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 Opening Times – October 2026
2026 Season Overview
Alnwick Castle is open daily from spring through to 20 October 2026. The castle grounds open at 10am each day, with last admission at 3:45pm.
General Opening Hours (15–19 October 2026)
The castle is open 10am–5pm from Thursday 15 October through Monday 19 October.
Early Closure (20 October 2026)
On Tuesday 20 October, the castle closes early at 4pm (last admission 3:45pm for grounds).
Facilities & Attractions
Castle Grounds
Open 10am–5pm daily. Last entry: 3:45pm.
State Rooms
Open 10:30am–4:30pm (last entry 4pm) on standard days. Please note: on 16–17 October, the State Rooms close early at 3pm with last entry at 2:30pm.
Great Kitchen
Open 10:30am–4:45pm daily. This attraction opened to visitors for the first time in 2025.
Artisans Courtyard & Dragon Quest
Open 10am–5pm daily.
Postern Tower & Constable's Tower
Open 10am–5pm daily.
Fusiliers of Northumberland Museum
Open 11am–5pm daily. Last entry: 4:30pm.
Daily Activities & Entertainment
- Falconry displays
- Jesters and medieval entertainment
- Music performances
- Medieval crafts
- Guided tours around the grounds (free)
- Broomstick training sessions (throughout the day)
- Have-a-Go Archery (weather permitting)
Special Events
Northumbrian Pipes Music Shows
17–18 October, from 10:30am
Heritage Craft Day
17 October, 10:30am–4:00pm
'The Shot Heard Round the World' Exhibition
Available throughout the 2026 open season.
| 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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