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Time for another adventure — Michael, Alison, and I were up early for the two-hour drive from Harrogate to Northumberland to visit Alnwick Castle, the home of the 12th Duke of Northumberland. Alnwick has also been the setting for Hogwarts, the wizarding school attended by Harry Potter.
We did the morning State Room tour, and I signed up for the 1:30 p.m. Broomstick training class.
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| Sir Henry Percy (Hotspur) (1364 – 1403) |
After touring the Castle’s stately rooms, we enjoyed lunch at a picnic table near the statue of Sir Henry Hotspur, which had been unveiled in 2010 by the 12th Duke of Northumberland.
After lunch, we visited the Great Kitchen designed by Anthony Salvin. The kitchen is being restored.
After the kitchen tour, it was time to head to class. The group included several young people dressed as Harry Potter, but the majority of us were er um … older..
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| We were not allowed to touch our brooms until given the okay! |
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| Mount! |
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| Our protessor |
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| Our brooms before we could touch them |
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| Ready to fly! |
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| I passed!!!!! |
Passing the course was an accomplishment. Afterward, we headed to another part of the Castle, climbing up the stairs to get a magnificent view!
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| and back down the stairs |
And then a quick trip to the shop to get a catalog!
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It was a very ducky day. Great weather. Warm and sunny!! We walked toward the Alnwick Gardens, which required a separate ticket.
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| Ducks are oblivious to the crowds. I sat on the ground and the ducklings climbed on my legs … Cute |
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| Hurrying to see the American who loves ducks!!! |
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| The line was too long for the poison garden .. you cannot wander into this garden because it is a poison garden https://www.alnwickgarden.com/the-garden/poison-garden/ |
The gardens are stunning — specializing in different flower, including a rose garden, and water themes.
The Rose Garden was breathtaking!
Alison and I went into the maze ….. and we came out again!!!
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| as we headed out of the garden, a duckling came to say good bye |
Back to the car park, across the River Aln to have dinner in the town of Alnwick.
Last view before getting into the car and driving back to Harrogate … another adventure tomorrow!!!
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Marlene Eilers Koenig
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