For an £18.50 ticket, you may visit the 950 years-old Alnwick Castle in Northumberland that served as a location for the shooting of both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (or Sorcerer’s) Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.
Broomstick Lessons happen in the exact same spot where Harry learned, i.e. The Outer Bailey area. Walk in the courtyards and baileys of Alnwick Castle where Hogwarts students and staff went about their daily duties. Pay a visit to the Inner Bailey where Harry and Ron crashed the Weasleys’ car.
Offering guided tours about the shooting of the Harry Potter films as well as the history of the place, you can also take archery lessons.
About the broomstick sessions, Alnwick Castle’s website says:
“Practice your mount and dismount before learning to curve and manoeuvre across the lawns of Alnwick Castle, more affectionately known as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, at great speeds!”
If you bring your camera, the website promises you will be able to “capture evidence of you and your levitating broomstick to amaze your family and friends back home!”
Broomstick sessions are free with your entry ticket but it is important to book. More importantly, even, is to have fun.
The website adds:
“The biggest thing you can expect is to have lots of fun! Our expert wizarding Professors enjoy a good giggle and we find that you learn better when you are enjoying yourself too, so feel free to laugh along with them (or at them!).”
Despite its abrupt rise to fame and a successful career in the film industry, the Castle still works as a residence to The Duke of Northumberland and his family.
The 950 years old Norman building has also served as a military outpost, a teaching college and a refuge for evacuees.
Nowadays, The Duke and his family share their estate with office staff, university students and us, the general public. You may visit the Alnwick Castle from February 2022 as the estate will be closed for the winter. Tickets are valid for a whole year and you can visit as often as you wish. Prices for adult tickets are £18.50, concessions are £15, children between the ages of 5 and 16 pay £9.75 and children under 4 enter for free.
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