Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry’s first flight on his broomstick
Fans of Harry Potter will remember when Harry made his first broomstick flight , launching himself from the Hogwart’s lawn.Well for the film location they chose Alnwick Castle.
In fact the Castle was used for both these films
2002 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus
and
2001 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus
You can see a picture of the Hogwart’s lawn, here (Alnwick Castle), however if you would like to visit the castle then there is rental accomodation available nearby.
Film buffs might also be interested to know that Alnwick Castle was also used for the following films with a quite distinguished list of actors and actresses over the years.
998 - Monk Dawson
Directed by Tom Waller. Rhona Mitra and Martin Kemp co-starred
1998 - Elizabeth
A Working Title production with Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Christopher Eccleston
1991 - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
Alan Rickman and Kevin Costner starred
1982 - Ivanhoe
Starring James Mason alongside Anthony Andrews
1979 - The Spaceman and King Arthur
Walt Disney produced with Kenneth More and Jim Dale as co-stars
1971 - Mary Queen of Scots
Starring Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson, again produced by Hal Wallis
1964 - Becket
Starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, and produced by Hal Wallis
Perhaps we should also say a little about the history of the Castle.
The earliest parts of the castle were built by Yves de Vescy the Baron of Alnwick in 1096, just 30 years after the Battle of Hastings. To try and put the age of this castle in perspective remember that it was built a generation before Ghengis Khan was born!
The Castle has a truly unique atmosphere. Part of this is probably attributable to its age but also there is the architecture and layout. The high walls with their carved stone figures create a strange, otherworldly atmosphere and you can begin to understand why moviemakers so favour this Castle.
