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Alnwick Castle
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Contact Details
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 1NQ
Tel: +44 01665 510777
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Type: Castle / Fort
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.
Alnwick Castle is one of the most stunning castles in Europe. It is the second largest inhabited castle in England and has been home of the Percy's, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309.
This magnificent medieval castle has been at the centre of many of the country's famous historical events and is the setting for many film and television productions. Harry Potter knows it well; the castle plays home to his school 'Hogwarts'. Visitors come from all over the world to see where many memorable scenes were shot.
There is so much to see and do, impressive architecture, sumptuous state rooms, exhibitions, fine art treasures, stunning landscape, great children's activities, special events, dining and shopping.
As a day out Alnwick Castle really offers something can only be described as very special. Last admission 4.15 p.m.
Information
Ticket Information
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Alnwick Castle Adult | £12.50 per ticket type |
| Alnwick Castle Child | £5.50 per ticket type |
| Alnwick Castle Concession | £10.60 per ticket type |
| Alnwick Castle Family 2 adults 4 children | £32.50 per ticket type |
| Combined (Alnwick Castle & The Alnwick Garden) Adult | £19.80 per ticket type |
| Combined (Alnwick Castle & The Alnwick Garden) Child | £5.50 per ticket type |
| Combined (Alnwick Castle & The Alnwick Garden) Concession | £16.80 per ticket type |
| Group Adult (Alnwick Castle only) 14+ | £8.80 per ticket type |
| Group Child (Alnwick Castle only) 14+ | £4.00 per ticket type |
| Group combined (Alnwick Castle & The Alnwick Garden) Adult (14+) | £14.70 per ticket type |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Opening Times
| 2010 - Opening (31/03/2010 - 29/10/2010) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| BankHoliday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
* Last admissions 4.15 p.m.
Road Directions
Nearest major road is the A1. When you reach the Alnwick junction on the A1 you can:
- Follow signs for Alnwick town centre. There are various car parks close to the castle at Greenwell Lane and Baliffgate. The main entrance is at Castle Square opposite Baliffgate
- Or you can follow signs for Alnwick Castle and Garden and Park at Denwick Lane in areas highlighted as the Alnwick Garden car park.
Public Transport Directions
A number of rail services from London, Birmingham, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Stop at Alnmouth, which is 5 miles from Alnwick. Trains are met by the Alnwick rail connection. All passengers have to do is get off the train at Alnmouth for Alnwick railway station and connect to Alnwick town by boarding the 519 bus - a journey of under 15 minutes.
Additionally, the 518 bus service leaves Alnmouth station every hour. A taxi can also be called from the station.
Facilities
Provider Features
- In town/city centre
- Indoor Attraction
- No Smoking Attraction
- Outdoor Attraction
- Village Location
Accessibility
- Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - - Car parking at main entrance (Castle Square) - Interactive activities in Knights Quest - Large print information
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (charge) - Fee payable at Denwick Lane Car park at peak times.
- Parking (free)
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant - The Sanctuary at the Castle, restaurant and wine bar is table service with an enticing menu featuring fine local produce. It is open to castle and non-castle visitors from 11:30am-3pm for lunch.Dinner is from 7pm. The courtyard cafe is self-service and is perfect for light lunches and refreshments. It is open from 10am until 5.30pm.
- Picnic Site
Payment Methods
- Approx length of visit - 3 hours +
- Blue Badge Guides admitted free
- Booking essential - for groups
- Delta accepted
- Groups Accepted - Discounts and special incentives for pre-booked groups of 14 or more.
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Max group size - 25
- Min group size - of 14 for a group discounted rate
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times - Please contact 01665510777
- Solo accepted
- Special group rates - Adults - £7.50 Children (upto 15 years)- £2.50
- Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
- TIC Staff Admitted Free
- Visa accepted
Provider Facilities
- Conference facilities
- Dogs Accepted - Sight and hearing dogs only
- Event Venue
- Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- Staff Fluent in Languages - Other
- Toilets
Target Markets
- Family Fun - Our unique Knights Quest, Dragons quest and daily event programme provides hours of entertainment for children
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed Towards Students / Youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Demonstrations Given
- Educational Visits Accepted - Guest hall can hold upto 250 people
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals
Languages spoken
- French spoken
- German spoken
- Italian spoken
- Mandarin spoken
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- French printed material
- German printed material
- Spanish printed material
Attraction Facilities
- Education Groups Min - 14
- Educational Groups Max - Maximum by agreement
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