The Easter holidays in Northumberland and across the UK are fast approaching, and our team at Alnwick Castle are ready to welcome our visitors from all corners of the world.
Opening our doors again for the season on Friday 29th March 2024, we’ve got a jam-packed events schedule to keep you busy — no matter who you’re with. The unique Easter events at Alnwick Castle showcase how it really is the perfect destination for busy families, history buffs, film lovers, and everyone in between.
Ready to take a closer look at the things you can do in Northumberland over the school holidays? Plan your visit to Alnwick Castle for a school holiday full of fun, learning, and to step back in time.
Live like an artisan in the Medieval and Tudor period
Who: Company of Artisans
When: Friday 29th March – Tuesday 2nd April
Where: The Artisans Courtyard
Let the Company of Artisans take you on a journey back in time. It’s a chance for the whole family to experience the role and purpose of a true artisan in the Medieval and Tudor periods. What is an artisan, you may ask? An artisan is a worker in a skilled trade, often making things by hand.
This Easter, learn how to craft medieval tiles, the properties of medieval soap, and how to work the spindle to your advantage.
Activities will be running throughout the day, so make sure to pop by the courtyard.
Enjoy our display of medieval falconry
Who: Raphael Historic Falconry
When: Wednesday 3rd April – Sunday 7th April
Where: Inner Bailey (during Easter), or otherwise in the Barneyside Picnic Area
Worthy of entertaining the old Earls of Northumberland, medieval falconry is a display that cannot be missed. Watch two of the country’s finest, most experienced historical falconers as they guide the falcons over the skies in a magical display. Learn about bird hunting in the medieval period and the popularity of this activity, all while the birds swoop, glide, and soar above the castle grounds around you.
Visit the Inner Bailey during Easter to enjoy their spectacular flying displays at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
Master the medieval English longbow
Who: Master Archer, Andy Rice
When: Wednesday 3rd April – Friday 5th April
Where: Inner Bailey & Archery Area
Meet the Master Archer himself, as he demonstrates the skill and technique of the medieval English longbow. Attend one of his longbow demonstrations to hear and see the strength involved in this mighty piece of apparatus. For those who aren’t afraid of gruesome details, you may even be able to catch some spine-tingling tales of battles from long ago.
Head on over to the Inner Bailey & Archery area for performances at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, fun for the whole family to enjoy together, learning something new.
Belly laugh with our resident jester
Who: Tom Fool
When: Monday 8th April – Sunday 14th April
Where: Inner Bailey
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Northumberland, being entertained by a court jester has got to be high up on the list.
Tom Fool is back as the resident jester of Alnwick Castle — ready and giddy with excitement for another season of merriment and belly laughs. A hilarious must-see for all visitors, it wouldn’t be a trip to Alnwick without coming along to one of his shows. Full of high jinks and aptly named tomfoolery, it’s a lovely event to attend, especially for families looking for things to do with the kids in Northumberland.
Come along to his School for Fools, where he contemplates the history of the fool in a fun and interactive performance. The daredevils among you will have to catch A Fittingly Fiery Folly where Tom Fool attempts to fight fire. If you’re interested in physics, A Napple on the Numbskull sees Tom Fool contemplate gravity with the help of an apple.
Catch Tom Fool’s performances in the Inner Bailey at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
If you’re still not done with merriment, you might as well stay 30 minutes for the next event on the schedule…
Make music with the Trouvere Medieval Minstrels
Who: Trouvere Medieval Minstrels
When: Monday 8th April – Sunday 14th April
Where: Inner Bailey
Back for our exciting 2024 season, the Trouvere Medieval Minstrels will be strolling around within the spectacular walls of Alnwick Castle to share their gift of music. Watch in wonder as they recreate and reinterpret the spell-binding memories of the medieval period.
Make sure to head over to the Inner Bailey for their performances at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, to enjoy the wonderful sounds of their many instruments.
Finish your day with a BANG!
Who: Newcastle Garrison Live History Group
When: Saturday 13th April – Sunday 14th April
Where: Gun Terrace
Why not round off your visit to Northumberland with an adrenaline-inducing experience? Join the Newcastle Garrison for a live firing of our very own replica Napoleonic cannon. Feel the boom beneath your feet as the cannon’s shudder travels through your surroundings.
For the comfort of our visitors, please be aware that loud noises are to be expected at this event. For more information about this event, please speak to staff upon your arrival to the castle.
To catch the live firing of our replica cannon in the Gun Terrace, arrive at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:30 pm. If you miss one of these slots, don’t worry — we have hourly firings of the Castle’s canon from 11:00 am.
Visit Alnwick Castle this Easter half-term
Now you’ve seen the interactive events and experiences we have in store for our visitors, all that’s left to do is book your tickets and plan your visit. We can’t wait to host you this Easter holiday at Alnwick Castle, which will be full of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Still got some adventure left in you? Take a look at our range of the best things to see and do in Alnwick, and immerse yourself further into our fabulous town.
*Please note that all event times and locations are subject to change. Upon arrival please check our ‘what’s on’ or alternatively speak to a member of our team, who will be happy to assist you as you plan your visit to Alnwick Castle.