Alnwick Castle

If you are a Harry Potter fan, then you might know that the location for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is filmed at Alnwick castle. It is used as a stand-in for both the exterior and interior of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

History

Alnwick Castle is distinguished as one of the earliest castles in England to be built without a square keep. Yves de Vescy, Baron of Alnwick, erected the first parts of the castle in about 1096. In 1309, Henry Percy purchased it and in the following 40 years, he and his son converted it into a mighty border fortress. The Building work was carried on in the late 15th century, the 4th Earl had alterations and repairs carried out to adapt the Barbican to the latest tactics of warfare. In the 1760s, architects Daniel Garrett, James Paine and Robert Adam designed the castle in a high gothic style which transformed the castle from a decaying garrison fortress to a palace. Recent years have witnessed an extensive program of conservation, repair, and refurbishment to the fabric of the building, both exterior and interior. Roof leads have been replaced; essential masonry repair and repointing has been undertaken, as well as conservation work and refurbishment of the interiors. Such works both preserve the castle and continue its development.

Structure

Alnwick castle was the seat at Alnwick in the English county of Northumberland and.guards a road crossing the River Aln. A deep ravine separating the castle from the town. The castle consists of two main rings of buildings. The inner ring is set around a small courtyard and contains the principal rooms. These two main areas of accommodation are connected by a link building. And most of the bailey wall has been reduced almost to ground level on the Bailey side to open up views into the park. Also, Alnwick Castle has two parks. close to the north of the castle is a relatively small park straddling the River Aln, local call it “The Pastures”. The other is the much larger Hulne Park, which contains the remains of Hulne Priory.

At 2003, Jane Percy, Duchess of Northumberland, has initiated the establishment of The Alnwick Garden near the castle, a formal garden set around a cascading fountain. The garden is designed by Jacques Wirtz and Peter Wirtz of Wirtz International based in Schoten, Belgium. In 2004, The garden opened a large 6,000 sq ft ‘tree house’ complex which It is deemed one of the largest tree houses in the world and in February 2005, the garden also added a poison garden, growing plants such as cannabis and opium poppy.

Function

By the time Hugh Percy entered the dukedom in 1940, for solving vast areas of the castle unused and unoccupied, Percy decided to provide facilities to the accommodation of Alnwick Teacher Training College. After that at 1981, it also provided for St Cloud State University students from Minnesota in the United States.

Now, Alnwick castle becomes the second largest inhabited castle in England, after Windsor Castle. The Duke of Northumberland’s family live in the castle, but occupy only a part of it. The castle also opens to the public throughout the summer. As a Grade, I listed building, Alnwick was the tenth most-visited stately home in England according to the Historic Houses Association. At 2012 received over 800,000 visitors per year.

For matching the visitor’s interest, Alnwick castle except visiting tour, they also established many events for people to enjoy the visit, such as Broomstick training, Luna cinema, Wizard week. These events will keep changing through the whole year.

For matching the visitor’s interest, Alnwick castle except visiting tour, they also established many events for people to enjoy the visit, such as Broomstick training, Luna cinema, Wizard week. These events will keep changing through the whole year. This is a really good choice for a family to have fun with. You can check the ticket price and opening times. Also if you book your tickets 24 hours before online can enjoy 10% off price.