Filming Locations of Harry Potter

2. Alnwick Castle

London, England

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In the first movie, when Harry receives his first flying lesson from Madame Hooch, the scene was shot in the Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle. The castle was first built in 1096 to protect northern England from Scottish invaders and is a popular tourist attraction. It protects an important road crossing the River Aln. When the castle came under the ownership of Henry Percy, he began improvements and expansions. Today, the castle boasts opulent staterooms complete with a wide array of art and furniture collected over the many years by the Percy family, which included the earls and dukes of Northumberland that held sway at the castle for nearly 200 years. Today, the Duke of Northumberland still makes a home at the castle, though only in a portion of the building. Although the gardens surrounding the castle are open year round, the castle is closed to visitors during the winter months.