For someone who grew up on Harry Potter (and still spends too much time on fantasy anime and games), visiting the real-life Hogwarts exterior was high on my list for this UK trip. I finally made it to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, and it did not disappoint.
First, a bit of practical info on getting there, as it requires some planning. I took the LNER train from London King's Cross to Alnmouth station, which took about 3.5 hours. From Alnmouth, you have to catch the X18 bus or grab a local taxi to Alnwick town. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend checking the bus schedules beforehand because they don't run very frequently, and missing one can throw off your whole day.
Weather-wise, Northumberland is incredibly windy. Even in the afternoon with some sun, the wind coming off the coast was freezing—definitely pack a proper windbreaker. Since I visited on a weekday, the crowds were quite manageable, though there were still quite a few school groups around.
As someone who works in curation, I found the castle itself fascinating. It’s the second-largest inhabited castle in England, and the Percy family has lived here for over 700 years. The contrast between the ancient Norman military architecture and the lived-in, lavishly decorated state rooms is incredible.
But the highlight for any fan is definitely the Outer Bailey—the massive lawn where Harry had his first broomstick flying lesson in the Philosopher’s Stone. They actually run "Broomstick Training" sessions on the exact spot. It’s mostly geared towards kids, but the staff are incredibly enthusiastic, and it's quite fun to just stand there and watch everyone trying to yell "Up!" to their brooms. It really felt like stepping right into the film.
If you love the films or just appreciate medieval history, it’s absolutely worth the long transit. Just remember to dress warmly and book your castle tickets online in advance to save some hassle.
“For someone who grew up on Harry Potter (and still spends too much time on fantasy anime and games), visiting the real-life Hogwarts exterior was high on my list for this UK trip.”@Simple_Heart · 3 days ago