Potter Northern Magic Roundabout
A quick trip round Potter locations in the
North....
Nicolson's
Where it all began. In a seat by the window
of this Edinburgh café. Nursing one cup
of coffee for hours because she couldn't afford
to turn on the heating at home, JK Rowling dreamed
up Harry Potter and brought him to life. Scotland
will feature in the second Potter movie -- filming
of the Hogwarts Express has already taken place
on the famous Fort William to Mallaig line which
boasts some of our most glorious countryside.
6a Nicolson Street, Edinburgh (0131 557 4567)
Alnwick Castle
Owned by the Duke of Northumberland, whose
family, the Percys, have lived there since 1309.
The earliest parts of the castle appear to have
been erected soon after 1096 when Yves de Vescy
became baron of Alnwick. Since its first restoration
in the 14th century Alnwick Castle has been
refurbished several times, notably in the 18th
century by the celebrated architect Robert Adam,
who is responsible for the fine ceilings and
fireplaces and many of the stone figures guarding
the battlements. The exterior of the castle
is used as the exterior of Hogwarts school.
Alnwick, Northumberland, 24-hour information
line 01665 511100. www.alnwickcastle.com
Durham Cathedral
Travel writer Bill Bryson got here first --
'the best cathedral on planet earth' -- but
Warners rediscovered it as the best place to
replicate the spooky atmosphere of Hogwarts
classrooms. Also home to the shrine of the seventh-century
saint, Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. Tours available.
Chapter Office, The College, Durham (0191 386
4266). www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Goathland Railway Station
Goathland, turned into Hogsmeade Station in
the film, is where the Hogwarts Express pulls
in to unload its human cargo of Hogwarts pupils.
The moors town of Goathland is already famous
as the fictional village Aidensfield in ITV's
Heartbeat series and the station
has barely changed since it was opened on July
1, 1865.
Goathland Village, North Yorkshire (01947 895359).
www.northyorkshiremoorsrailway.com
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