We decided at the last minute on our last day in Edinburgh that we would drive a little bit out of our way on the way home to see Alnwick Castle, about 2 hours from Edinburgh, 4 hours from Derby. Alnwick Castle is where many scenes, especially outdoor scenes were filmed for the first 2 Harry Potter movies. I was so happy that we went. I think the Castle has become my favorite, even above Warwick, in terms of its beauty and arrangment. I loved that it is still used a family home for part of the year. We took a tour that described all the scenes from the movies that were filmed there along with some interesting facts and stories that happened during the filming.
When we arrived we were greeted by a dragon!
Almost immediately we were able to see the location where the first flying lesson took place. Unfortunately, we arrived too late for the kids to take a flying lesson themselves. I suppose that's a reason to go back for a second visit.
In this big yard is where the fist flying lesson took place along with some quidditch scenes.
Hogwarts Castle from a distance doesn't really look much like Alnwick, the distance view is all computer graphics, but the scenes from within the castle are definitely recognizable.
Sean got caught up in a Jester show. I am so glad that I didn't get picked...it was a bit embarrassing, he handled it so well!
After the Jester show, we went over to the Knights Quest area where the girls decided to get all dressed up in lovely costumes. Avery isn't really into the dressing up thing, but there were lots of fun games for the kids to play too. There was more for us to see there that we just didn't have time for so maybe will make it back next year.
It was so fun to come back home and watch the Harry Potter movies again and recognize all the places we had scene in Scotland and at Alnwick. Visiting the Castle was the perfect way to end our holiday.
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