The Outer Bailey is Alnwick Castle’s spacious central courtyard, an open lawn surrounded by towering curtain walls and overlooked by medieval towers. This area historically served as a gathering place for military musters and public events, and its grassy expanse offers panoramic views of the castle’s Norman architecture. Entered through the Lion Arch—an ornate stone gateway bearing the Percy family emblem—it provides a dramatic transition from the bustling town into the castle’s inner world. Today the Outer Bailey remains the heart of visitor activity, hosting broomstick lessons and tours that connect the site’s 950‑year history with its cinematic fame. The Lion Arch itself is both a historic entrance and an iconic filming landmark for fans of the Harry Potter series.