Alnwick Castle
Broomstick training where the Hogwarts flying lesson was filmed, have-a-go archery and Dragon Quest in the Artisans Courtyard. Under tens will be sorted; a teenager who has gone off Harry Potter might need bribing.
The short answer
Alnwick Castle is in Alnwick (NE66 1NG). It's privately owned and a paid attraction. Daily through the 2026 season, grounds 10am to 5pm with last entry 3.45pm. Tickets: Online (10% cheaper, and the ticket works as a 12 month pass): adult £22, child (5 to 16) £11.60, family (2 adults and up to 4 children) £64.20, under 5s free. There's enough under a roof for a wet day.
What you actually see
Ivo de Vesci built the first parts around 1096 to guard a crossing of the River Aln, and the Percy family have held it since the 14th century. It is still home to the Duke of Northumberland and is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor. Inside you get the State Rooms, the Great Kitchen and the Fusiliers Museum as well as the walls and courtyards.
Known for: Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets; also Downton Abbey and Blackadder.
Tips before you go
Buy online: it's cheaper and the ticket gets you back in for a year, which pays for itself if you holiday up here. The season finishes before the Northumberland October half term, so don't promise anyone Hogwarts that week.
Where Alnwick Castle is
Alnwick, NE66 1NG. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Alnwick Castle
Bondgate Tower
0.2 miles south-east as the crow flies · Alnwick · Outside only · Free
Edlingham Castle
5.2 miles south-west as the crow flies · Edlingham · Free to wander · Free
Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
6.1 miles south-east as the crow flies · Warkworth · Paid entry
Dunstanburgh Castle
6.8 miles north-east as the crow flies · Craster · Paid entry
Preston Tower
7.4 miles north as the crow flies · Chathill · Paid entry
The Craster Arms, Beadnell
10 miles north as the crow flies · Beadnell · Stay or eat here
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Alnwick and the Coquet coast
Events at Alnwick Castle
Until Thu 22 Oct
Alnwick Castle: last weeks of the 2026 season
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
The castle's 2026 season ends on 22 October, so there is still time for the State Rooms, the grounds and the October weekend events before it closes for winter. Organiser ↗
Sat 3 Oct to Sun 4 Oct
Newcastle Garrison cannon firing
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick · Included with castle admission
The Newcastle Garrison live history group fires a replica Napoleonic cannon on the Gun Terrace every hour, weather permitting. Organiser ↗
Sat 10 Oct to Sun 11 Oct
Tastes Through Time: Victorian kitchen
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick · Included with castle admission
Costumed experts bring a Victorian kitchen to life with traditional tools, period ingredients and historic menus. Organiser ↗
Saturday 17 October 2026
Heritage Craft Day
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick · Included with castle admission
Woodworkers, stone carvers, willow weavers and medieval craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills, with hands-on activities for all ages. Organiser ↗
Sat 17 Oct to Sun 18 Oct
Northumbrian pipes at the castle
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick · Free with castle admission
Hear the Northumbrian smallpipes played in the State Rooms and the great kitchen, marking the castle's 300 year link with the instrument. Organiser ↗
Sun 18 Oct to Tue 20 Oct
Tom Fool the jester
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick · Free with castle admission
The castle's resident jester returns with tricks, tales and medieval mischief, a good one for younger children in the October holidays. Organiser ↗
Tuesday 27 October 2026, 19:00
Dan Jones book talk: Castles
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick · £14, or £38 with the book
Historian Dan Jones talks about his book Castles: A Fortified History of the World, chaired by The History Gossip's Katie Kennedy, with items from the castle archive. Doors 7pm, talk from 7.30pm. Organiser ↗
Tuesday 27 October 2026, 19:00
Castles: A Fortified History with Dan Jones
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
An evening book talk at the castle with historian Dan Jones on his history of castles around the world. Organiser ↗
Tue 24 Nov to Wed 25 Nov
Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
The castle reopens for two days in late November for a Christmas fair of Northumberland makers and producers. Organiser ↗
Tuesday 9 February 2027, 14:00
Alnwick Shrovetide football
The Pastures, below Alnwick Castle, Alnwick · Free
Alnwick's Shrove Tuesday game, in which the ball is thrown down from the castle and two teams battle across the Pastures by the River Aln. Watch from a safe distance. Organiser ↗
Our guides that include Alnwick Castle
Questions people ask about Alnwick Castle
How much does it cost to visit Alnwick Castle?
Online (10% cheaper, and the ticket works as a 12 month pass): adult £22, child (5 to 16) £11.60, family (2 adults and up to 4 children) £64.20, under 5s free. At the gate: adult £24.45, child £12.90, family £71.35. No English Heritage or National Trust discount; online tickets give a year of repeat visits.
When is Alnwick Castle open?
Daily through the 2026 season, grounds 10am to 5pm with last entry 3.45pm. The season ends in late October, but the castle's own pages disagree on the day (one says 20 October, the FAQ says 22 October), so check before a late trip. 2027 opening date not published yet; check before you go.
Is Alnwick Castle good for kids?
Broomstick training where the Hogwarts flying lesson was filmed, have-a-go archery and Dragon Quest in the Artisans Courtyard. Under tens will be sorted; a teenager who has gone off Harry Potter might need bribing. Time needed: at least 2 to 3 hours (the castle's own advice); most families make a day of it.
Is there parking at Alnwick Castle?
Shared pay car park with The Alnwick Garden, cards accepted.
Can you take a pushchair to Alnwick Castle?
Partly. Pushchairs are allowed, but the castle says access is limited in some areas.
Are dogs allowed at Alnwick Castle?
No, assistance dogs only.
Is there a café at Alnwick Castle?
Yes: the Courtyard Cafe, a pizzeria and The Armoury takeaway, and you can bring a picnic.
Is Alnwick Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Yes, there's enough under a roof to make it a decent wet-day option.
What is Alnwick Castle famous for?
Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets; also Downton Abbey and Blackadder.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
Open the map and filters →For the bairns
The printable passport
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