Family Day Out Itinerary for Alnwick Castle

Before your adventure begins: Getting to Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is easily accessible by car, train and bus. Your next family adventure is just off the A1, and we can help you plan your family visit so you don’t miss a thing.

Parking

There’s bags of parking available at Alnwick Castle, and we’re an accessible site, with dedicated parking spaces located near the entrance.

Opening hours

We’re open from 10am to 5pm, March to October, which means that if you don’t see everything the first time, you’ll have plenty of time for another visit. 

To make the most of your family day out, plan to arrive when the gates open so you can enjoy a full day at the castle.

Tickets

Book your tickets online at a special web rate or at the gate. They’re automatically upgraded to a season pass, letting you enjoy a summer of fun at Alnwick Castle, as well as being able to return to the castle at another point in the year.

Your morning at Alnwick Castle

As you step through the castle gates, you’ll enter another time and world. Let your castle map be your guide as you head back in time. All our family itinerary activities are included in the entrance fee, allowing you to plan a magical, stress-free family fun day.

These are our favourite suggestions on how to enjoy your morning at Alnwick Castle.

10am: Try some family-friendly history

Start your visit with this 30-minute, fun-packed guided tour. It’s a fantastic way to explore all the nooks and crannies of the castle. 

Then, head to the Inner Bailey to see the jester, Tom Fool, who’ll be up to his tricks at the castle from 21–25 July and 2–6 August. Make sure to check the What’s On board for performance times and to see what other entertainment is happening during your visit!

11.30am: Visit the Artisans' Courtyard

The Artisans’ Courtyard lets your family take a fascinating trip back in time, brimming with hands-on activities such as dressing up in medieval costumes and playing games in the castle square. There’s something for every member of the family, from craft demonstrations to medieval weaponry.

12.30pm: Hunt a dragon on our Dragon Quest

Only the bravest dare to go on our Dragon Quest. Taking its inspiration from the castle’s long and illustrious history, not to mention its use in films like Dungeons & Dragons and Harry Potter, this immersive adventure is ideal for 5-12-year-olds.

With incredible special effects and an immersive storyline, hunt these mythical beasts through the mirror maze, over the fiery bridge and through the dizzying whirlpool. Each incredible quest takes around 45 minutes to complete, so spot as many elusive dragons as you can.

1.30pm: Lunchtime refreshments

Hungry dragon hunters will be happy to head for the traditional Courtyard Cafe or our Pizzeria and Ice Cream Parlour. 

Our food outlets and food trucks offer a fantastic range of family-friendly treats, from traditional Northumberland savoury bites to paninis, pizzas, salads, sweet treats and world cuisine. Find something to satisfy everyone before you head off for your afternoon activities.

Where to get dinner in Alnwick

A fun-packed day at Alnwick Castle is bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, the flourishing local food scene means there’s a plethora of places to eat in Alnwick. 

Family-friendly options in town include The Market Tavern, Cafe Tirreno, as well as The Dirty Bottles, providing a charming place to kick back and refuel after a busy day at the castle, with plenty of vegetarian and child-friendly options to keep everyone happy.

Evening activities 

At Alnwick Castle, we have a packed events programme through the summer. If you’re not worn out after a day hunting dragons and flying broomsticks, why not treat yourself to some evening entertainment?

Enjoy Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a fairytale setting. And who could resist our outdoor cinema, where you can watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the very castle where it was filmed?

Accommodation options near Alnwick Castle

There are so many things to do in Northumberland for families - why not make a holiday of it? From the charming cobbled streets of Alnwick town to the endless sandy beaches, you’ll need more than a day to see it all. 

There are places to stay in Alnwick to suit every family, from B&Bs and self-catering cottages to luxury hotels and glamping. With so many family-friendly accommodation options and fun activities in Northumberland, you won’t want to leave.