Alnwick Castle
Medieval fortress and aristocratic mansion known to many as Hogwarts.
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Charged parking
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Good journey mark
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
The origins of Alnwick Castle date back to the Norman period. Since 1309 its story has been intertwined with that of the Percy family, a family with a history as illustrious as the Castle’s own.
The exterior medieval castle is one of the finest in Britain – it was restored by Anthony Salvin in the mid-19th century. The interior includes lavish state rooms filled with excellent collection of Italian old masters and sculpture. The Castle is set in a wonderful park landscaped by Capability Brown.
The second largest inhabited castle in the UK, Alnwick has served as a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set, and not least as a family home. Delve deeper into this extraordinary history and travel through the centuries of this living, evolving castle.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
General Opening Hours
July 2026: The castle opens from 17 July onwards. Opening hours are 10am – 5pm daily from 17 July through 31 July. (Note: 1–16 July shows no listed hours.)
August 2026: Open daily, 10am – 5pm.
September 2026: Open daily, 10am – 5pm.
October 2026: Open daily 10am – 5pm from 1–23 October. The castle closes from 24–31 October.
Areas & Attractions
During the open season, visitors can explore a range of areas with the following hours:
- Castle Grounds: 10am – 5pm daily (last entry 3:45pm)
- State Rooms: 10:30am – 4:30pm daily (last entry 4pm)
- Great Kitchen: 10:30am – 4:45pm daily (newly opened to visitors in 2025)
- Postern Tower & Constable's Tower: 10am – 5pm daily
- Artisans Courtyard & Dragon Quest: 10am – 5pm daily
- Fusiliers of Northumberland Museum: 11am – 5pm daily (last entry 4:30pm)
Daily Activities & Experiences
Throughout the open season, the castle offers a variety of daily activities and experiences, including falconry demonstrations, jesters, live music, and medieval crafts. Guided tours of the grounds are available daily and are free to join. Visitors can also enjoy broomstick training (time-slot tickets required), archery, and other interactive activities.
Special Events & Exhibitions
Alnwick Castle hosts a full programme of special events throughout the 2026 season. Notable events in July include:
- Birds of Prey – Raphael Historic Falconry: 13–17 July, shows at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm
- Hilarious! Tom Fool: 18–24 July, shows at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm
- Live Music – Trouvère Music: 21–23 July, 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Draw, Aim, Shoot! – Master Archer Andy Rice: 25–28 July, demonstrations at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm
The castle also features 'The Shot Heard Round the World' Exhibition during the 2026 season. A comprehensive events programme with additional dates and activities is available on the website.
| On the website | At the gate | ||
| Adult 17 years + | £21.55 | Adult 17 years + | £23.95 |
| Concession 60+ or full-time student | £17.55 | Concession 60+ or full-time student | £19.50 |
| Child 5-16 years | £11.35 | Child 5-16 years | £12.65 |
| Child 0-4 years | Free | Child 0-4 years | Free |
| Family 2 adults & up to 4 children | £62.95 | Family 2 adults & up to 4 children | £69.95 |
| Family 1 adult & up to 4 children | £42.25 | Family 1 adult & up to 4 children | £46.95 |
Historic Houses members are entitled to free admission. There is no need to pre-book, please bring your valid membership card to show at the gate on arrival. If members would prefer to prebook, they can call our admin office on 01665 511 100 or email [email protected]
Combining magnificent medieval architecture with spectacular Italianate State Rooms, Alnwick Castle is one of the UK’s most significant heritage destinations. Alnwick Castle is an ideal destination for group visits.
To book a visit, or for any further information, please contact our group bookings team:
01665 511 184
We have produced a menu of workshops designed to appeal to a range of age groups and Key Stages, ensuring that Early Years and Reception classes, as well as older years, enjoy equally accessible workshops.
The sessions are led by our costumed characters who take on the personas of wizards, knights, poor peasants, hapless medieval alchemists, chroniclers, and spies.
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
Getting here
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Alnwick Castle is less than a mile off the A1 and is well signposted. The main castle car park is just off Denwick Lane (B1340).
The East Coast mainline from London to Edinburgh stops at Alnmouth station, which is four miles from Alnwick. A taxi or bus (X18) can be taken from Alnmouth station (a journey of approximately 10 minutes).
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