Alnwick Castle
Medieval fortress and aristocratic mansion known to many as Hogwarts.
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Facilities
-
Accessible loos
-
Accessible parking
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Charged parking
-
Easily accessible without car
-
Facilities for children
-
Good journey mark
-
Parkland / open spaces
-
Picnic area
-
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, home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, will reopen to the public on 27 March 2026. The castle offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, including historical tours, interactive experiences, and special events.
Opening Times
The castle grounds are open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 3:45 pm. The State Rooms are open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm. Note that from 27 September, the State Rooms open at 12:30 pm. The Great Kitchen, Artisans Courtyard, Dragon Quest, Postern Tower, and Constable’s Tower 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 the last entry at 4:30 pm.
Ticket Prices
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Online tickets are discounted and automatically converted into annual passes, valid for 12 months from the first visit. Prices are as follows:
- Adult (17-59 years): £21.55 online, £23.95 at the gate
- Concession (60+ years and students): £17.55 online, £19.50 at the gate
- Child (5-16 years): £11.35 online, £12.65 at the gate
- Child (0-4 years): Free
- Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): £62.95 online, £69.95 at the gate
- Single Parent Family (1 adult and up to 4 children): £42.25 online, £46.95 at the gate
Activities and Attractions
- Broomstick Training: Free with entry, but requires a time-slot ticket available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Guided Tours: Included with entry, covering topics such as the castle's history, its role in films, and medieval life.
- The Great Kitchen: A restored Victorian kitchen, open to visitors.
- Artisans Courtyard & Dragon Quest: Interactive medieval crafts and games.
- State Rooms: Explore the rich history and art collection of the castle.
- Fusiliers of Northumberland Museum: Showcasing the history of the Percy family and the Northumberland Fusiliers.
Visitors are encouraged to check the on-site 'What's On' boards for daily event times and locations.
| 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).
Find the exact address on what3words:
///consults.echo.suddenly
Visit houses nearby
Preston Tower
Chathill, Northumberland, NE67 5DH
Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3LB
Budle Hall
Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7AJ
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
