Check out the behind the scenes video where I explore Alnwick Castle, the location I chose to showcase the book The Rose Gate by Hanna Sandvig ( a Beauty and the Beast retelling).
If you haven’t watched the book review video for The Rose Gate, check it out here:
https://www.jlgillham.com/blog/rosegate
Get your copy of the book here: https://amzn.to/2SeTXwe
Transcript:
I love to merge my hobbies including reading, traveling, photography, everything to do with videos. So, I pick a book and showcase it at a unique location.
My friend Sam and I spent a weekend in Edinboro Scotland selling books at a convention. On our way back home to England we made a few stops. One of them was at Alnwick Castle.
Of course I wanted to check it out because it is absolutely stunning, but also for its more unique aspects. One of them is The Poison Garden. It has about 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants that are locked away behind black iron gates, and only open on guided tours. Unfortunately, we were in a bit of a time crunch so I wasn't able to check that out, but I added the location to my revisit bucket list.
They also have unique fairytale themed sculptures and artwork at the miny golf and on the grounds. That’s where I saw the black ironwork and blooming glass rose petals. I knew instantly this would be the perfect location to showcase the book The Rose Gate. The story was written by Hannah Sandvig and is a modern day version of Beauty and the Beast that involves the fae realm.
Another reason we made a quick stop here is because Alnwick Castle is the real location of the Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey's 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials. And, it has been in many films including Transformers: The Last Knight, Elizabeth and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. I’ll quote their website for another reason so many tourists flock to this location each year.
“Our very own Alnwick Castle was used as a filming location of both the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. Harry and his classmates learned to fly broomsticks on the Outer Bailey, which is also where Harry learned to play the wizarding sport Quidditch. Walk around the castle’s courtyards and baileys, and try and spot where Harry and his friends walked to class, where Ron crashed his dad’s flying car, and their route to Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest.”
Next we walked toward the castle. I had to stop and take a ton of pictures here. I’d dropped my camera recently during the British tea house photo shoot and I’d soon find out my camera was about to stop working. That’s okay, because we were out of time. I’ve added the location to my revisit bucket list. And, next time I’ll make sure to bring a working camera.
Ending:
If you love modern day fairytale retellings grab a copy of The Rose Gate. And if you enjoyed this video make sure to watch my review of The Memory Thief, the first story in the City of Wishes series. It’s a modern day Cinderella retelling. Also, If you are ever in the United Kingdom I strongly recommend adding Alnwick Castle to your itinerary. But, don’t make the same mistake I did. Instead of rushing through everything, plan to spend an entire day there and make sure to book a tour through The Poison Garden.