Harry Potter was one of the most successful film franchises to date. But did you know that a popular filming location is just a short distance from Lucker Hall?
Alnwick Castle is a stunning Medieval complex that resides towards the Northumberland coast. Unlike many of England’s castles, this is still beautifully complete and every bit as dramatic as it would have been 700 years ago when its conversion into a huge border fortress first began. Since then it has been the seat of the Duke of Northumberland and is still inhabited by the 12th Duke and his family.
Alnwick Castle made appearances in the Harry Potter films and was used for a number of the exterior shots of the wizarding school Hogwarts. Its claim to fame has really increased popularity and this summer the castle revisits the magical wizarding world by hosting an atmospheric outdoor screening of two of the films.
The Luna Cinema is the country’s leading producer of open air cinema events and they’ve teamed up with Double Tree to bring you an unforgettable night of Harry Potter, under the stars, in the spellbinding grounds of the castle. Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone is being screened on 30th August and a second Harry Potter film is being shown on 31st August, but it’ll be decided by a public vote, so it’s a surprise.
The castle is such a wonderful setting that all kinds of events tend to take place inside and out and there will often be themed weeks to entertain the whole family. If Harry Potter is your thing there is a whole Wizard Week taking place up until 28th August. Later in the year there is a history weekend focusing on The Dark Side of Chivalry up until 21st October, and a falconry day on the 24th October.
If you keep an eye on the website you will see the events programme being constantly updated. Find the website here.
From Lucker Hall you can find Alnwick by simply driving south down the A1 and then taking the B6341. It is roughly 20 minutes away. The castle is open from 10.00am to 5.30pm between March and October. A full list of opening times and ticket prices can be found on the website and if you book in advance you’ll save 10%.