Alnwick Castle is a Norman fortress whose construction began around 1096 and later became the seat of the Percy family when Henry Percy purchased and expanded it in 1309. As the home of the Dukes of Northumberland, it evolved from a border stronghold into a family residence and today welcomes visitors to explore its medieval walls and sweeping lawns. The grounds blend history with cinematic fame; manicured lawns, ancient towers and outer walls have doubled as Hogwarts' exterior in the early Harry Potter films. Visitors can wander through courtyards, embattled walls and the wide green bailey while soaking up views over the River Aln. Alnwick Castle remains one of Britain's most visited castles, offering a mix of heritage tours, broomstick lessons and film talks. The Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle was used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for flying lessons with Madam Hooch; Harry and his classmates learn to mount and control broomsticks and practice the rules of Quidditch there. The courtyards and inner bailey appear when Hogwarts students move between classes, and the Inner Bailey is where Harry and Ron crash-land the Weasley flying car in Chamber of Secrets. A well-known shot shows Hagrid dragging a huge Christmas tree through the courtyard archway en route to the Great Hall during a snowy holiday scene.

Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England, has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years. Founded around 1096 following the Norman Conquest, the medieval fortress was extensively restored in the 19th century by Anthony Salvin in convincingly medieval style, while the interiors showcase opulent Italianate Victorian design by Luigi Canina. The castle's State Rooms feature magnificent collections of art and furniture, while the grounds span thousands of acres including the famous Alnwick Garden. This working castle maintains its role as the seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland while welcoming visitors to experience its rich history and stunning architecture. **Filming Scenes:** Alnwick portrayed Brancaster Castle in Series 5 and 6, serving as the backdrop for Lady Edith's romantic storyline with Bertie Pelham (later Lord Hexham). The castle hosted the 1924 shooting party organized by Lord Sinderby, where family tensions and romantic developments unfolded. The State Rooms provided elegant settings for formal dinners and social gatherings, while Hulne Priory within the estate grounds featured in outdoor scenes. Lady Edith's eventual happiness with Bertie was closely tied to this location, representing her transformation from overlooked middle daughter to Marchioness.

The Outer Bailey is Alnwick Castle’s spacious central courtyard, an open lawn surrounded by towering curtain walls and overlooked by medieval towers. This area historically served as a gathering place for military musters and public events, and its grassy expanse offers panoramic views of the castle’s Norman architecture. Entered through the Lion Arch—an ornate stone gateway bearing the Percy family emblem—it provides a dramatic transition from the bustling town into the castle’s inner world. Today the Outer Bailey remains the heart of visitor activity, hosting broomstick lessons and tours that connect the site’s 950‑year history with its cinematic fame. The Lion Arch itself is both a historic entrance and an iconic filming landmark for fans of the Harry Potter series. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Outer Bailey becomes the Hogwarts training ground where Madam Hooch teaches the first‑year students to mount and fly broomsticks; it’s also where Harry learns the rules of Quidditch. The adjoining courtyards and bailey appear in shots of students going about their daily routines, and the Inner Bailey is the setting for the Weasley flying car crash in Chamber of Secrets. The Lion Arch, with its carved heraldic lions, was used as the passageway connecting Hogwarts to Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest, making it a key transitional spot in the films.