Harry Potter Filming at Alnwick Castle

Did you know Alnwick Castle starred as Hogwarts Castle in two films? Visit the real-life Harry Potter castle location in Northumberland and see where Harry Potter was filmed. 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed here in 2000, with production returning for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, securing Alnwick Castle’s place as a world-famous Harry Potter castle location.

Ever wondered “where is the Harry Potter castle?” You’ll find the answer at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland - one of the best-known locations where Harry Potter was filmed. If you’re planning to visit Alnwick Castle, to tick off one of the most celebrated Harry Potter locations in the world, see if you can recognise these iconic spots from the beloved films - and explore more famous Alnwick Castle filming locations, including its role as a Downton Abbey castle.

Outer Bailey

The Outer Bailey

The Outer Bailey is where Harry first learned to fly a broomstick at Hogwarts Castle with Madam Hooch (Zoë Wanamaker). This is also where he mastered the rules of the ultimate wizarding sport, Quidditch, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - making it a must-see stop for fans exploring the real-life Harry Potter castle location.

Fans visiting this famous Harry Potter castle can even relive the magic themselves - learning vital broomstick skills with our Broomstick Training lessons at Alnwick Castle! Under expert guidance from our instructors, inspired by hundreds of years of historical witches and wizards, learn basic skills like cornering, manoeuvring, accelerating, and braking - the perfect experience for anyone searching for authentic Harry Potter locations.

Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the evidence. 

The Magic Of Harry Potter & Hogwarts

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The Courtyards and Inner Bailey

The Courtyards and Baileys of Alnwick Castle were used to film the students of Hogwarts going about their daily activities, firmly establishing it as a real-life setting for Hogwarts and one of the most recognisable Harry Potter filming locations. In fact, you may even remember Harry and Ron crash-landing the Weasley family’s flying car within the Inner Bailey in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - one of the most memorable moments among the many locations where Harry Potter was filmed. 

Visitors exploring the Harry Potter castle location in Northumberland can step right into these legendary scenes - a must-see for fans wondering where was Harry Potter filmed, and those preparing for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, which will reimagine these beloved stories for a new generation.

Broomstick Training

Alnwick Castle Bowburn View

The Lion Arch

During filming, the Lion Arch of Alnwick Castle was used as a way in and out of Hogwarts Castle, making it another one of the most recognisable Harry Potter filming locations. It was the way to go if students wanted to visit Hagrid or were sent to the eerie Forbidden Forest. This same Lion Arch has since become one of the most photographed spots by fans seeking the true Harry Potter castle location in the UK and discovering exactly where was Harry Potter filmed.

With the highly anticipated HBO Harry Potter series set to revisit Hogwarts in stunning detail, there's never been a better time to visit one of the most iconic locations where Harry Potter was filmed. As we prepare for nostalgia to hit, it's the ideal time to explore the real-world magic of Alnwick Castle.

Book Alnwick Castle tickets today to see where these scenes were filmed and experience one of the most celebrated Harry Potter locations for yourself.

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FAQs

Filming took place across the Outer Bailey - where Harry had his first flying lesson - as well as the Inner Bailey, courtyards and the Lion Arch, all used to bring Hogwarts Castle to life on screen. The Inner Bailey famously featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets during Harry and Ron’s dramatic crash-landing of the Weasley family’s flying car, while the surrounding courtyards appear throughout the films bustling with students heading to and from lessons.

To complete the magical setting, the Lion Arch was used as a gateway within Hogwarts - the route students would take towards Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest — adding to Alnwick Castle’s instantly recognisable role as the real-life Hogwarts castle location.

Key outdoor scenes were filmed here at Alnwick Castle - including Harry’s first flying lesson, Quidditch practice areas, the castle courtyards, and approaches to Hogwarts seen in the first two films.

While Alnwick Castle stood in for Hogwarts’ exteriors in two films, the movies used many other UK locations to build the full Hogwarts world - so it’s only one of multiple Hogwarts filming sites. Although it’s not the sole location, Alnwick Castle’s distinctive architecture makes it instantly recognisable to fans across the globe!

Yes - visitors can explore the famous spots used in filming, like the Outer Bailey (where flying lessons were shot) and the Inner Bailey (featured in scenes with Ron and Harry). Guided On Location tours often highlight these.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take part in Alnwick Castle’s broomstick training experience - similar to the flying lesson scene from the first Harry Potter film. These broomstick sessions, inspired by the movie scenes filmed at the castle, run on many visitor days, although you may need to pick up a free timed ticket when you arrive.

A fun experience for the whole family, our broomstick lessons let aspiring witches and wizards imagine themselves joining the Quidditch team. The magic behind it all is a carefully kept secret - but complete the training and you’ll discover how it works. Be sure to snap a photo while showing off your newly learned broomstick skills!