Looking for things to do in Northumberland for families? Alnwick Castle is here to help.
Take a look at our top ten things to do with your family guide, including family activities that will suit all ages, ensuring that you have plenty of North East family fun making memories that will last a lifetime.
Discover the magic of Harry Potter
Step in the footsteps of
Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle, and discover the magic of the castle starring as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The castle played a special role in the first two Harry Potter films, used as the spectacular setting for Harry Potter scenes including the castles Lion Arch as Harry, Ron and Hermione make their way to Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest, the courtyards and baileys for Hogwarts staff and students heading to their next lessons, as well as the iconic outer bailey where Harry learns to fly. Immerse yourself in the magic of
Alnwick Castle and let your little ones explore inside the castle and grounds, more affectionately known as Hogwarts.
Take on our Broomstick Training
Has the magic setting of Alnwick Castle left your kids wanting to learn more about Harry Potter learning to fly and how witches and wizards play quidditch? Why not join our resident wizarding professors and take part in one of our famous
Broomstick Training sessions, taking place on the very spot where Harry had his first flying lesson in the film production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.Under our eccentric professor’s magical guidance,you can be taught the basics of mastering a broomstick. Become a skilled witch or wizard and practise your mount and dismount before learning to curve and manoeuvre across the lawns of the outer bailey, where Harry himself first flew his first broomstick.
Go on a dragon hunt
Join forces with our resident Dragon Catcher and
Harry Hotspur for a noble quest where you will take on challenging obstacles and come face-to-face with a terrifying dragon. Whether you’re a brave knight or courageous princess, join our
dragon quest and enter the beast's lair.
Dress Up In Medieval Costumes
Immerse yourself in the
medieval history of the castle and
dress up in one of our many medieval costumes that will take you back in time and transform you into a medieval knight, jester or princess. With over a hundred dresses, capes and headgear from the medieval world to try on, there is something for all the family.
Try out a medieval craft
Join our resident artisans in our
artisans courtyard where you and the family can enjoy medieval crafts, including the making of a medieval tile, to how to create your own medieval soap.
Marvel in medieval performances
Alnwick Castle play’s host to a wide variety of medieval performances throughout the year, including medieval falconry displays, medieval mischief and fun with our marvellous jesters, as well as medieval music to enjoy and highly skilled archery demonstrations by our master archer. Find out what you and the family can get involved with on
your visit to the castle with our
what’s on guide.
Learn about medieval history
Who says education can’t be fun? Enjoy an
educational day out at Alnwick Castle with your kids, learning more about the origins of the castle in 1309, as well as the dramatic history of
The Percy Family. With over 950 years of history and stories to discover there are so many exciting things to learn, from top tips on medieval armour and swords with the expert knowledge of our
costumed artisans, to the
history of medieval battles at the castle.
Adventure around Alnwick
Just outside the castle walls you and the family can explore the local town of Alnwick. The cobbled streets are filled with
shops and cafes surrounding the historic market square. Wandering around the streets, trying local produce and finding locally made gifts, is the perfect addition to your family's day visiting Alnwick Castle, if you are looking for things to do in the North East.
Take a trip to the beach
Looking for places to visit in Northumberland? The area offers some of the most beautiful and immaculate beaches in the UK.
Alnwick Castle is fortunate to be situated close to spectacular local beaches, including Embleton Bay and Alnmouth Beach. Enjoy walks on the beach, building miniature ‘Alnwick Castle’ sand castles and paddling in the sea with the family. Make your journey to and from the castle easy with our helpful
find us tips.
Explore Alnwick Castle grounds
Go on an adventure around the iconic Alnwick Castle grounds, where you can spot local wildlife and walk in the footsteps of film stars who have filmed here at the castle, from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, to Dungeons and Dragons, as well as Downton Abbey and Transformers The Last Knight. Find iconic filming locations around the site with our handy downloadable visitor map, and imagine you are one of your favourite tv or film characters throughout your visit.
Book your family ticket
Did you know that when you buy any family ticket on Alnwick Castle website it automatically becomes a twelve month pass? You and your family can visit throughout the year when the castle is open to the public, meaning a whole year of making family memories ticking off our top things to do list. Visit our tickets page to buy your ticket and plan your visit to Alnwick Castle.
*Please note all events are subject to change and are weather dependent. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of our activities take a look at our ‘What’s On’ board upon arrival or speak to one of our team. The Alnwick Castle team works hard to ensure that everyone in your family receives a warm welcome here at the castle, we suggest that you check each event / activity age recommendation upon arrival. For further information speak to a member of our team.