Visit Alnwick Castle, Northumberland's Iconic Ducal Fortress
Alnwick Castle is one of the most famous castles in England, and the most visited in the country outside London. It has captured imaginations for centuries as the ancestral seat of the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, whose turbulent history is woven through the story of medieval England. More recently it has found global fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter films, where it served as the exterior of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Whether you come for the history, the film connections, or simply to stand before one of the most magnificently preserved medieval fortresses in Britain, Alnwick Castle rewards the journey to Northumberland many times over.
The first castle at Alnwick was built by the Norman baron Yves de Vescy shortly after the Conquest, and the Percys acquired it in 1309. Under their ownership the castle grew into the second largest inhabited castle in England, after Windsor, and it has remained the family's principal seat ever since. The Percys were among the most powerful magnates in medieval England, their influence stretching across the North and into Scotland, and their story is inseparable from the great events of the period including Agincourt and the Wars of the Roses. In the eighteenth century the first Duchess of Northumberland commissioned Robert Adam to remodel the interior in a sumptuous Gothic Revival style, and a further Victorian remodelling under the fourth Duke created the richly decorated state rooms visible today, inspired by the Italian Renaissance palaces of Rome and Florence.
The castle's state rooms are filled with a remarkable collection of artworks and treasures accumulated over seven centuries, including paintings by Titian, Canaletto, Van Dyck and Turner. The Dragon Quest family trail takes younger visitors on an adventure through the grounds, while the Broomstick Training experience brings the Harry Potter magic to life with live shows in the outer bailey. The dungeon and the medieval village recreations offer further insight into castle life through the centuries. The castle grounds include beautifully maintained formal areas and offer views across to the River Aln and the Northumberland landscape beyond. Just a short walk away in the town, the separately ticketed Alnwick Garden offers a completely different experience of the site, with its spectacular Grand Cascade, notorious Poison Garden and extraordinary treehouse restaurant.
Alnwick Castle is located at Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ, clearly signposted from the A1 and accessible via the B6341. The nearest railway station is Alnmouth, approximately four miles away, with connecting bus services into Alnwick town. The castle is open to visitors from late March through to October, and tickets can be booked in advance online. Annual passes are available for regular visitors. The adjacent town of Alnwick has a good range of shops, cafés and restaurants, making it an easy base for a full day's visit combining the castle and garden.
North East Escapes has a wonderful selection of holiday homes near Alnwick Castle, perfect for families, couples and groups wanting to explore the best of inland and coastal Northumberland. Staying near Alnwick puts you within easy reach of the castle and garden, as well as the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with Bamburgh, Seahouses and the Farne Islands all within a short drive. Our Northumberland holiday homes are ideal for visitors who want to combine a castle visit with beach walks, wildlife boat trips and the wider landscapes of one of England's most unspoilt counties.
