Alnwick Castle

TheTamshee: and family visited Alnwick Castle to check out the "Hogwarts" location for the Harry Potter films. We were not disappointed, this medieval castle has been the home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309, making this year the 700 year anniversary. The earliest mention of Alnwick Castle in the history books appears soon after 1096 when Yves de Vescy became baron of Alnwick and erected the earliest parts of the Castle. The Castle was first restored, primarily as a fortress, by the 1st Lord Percy of Alnwick in the early 1300's and portions of this restoration remain today, including the Abbot's Tower, the Middle Gateway and the Constable's Tower. click here for more Castle & Percy family history.

On our visit the crowds were minimal, this allowed the Indy kids to explore all the nooks and crannies. The Dragons Quest can be rather scary for the youngsters if skulls give them the jitters, but no such concerns with the Indy adventurers. The jesters court area is great for kids picnic's, they can dress up in the various period costumes supplied on site, with lots of different activities to occupy their inquisitive minds.

On exit we visited the archers tent, 11 years old and upwards ( health & safety gone OTT once again ) can pay a token gesture £2 and test their skill. On this occassion the Indy kids cast their "Arrows" spell and hey presto. Magic happens, many thanks to the gentleman concerned.