Alnwick Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress in Northumberland, England, has captured the hearts of many as a filming location for the beloved television series “Downton Abbey.” This historic castle, with its rich history and stunning architecture, has played a significant role in the lives of the Crawley family and their staff, serving as the backdrop for two captivating Christmas specials.
History and Architecture of Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle has a long and storied history, dating back to the Norman Conquest. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous renovations and remodelings, resulting in a unique layout with two main rings of buildings. The principal rooms are located in the shell keep at the center, which is accessed through an elaborate Romanesque archway between two semi-octagonal towers added in the 14th century.
Alnwick Castle’s Downton Abbey Connection
Alnwick Castle’s connection to “Downton Abbey” began in 2014 when the cast and crew spent two weeks filming in the castle’s State Rooms, grounds, and nearby Hulne Abbey. They returned the following year for another week of filming in July 2015. The castle served as the filming location for Brancaster Castle, the home of Lord Hexham, Lady Edith’s fiancé, in the episodes “A Moorland Holiday” and the final episode of the series.
Visiting Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is open to the public throughout the summer, typically from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of ticket, with a standard adult ticket costing around £16.50 and a family ticket costing around £44.50.
In addition to the castle’s stunning architecture and grounds, visitors can explore special exhibitions in three of its perimeter towers, including the Postern Tower, Constable’s Tower, and the Abbot’s Tower, which feature artifacts from Pompeii, Ancient Egypt, and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.
Additional Facts about Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle’s connection to the wizarding world of “Harry Potter” has also contributed to its popularity among tourists. The castle was used as a filming location for several scenes in the “Harry Potter” film series.
During World War II, the Newcastle Church High School for Girls was evacuated to Alnwick Castle, and later, parts of the castle were used by Alnwick College of Education and St. Cloud State University of Minnesota as a branch campus.