Hogwarts: Also known as Alnwick Castle (pronounced An-nick) Appeared in: "Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets" and "Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone" Vocabulary Meaning Ancient Something that is very, very old. Hundreds or even thousands of years old. Inhabited A place that is lived in. Magnificent / Stunning Amazing. A real gem If you describe a place that is a ‘real gem’, it is a great place to go and see. Interiors This means the rooms inside of the building. Extravagant If something is ‘extravagant’, a lot of money was spent on it. It was very expensive. Luxurious Something that is elegant, comfortable, expensive and beautiful. To capture any one’s imagination If something ‘captures your imagination’, it is very interesting and can inspire you. Courtyard An open area, normally a quiet place to relax, which can be surrounded by four walls and is usually found in castles and large houses. See photo below. Bailey This is the protective wall that surrounds the castle. Creator: Patrick Simon McMahon Contact: [email protected] Alnwick Castle and the forbidden forest in the background Introduction Avid Harry Potter fans will recognise this ancient castle as it was the actual castle where Harry Potter was filmed. It’s the second largest inhabited castle in England and was used so often that you might as well call it Hogwarts. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone filmed on location at Alnwick Castle in autumn 2000. The following year, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets also used Alnwick Castle for filming. It was also used in ‘Elizabeth’, ‘Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves’, ‘Robin of Sherwood’, Transformers: The Last Knight, and as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey's 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials. To visit Harry Potter locations like this is a real gem as it combines the magic of Harry Potter and history too. Surrounded by a stunning park, this castle has not really changed since the 14th century. The interiors are extravagant with luxurious staterooms, dining rooms, and libraries to capture any one’s imagination. Creator: Patrick Simon McMahon Contact: [email protected] The courtyard The Lion Arch But, for many, it will be the gardens that hold the most interest, as this is where Harry, Ron, and others, first learned to fly their broomsticks! The courtyards and baileys of Alnwick Castle were used to film Hogwarts students and teachers going about their daily activities. The Lion Arch was also a way in and out of Hogwarts, heading towards Hagrid’s cabin and the Forbidden Forest. A great day out for whole family Vocabulary Meaning Avid If you are an avid traveller you love travelling and are experienced. You can use it for many hobbies such as an avid artist, an avid harry Potter fan, for example. Discover To find out something new. Historical importance Something that is very old, has a long history, and is very important to the culture of the country it’s in. Eccentric Someone that is very different, strange, but in a fun and interesting way. Taught the art of using... This is another way of saying ‘Taught how to use’ something. Backdrop The backdrop is the background to something. If you say the castle was the backdrop, it was the background in the movie. A knight A soldier on horseback that served his king and queen. Please see photo below. To entice someone This means to encourage someone to do something. Creator: Patrick Simon McMahon Contact: [email protected] This place is a great day out for the whole family as both avid Harry Potter and avid history fans can discover the magic and historical importance of this ancient castle. They have events throughout the year such as the world-famous broomstick training sessions, on the very spot where Harry had his first flying lesson in the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. With their eccentric teachers, you will be taught the art of using a broomstick while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Alnwick Castle. Flyers of all ages are welcome to this daily activity at Alnwick Castle. It’s an unforgettable, fun-filled event for the whole family to enjoy! There are also various other Harry Potter inspired events, and even a knight’s school where children can learn to be a knight. So why wait! It has history, the magic of Harry Potter, and events throughout the year to entice any avid traveller. Please see link below for more details of this historic castle. Link: https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/on-screen/harry-potter Learn to fly Learn to be a knight Take a Harry Potter inspired class Watch knights fight for their king Creator: Patrick Simon McMahon Contact: [email protected] .