Alnwick Castle is a family day out to fire the imagination. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, it is one of the largest inhabited castles in England and is known as The Windsor of the North.
The castle has dominated the town since medieval times and you may recognise it from its recent starring role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films.
But the castle is not just a famous film location and inside its battlements you'll find a host of activities based around Alnwick's rich history.
For example, there is Knight's Quest, where you can learn the fighting skills of a young Harry Hotspur, and Dragon’s Quest where a young swordsman or woman can slay a dreaded fire-breathing monster. Other daily entertainment on offer includes Birds of Prey and archery lessons.
2009 is a special year for the Duke and Duchess as they celebrate 700 years of Percy family ownership of this spectacular medieval stronghold. Over the centuries the Percys have achieved fame and fortune in many ways, from military endeavours to alchemy, archaeology and education. A new exhibition for 2009 tells history through the fascinating personalities of family members.
You will be awestruck by the castle architecture, from the ramparts to the magnificent interiors of the state rooms, library and Renaissance drawing room.
There is also a stunning private art collection including works by Van Dyke and Canaletto. The castle is also home to the Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland with weapons and memorabilia galore.
Sign up to the Visit Northumberland newsletter, and you will:
.jpg){kind=small}
