The Colliding Worlds of “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey”!

Sometimes the Potter world and projects that Harry Potter alumni are involved with collide in the strangest of ways. Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England, has become well known for doubling for Hogwarts and the background of the Quidditch lessons in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Now, Downton Abbey, starring Dame Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall), is taking over the Castle for some of its own filming.

The Castle website displays the following message:

Please note that various areas of Alnwick Castle will be closed or have limited access on July 28–August 8 (inclusive) due to the filming of a major ITV period drama.

Please note that some of the State Rooms may be dressed for filming while open to the public on those days.
We apologise for any inconvenience.

You can find out more details about the filming here.

Aside from Harry Potter, the Castle has also been used for countless other films, including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Elizabeth.

If you’re planning on visiting Alnwick Castle in the near future, then make sure you check out its Quidditch lessons, as well as other Potter features! And if you’re feeling nostalgic, why don’t you check out MuggleNet’s Roadtrip Wednesday posts from last year, where Kat, Caleb, and Alexandra visited Alnwick Castle, among many other Potter filming sites!

Have you visited Alnwick Castle? Are you planning to this summer? Let us know!