The Great Kitchen
Great Kitchen: 10:30am – 5pm
Explore and discover the history of Alnwick Castles historic kitchens as we continue our transformative four-year project to rediscover, restore, and revitalise the Great Kitchen.
Over the years, the kitchens have served many purposes. During World War II, they housed evacuees as part of Newcastle Church High School’s evacuation efforts. Later, they became a hub for teacher training under Northumberland County Council, and from the 1970s, they were used by St. Cloud State University. Despite their history, the kitchens have never been accessible to the public—until now.
Explore Salvin’s Great Kitchen and Grand Larders
Visitors can also explore architect Anthony Salvin’s expertly designed Great Kitchen and its four grand larder rooms. Exciting discoveries include the rediscovery of Victorian ovens hidden behind walls for decades and the careful removal of modern tiles to reveal the original stone floors beneath. The restoration, continuing until 2027, will offer further insights into the history, function, and remarkable engineering of these iconic culinary spaces.
Discover the Cook’s Room and Historic Butchery
New for 2026, visitors to Alnwick Castle will be able to step inside the Cook’s Room and discover the historic butchery—spaces rarely seen before now opened to the public. This new addition offers a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day workings of the castle’s kitchens, revealing the skill, scale and organisation behind preparing food for a great household.
Victorian Innovation and Culinary Heritage
Step further back into the 19th century and uncover the cutting-edge steam and hydraulic technology that once made Alnwick Castle’s kitchens a marvel of Victorian innovation. Working with expert historians, the project also highlights the lives of the people who worked here and the remarkable culinary creations they produced.
Future phases of the restoration will bring even more stories to life, offering an journey through the castle’s culinary past.
