chloedickensonLast Updated on 6th December 2022
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Alnwick Castle was one of my top places to visit in Northumberland when I was putting together our itinerary for our trip up north. I’d heard so many great things about it, and being a huge fan of the Harry Potter franchise, I couldn’t wait to see the iconic filming location in real life.
Unfortunately, we timed our visit to Alnwick Castle with the gradual reopening of attractions, restaurants and other entertainment venues in the UK after the third national lockdown, so while we did get a good look around at Alnwick Castle, not everything was open due to Covid restrictions. We also experienced truly awful weather while we were there, which is why pretty much every picture in this guide looks like it’s got a dreary grey filter on it!
Aside from that, I think we made the most of our time at Alnwick Castle and saw everything that we wanted to see, given the restrictions and terrible weather. If you’re planning a trip to Northumberland and you’re wanting to visit one of the most highly-coveted castles in the UK, be sure to add Alnwick Castle to your list of things to do in Northumberland and check out my ultimate guide to Alnwick Castle below for more inspiration!
Alnwick Castle Northumberland history
Alnwick Castle’s turbulent history spans back more than 950 years, dating all the way back to the Norman period. At its heart, it’s a family home, belonging to the esteemed Percy family and to this day, it still remains inhabited.
In fact, it’s the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK, after Windsor Castle. The 12th generation of the Percy family still resides at Alnwick Castle today, with the 12th duke and duchess, along with their four children, calling it their home.
As well as housing illustrious families for generations, Alnwick Castle has also served as a military outpost, an evacuee place of refuge, a teaching college and of course, the home to many film and TV sets over the years.
Alnwick Castle Northumberland on the big screen – filming locations
Speaking of film sets, Alnwick Castle is no stranger when it comes to hosting a hoard of film crew members!
Alnwick Castle Harry Potter filming locations
With a highly prestigious film and television appearances list under its belt, Alnwick Castle has featured in the beloved Harry Potter franchise in the first two films (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), as well as in two Christmas specials of the renowned Downtown Abbey series, and its most recent film accolade, Transformers: The Last Knight.
For me, I will always think of Hogwarts when I see Alnwick Castle and while it’s naturally not quite as magical as it appears on the big screen (thanks to additional special effects and, you know, it being home to fictitious wizards and witches!), it still feels like you might just see Hagrid walking towards you as you enter the castle, or Professor McGonagall keeping her beady eyes on you!
Best things to do – Alnwick Castle Northumberland
Of course, just marvelling at the spectacular castle is a “thing” to do in itself, but there are numerous other attractions and activities that you can enjoy within the castle grounds as well.
Broomstick training
If you cast your mind back to 2001, when Harry Potter had his first flying lesson in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone film, you’ll probably remember just how incredible that must have been to fly a broomstick for the first time.
Well, at Alnwick Castle, you can sort of live out those childhood dreams of going to Hogwarts, learning to fly and of course, becoming a world-class Quidditch champion. Unfortunately, the broomstick lessons at Alnwick Castle don’t quite get you off the ground, but it’s still a great activity to take part in as a family, especially if you’re visiting with younger kids who can now experience the magic of “flying” for themselves.
Broomstick lessons at Alnwick Castle are weather dependent, and they’re also included in the price of your entry ticket, you will just have to book a time slot upon your arrival at the castle.
Archery – the ultimate guide to Alnwick Castle Northumberland
Another family-friendly, fun and immersive activity that you can enjoy at Alnwick Castle is an archery lesson. You’ll benefit from a qualified instructor who can help you follow in the footsteps of the soldiers from the many anarchic years at Alnwick Castle and try your hand at hitting the bullseye.
This is a paid-for activity, costing £4 for 5 arrows or £5 for 8 arrows; you do have to be aged 11 or over to take part in archery at Alnwick Castle, but even if you don’t want to take part (or you’re visiting with kids who aren’t quite old enough to take part!), it’s still worth popping over to see people practising their best shot!
The State Rooms
Unfortunately, the State Rooms weren’t open when we visited Alnwick Castle due to Covid restrictions so I would love to go back one day for a little look around.
From what I can tell, however, inside the grand rooms you’ll find various exhibitions and big, boastful rooms that have housed the Percy family for centuries.
Artisans Courtyard
Only parts of the Artisans Courtyard were open when we visited Alnwick Castle, but it’s the perfect place to explore within the castle grounds if you’re visiting with children.
You’ll find a lovely little cafe stall that sells a smorgasbord of hot drinks and sweet treats, plus medieval crafts, arms and armour talks and demonstrations and you’ll even get the chance to dress up in some fun costumes! The crafts section is so cool and includes demonstrations on how to make medieval soaps and even magic wands, and the costume section includes over 100 lavish costumes to choose from, from knights in shining armour to a fancy princess!
Opening times
Please be aware that opening times at Alnwick Castle are subject to change and please check the necessary Covid restrictions and booking policies before visiting the castle.
- Alnwick Castle Grounds – 10:00 am – 5:30 pm (last entry at 2:30 pm)
- Artisan’s Courtyard – 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (last entry at 4 pm)
- State Rooms – 10:30 am – 4:30 pm (last entry at 4 pm)
Ticket prices
As our visit to Alnwick Castle coincided with the gradual easing of lockdown in the UK and not everything was open at the castle, ticket prices were reduced to just £10, but they’re now back to full price as everything is re-open to enjoy at Alnwick Castle.
As much as I really loved Alnwick Castle and thoroughly enjoyed our visit there, I do think that ticket prices are a tad expensive, but if it’s your first time visiting Alnwick and you want to make the most out of your time in Northumberland, I do think it’s worth visiting and spending a good few hours exploring the castle itself, plus the grounds, State Rooms and more!
- Adults – £18.50
- Concession – £15
- Children (5 to 16 years) – £9.75
- Under 4s – free
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- The Best Places To Eat And Drink In Northumberland
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Have you ever been to Alnwick Castle? Is it somewhere that you’d like to visit one day? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16.
