The North East played host to a number of locations for the Harry Potter film series with landmarks like Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral providing a backdrop to the wizarding world.

Iconic Durham landmark Durham Cathedral is perhaps one of the more recognisable of the on-screen locations, featuring in the first two Harry Potter movies, The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.

In the first film, the cloister was used as the filming location for scenes of Harry, Ron and Hermione walking between lessons and in the second film was the backdrop for the freeing of Dobby the house elf.

Professor McGonagall's classroom was also shot on location at Durham Cathedral. Dame Maggie Smith's character taught Transfiguration lessons to Hogwarts students from The Chapter House which is a room in the side of the cathedral.

It can be visited by the public from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

(Image: Durham Cathedral / PA Wire)

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Dame Maggie sadly died on Friday aged 89.

A statement from her publicist said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

(Image: Visual/allaction.co./PA Wire)

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.

The Harry Potter and Downton Abbey actress was well-loved by the public and fans paid tribute on social media.

Carole Doherty said: "So so sad. A fabulous actress and amazing woman," while Lynne Crossley said that Dame Maggie was "Such an amazing, diverse actress, who was so very well respected within the industry."