Alnwick Castle

Your Guide to Alnwick CastleAlnwick Castle is one of the most beautiful and imposing Castles in the UK and It's a great day out for the entire family. The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland still live in the Castle as their family has for hundreds of years. They offer an exciting calendar of activities and events including hands-on workshops, theatrical falconry, magic and re-enactments. They even offer tours that reveal the history of the Castle from Harry Hotspur to Harry Potter! The Castle has also been used in films such as Elizabeth and even the TV comedy Blackadder over the years. 

Getting There 

There is ample parking in the Town Centre, with the main public car parks located behind the main shopping area (turn right at the Playhouse, just before going through Bondgate Tower when entering the town from the South). Car Parks are clearly marked on our interactive map of the town centre. 

The town is also easily reached by bus. There is a bus station in the town centre, operated by Arriva. Alnwick lies on the County's main bus route from Newcastle and Morpeth up to Berwick, so services run frequently. See the Arriva North East website for timetables and routes. The town is no longer served by rail, the nearest Train Station is Alnmouth, approximately 5 miles east. The original Victorian train station has now been converted into one of the largest second hand book shops in the UK (see attractions). There is however talk of a new rail line re-linking Alnwick the the Great Northern Line at Alnmouth, but these things always take time! Local Taxi companies include The Yellow Taxi, a genuine London taxi that seats up to six people.

Postcode for your SatNav: NE66 1NQ

About the Castle

Open from the end of March through to Autumn, Alnwick Castle has been one of Northumberland’s top attractions for decades. Alnwick has had a Castle on this site for over 1,000 years and to this day it remains one of the largest inhabited Castles in Europe. The Percy family have occupied the Castle for generations; William de Percy (d.1096) came to England with the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066 and his descendant Henry Lord Percy was to buy Alnwick Castle in 1309. It is the Percy family that have built up the estate, collected a huge amount of art and more recently opened their fascinating home to the public.

Inside the Castle you will find a huge number of fascinating rooms and artefacts from its fractious history to discover. The State Rooms are packed full with art and antique furniture, the Library in the Tower houses a collection of 14,000 books, the Drawing Room has its rare Cucci Cabinets and the Dining Room with its enormous 33 foot long table.

Events at Alnwick Castle

The Castle really is a magical place to bring the kids, not only will they know it as Hogwarts from the early Harry Potter films, but there is always a huge range of exciting activities taking place. Regular tours include the Battleaxe to Broomstick Tour where Harry Hotspur and Harry Potter are brought to life and Broomstick Training with the resident wizards!

Facilities at Alnwick Castle

There are plenty of options if you need something to eat or drink while you’re at the Castle. There is the Medieval Courtyard for a quick snack or Hog Roast, the Courtyard Café for lunches and sandwiches etc or the Hotspur Restaurant for a more lavish, locally sourced meal. The Town Centre is just a short stroll away as well so you could always choose from our list of places to eat in Alnwick.

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