Alnwick Castle, a stunning medieval fortress in Northumberland, England, is a must-visit destination for castle enthusiasts and history buffs. Whether you’re traveling from nearby cities or planning a trip from further afield, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get to Alnwick Castle hassle-free.
By Air
The closest airport to Alnwick Castle is Newcastle International Airport (NCL), located approximately 35 miles away. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the castle. Alternatively, you can consider other nearby airports such as Edinburgh (EDI), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Manchester (MAN), or Durham Tees Valley (MME), but Newcastle is the most convenient option.
By Train
The nearest train station to Alnwick Castle is Alnmouth Station, which is on the East Coast mainline connecting London to Edinburgh. From Alnmouth Station, you can take a bus or taxi to the castle. The journey from Alnmouth to Alnwick Castle takes around 15 minutes by bus or taxi.
By Bus
Several bus services connect Alnwick to nearby cities and towns. From Newcastle, you can take the X15, X18, or X20 buses from Haymarket bus station, which offer a scenic journey to Alnwick. The bus journey from Newcastle takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The bus station in Alnwick is a five-minute walk from the castle.
By Car
Alnwick Castle is easily accessible by car, located just off the A1. If you are driving from Newcastle, the journey takes around 45 minutes. There is a car park available near the castle.
Timings and Costs
| Transportation | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Train from York to Alnmouth | 90-120 minutes | £3 add-on for Alnmouth plus bus train ticket |
| Bus from Alnmouth to Alnwick | 15 minutes | Included in the Alnmouth plus bus train ticket |
| Bus from Newcastle to Alnwick | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Prices vary depending on the bus service |
| Taxi from Alnmouth to Alnwick | 15 minutes | Prices vary depending on the taxi service |
Additional Information
- Opening Times: Alnwick Castle is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM.
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year and type of ticket. You can save 10% by booking online, and an annual pass is included at no extra charge.
- Food and Drink: Alnwick Castle offers a range of locally sourced food and beverages at its cafes and restaurants.
- Accessibility: The castle has enhanced security measures in place, and visitors are requested to bring minimal baggage. Handbags and backpacks are permitted, but random bag searches may take place.
Alnwick Castle is a true gem of Northumberland, and with the information provided in this guide, you can easily plan your visit and make the most of your time at this historic and captivating destination.
References
- https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Nearby-Airports/Alnwick-Castle
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/visit
- https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/alnwick-castle-bd5fe5be-8b48-4a30-a5d2-dee5fbb41c3f
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186525-i108-k7585495-How_to_get_from_Edinburgh_to_Alnwick_castle-Edinburgh_Scotland.html
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/visit/find-us-and-faqs.