With a rich tapestry of history that stretches over a millennium, Alnwick Castle stands as a testament to time and tradition. Serving as the residence for the 12th Duke of Northumberland, it proudly claims its position as the UK's second-largest lived-in castle, with only the iconic Windsor Castle surpassing its grandeur.
Alnwick Castle has served many functions throughout history: military outpost, college, and tourist attraction, to name a few. For hundreds of years, its most important function involved housing the Percy family. For most modern-day visitors, however, the castle's intrigue lies in its filming background.
Intrigued by Alnwick Castle's cinematic legacy? Continue reading to uncover the captivating movies and TV shows that have featured this historic gem. And as you journey through its cinematic tales, discover ways to bring a touch of Alnwick Castle's magic into your own home.
Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone
If you've ever wondered, "Where was Harry Potter filmed?", Alnwick Castle stands as a testament to the magical adventures of the Boy Who Lived. The journey began with "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (or "Sorcerer's Stone" in the US), setting the stage at Hogwarts castle for this cherished book series. Among the enchanting filming locations, the Outer Bailey stands out, where Harry first embraced his passion for Quidditch.
Soon after, favorite stars such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson returned to film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. For this particular movie, Alnwick's most notable scene involves the flying car crashing near the Inner Bailey.
Downton Abbey
While many associate Alnwick Castle with the magical world of Hogwarts, fans of Downton Abbey have a different perspective. For them, Alnwick took on the role of Brancaster Castle in two memorable episodes of the beloved series.
Filmed in the summers of 2014 and 2015, the episodes "A Moorland Holiday" and "Brancaster Castle" showcased the castle's stunning grounds, elegant staterooms, and historic ramparts, with Hulne Abbey adding to the scenic beauty.
Transformers: The Last Knight
In 2016, Alnwick Castle stepped into the spotlight once again, this time playing a pivotal role in the fifth installment of the Transformers movie series. The film's directors were captivated by the castle's majestic exterior and its rich interiors, especially the library. While the movie boasted a lineup of renowned actors, the true star remained Alnwick Castle with its timeless charm and elegance. Key scenes were beautifully framed against the backdrop of the Inner Bailey, the iconic Lion Bridge, and the scenic Bowburn Park, showcasing the castle's versatility as a cinematic location.
Becket
Long before Alnwick Castle made a name for itself in the films and TV shows highlighted above, it made an impression in the historical drama Becket. Meant to capture the spirit of medieval England, the series prominently featured the castle's stone walls. As an adaptation of a 1959 stage production, the film version starred Peter O'Toole as King Henry II of England and Richard Burton as the king's friend (and bishop) Thomas Becket.
Capture the Beauty of Alnwick Castle With a Custom Wall Mural
Whether you think of Alnwick Castle as Hogwarts or Brancaster Castle, there's no denying the beauty of this historic structure. Visiting should definitely be on your bucket list, but don't worry if you can't book a vacation just yet: you can always bring this glorious castle to life in the form of a custom mural, which will make you feel like royalty.
If you have other stunning castles or architectural marvels in mind, these can also be added to your home as remarkable Customized Image Murals. At Limitless Walls, we offer custom solutions that allow you to transform your favorite photos into awe-inspiring wall coverings. Whether you select one of our mural designs or create your own, you will be amazed by how easy it is to apply (or, when desired, remove) our peel-and-stick products.
Add affordable prices and exceptional customer service to the mix, and you can see why we're the go-to solution for removable wall murals. Shop our collections today or Contact Us for more information.