Tucked away off the Cloister at Durham Cathedral is the Chapter House, a spectacular room rarely open to visitors but this summer it will be opening its doors to host a unique afternoon tea.
And, besides the double treat of being able to enjoy tea and cakes in such grand surroundings, guests also will be walking in the footsteps of Harry Potter as the room had a starring role in the hit movie franchise based on JK Rowling's books. The unusual space was picked as the setting for the classroom of Professor McGonagall at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It featured in the first two films in the series, as the 'Transfiguration' professor, played by Maggie Smith, conducted classes with Harry and his fellow trainee wizards. The Chapter House can be seen in 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone -when Harry and pals arrived late to class - and also in the second, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, in which Professor McGonagall taught Harry, Ron and Hermione how to turn animals into water goblets.
Read more: 10 reasons we love Durham Cathedral
The adjoining Cloister and other parts of the cathedral had roles to play in the fllms too. The Cloister was used in the scene where Harry releases Hedwig in the snow as well as when Ron fell victim to a vomiting curse and the cathedral's upper level 'triforium' - which is not accessible to the public but can be seen by looking up from the nave - was the setting for the Forbidden Corridor where Fluffy the three-headed dog resided. Objects from its collection featured too, such as an intricate inkwell - carved with wyverns and owls - which was previously used by Chapter clerks and can seen on the professor's desk - which itself was the one used by a 19th century Bishop.
Durham Cathedral has featured in a number of movies, including Elizabeth starring Cate Blanchett, and Avengers, as well as in TV shows, such as George Gently whose star Martin Shaw has told how he enjoyed popping into the cathedral during his breaks in filming. And film buffs often enjoy tracking down the locations used.
The Chapter House afternoon tea, taking place on May 13 at 1pm, is set to prove hugely popular. While the room has hosted afternoon tea events before, it is usually closed to the public so the event offers a rare opportunity to explore a unique setting. The space, which features an especially high ceiling, dates from 1895, being largely a reconstruction of a room originally daily used by monks but which proved unpopular with later clergy as it was difficult to heat.
The afternoon tea does not have a Harry Potter theme but guests are promised a "delicious" treat and a warm reception with "indulgent food and a historic setting". They can enjoy hand-made sandwiches, scones and cakes with the option of tea or coffee and a glass of fizz.
The Afternoon Tea in the Chapter House event costs £30 plus a £1.50 booking fee. The maximum table size is for six people.
The cathedral asks that any dietary requirements are mentioned at the time of booking and it will then make contact to confirm them. To book see here.
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