Alnwick Castle
Northumberland, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Northumberland Estates (Duke of Northumberland)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Alnmouth, 3.1 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Alnwick NE66 1NQ
Telephone 01665 511100
More castles in Northumberland →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The seat of the Duke of Northumberland and the second-largest inhabited castle in England, familiar to millions as an early Hogwarts stand-in in the Harry Potter films. The gardens next door are run and ticketed separately, which catches some visitors out - budget for both if you want the full day.
Worth the trip
The library-like Book Room, which reviewers consistently flag as the best-designed interior in the castle.
Before you go
Check the castle and gardens ticket options before you go - they're separate attractions with separate admission, and at least one reviewer discovered that only after arriving; the walk in is lovely in cherry blossom season if you can time it.
Reviewers consistently mention Alnwick's Harry Potter filming connections as a major draw, alongside genuinely praising the state rooms, museum and war exhibits, and grounds. Several highlight that the ticket remains valid for a full year, seen as good value for a fairly steep entrance price. One more mixed review found the main castle rooms a little underwhelming and smaller than expected, though even that reviewer praised the exhibitions and gift shops.
Seasonal opening, spring-autumn
“We planned to visit the castle on our first day here and only realised it's Harry Potter connection after seeing the Harry Potter shop in Alnwick. And it was no mistake visiting! The walk to the castle was lovely, with…”- R, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “I am a member of NTS and their car parks are £5 so the price for this one not bad £3.75, and is shared with the Gardens.” - Joanne Buxton
- Facilities
- “There is a bigger gift shop at the entrance, but the small gift shop next to the exit of the main castle has some fancier but also pricier goods.” - E. H.
Common questions about Alnwick Castle
Where is Alnwick Castle?
Alnwick Castle is in Northumberland, England, at Alnwick NE66 1NQ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Alnwick Castle?
Yes - Alnwick Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Northumberland Estates (Duke of Northumberland). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Alnwick Castle?
The library-like Book Room, which reviewers consistently flag as the best-designed interior in the castle.
Is Alnwick Castle a ruin or still intact?
Alnwick Castle is largely intact - Seasonal opening, spring-autumn.
