Cottages in Harry Potter Country for self-catering holidays

The broomsticks scene of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone were filmed at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.  The castle opens for the season in March.  It's likely to be a popular place for visits during the summer.

If you haven't visited Northumberland before, perhaps this year is the year to do it.  It's  a wonderfully wild and rugged county, great for walkers and lovers of the outdoors.  The next place further north is Scotland - so it's a long way north but well worth the visit.

You may wish to add a trip to Holy Island or Lindisfarne, the ancient seat of Christianity,  which is off the Northumbrian coast.   Your children will have heard of Hadrian's wall - it's here too, all waiting to be discovered. Treat yourself to an adventure - visit Northumberland.

New Harry Potter Theme Park opening in Watford, England in 2012

All Harry Potter fans are awaiting the opening of the new Harry Potter theme park and spooky events. Find self catering accommodation near the Harry Potter theme park near Watford.

Some country cottages in Northumberland

Back to Harry Potter.  Goathlands Station in North Yorkshire became Hogwarts Station for the film.  It's also used as one of the locations in Heartbeat. The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral  became the forbidding corridors of Hogwarts.  Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire was used for the interior and grounds of Hogwarts.  

Cathedral Tower Tours - All Year Round

A rare chance to ascend the medieval tower of Gloucester Cathedral admiring the stonework on the way up and admiring the wonderful views from the top. Wednesday to Friday's at 2.30pm and Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays at 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Gloucester Cathedral, Telephone +44 (0)1452 528095

Please contact cottage owners in Gloucestershire directly about availability of accommodation.

• holiday cottages in Gloucestershire