Frequently Asked Questions

Your ticket includes:

• Entry to Alnwick Castle grounds, State Rooms and the Great Kitchen
• Access to three on-site museums
• Guided talks and tours throughout the day
• Broomstick Training experience
• A range of daily activities (see our What’s On board for details)

In addition your ticket is also an annual pass giving 12 months free admission during our open season.

Yes, you can buy Alnwick Castle tickets at the admission office when you arrive.

For the best value, book your tickets online before your visit and save 10%. Online tickets also include an Annual Pass at no extra cost, giving you unlimited standard daytime visits for 12 months.

Please note that all children aged 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

No, admission to The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei is not included with an Alnwick Castle ticket.

Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden are separate visitor attractions, each with their own admission tickets and visiting arrangements.

If you would like to visit both attractions, you will need to purchase tickets for each venue separately.

Yes, tickets purchased online automatically include an Annual Pass at no extra cost.

Your Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the date of your first visit and allows unlimited standard daytime visits to Alnwick Castle during public opening periods.

If you buy your tickets at the Castle Admission Hall, you can upgrade them to an Annual Pass on the day of your visit at no additional charge.

Alnwick Castle is not open all year round. Our open season falls between the end of March and October; outside of this, we are closed for the winter season.

The castle will close on the 22 October 2026. Please check our opening dates and times for more information.

We do not have a rainy day policy, but all tickets purchased on our website are automatically season passes, meaning that you can come back and visit us for free for 12 months from your original visit date when the castle is open to the public. 

Yes. You can reach Alnwick Castle by public transport. 

The East Coast mainline, connecting London to Edinburgh, includes a stop at Alnmouth station, just four miles away from Alnwick. From there, a quick taxi (we recommend pre-booking) or bus ride will bring you to the castle.

In Alnwick itself, bus stops and a central bus station are readily available.

For visitors coming from Newcastle, the X15, X18, and X20 buses depart from the city's Haymarket bus station, offering a scenic journey to Alnwick. The Castle is conveniently just a five-minute walk from the bus station.

If you're arriving from farther afield, Newcastle International Airport and the Port of Tyne are approximately 35 miles away.

The official Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden car park is not free. Parking is available for a daily charge of £3.75 from 9am.

Payment at the official car park is by card and contactless only.

There are also some public parking options available in Alnwick town centre, which may include free parking areas. Please check local parking information before your visit for the latest details.

Alongside our regular programme of activities, including broomstick training, talks, tours, and medieval crafts, Alnwick Castle hosts a variety of events throughout the open season.

Events include book talks, medieval performances, theatre, music nights, and family-friendly activities, with something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Our events programme changes throughout the year, so please check our What's On page for the latest dates, activities, and visitor information.

Yes, guided tours are available at Alnwick Castle and are included with your admission ticket.

Daily guided tours are led by our friendly and knowledgeable team, offering visitors the chance to discover more about the castle’s history, stories, and highlights.

Tour times and meeting locations vary, so please check the What's On board when you arrive.

Yes, many events at Alnwick Castle are suitable for children and families.

Our events programme includes a range of family-friendly activities throughout the open season. Event suitability can vary, so please check our What's On page for the latest details, dates, and any age guidance.

Please note that children aged 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Yes, you can explore Alnwick Castle without joining a scheduled tour.

Visitors are welcome to discover the castle and grounds at their own pace, with plenty to see and do during your visit.

You can also enjoy our events and exhibitions, explore the State Rooms and Great Kitchen, and visit the castle museums for a more immersive experience.

We recommend allowing at least 2–3 hours to explore Alnwick Castle, although you may wish to spend longer enjoying everything the castle has to offer.

Your visit may include exploring the State Rooms, museums, castle grounds, guided tours, events, and activities. The time needed will depend on what you choose to see and do during your visit.

If you are attending events or taking part in activities, we recommend allowing extra time to make the most of your day.

Yes, photography and video recording for personal use are permitted at Alnwick Castle.

Visitors are welcome to take photographs and videos within the castle grounds during their visit. However, drones are not permitted anywhere on site.

Please note that photography and video recording are not permitted inside the State Rooms.

Scaffolding is not always present at Alnwick Castle, but visitors may occasionally see scaffolding or conservation work taking place during their visit.

As a historic building that is more than 900 years old, Alnwick Castle requires ongoing maintenance and restoration to preserve it for future generations. These essential conservation projects help protect the castle's structure and ensure it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.

We work to minimise any impact on the visitor experience wherever possible.

No, smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere within Alnwick Castle or its grounds.

Visitors who wish to smoke or vape must leave the castle grounds before doing so. You are welcome to re-enter afterwards, but please keep your admission ticket with you to present on your return.

No, bikes and scooters are not permitted inside Alnwick Castle or within the castle grounds.

Mobility scooters are permitted to support visitors with accessibility needs. A limited number of mobility scooters are available to reserve free of charge.

To reserve a mobility scooter before your visit, please call 01665 511 100.

No, the use of drones is not permitted at Alnwick Castle.

Alnwick Castle offers a selection of locally sourced food and beverages. Whether you're craving sandwiches and cake or even pizza, we have something to satisfy every palate.

We have our Courtyard Cafe, Pizzeria, and The Armoury Takeaway open for guests.

For opening times and more information, please see our Food and Drink page.

If you wish to bring your own food to have a picnic within the Castle grounds, you are free to do so.

We do also have the Courtyard Cafe, our new Pizzeria, and The Armoury Takeaway which offer a range of food and drink to visitors.

Only assistance dogs are permitted at Alnwick Castle.

Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other registered assistance dogs (including those in training) are welcome throughout your visit. Assistance dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times.

Where possible, please bring your Assistance Dogs (UK) identification book or the appropriate international equivalent.

Please note that pets and other animals are not allowed inside Alnwick Castle or the grounds. Visitors travelling with dogs can enjoy a number of dog-friendly walks in and around Alnwick, including the riverside pastures opposite the castle.

No, we do not have luggage storage facilities on site. 

Alnwick Castle has appeared in many films and TV shows over the years, with its most famous role as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.

The castle has also featured in productions including Dungeons & Dragons, Downton Abbey, and Transformers, as well as other film and television projects.

Visitors can explore the historic locations that have appeared on screen during their visit to Alnwick Castle.

Yes, Alnwick Castle offers free On Location tours where visitors can explore the castle’s famous filming locations.

These cinematic tours take you around the castle grounds, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and fascinating facts about productions filmed at Alnwick Castle, including the first two Harry Potter films, historical dramas, and Shakespeare adaptations.

Tour times vary, so please check the What's On board when you arrive for the latest schedule.

Some scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were filmed at Alnwick Castle in 2000, with production returning for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 

For filming enquiries at Alnwick Castle, please contact our filming team.

Alnwick Castle offers a range of filming locations, including interiors, exteriors, and the surrounding castle grounds.

To discuss filming opportunities and availability, please email filming@northumberlandestates.co.uk.

Yes, Alnwick Castle is accessible to disabled visitors, although some areas have limited access due to the historic nature of the castle and its grounds.

Accessibility varies across the site, and some routes, rooms, and outdoor areas may not be fully accessible.

For more information visit the Accessibility page. 

Yes, pushchairs are allowed at Alnwick Castle.

However, accessibility for pushchairs is limited in some areas of the castle and grounds. Visitors may encounter uneven surfaces, including cobbles, gravel paths, and stairs, which can make navigation more challenging.

We recommend allowing extra time to move around the site and taking care when using pushchairs on historic pathways and steps.

Yes, one carer accompanying a disabled visitor is entitled to free admission to Alnwick Castle.

The disabled visitor must hold a valid admission ticket. If you have any questions about eligibility or supporting documentation, please contact us before your visit.

Yes, mobility scooters are available to hire free of charge at Alnwick Castle, subject to availability.

As only a limited number of scooters are available, pre-booking is required. To reserve a mobility scooter before your visit, please call 01665 511 178.

We recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.