Alnwick Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress nestled in the heart of Northumberland, England, is a must-visit destination for castle enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans alike. As the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK, Alnwick Castle boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a captivating array of filming locations that have captured the imagination of visitors from around the world.
Entrance and Ticket Prices
Accessing the grandeur of Alnwick Castle begins with navigating the entrance and purchasing your tickets. Whether you opt for gate tickets or online purchases, the pricing structure caters to a range of visitors:
| Ticket Type | Gate Price | Online Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | £22.80 | £20.50 |
| Concessions (60+ or full-time education) | £18.40 | £16.55 |
| Children (5-16 years) | £12.00 | £10.80 |
| Under 4’s | Free | Free |
| Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) | £61.85 | £55.65 |
It’s worth noting that online tickets come with a 10% discount and an automatic annual pass, allowing you to revisit the castle as many times as you’d like within a 12-month period.
Opening Times
Alnwick Castle’s opening times are carefully structured to accommodate visitors throughout the day, ensuring you can make the most of your experience:
- Castle Grounds: 10:00am – 5:00pm (last admission at 3:45pm), with extended hours of 10:00am – 5:30pm during July and August.
- Artisan’s Courtyard: 10:00am – 5:00pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
- State Rooms: 10:30am – 4:30pm (last entry at 4:00pm)
- Museum Towers: 10:00am – 5:00pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
- Fusiliers Museum: 11:00am – 5:00pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
- Courtyard Gift Shop: 10:00am – 4:30pm
- Diana Gift Shop: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Courtyard Cafe: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Stables Fryery: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Accessibility and Facilities
Alnwick Castle has made strides to ensure accessibility and provide a comfortable experience for all visitors. Key details to note include:
- Parking: The main castle car park is situated off Denwick Lane (B1340) with a postcode of NE66 1YU. A parking charge of £3.50 per vehicle applies.
- Food and Drink: Alnwick Castle offers a variety of dining options, including the Courtyard Cafe, the Stables Fryery, and The Armoury Takeaway.
- Accessibility: The castle has implemented enhanced security measures, and visitors are requested to bring minimal baggage. Handbags and backpacks are permitted, but random bag searches may occur. No large or wheeled suitcases are allowed in the State Rooms.
Getting There
Alnwick Castle’s strategic location in Northumberland makes it easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
- By Car: The castle is conveniently located just off the A1, making it a straightforward drive for visitors.
- By Rail: The East Coast mainline connects London to Edinburgh, with a stop at Alnmouth station, which is four miles away from Alnwick. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to the castle.
- By Air: Newcastle International Airport and the Port of Tyne are approximately 35 miles away, providing air travel options for those visiting from further afield.
Additional Information
Alnwick Castle offers a wealth of additional experiences and features that enhance the overall visit:
- Filming Location Tours: The castle provides free On Location tours, which explore the filming locations and provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the castle’s appearances in various films and TV shows, including the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey.
- Annual Pass: All tickets purchased online come with an automatic annual pass, allowing unlimited re-visits during opening times for a 12-month period.
Alnwick Castle’s rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating filming locations make it a must-visit destination for castle enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans alike. By understanding the entrance details, ticket prices, opening times, accessibility, and transportation options, you can plan your visit to this iconic Northumberland landmark and immerse yourself in its captivating history and cinematic legacy.
References
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/visit
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/visit/find-us-and-faqs
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g504032-d4187580-Reviews-Alnwick_Castle-Alnwick_Northumberland_England.html
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/opening-times-and-ticket-prices