Off we headed north to beautiful Northumberland. On this trip we were visiting a wonderfully well preserved castle.

Alnwick.

I first came here when I was at Uni, many many moons ago. It was the first time I had seen a castle that wasn’t in ruins. One you could actually walk inside, through all the rooms. It had paintings, sculptures, carpets, glass in the windows, complete ceilings. A fabulous library. It was lived in. That’s how the aristocracy lived….

Now walking around Alnwick Castle in 2025, it’s still beautifully maintained but now there is an added dimension.

Countless kids and yes some adults dressed up as wizards…

Never seen so many Harry’s and Hermione’s.

This castle is now almost more famous for being used as a film location for the first two Harry Potter movies. The first flying lesson, the early Quidditch training, Harry and Ron crashing the flying car will all filmed here.

On our trip there was no car flying but two wizard tutors were gamely trying to teach as many as possible how to fly a broomstick. As we walked past a line of broomsticks we were asked if we wanted a flying lesson. Hawklad ran off and I politely pointed out that my huge backside would need a jumbo jet sized broom, not one of those titchy things.

Later I realised maybe they had thought I was in character, looking like Hagrid who had really let himself go…..

36 thoughts on “Potter”

  2. How cool is that? I did not know that castle was part of the film location for Harry Potter. But it is already wonderful that you have personal memories to it too.

    Another question, Gary. I asked whether you would grant me to quote you with this statement: “Maybe Heaven is where Hope is made real.” Could you please just tell me if this was ok for you?

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    1. Just curous, Erika. If you are already in heaven what need is there of hope? (Of course, I have no context for the statememt, just the words used to compise it But to me it seems redundant.)

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      2. I guess I am missing the notion that anything that need be hoped for on Earth is something that would be needed in a god-controlled heaven.
        The question being, what exactly would life be like in heaven?
        Yes I am an atheist — no god or heaven, but I also believe life is forever, and like energy cannot come to an end — life is energy. Still I draw blanks at heavenly-type abodes. There is nothing sane about an everlasting life sitting at the feet of a gpd, endlessly singing its praises.

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      3. Thanks for asking, rg. To me, the statement says exactly that. First we have hope, but when we experience heaven we see that all we hoped for has already existed. At least that is how I interpret his words.

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  6. This looks so fun, Gary! My hubby and I did a UK tour in 2013 and Alnwick Castle was one of the places we visited and I remember it was so cool knowing Harry Potter was filmed there. But it didn’t have the cool stuff you and Hawklad encountered on your visit with the Potter lore, cosplay and quidditch lessons. How fun!!!

    I try to paint a picture of what you and Hawklad look like and I have a clearer picture of you at least!

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  9. My little heart is singing! What great fun that must have been for you both. I would have loved to be with you.
    Great images and imagery. Another bucket list adventure – luv those old castles. 🏰

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  14. Looks like a magical place without the hoohar. Probably not my thing, all those people being all people like. I only like looking at these places when all the grockles and emmets have left.

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