Alnwick Castle is but one of the faces of Hogwarts;
Alnwick is also the central hub of The Bean Counter’s paternal family tree. Add to that the broomstick training offered at the castle and you just know it had to be on our To Do List.
We had not intended to stay long at the castle as we had already “done” the castle portion of the trip (yes, we realise this is a very dodgy way to visit a country, but the UK has a lot of castles and we have limited time; we like to think of it as analytical holiday planning) but Alnwick is just so endearing we couldn’t help ourselves but spend the day.
It grounds are amazing – and that was without visiting the gardens – and the displays are clever and concise. The castle is beyond cool with stone figures monitoring your approach from their perch on the castle walls, a slightly careworn look reflecting the drama it has been part of over the years, and it boasts a past resident with the nickname Harry Hotspur.
I mean…Wow!
Archery on the lawn proved The Farmer could be counted on if times got rough but Broomstick training was the winner. It was funny and clever and everyone enjoyed it. Those two wizarding professors knew what they were doing
and our team graduated with *ahem* flying colours.
Union Homestead 
Looks like so much fun! No wonder you stayed longer than you had planned.
It was a wonderful balance of pomp, information, pretty, and fun 🙂
Sounds like a fun day out. I have only managed to look at the outside of the castle.
This is the first time we have been here when it was open. It was a fun day!
Just messaging you on the off-chance that you are free to meet tomorrow. We older ones find ourselves with some free time while the others board the Hogwarts Express for the day
What fun! Like Susan, we’ve only seen the outside!
The State Rooms were a little wasted on me I confess. As someone not keen on clutter I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the generations of castle families having to find space for yet another dinner set. The chapel was beautiful, though, and what views!
Hi, Now that members of your team have learnt how to fly broom sticks, will you be keeping some on hand for transport emergencies??
I like your thinking….a much cheaper trans Tasman holiday perhaps 😊
Looks so much fun to visit – I just love the flying broom pics!
It was great fun…even for the Homesteaders not obsessed with Harry and friends