Alnwick Castle
Alnwick, Northumberland
About Alnwick Castle
Step into one of England’s most famous castles, where medieval history, film locations and family activities come together in one Northumberland day out. Alnwick Castle has stood for more than 900 years and is still home to the Percy family, making it one of the country’s largest inhabited castles.
With its towering stone walls, majestic towers, and sprawling grounds, Alnwick Castle is a picturesque sight and a significant piece of English history. From being the home to powerful noble families to serving as a filming location for popular movies and TV shows, Alnwick Castle has a rich and diverse history that continues attracting visitors worldwide.
Current Events
Alnwick Castle’s 2026 What’s On programme includes family shows, live demonstrations, music and hands-on heritage activities throughout the open season. July highlights include Raphael Historic Falconry, Tom Fool, Trouvère’s medieval music, Master Archer Andy Rice and Time Will Tell’s Great Kitchen performance. Event dates, times and availability vary, so check the What’s On board when you arrive.
Things To Do
Journey Back In Time And Experience Living In The Past! Built way back in the 11th century, it's been home to the Percy family for over 700 years. When you visit, you can wander through the stunning staterooms filled with beautiful art, furniture, and treasures from days gone by.
Over the years, it has undergone numerous renovations and additions, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles showcasing its evolution. The iconic castle's interior features lavish staterooms, intricate tapestries, and impressive art collections that provide a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former residents. It really brings history to life - great for helping kids learn about the past!
Fun Tours & Workshops
Want to learn more about the castle's fascinating past? Join one of the guided tours or interactive workshops! These are designed to be super engaging for kids, with activities like medieval crafts, castle defence lessons, and even trying on old-fashioned costumes. The guides are great at making history fun and exciting for young minds.
Magical Adventures for Kids
Harry Potter Fun
Calling all Harry Potter fans! Did you know parts of the movies were filmed here at Alnwick Castle? Your kids can take part in activities with broomsticks, such as broomstick training sessions like Harry, Hermione, and Ron had. Imagine their faces lighting up as they fly around the castle grounds – it's pure magic!
Please note: Broomstick Training is included with admission, but spaces are limited. Collect a free time-slot ticket when you arrive, as places are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dragon Quest
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through a world of mythical creatures and thrilling obstacles! Navigate your way through the twisting mirror maze, cross the treacherous fiery bridge, and hold on tight as you face the dizzying whirlpool. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the many dragons hidden throughout this epic journey.
Artisan's Courtyard
The headline attraction has to be their Artisans Courtyard. In the Artisans Courtyard and Dragon Quest, families can enjoy hands-on medieval fun, costumes, quizzes and imaginative challenges during the open season. Availability may vary, so check what is running when you arrive.Warning: not for the faint-hearted! Plus, enjoy special events like Longbow and falconry demonstrations, traditional musical performances and meeting locals like Peterkin, the court jester. His fire-eating, stilt-walking antics will have you laughing and gasping all at once!
Featured In Top UK Movies And TV Shows
Do you think you've seen Alnwick Castle before? Well, you probably have! It's featured in a wide range of films and TV shows, from Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, and the kid's favourite Harry Potter to Downton Abbey!
Food & Drink
After a long day, why not stop off at an Alnwick Castle cafe? You can head to either the Courtyard Cafe for sandwiches, soup, savoury snacks, and freshly baked goodies or the Pizzeria and Ice Cream Palour where we a variety of pizzas and salads are on offer. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available.
Annual Pass
Every online ticket automatically becomes an annual pass, giving you unlimited standard daytime revisits to Alnwick Castle for 12 months from your first visit during public opening periods. You do not need to book return visits - just show your pass and ID at the gate. This is not a refund or ticket return policy.
Our Top Tips for Your Visit
To make sure you have the best time ever, here are some handy tips:
- Search for "Alnwick Castle events" to see what's happening during your visit.
- Look up "Alnwick Castle tickets" to book ahead and skip the queues.
- Check out "family activities at Alnwick Castle" to plan your day and make sure you don't miss any highlights.
Why We Think Alnwick Castle Is Great For Families To Visit
Alnwick Castle is a beautiful visitor attraction for families, offering a magical blend of history and adventure! With its stunning architecture and enchanting grounds, kids and adults alike can explore the iconic castle that served as a filming location for many films and TV series.
With interactive medieval experiences, from broomstick training to Dragon Quest, you're guaranteed a day filled with fun and learning.
A Must Visit For History and Film Fans
There’s plenty to enjoy at Alnwick Castle every day. Alongside special events and performances, you can join a guided tour to discover the castle’s history or its role as a filming location, try your hand at archery, or even learn to fly a broomstick in the very spot where Harry Potter first soared.
Magical Castle with Archery, Broomstick Training, and Daily Activities
Step back in time with Alnwick Castle's interactive medieval activities, perfect for kids and adults alike. Families can participate in archery, try on medieval armour, or embark on Dragon Quest, providing an engaging and educational experience that brings history to life!
Throughout the school holidays there is always something fun and exciting to do at Alnwick Castle. Family friendly activities include: Jesters, Falconry, Theatre, Longbow Demonstrations and much much more.
Explore the Castle Grounds
Alnwick Castle Grounds are a magical adventure for kids of all ages. There’s plenty of space to run, explore, and imagine knights and dragons in the historic setting. In Artisans Courtyard young visitors can try their hand at medieval skills, while costumed performers bring history to life with fun, interactive storytelling. The expansive lawns, towers, and secret corners offer endless opportunities for play and discovery.
On weekends and during school holidays, our Family Friendly History tour offers young visitors a chance to explore Alnwick Castle's history in a fun, 30-minute session.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Accessible Toilets
Food Available
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
Alnwick Castle is open seasonally from spring to autumn. For 2026, the castle is open daily during the main season and closes on 22 October 2026. Standard opening hours are usually 10am - 5pm, with some areas and last-entry times varying by attraction area.
The castle grounds are generally open 10am-5pm, with last entry at 3:45pm. The State Rooms usually open 10:30am-4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm, and individual areas may have different opening times.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-16) : £11.60
- Adult (17-18+) : £22.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Alnwick Castle by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
The Courtyard Cafe offers a menu of delicious, locally sourced food, including sandwiches and scones. A selection of refreshing cold drinks and hot beverages is also available.
The Pizzeria offers pizza and salads, as well as local Morwick Dairy ice cream.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Bus:
There are Arriva bus stops and a bus station in the centre of Alnwick that will bring you to the castle. The X15, X18 and X20 buses all run from Newcastle, departing from and via the city's Haymarket bus station. It is approximately a five minute walk to the castle from the bus station.
By Train:
The East Coast mainline stops at the nearest station Alnmouth. This is 4 miles from the castle.
By Car:
Just off the A1, you can find Alnwick Castle if you follow the postcode NE66 1YU, which takes you to the shared car park.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 08:47 16/07/2026
Alnwick Castle Reviews
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