Key Highlights
- Explore Alnwick Castle, the historic home of the Percy family for over 700 years.
- Discover the magnificent State Rooms, filled with priceless art and family treasures.
- Walk the castle grounds used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films.
- Enjoy magical experiences like broomstick training and other wizarding activities.
- Learn how your ticket provides automatic annual passes for return visits.
- Please note that The Alnwick Garden is a separate attraction with its own admission.
Introduction
Welcome to Alnwick Castle, a stunning medieval fortress and beautiful family home nestled in the heart of Northumberland. Known as the second largest inhabited castle in the UK, it combines magnificent medieval architecture with lavish, Italian-inspired State Rooms. For centuries, this castle has been a military outpost, a teaching college, and a family home. Today, it invites you to explore its rich history and discover the magic within its ancient walls. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Planning Your Visit to Alnwick Castle
When you plan your first visit to Alnwick Castle, getting here is simple. Located less than a mile off the A1 in Northumberland, the castle is well-signposted. If you’re driving, the main car park is just off Denwick Lane, with parking available for a small fee. For those using public transport, Alnmouth station is just four miles away, with a short taxi or bus ride connecting you to the visitor entrance.
Once you arrive, the castle grounds offer a full day of exploration. Information about accessibility, including accessible toilets and partial access for wheelchairs and guide dogs, is available to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone. Understanding the opening times and ticket prices is key to making the most of your day.
Opening Times and Best Seasons to Go
The best time of year to visit Alnwick Castle is between the end of March and the end of October, when it is open daily. The summer months of July and August are particularly special, as the grounds stay open slightly later, until 5:30 p.m., allowing you to take full advantage of the long, sunny days. This period often features special events and activities perfect for the whole family.
Different areas of the castle have their own specific opening times, so it’s wise to check them before you arrive. This ensures you won’t miss out on exploring the State Rooms or the museums during your visit. Here is a general schedule to help you plan:
| Area | Opening Hours | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Grounds | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 3:45 p.m. |
| State Rooms | 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
| Artisan’s Courtyard | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. |
| Museum Towers | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. |
While the castle is beautiful throughout its open season, a visit in September or October offers a chance to see the Northumberland landscape in its stunning autumn colors. No matter which time of year you choose, your ticket automatically becomes one of the castle’s annual passes, letting you return for free within 12 months.
Ticket Prices and Booking Options
Booking your tickets online in advance is the best way to save a little money on your visit. While you can purchase tickets at the gate, the online booking options offer a discount on standard admission. This makes planning your trip both easy and economical.
Ticket prices vary depending on age and group size, with special rates for concessions and families. Here’s a quick look at the standard admission fees when booking online:
- Adult (17+ years): £21.55
- Child (5-16 years): £11.35
- Family (2 adults, up to 4 children): £62.95
One of the fantastic benefits of buying a ticket is that it automatically converts into one of the castle’s annual passes at no extra cost, allowing you to visit as many times as you like for a full year. The castle also offers free admission for accompanying carers and welcomes guide dogs, ensuring an accessible experience for all visitors.
The History and Heritage of Alnwick Castle
The history of Alnwick Castle is deeply intertwined with the Percy family, who have called it home since 1309. This magnificent medieval architecture has stood for centuries, serving as a military stronghold, a family residence, and now one of the UK’s most significant heritage destinations. Its story is filled with drama, from the border conflicts with Scotland to the Wars of the Roses.
As you explore the castle, you are walking through layers of heritage. From the formidable fortress exterior to the lavish State Rooms inside, every corner has a story. Next, we’ll look at some key historical events and the famous residents who shaped Alnwick Castle into the icon it is today.
Key Historical Events and Timeline
The timeline of Alnwick Castle begins in the Norman period, but its most famous chapter started in the 14th century when it was acquired by the powerful Percy family. For years, this mighty fortress played a crucial role in the ongoing border wars between England and Scotland, its walls witnessing countless skirmishes and strategic maneuvers. The castle’s defenses, including Constable’s Tower, were essential to its function as a northern stronghold.
The castle’s history is also marked by national conflicts, including the Wars of the Roses, where the Percy family played a significant part. The family’s influence grew so strong that one of its most famous members, Henry Percy, helped King Henry IV claim the throne. This legacy cemented the family’s place in English history.
In the 19th century, the 4th Duke of Northumberland transformed the castle’s interior. He hired architect Anthony Salvin to restore the medieval exterior while creating the opulent Italianate State Rooms you see today. At the same time, the renowned landscape architect Lancelot “Capability” Brown designed the beautiful parkland surrounding the fortress, completing the grand vision.
Famous Residents and Stories
For over 700 years, Alnwick Castle has been the home of the Percy family, one of England’s most illustrious aristocratic dynasties. The fascinating stories of these famous residents are woven into the very fabric of the castle. Today, the family, led by the current Duke of Northumberland and Duchess of Northumberland, still resides here, making it a living, breathing piece of history.
The lavish State Rooms offer a glimpse into the lives of the Percy family through the generations. As you walk through these beautifully decorated halls, you are surrounded by an incredible collection of art, furniture, and personal treasures. Each room tells a part of the family’s story, showcasing the interests and tastes of its former and current residents.
Our friendly guides within the State Rooms are always on hand to share some of the more captivating tales and answer any questions you might have. From powerful medieval lords to modern-day dukes, the Percy family’s legacy is what gives Alnwick Castle its unique character and charm.
Magical Experiences and Harry Potter Connections
Did you know Alnwick Castle has a magical side? It famously starred as a filming location in the first two Harry Potter films, serving as the backdrop for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Fans will instantly recognize the grounds where Harry and his friends learned to fly their broomsticks.
This connection to the wizarding world is celebrated with a host of magical experiences. Whether you’re a dedicated Harry Potter fan or just young at heart, you can take part in wizarding activities like broomstick training sessions. It’s your chance to feel like a real Hogwarts student right where the movie magic was made!
Filming Locations and Tours
For any Harry Potter admirer, visiting Alnwick Castle is like stepping directly into the movies. The castle grounds served as a key filming location for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Outer Bailey is the memorable spot where Madam Hooch taught the first-years how to fly and where Harry learned the rules of Quidditch.
You can explore these iconic locations on your own or join a guided tour to hear behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of the Harry Potter films. These tours point out the exact spots used in the movies, offering fascinating insights into how the castle was transformed into the magical school of Hogwarts.
Walking through the courtyards and baileys, it’s easy to imagine you’re a student heading to class or the Quidditch pitch. The experience of standing in the same place as the film’s beloved characters makes a visit to this historic filming location truly unforgettable for fans of all ages.
Wizarding Activities for Kids and Families
Beyond just seeing the film locations, you can immerse yourself in a variety of wizarding activities perfect for families. The most popular of these is the world-renowned broomstick training sessions. Led by resident wizarding professors, these lessons teach you the basics of mounting, balancing, and maneuvering a broomstick right on the very lawn used in the film.
The fun doesn’t stop there! The castle offers a full program of entertainment that brings history and fantasy to life. Families can enjoy a day filled with merriment and excitement with activities such as:
- Medieval Archery: Test your aim with a longbow under the guidance of a master archer.
- Silly History Boys: Enjoy interactive and gory stories of medieval history.
- Tom Fool: Be entertained by the resident jester with his silly antics.
After all the excitement, you can relax with some refreshments at one of the on-site cafes. These activities ensure that a visit to Alnwick Castle is a fun-filled day for every Harry Potter fan and their family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alnwick Castle suitable for families with children?
Yes, Alnwick Castle is fantastic for families with children. The expansive castle grounds are perfect for exploring, and the wizarding activities, especially broomstick training, are a huge hit. With plenty of space for fun, available refreshments, and activities for all ages, it’s an ideal family day out.
Are guided tours available at Alnwick Castle?
Yes, guided tours are available at Alnwick Castle. You’ll find friendly guides in the State Rooms ready to share stories about the Percy family and the castle’s history. Additionally, special tours focusing on the Harry Potter filming locations are often running. Check at the castle admission office upon arrival for times.
Are there places to eat at or near Alnwick Castle?
Yes, there are several places to grab refreshments during your visit. The Courtyard Cafe and Stables Fryery offer a range of food and drink options. While The Alnwick Garden is a separate attraction, the charming town of Alnwick itself also has numerous cafes and restaurants just a short walk away.
All information in this blog is sourced from the official Alnwick Castle website. https://www.alnwickcastle.com/