Harry Potter , the Chamber of Secrets and learning to fly on a broomstick

Harry Potter fans will remember the scene in the movie when he makes his first flight on a broomstick,from Howart'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 self catering accommodation available nearby.

Famous actors and actresses have visited the Castle over the last 50 years and the following films were shot there.

998 - Monk Dawson
Starring Martin Kemp and Rhona Mitra, directed by Tom Waller

1998 - Elizabeth
A Working Title production with Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Christopher Eccleston

1991 - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
The stars were Alan Rickman and, of course, Kevin Costner

1982 - Ivanhoe
Starring James Mason alongside Anthony Andrews

1979 - The Spaceman and King Arthur
Starring Kenneth More and Jim Dale, and produced by Walt Disney

1971 - Mary Queen of Scots
Glenda Jackson and Vanessa Redgrave were the stars with direction from 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. If it helps to put the age of this magnificent castle into perspective then remember that it was built about a generation before the birth of Ghengis Khan!

The Castle has a truly unique atmosphere. Part of this is probably attributable to its age but of course there is also 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.