Alnwick Castle
Alnwick, Northumberland
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Medieval knights, dragons, dressing up AND Harry Potter?! Alnwick Castle may very well be heaven on earth. Alnwick Castle, located in Northumberland, England, is a historic and impressive medieval fortress that has stood for over 1,000 years.
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.
Things To Do
Journey Back In Time And Experience Living In The Past
Alnwick Castle isn't just a pretty face – it's living history! 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.
From Raphael Tudor Falconry and the Barber Surgeon to longbow demonstrations!
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!
Knight's Quest
Get ready for some medieval fun at the Knight's Quest area. Kids can dress up as knights or princesses and dive into a world of sword fighting, archery, and more. It's a fantastic, hands-on way for kids to learn about life in the Middle Ages while having a blast.
We think kids and adults will enjoy dressing up in medieval costumes available at the castle. You can really get into character and challenge the whole family to some traditional games from the medieval period.
Stunning Gardens and Outdoor Fun
Explore Alnwick Castle and Gardens
Right next to the beautiful castle is the breathtaking Alnwick Garden. With its beautiful flowers, magical water features, and secret pathways, it's like stepping into a fairy tale. Take advantage of the Grand Cascade, a spectacular water display that kids will love.
Treehouse Adventure
The Alnwick Garden is also home to a fantastic Treehouse – one of the biggest in the world! With wobbly bridges, rope walkways, and a charming restaurant, it's an adventurous playground for the whole family. Your kids will feel like they've stepped into an enchanted forest.
Artisan's Courtyard
The headline attraction has to be their Artisans Courtyard. Dress up, do quizzes and wind your way through a labyrinth to see if you can defeat the mythical dragon at the end! 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 Stables Fryery, where you can munch on traditional fish and chips!
The Armoury Takeaway is also an option with freshly prepared paninis, sandwiches, sweet goodies and refreshments.
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 the Harry Potter movies.
With interactive medieval experiences, from broomstick training to knights' quests, you're guaranteed a day filled with fun and learning.
Looking for Easter events near you? Visit our Easter Events Page to discover top rated Easter Events!
A Must Visit For Harry Potter Fans
When visiting Alnwick Castle you'll be amazed to discover that it is no stranger to film crews... Because you've seen the iconic castle in the Harry Potter films!
You can discover everything magical about the castle and even take part in broomstick training sessions! Are you ready to fly?
Interactive Medieval Experiences
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 a knight’s quest, providing an engaging and educational experience that brings history to life!
Beautiful Gardens and Grounds
The castle is surrounded by stunning gardens designed by the Duchess of Northumberland, featuring beautiful landscapes, water features, and a unique treehouse. Families can enjoy leisurely walks through the gardens, explore the fascinating Poison Garden, or relax in the charming setting, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a day of exploration!
We recommend visiting when the sun is shining!
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Food Available
Opening Times
Open daily 29th March - End of October Castle Grounds, Artisan's Courtyard and Museum Towers 10:00 - 17:30
Courtyard Cafe 10:00 - 16:00
Courtyard Gift Shop 10:00 - 16:30
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : £10.80
- Adult (17-18+) : £20.50
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We make sure that families always get excellent value for money when visiting family-friendly attractions. Not only do we offer official tickets to your favourite attractions, ensuring authenticity and the best deals, but we also offer mobile-friendly e-tickets. Making your entry to the attraction is hassle-free! You'll have easy-to-access tickets ready on your mobile device! Plus, our price promise guarantees that you won’t find a better deal elsewhere, making us your go-to for family fun without the fuss.
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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, from sandwiches to hearty meals like fish and chips. A selection of refreshing cold drinks and hot beverages is also available.
The Stables Fryery serves traditional fish and chips, and the Armoury Takeaway has a selection of baked goods, such as paninis and sandwiches.
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.
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Last Updated: 13:31 01/08/2024
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