'Fairytale' UK market town where Harry Potter was filmed with the world's biggest treehouse
by Talya Honebeek · BristolLiveAs the temperatures dip and the time to turn the clocks back approaches, travellers are faced with a choice: chase the winter sun abroad or lean into a quintessentially British autumnal staycation.
Northumberland, England's northernmost county, boasts some of the nation's favourite staycation destinations. The tranquil village of Corbridge and Bamburgh, crowned the UK's "best seaside resort", are just a couple of the gems in this region.
Alnwick is another must-visit location, often described as a "fairytale" market town and providing the perfect gateway for discovering the wonders of Northumberland.
The history of Alnwick stretches back to the 7th century. This once bustling market town, pivotal as a stopover on the Great North Road during the 18th and 19th centuries, thrived following the construction of Alnwick Castle.
This grand medieval fortress, perched above the River Aln, has become an iconic sight, reports the Mirror. To fend off Scottish incursions, the town was fortified with a tall wall featuring four gateways, two of which still stand today. One of these, the Pottergate Tower, has even been converted into a luxury holiday let, offering guests a unique view of the castle.
And for those who are fans of the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle might strike a chord of recognition it served as a filming location for scenes in both the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.
Harry and his schoolmates honed their broomstick flying skills on the Outer Bailey, which also served as Harry's training ground for Quidditch. As you wander around the castle's courtyards and baileys, you'll recognise them as the backdrop for numerous scenes featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione en route to class, Hagrid's hut and the Forbidden Forest.
Another must-see in the town is Alnwick Gardens, a modern garden boasting everything from water features and a bamboo maze to treetop walkways and a separate garden teeming with deadly plants.
The garden is also home to the world's largest treehouse. The 6,000sqft structure, aptly named The Treehouse, doubles as a unique restaurant and wedding venue, complete with rope bridges, fairy lights, and handcrafted furniture.