Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle began as a wooden fortress built in the early 1090s before being reconstructed in stone in 1096 by Baron Yvo de Vesci to defend a crucial river crossing. It was besieged by Scottish forces multiple times, and captured in 1174 when King William the Lion was taken prisoner outside its walls.

By the early 14th century, the Percy family took control, transforming Alnwick into their principal northern seat. They added grand towers, gatehouses, and palatial chambers—turning the castle into a luxurious fortress that balanced warfare with splendor.

Despite its enduring power, Alnwick is haunted by one of England’s oldest supernatural tales—the Vampire of Alnwick. According to legend, a former master of the castle rose from his grave at night, bringing plague and destruction. In a panic, the local people dug up his shallow grave, revealing a bloated corpse that disgorged fresh blood when pierced with a spade, proving to them that it was indeed a vampire. The body was taken outside the town and burned. It was only then that the curse that had consumed the town was lifted, bringing an abrupt end to the devastating plague and the terror of the townsfolk.

Today, the castle’s formidable arches and courtyards also double as cinematic icons. It famously portrayed Hogwarts School in Harry Potter, and has appeared in Downton Abbey, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Transformers: The Last Knight, Ivanhoe, The Blackadder, and more. Its timeless visage continues to draw fans and scholars alike.