PLAN YOUR VISIT
ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN THE CASTLE AND ITS GROUNDS?
Guide, hearing and assistance dogs, including those in training, are welcome at Alnwick Castle. All dogs must be kept on a short lead during their visit.
If available, please bring your dog’s 'Assistance Dogs (UK)’ identification book (or the appropriate international equivalent) with you. Unfortunately, due to conservation concerns, we do not allow emotional support animals to enter the castle at this time.
Please be aware that no other animals or pets are permitted. However, there are many beautiful dog-friendly walks in and around Alnwick - including in the pastures across the river from the castle.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET?
Your ticket includes the best that Alnwick Castle has to offer. In addition to getting 12 months free admission, you also have access to the castle's museums and collections, State Rooms, talks and tours, and activities like broomstick training.
There are also a wide range of events at Alnwick Castle that take place throughout the year, so please check our what's on board for a full list. Please note that while activities may be free with admission, some do require a time-slot ticket which can be booked upon your visit.
CAN I BUY TICKETS AT THE CASTLE?
Yes, you are able to purchase tickets at the admission office. However, if you purchase your tickets online you can save 10% and have an annual pass at no extra charge. Book your tickets today! Please note: children aged 16 years or under must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
IF I BUY A TICKET TO THE CASTLE WILL IT INCLUDE ACCESS TO THE ALNWICK GARDEN?
The Alnwick Garden is a separate visitor attraction to Alnwick Castle, with its own events and visiting arrangements. You are not able to access The Alnwick Garden with a ticket purchased to visit Alnwick Castle. If you wish to visit Alnwick Castle, you can book your tickets online and save 10%.
CAN I GET AN ANNUAL PASS TO ALNWICK CASTLE?
Tickets bought through our website are automatically annual passes, valid for a full 12-month period starting from the initial visit date, allowing unlimited visits when the castle is open to the public. Visitors who purchase tickets at the Castle Admission Hall can upgrade to an annual pass on the day of their visit at no extra charge.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE AND CARERS?
While we do not offer discounted tickets for disabled visitors, we do offer a free ticket for a carer accompanying a disabled guest.
WHEN IS ALNWICK CASTLE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
Alnwick Castle is not open year round. Our open season falls between the end of March and October, outside of this, we are closed for the winter season. Take a look at our opening dates and times for more information.
DO YOU HAVE A RAINY DAY POLICY?
We do not have a rainy day policy, but all tickets purchased on our website are automatically annual passes meaning that you can come back and visit us for free for 12 months from your original visit date when the castle is open to the public. Tickets purchased on the gate can be upgraded at no additional cost on the day of your visit at our Admissions Hall.
Please be aware that much of Alnwick Castle is outdoors and so when it rains this means that indoor areas will become busy.
GETTING HERE
CAN I GET TO ALNWICK CASTLE EASILY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
Alnwick Castle is conveniently located just off the A1 and easily accessible by both road and rail.
The East Coast mainline, connecting London to Edinburgh, includes a stop at Alnmouth station, a mere four miles away from Alnwick. From there, a quick taxi (we recommend pre-booking) or bus ride will bring you to the castle.
In Alnwick itself, bus stops and a central bus station are readily available.
For visitors coming from Newcastle, the X15, X18, and X20 buses depart from the city's Haymarket bus station, offering a scenic journey to Alnwick.The Castle is conveniently just a five-minute walk from the bus station.
If you're arriving from farther afield, Newcastle International Airport and the Port of Tyne are approximately 35 miles away.
ARE THERE ANY MORE THINGS TO DO IN ALNWICK WHILE I'M THERE?
Alnwick is a great place to come if you're looking for things to do in Northumberland. Attractions include The Alnwick Garden, and Barter Books, housed in the old railway station. The town also offers the Alnwick Castle Golf Club for leisure.
If you're looking for entertainment, consider the Alnwick Playhouse theatre and pubs featuring live music. Explore the Bailiffgate Museum for interactive exhibits on the region's history and culture.
IS THERE FREE PARKING?
Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden share a car park where there is a charge of £3.50 for a day of parking, starting from 9am. Please note that only card and contactless payments are accepted.
ACCESSIBILITY
IS ALNWICK CASTLE ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED VISITORS?
Due to the historic nature of the castle and its grounds, disabled access is limited in some areas. We offer free admission for one carer per disabled visitor who purchases a ticket.
ARE THE CASTLE GROUNDS SUITABLE FOR PUSHCHAIRS?
Accessibility for pushchairs is limited around the grounds. The Castle grounds has a number of different surfaces that can be tricky for pushchairs to navigate, including cobbles, gravel, and stairs.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN STORE MY LUGGAGE WHEN I VISIT THE CASTLE?
Unfortunately, due to security reasons, we are unable to store luggage.
THINGS TO DO
WHAT EVENTS TAKE PLACE AT ALNWICK CASTLE?
We have a huge variety of events at Alnwick Castle that take place throughout the open season. These range from book talks, to medieval shows, to falconry displays. Check out our What's On page to see a full list of our events.
DO YOUR EVENTS CHANGE BY SEASON?
Yes, our events change regularly throughout the year. Our What's On page shows the dates and times of each event, and you can see which events are taking place in the coming months.
DO YOU OFFER GUIDED TOURS?
Yes, we offer guided tours at Alnwick Castle. You can experience daily tours led by our friendly and knowledgeable team, all included in your entry fee.
The tours we offer include:
Historical Grounds tour
State Rooms tour
Family Friendly History tour
Please check the 'What's On' board upon arrival at the Castle for times and locations.
ARE YOUR EVENTS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
We have a range of events at Alnwick Castle that are suitable for children. Check our What's On page for our full list of events. Please note: children aged 16 years or under must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I DON'T WANT TO GO ON A TOUR?
If you don't fancy taking a scheduled tour around Alnwick Castle, you are more than welcome to explore the Castle and its grounds by yourself. You can also take a look at our events for fun and immersive activities, or check out the State Rooms or Museums.
THE CASTLE AND CASTLE GROUNDS
ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN THE CASTLE AND ITS GROUNDS?
Guide, hearing and assistance dogs, including those in training, are welcome at Alnwick Castle. All dogs must be kept on a short lead during their visit.
If available, please bring your dog’s 'Assistance Dogs (UK)’ identification book (or the appropriate international equivalent) with you. Unfortunately, due to conservation concerns, we do not allow emotional support animals to enter the castle at this time.
Please be aware that no other animals or pets are permitted. However, there are many beautiful dog-friendly walks in and around Alnwick - including in the pastures across the river from the castle.
IS PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED AT ALNWICK CASTLE?
You are very welcome to take photographs and video of your visit for personal use only within the grounds of the Castle (no drones). Please note, photography is not permitted within State Rooms.
CAN I SMOKE / VAPE AT ALNWICK CASTLE?
Alnwick Castle is a no smoking and no vaping zone. Anyone wishing to smoke or vape will need to leave the Castle grounds to do so. Please ensure you have your ticket to hand to show on re-entry.
WHY IS THERE SCAFFOLDING ON THE CASTLE?
During your visit, you are likely to encounter scaffolding and building works. These works are part of a project which began 20 years ago, addressing much needed repairs and to ensure that the Castle will still be standing in another 900 years!
You will find information boards on site to tell you about the works and what it takes to keep a 900-year-old medieval castle in such excellent condition. To find out more about the current works on site and how they may affect your visit, please get in touch.
DO YOU ALLOW BIKES AND SCOOTERS IN THE GROUNDS?
Bikes and scooters are not permitted in the Castle and around the grounds. Mobility scooters are permitted and a small number of them are available to reserve. To reserve a scooter please call 01665 511 100.
CAN I BRING A PICNIC IN THE GROUNDS TO HAVE DURING MY VISIT?
If you wish to bring your own food to have a picnic within the Castle grounds, you are free to do so. We do also have the Courtyard Cafe, the Stables Fryery and The Armoury Takeaway which offer a range of food and drink to visitors.
CAN I PLAN MY WEDDING AT ALNWICK CASTLE?
No, we do not accommodate events such as weddings at this time.
IS THERE ACCOMMODATION AT ALNWICK CASTLE?
No, we currently do not have accommodation at Alnwick Castle.
AM I ALLOWED TO BRING MY DRONE?
No, the use of drones is not permitted at Alnwick Castle.
IS THERE ANYWHERE TO EAT AT ALNWICK CASTLE?
Alnwick Castle presents a diverse selection of locally sourced food and beverages. Whether you're craving sandwiches and cake or traditional fish and chips, we have something to satisfy every palate.
We have our Courtyard Cafe, the Stables Fryery an The Armoury Takeaway open for guests. For opening times and more information, please see our Food and Drink page.
ARE BAGS ALLOWED INSIDE THE CASTLE?
Visitors are respectfully informed that enhanced security measures are in place and you are requested to bring the minimum of baggage during your visit.
Handbags and Backpacks are permitted but please note that random bag searches may take place.
No large or wheeled suitcases are permitted in the
State Rooms. Your kind co-operation with these procedures, which have been implemented for the benefit and security of visitors and staff alike, is much appreciated.
FILMING AT ALNWICK CASTLE
WHAT FILMS AND SHOWS HAVE FEATURED ALNWICK CASTLE?
Alnwick Castle has been featured on-screen in many films and TV shows over the years, with its mosty famous role being Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Other credits include Dungeons and Dragons, Downton Abbey, and Transformers.
DO YOU OFFER FILMING LOCATION TOURS?
We have free On Location tours, where you can embark on a cinematic tour around the castle grounds, steeped in history and notable for their appearances in historical dramas, Shakespeare adaptations, and notably, the first two Harry Potter movies.
Explore the filming locations and indulge in behind-the-scenes anecdotes shared by our entertaining and knowledgeable guide.
Check the What's On board upon your arrival for times.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE A FILMING ENQUIRY?
Alnwick Castle welcomes filming enquiries, and can provide filming locations in the interior, the exterior, and the surrounding grounds. If you would like to enquire about filming at Alnwick Castle, please email marketing@alnwickcastle.com or call 01665 511 100 to discuss further.
IS THE BROOMSTICK TRAINING INCLUDED IN MY TICKET?
The Alnwick castle broomstick training takes place right where Hogwarts students learnt to fly all those years ago in the first Harry Potter movie. The broomstick training is free, however, you must obtain a free time-slot ticket upon arrival. Access to the outdoor classroom is only permitted with a valid ticket.
Broomstick Training tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited spots per lesson. To secure your place, we advise collecting your tickets promptly upon arrival to minimise the risk of missing out. We also offer private sessions, please contact groups@alnwickcastle.com for more details.