Family Day Out Itinerary at 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 Alnwick Castle parking available, and we’re an accessible site, with dedicated parking spaces located near the entrance. Visiting one of the best castles in England couldn’t be easier.

Alnwick Castle 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 and experience some of the best things to do in Alnwick.

Tickets for Alnwick Castle

Book Alnwick Castle 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. It’s a great way to enjoy even more things to do in Northumberland across the season.

Your morning at Alnwick Castle

As you step through the castle gates, you’ll enter another time and world. Let your Alnwick 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 at one of the most impressive medieval castles in England.

These are our favourite suggestions on how to enjoy your morning at Alnwick Castle - and why it’s one of the top things to do in Alnwick with kids.

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! It’s experiences like this that make it one of the most exciting things to see in Alnwick.

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. These interactive experiences are a highlight among the many things to do in Alnwick.

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. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Alnwick with kids.

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 at one of the most iconic Northumberland castles.

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, making it easy to round off one of the best things to do in Alnwick with a great meal.

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. Dining in town is also a great way to enjoy even more things to see in Alnwick beyond the iconic castle walls.

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? It’s another reason why a visit here is one of the top things to do in Northumberland.

Enjoy Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a fairytale setting. And who could resist our Alnwick Castle outdoor cinema, where we've seen the likes of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone shown 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. Overlooking Alnwick Castle, Bailiffgate Hotel is one of the most stylish hotels in Alnwick - please see our Bailiffgate Hotel page for the latest details. With so many family-friendly accommodation options and fun activities in Northumberland, you won’t want to leave.