Alnwick Castle - Star of the Screen
Alnwick Castle is an icon of Northern England, but it is more than just a tourist attraction. This medieval fortress has been featured in numerous films and television shows over the years, most notably "Harry Potter." However, as I delved deeper into the castle's history on screen, I discovered that the wizard is only the beginning of this landmark's TV & Cinema history. In this blog, you'll learn about the remarkable history of Alnwick Castle, and its appearances on screen. You'll also find helpful tips for planning your own visit.
The first two Harry Potter films were shot here, including the famous Quidditch scenes in The Philosophers Stone (2001) and the Ford Anglia crashing in Chamber of Secrets (2002). The castle has fully embraced the Harry Potter phenomenon and now offers entertaining broomstick lessons during the summer months, providing visitors with an exciting experience. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) and Dungeons and Dragons (2023) also used the castle's well-preserved facades in their productions. The estate was transformed into the land of Neverwinter for Dungeons and Dragons, while the filming of Transformers was apparently so loud that the police were called! In the early 90s, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) used the castle as a stand-in for Nottingham Castle. Although the movie notoriously played fast and loose with UK geography, the castle added a touch of authenticity to the film, especially in the climactic scenes.
Alnwick Castle's rich history and aesthetic make it a perfect venue for period dramas. Becket (1964) and Mary Queen of Scots (1971) used the castle to add some period grace to their productions, with the castle standing in for other fortresses. The latter film starred Glenda Jackson as Elizabeth I of England, while a later film, Elizabeth (1998), featured Cate Blanchett as the Queen and had scenes shot at Alnwick.
Many television series have used Alnwick Castle as a filming location, with Downton Abbey being one of the most notable. The show utilised some of the opulent State Rooms and the surrounding Estate to portray the fictional Brancaster. The castle featured in two Christmas Day episodes, each attracting over 10 million viewers. Another famous show, The Blackadder, filmed much of its first series at the castle. The first season is now considered a bit of a misfit, the second to fourth series were much more polished and entirely studio bound. Though it is not repeated often, there is plenty to enjoy, and it's worth your time to seek it out.
Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a glimpse of the diverse range of films and television shows that have been produced at the castle. Alnwick Castle is open to the public from April to October, and various guided tours, including one focused on filming at the castle, are available. If you're in the North East, a visit to the castle is a must-see, and TVB Tours offer private tours of Northumberland to help you get there. Get in touch to plan yours today.
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