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.
Alnwick Castle, the historic home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, will reopen to visitors on 27 March 2026. The castle offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, including historical tours, interactive experiences, and family-friendly events.
Opening Times
The castle grounds are open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 3:45 pm. The State Rooms are open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, with last entry at 4:00 pm. Note that from 27 September, the State Rooms open at 12:30 pm. Other attractions, such as the Great Kitchen, Artisans Courtyard, and Dragon Quest, are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Fusiliers of Northumberland Museum operates from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm.
Ticket Prices
- Adult (17-59 years): £21.55 online, £23.95 on the gate
- Concession (60+ years and students): £17.55 online, £19.50 on the gate
- Child (5-16 years): £11.35 online, £12.65 on the gate
- Child (0-4 years): Free
- Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): £62.95 online, £69.95 on the gate
- Single Parent Family (1 adult and up to 4 children): £42.25 online, £46.95 on the gate
All tickets purchased online are valid for unlimited visits within 12 months from the first visit.
Attractions and Activities
- Guided Tours: Included with entry, covering the castle's history, film connections, and medieval life.
- Broomstick Training: Free but requires a time-slot ticket, held in the filming location of Harry Potter's first flying lesson.
- Artisans Courtyard: Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, featuring medieval crafts and games.
- Dragon Quest: Included with entry, designed for children aged 5-12 years.
- Have-a-Go Archery: £5 for 8 arrows, available for ages 11 and up.
- Special Events: Longbow demonstrations, jester performances, and interactive history shows.
Visitors can also enjoy the Courtyard Café, Pizzeria, and Ice Cream Parlour for refreshments.
Alnwick Castle is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, Harry Potter fans, and families looking for a fun day out.
| 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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