A Guide To Photographing Castles
Castles that have stood the test of time are extremely fascinating. So much so that many of our visitors enjoy taking photographs of, in, and around the castle grounds. Capturing the history of Alnwick Castle, its impressive architecture, and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes can be incredibly rewarding for our visitors. It’s one of the UK’s most Instagrammable castles for a reason!
We also love the opportunity our castle offers to budding photographers. Whether you’re coming with a smartphone or a professional camera in tow, here are a few photography tips to help make your shots stand out.
Photography At a Glace
- Personal photography: Photography and video for personal use are welcome in the castle grounds.
- State Rooms: Photography and video recording are not permitted inside the State Rooms without prior arrangement.
- Drones: Drone photography and filming are not permitted on site.
- Commercial photography: Commercial photography and filming require permission and may be subject to fees, depending on the nature of the project, crew size and locations required..
- Best photo spots: The castle grounds, Lion Bridge and the River Aln offer excellent opportunities for capturing Alnwick Castle and its surrounding landscape.
- Need advice? If you're unsure whether your planned photography requires permission, contact the Alnwick Castle team before your visit.
Photography Tips
Research and plan your visit
Before heading to Alnwick Castle, please check the weather forecast and our opening hours to plan your visit— we’d hate for you to come all the way to find out we’re closed.
Gather your essential photography equipment
Whether it be your smartphone or the latest camera on the market, make sure all of the equipment you need is charged and ready for a day of shutter-action. If possible, bring a portable charger for your equipment, just in case.
Brush up on the castle’s rules
Castles are areas of great history, so you may find that certain castles have rules about where you can and can’t photograph. For instance, at Alnwick Castle, some interior spaces, like our State Rooms, do not allow photography. Drones are also not allowed within the castle grounds. Need more guidance on our photography policy? Please contact our team who will be happy to advise you.
Use wide shots to add context
Start off your photography session with wide shots to capture the full personality of Alnwick Castle. Position yourself at different angles and vantage points to include the surrounding landscape.
Zoom in
Don’t be afraid to zoom in on the rugged architectural details — there are plenty to be seen. From stone carvings and intricate windows to majestic battlements, these close-up shots will highlight the craftsmanship that makes Alnwick Castle unique.
Use leading lines
While the castle is wholly authentic and asymmetrical in places, many surrounding areas will allow you to try the photographic technique of leading lines. Paths, walls, and fences can lead the eye toward the castle, adding a sense of depth to your photos.
Look beyond the main castle view
Don't just photograph the castle from a distance. Explore the Gun Terrace, Falconer’s Tower, Baileys and courtyards for different perspectives. Look upwards at the towers and battlements, or use archways, walls and pathways to frame the castle and create depth in your photographs
Stabilise your shots
Castle interiors can be dimly lit, so you may benefit from a steady hand or a tripod to prevent blurry images. If you’re using a smartphone, don’t forget to enable the stabilisation features if you have them.
Get close to the details
Don’t just photograph Alnwick Castle as a whole. Look closely at the architectural details that can easily be missed, from the stone carvings and heraldic shields on the Octagonal Towers to the battlements, towers and defensive features. Try filling the frame with one detail or using it to create an abstract composition.
Use Alnwick Castle as your photography inspiration
It goes without saying that Alnwick Castle provides endless opportunities for stunning pieces of castle photography. You can capture the majestic exterior with its towers and battlements, and explore the grounds and courtyards for more scenic shots.
You can’t miss the opportunity to photograph the castle on the Lion Bridge — it’s an excellent vantage point if you’d like to take a photo from afar. The expansive grounds and stunning green landscape provide a great juxtaposing backdrop to the castle.
For a truly unique perspective, why not capture the castle’s silhouette against the sky at sunset or the castle's reflection in the nearby River Aln? You may wish to photograph the castle at different points of the year to capture the changes in season, make sure to book your ticket online to automatically receive entry to the castle for 12 months with your ticket.
Visit us at Alnwick Castle
Plan your visit to Alnwick Castle today and experience the magic of capturing a castle’s beauty through the lens. When you buy a ticket, you’ll have the creative freedom to explore the castle and its grounds, as well as our jam-packed events and activities schedule.
Book your tickets online today and start your photographic journey at Alnwick Castle.
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900+ years of history
A medieval fortress standing since the 11th century
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Home to the Percy family
For over 700 years and still lived in today
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Iconic Hogwarts filming location
Seen in the first two Harry Potter films