
Plan Your Visit
Welcome to Alnwick Castle, one of Britain's most iconic castles.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday in Northumberland, a group coach trip, or a solo adventure full of history, Alnwick Castle has something for everyone.
Our advice is here to make your Alnwick Castle visit as fun, smooth, and engaging as possible. Here’s everything you need to book a fantastic day out for all age groups.

When is Alnwick Castle open?
Our opening times vary depending on the time of year. We close over the winter, but from the end of March to the end of October, we’re ready and waiting for you to visit Alnwick Castle.
You can explore the Castle Grounds daily from 10am to 5pm (or until 5.30pm in July and August), with final admission at 3.45pm.
Learn more about our opening times, ticket prices, and annual passes.
How to get to Alnwick Castle
We’re nestled in the heart of beautiful Northumberland, making Alnwick Castle the perfect destination for any weekend break or holiday.
We have two postcodes you can use to help navigate: NE66 ING will take you to our admission office, while NE66 IHB will lead you straight to the visitor entrance. So whether you live locally or you’re travelling from further afield, you have plenty of travel options.
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By foot: Are you staying in Alnwick? We’re a 7-minute walk from the very centre of the town, so you can enjoy a picturesque stroll before or after your Alnwick Castle visit.
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By car: If you’re driving, the best way to reach us is to follow directions to NE66 IYU. We’re a mile from the A1 and well-signposted, so whether you’re travelling from the North or the South, the journey should be straightforward.
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By bus: You can easily reach Alnwick Castle by local or regional bus. If you’re heading over from Newcastle, the X15 or X18 Arriva bus will take you to Alnwick Bus Station — a 5-minute walk from the castle.
Alternatively, if you’re coming from Berwick-upon-Tweed, you can also take the X15 southbound. -
By train: The closest train station to Alnwick Castle is in Alnmouth, which is around four miles away. From the station, you can catch a taxi or the X18 bus, which will take you directly into Alnwick town centre. We’re then a short walk away.
We recommend always double-checking traffic and public transport timetables before you set off so you can enjoy a stress-free visit to Alnwick Castle.

Is there parking at Alnwick Castle?
We share a car park with The Alnwick Garden, and you can park all day for £3.50. Please note that we only accept card payments for parking.
What about group coach trips?
Groups of 14 or more people are very welcome here at Alnwick Castle, and we aim to make planning your visit as straightforward as possible. We provide groups with free parking or coach drop-off and a range of other great benefits.
Planning a coach trip or school visit to Alnwick Castle? Find out more about our group discounts and educational visits.
What is there to do at Alnwick Castle?
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No matter your interests, we’re sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Alnwick Castle. Need a little inspiration? Here are a few top things to see and do when you spend the day at Alnwick Castle.
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We hold regular tours and talks to guide you through the castle’s impressive grounds.
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History fans can explore Alnwick Castle’s captivating history. With stories around every corner and multiple museums showcasing artefacts and archives from the past 950 years, there’s endless knowledge at your fingertips. You can also wander the beautiful State Rooms adorned with precious artwork and furniture.
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Did you know that Alnwick Castle has starred in a range of films and TV shows? Discover the castle’s most famous on-screen appearances — including a role in two Harry Potter films.
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And for those who want to take their ‘Hogwarts’ experience further, you can even learn broomstick skills just like Harry and friends.
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Have-a-go Archery is available daily (weather permitting) for those who want to try this fun, historical sport.
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Throughout the year, we put on a variety of shows and events — take a look at our What’s On page to see what’s coming up, from book talks to medieval encampments and merriment with our family friendly jester, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Download our visitor map for a guide to where you can find each of these activities and more.

Food and drink options at Alnwick Castle
A visit to Alnwick Castle wouldn’t be complete without a delicious snack or meal. We have several options for refreshments, from fresh paninis at our Armoury Takeaway, to comforting British classic fish and chips at our Stables Fryery and delicious soups and savoury bites at our Courtyard Cafe.
See what food and drink is on offer at Alnwick Castle.
Is Alnwick Castle accessible?
As Alnwick Castle is a historical building, the grounds include a range of uneven and steep surfaces. This means that, unfortunately, disabled access is limited in some areas.
However, we try to ensure partial access for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and guide dogs wherever possible. You can also pre-book a free motorised vehicle — please give us a call to reserve one or to speak to one of our dedicated team about your requirements.
We offer free entry to accompanying carers, and you’ll find several accessible toilets across the grounds.
For more information, please take a look at our accessibility page.
Visit Alnwick Castle
We can’t wait to welcome you to Alnwick Castle. Explore our blog for more inspiration on things to do at Alnwick Castle and in the surrounding areas, and book a visit to explore everything this magnificent castle has to offer.