The Pastures are a rolling stretch of parkland north of Alnwick Castle, landscaped in the 1700s by Capability Brown to frame sweeping views of the castle and its reflection in the River Aln. The open meadows, bordered by mature trees and the Lion Bridge, were designed as a picturesque foreground for the castle's silhouette and have hosted everything from World War I training camps to the Olympic torch relay and Alnwick's annual Shrove Tuesday football match. Today they offer visitors a peaceful spot for picnics, walks and photography, with the castle's towers rising beyond the river. The Pastures form part of the wider North Demesne of the Percy family estate and remain a tranquil contrast to the busy courtyards inside the castle walls. Their natural beauty and strategic landscaping make them a favourite viewpoint for capturing the castle in its landscape setting. No specific Harry Potter scenes were filmed on the Pastures, but the meadows across the River Aln provide the iconic establishing view of Alnwick Castle used in promotional imagery and fan recreations. From this angle the castle's towers and outer walls appear in full, rising above the pastoral landscape much like Hogwarts does in the films. Visitors often stand here to photograph the castle as it might look when approaching Hogwarts across the lake and to recreate wide shots seen in early film sequences.

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.

Alnwick Castle doubled as Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey. The medieval castle features grand staterooms and sweeping views.