Come Along with Me to Hogwarts

 

Probably the most elegant site where I will ever eat lunch, the courtyard of Alnwick Castle

The magnificent Alnwick Castle -- the site of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies -- was not one of the places I expected to visit during my England stop this month. I was focused on seeing Lindisfarne/Holy Island -- a future post -- but the day trip I chose from Edinburgh included a visit to the castle. I expected it would be interesting, but as with so many of the extraordinary events in life, it came on quite unexpected, and far exceeded my expectations.  

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

The castle was begun in 1096, very quickly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was purchased by the Percy family in the fourteenth century and it is still the family home. The family are now (and for several centuries) the Dukes of Northumberland and the family of the twelfth Duke is responsible for the castle and the grounds. For centuries the castle was primarily a military fortress and it fell into disrepair. That is now history and it has been beautifully restored. 

Next to the castle is The Alnwick Garden, created by the Duchess of Northumberland in 2001. It is a modern garden with a wonderful display of sculpture, fountains and lots of places to sit and enjoy the sights. There is also an area for tea, but alas, I didn't have time for both tea and to explore the castle and garden. I opted to explore as much as I was able to. 

Yes, the go-carts are provided and there were definitely used. 

One of my favorite fountains of the garden. Fortunately I was there before the heat wave. 

There were several other features of the castle and garden I didn't have time for, besides tea. There is a "poison garden," with poisonous plants, and broomstick lessons to pay homage to the filming of Harry Potter. The Quidditch and flying scenes were filmed in the Outer Bailey, a grassy open courtyard.

Ready for a Quidditch match?

History, magic, film and more history. My visit to Alnwick was an opportunity to go back in time, but with modern plumbing and good coffee. I'm a devotee of time travel books -- Outlander! -- and I'm intrigued by the idea of time travel. I like the idea of visiting past times, but don't like the thought of leaving modern conveniences (and hygiene) behind. 

Any other time travel fans in Buttercupland?

Jet lag seems mostly gone and I'm scheduling ahead for the Fourth of July weekend. I'm going to try and avoid the big crowds -- no fireworks for me -- but still have some interesting things planned. What is on the schedule, friends?

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cool!