Alnwick Castle, the seat of the Duke of Northumberland and home to the Percy family for over 700 years, is the second-largest inhabited castle in the United Kingdom. It is a historic site that has served as a military outpost, a teaching college, and a prominent filming location. This guide outlines the essential practical information for a visit, covering opening times, admission costs, and access considerations.
- To skip the information and just book Alnwick Castle tickets, head this way.
What to expect at Alnwick Castle
Visitors can expect a day filled with history and interactive fun. You can tour the magnificent State Rooms, which house stunning collections of art and antiques, explore the medieval grounds, and delve into the fascinating historical exhibits.
The castle is also renowned worldwide as the principal filming location for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, and features in television shows like Downton Abbey. Daily activities include Broomstick Training sessions on the very spot where Harry Potter had his first flying lesson, archery, and guided historical tours.
Alnwick Castle operating season and hours
The castle operates seasonally and is typically closed over the winter months. Visitors should be aware that the State Rooms and specific areas have different access hours than the grounds.
- 2026 season opening: The castle is scheduled to reopen for the main visitor season on 27 March 2026 and remain open daily until late October.
- Castle grounds: The castle grounds are open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with an extended closing time of 5:30pm in July and August.
- State rooms: The historic State Rooms generally open slightly later, from 10:30am to 4:30pm.
- Last entry: Final admission to the castle grounds is typically at 3:45pm.
Five great things to do in Northumberland
- 🏛️ Discover Roman Britain on a full day tour along Hadrian’s Wall.
- 🎬 Visit the filming locations for Vera on a day tour from Newcastle.
- 🌊 Take a guided Pilgrims Path walk across the sands to Holy Island.
- 🏰 Explore Harry Potter’s Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle.
- 👻 Learn about Hexham’s gruesome, dark side on a storytelling tour.
Alnwick Castle admission fees and ticket details
Tickets provide access to the State Rooms, the museum, the grounds, and daily activities such as talks and broomstick training. Purchasing tickets online provides a discounted rate compared to buying on the day.
| Ticket type | Online admission price (Web rate, checked December 2025) | Gate price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (17+ years) | £21.55 | £23.95 |
| Concession (60+ / student) | £17.55 | £19.50 |
| Child (5-16 years) | £11.35 | £12.65 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 4 children) | £62.95 | £69.95 |
| Child (0-4 years) | Free | Free |
Season pass benefit: All tickets purchased online automatically become a 12-month season pass, allowing unlimited free re-visits during the castle’s open season for a year from the first visit date.
Accessibility information for Alnwick Castle
Due to the age and structure of the building, access is restricted in some areas. Visitors with mobility considerations should note the following:
- Parking: Designated disabled parking spaces are available at Castle Square (NE66 1NG) and within the main Alnwick Garden car park.
- Grounds and towers: Surfaces within the grounds include cobbles, grass, and gravel. Access to the towers is via narrow spiral staircases.
- State rooms: Access is limited. The route includes seven steps in total, requiring visitors to transfer from their own mobility equipment. A one-person lift is available to bypass the Grand Staircase, but it is not large enough for wheelchairs or motorised scooters.
- Assistance: A free carer ticket is offered for disabled visitors requiring assistance. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow when possible.
Alnwick Castle dog policy
To protect the historic interiors and maintain the safety of the collections and other guests, the castle maintains a strict policy regarding animals.
- Permitted animals: Only guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other trained assistance dogs are permitted within the castle grounds and buildings.
- Requirement: Assistance dogs must be kept on a short lead and documentation, such as an Assistance Dogs (UK) ID book, may be requested.
- Exclusions: Other dogs, including emotional support animals, are not permitted to enter the site.
Nearby attractions
The town of Alnwick and the surrounding area offer additional visitor destinations:
- The Alnwick Garden: Adjacent to the castle, this is a separate attraction featuring the Grand Cascade, the Poison Garden, and the world’s largest treehouse restaurant. A separate ticket is required for entry.
- Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden: An enchanted, separate attraction next to the garden designed for family visitors.
- Preston Tower: A historic tower located near Chathill, which is accessible for those interested in local heritage.
- Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum: An extensive garden and arboretum located a short distance from the castle.
Alnwick Castle FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does my ticket include The Alnwick Garden? | No, Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden are separate attractions requiring separate admission tickets. |
| Is Broomstick Training included in the price? | Yes, Broomstick Training and all daily activities and tours are included with your admission ticket. A time-slot ticket is required upon arrival. |
| Is my ticket valid for one day only? | No, all tickets purchased online are automatically converted into a 12-month season pass, allowing unlimited re-visits for a year from your first entry. |
| Where can I park? | Parking is available in the shared car park with The Alnwick Garden. The all-day parking fee is £3.50, payable by card only. |
| Are assistance dogs welcome? | Yes, guide, hearing, and trained assistance dogs are welcome on a short lead. Emotional support animals are not permitted. |
More Northumberland travel
Other Northumberland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to Corbridge Roman Town.
- Lindisfarne Priory visitor tips.
- A practical guide to Dunstanburgh Castle.
- Seals, saints and stars on a journey around Northumberland.
- A first time visitors’ guide to Bamburgh Castle.
