Press Room

Welcome to the Alnwick Castle Press Room, a space with all of the information you need in one place, including opening times and ticket prices, our seasonal events programme, directions to the castle, filming enquiries, accessibility details, key policies and the latest updates.

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About Alnwick Castle

One of the largest inhabited castles in the UK, Alnwick Castle has lived many lives, including: a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set, and, of course, a family home. Visitors can explore centuries of history, discover fascinating collections, and enjoy a lively programme of seasonal events throughout the year.

Alnwick Castle often features in articles and guides about:

The UK’s must-visit castles
Things to do in Northumberland
Family-friendly days out in the North East
Film and TV locations in the North East, including Harry Potter
Weekend or short-break itineraries
Heritage attractions near the Scottish border

Family Days at Alnwick Castle

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a wealth of history, seasonal events, and fascinating collections, while making on-screen connections with the castle’s iconic spaces featured in film and television.

Outdoor Spaces: Open areas for exploring and enjoying time outdoors.
Seasonal Events: A variety of activities and experiences throughout the year.
Historic Spaces: Engaging ways to discover history in accessible, fun settings.
On-Screen Links: Iconic locations featured in popular films and TV shows.
Visitor Facilities: Amenities and services supporting comfortable family visits.

The Alnwick Castle team is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy the castle. While its historic nature can present some challenges, the Alnwick Castle team aims to make each individual’s visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

For further information:

Accessibility

Things to Do at Alnwick Castle

Visitors can explore the historic state rooms, step into iconic filming locations, join guided tours, wander the castle grounds, try broomstick training or archery, take part in the Dragon Quest, and enjoy many more things to do at the castle.

Historic Spaces & Collections: Historic State Rooms, The Great Kitchen, and on-site museums to explore.
Visit Filming Sites: Iconic locations featured in films and TV shows, from Harry Potter to Downton Abbey and Transformers.

Attend Events: Seasonal programmes and themed activities for all ages, including historic falconry, jester shows, outdoor cinema and living history encampments.

Enjoy the Grounds: Castle grounds with iconic views.

Join Experiences: Guided tours and hands-on on-site activities, including broomstick training, have-a-go-archery and activities in the Artisans Courtyard.

Alnwick Castle on Screen

Alnwick Castle has been the setting of an array of iconic, international film and television productions. Verified filming details, locations and visiting information can be found on the official On Screen pages.

Notable film and television include:

Harry Potter
Downton Abbey
Transformers: The Last Knight
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Further examples include:

Star Trek: The Next Generation
Elizabeth
Blackadder
Robson Green's Tales From Northumberland
Various TV dramas and documentaries

For filming permissions, location details and production enquiries, visit our filming enquiries page.

For full details:

Alnwick Castle on Screen

Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle

Other Film & Television

Castle Facts & Figures

Key facts and fascinating figures that capture the history, heritage, and on-screen legacy of Alnwick Castle.

First Written Record: 1138

Percy Family Ownership: since 1309

Annual Visitors: around 250,000
Film & TV Appearances: 41

Harry Potter Films Filmed Here: 2

Distance from Scottish Border: 30 miles

Alnwick Castle Images & Photography

A wide range of Alnwick Castle imagery is available, including exterior and interior shots, events, and seasonal highlights. Some favourites are featured below. For image requests, usage guidance, or filming/photography enquiries, contact filming@northumberlandestates.co.uk.

Note: Permission is required for commercial or broadcast use.

Alnwick Castle Events & Seasonal Programme

Our year-round programme is shaped by the seasons and the castle’s historic setting. Expect unique experiences, family-focused weekends, special themed days, and events that complement the castle’s permanent offer.

What’s On
Alnwick Castle Official App

Make the most of your visit with the new Alnwick Castle app. Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Our app guides you through the castle’s history, highlights filming locations, and provides interactive maps, quizzes and activities for all ages.
Parking & Getting Here

There’s plenty of parking in Alnwick, with several car parks conveniently located near the Castle for easy access for visitors.

Directions & Location

Alnwick Castle is easy to reach by car, train, or bus. By road, it’s just off the A1 with convenient parking nearby. The nearest train station, Alnmouth, is 4 miles away, around 10 minutes by taxi or bus. Local and regional buses stop close to the castle, and it’s around 45 minutes from Newcastle Airport or the nearest ferry, and 1 1⁄2 hours from Edinburgh Airport.

Parking & Travel Information

Media Enquiries

For press enquiries, listings updates, interview requests, or filming enquiries:

Email: filming@northumberlandestates.co.uk
Telephone: +44 01665 511100

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official pages linked above.

Influencer Collaborations

Alnwick Castle welcomes influencer enquiries. Collaborations are considered case-by-case and should align with the influencer’s platform and our campaign objectives.

Key Criteria:

Audience: Minimum 10,000 followers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, with authentic engagement.
Relevance: Focus on history, heritage, family days out, tourism, or North East activities.
Content: High-quality posts suitable for sharing on Alnwick Castle channels. Complimentary tickets to Alnwick Castle provided in exchange for agreed content.
Transparency: Content must be labelled #gifted and comply with ASA guidelines.