When to Visit Alnwick Castle
Whether you’re visiting Northumberland for the first time or the hundredth, everybody knows that Alnwick Castle is a must-visit on the Northumberland to-do list, and is one of the best things to do in Alnwick.
When you visit Alnwick, a trip to our castle is one of the best ways to get a feel for our magical town. Walk through our doors and set foot into our castle grounds, and you’ll experience everything from fascinating history tours, to action-packed family events suited to all ages.
But when is the best time to experience Alnwick Castle? Read on to find out…
When Is Alnwick Castle Open?
Alnwick Castle is closed during the winter months, from late October until March.
Don’t worry, though — every Alnwick Castle ticket is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, so you can return as many times as you like (for free!) to experience the castle’s grandeur in every season.
Take a look at our opening times and ticket prices for more information.
Spring
Spring marks the start of a new season at Alnwick Castle, when we reopen at the end of March and the castle and grounds begin to come back to life after winter. As the days grow longer and the first spring flowers start to bloom, it’s a beautiful time to explore the castle, grounds and attractions.
If you’d rather enjoy our Alnwick Castle events, tours, talks and attractions without the hustle and bustle of peak school holiday crowds, spring is a great time to visit. The castle is generally quieter than during the busy summer months, while there’s still plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Spring is also an excellent time for history lovers. Explore our museums, join a guided tour, listen to historical talks and discover traditional craft demonstrations.
Planning an overnight stay or weekend getaway? Spring can be a great time to find accommodation in Alnwick and combine your visit to the castle with some of the many places to visit in Alnwick and the wider Northumberland area.
Best for: quieter visits, spring flowers, history lovers, guided tours and exploring Alnwick without the peak summer crowds.
Summer
Summer is our peak season here at Alnwick Castle. We always have a packed programme ready to go for the school holidays, so you can keep the little ones entertained all summer long.
We have plenty of seasonal activities, from medieval falconry displays and interactive historical drama performances to themed craft workshops in the Artisans Courtyard. There’s something to suit all interests.
For visitors looking for an activity, we also run Have-a-go-Archery, as well as Broomstick Training sessions — a welcome nod to our role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Plus, the nice weather means you can make the most of our expansive grounds for picnics and or enjoy some of the best places to eat in Alnwick with our on site eateries, including our new pizzeria and ice cream parlour.
Just remember: it can get busy at Alnwick Castle during the summer holidays, especially when it comes to parking, so make sure to book your tickets in advance and check what’s on in Alnwick ahead of time to plan your visit.
Best for: families, school holiday activities, events and making the most of the castle grounds.
Autumn
When the leaves go golden and crisp, we know autumn has settled in.
Autumn makes our grand castle and its grounds look like something out of a gothic fairy-tale, especially when the gold and burnt orange hues of leaves are set against the castle’s darker sandstone construction.
It’s also much quieter than both spring and summer, meaning you can really make the most of your time with us and immerse yourself in all the castle has to offer. Will you wander around The State Rooms and The Great Kitchen, or stick around to hear the mighty boom of our Replica Napoleonic Cannon?
In this quieter season, the choice and freedom are all yours.
Best for: quieter visits, history lovers, photography and enjoying the castle in beautiful autumn colours.
Winter
When the castle closes at the end of October each year, winter becomes an important time behind the scenes at Alnwick Castle. While our doors may be closed to visitors, our team is busy preparing for the season ahead, making improvements across the castle and grounds, and reflecting on what our visitors enjoyed most.
Although our main visitor season comes to an end, winter doesn’t always mean the castle is completely quiet. We occasionally host special winter events, including the Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair, giving visitors the chance to experience the castle at a very different time of year.
If you’re planning a winter visit to Northumberland, it’s worth keeping an eye on our social media channels for announcements about special events and unique opportunities to visit during the winter months.
And before you plan your next castle adventure, remember that we reopen at the end of March, just as spring begins to bring new colour and the first flowers start to bloom across the grounds.
Make the most of every season with a return visit
One visit to Alnwick Castle is just the beginning. With our return-entry tickets, you can come back throughout the season and experience the castle in a completely different way each time.
Enjoy a quieter spring visit as the flowers begin to bloom, return in summer for a packed programme of events and activities, or experience the castle and its grounds in the golden colours of autumn. There’s always something new to discover, and you can change up your itinerary with each visit.
Even better, there’s no need to re-book after your first visit. Simply bring your pass and ID, show them at the gate, and you’re ready to explore again.