The oldest bits of this castle were built just after the battle of Hastings to defend the English borders from those marauding, Scottish hoards and many important historical battles and sieges took place on and around its walls, which are built in two rings, with towers built at regular intervals along both.

The castle's modern uses have been far more peaceful: since WW2 it's been used as a school, first for girls then as a teacher training college – must have been a lovely place to learn! It's currently part of the St. Cloud State University, but it also moonlights as a film star, appearing as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter franchise and as both the interior and exteriors of Castle Blackadder and in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Elizabeth. It's also host to exhibitions of archaeology, with a special interest in the frescoes and relics of Pompeii. The local military regiment: the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, has a museum in one of the towers – which means it's definitely open to visitors. It's England's second largest castle after Windsor, and is visited accordingly.

Written by  Film Fan.

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