroo. She writes on staff monthly as a family travel expert at Go Green Travel Green and Practical Travel Gear, and contributes to Outdoors NW as an outdoor adventure traveler. Find Amy at Google .

Question: Alnwick Castle, Northumberland UK, featured in a popular movie franchise as which institution?
Answer: Hogwarts school