Alnwick
In the ‘so-North-you’re-basically-in-Scotland’ plains of Northumberland, we have picturesque Alnwick; home to castles and tattie-scones (that’s potato scones to you and I), and beautiful stretches of lush green countryside. Harry Potter fan? This is the place for you. Top tourist attraction Alnwick Castle has been roping in visitors for decades after having starred as the one and only Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the popular film franchise. Lesser known but just as important to those of who appreciate an afternoon touring a castle, it also featured in Downton Abbey and is highly regarded as one of the UK’s finest castles, complete with behind the scene tours, stunning interior design and a selection of fine-dining options. Alnwick offers itself up as a northern Mecca for old world architecture and lavish gardens, but don’t keep your feet on the ground - the Tree-House restaurant, a high-rise, fairy-lit dining experience, will surely be the cherry on the cake.