Alnwick Castle, located in Northumberland, England, is a magnificent medieval fortress with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The castle’s layout has evolved over the centuries, with significant restorations and additions made in the 19th century. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key features and architectural highlights that make Alnwick Castle a must-visit destination for castle enthusiasts.
Key Features and Towers
Alnwick Castle’s layout is characterized by several distinct towers and features that contribute to its impressive and imposing presence:
- Keep: The central part of the castle, housing the principal rooms, including the State Rooms.
- Gatehouse: The main entrance to the castle, flanked by two semi-octagonal towers.
- Abbot’s Tower: One of the ten main towers along the walls of the outer bailey.
- Falconer’s Tower: Another tower along the outer bailey walls.
- Postern Tower: A tower located near the Postern Gate.
- Constable’s Tower: A tower rebuilt in the 19th century.
- Record Tower: One of the towers housing the castle’s records.
- Warder’s Tower: A tower rebuilt in the 19th century.
- Auditor’s Tower: A tower housing the castle’s administrative offices.
- Clock Tower: A prominent tower with a clock.
- Stable Yard: A courtyard outside the bailey walls, housing the stables and service areas.
State Rooms
Alnwick Castle’s State Rooms are a highlight for visitors, showcasing the castle’s rich history and architectural grandeur. These rooms include:
- Lower Guard Chamber: The first room visitors enter, featuring an impressive display of arms and accoutrements.
- Upper Guard Chamber: A room with a marble terrazzo floor, plasterwork ceiling, and marble figures of Justice and Britannia.
- Library: A magnificent room housing nearly 15,000 books, located on the first floor of the large tower added during the 19th century restoration.
- Drawing Room: A room showcasing Italian design influences, with a carved, painted, and gilded ceiling.
- Dining Room: The Great Hall, used by the Percy family for centuries, now serving as the State Dining Room.
- China Gallery: A room displaying a collection of Meissen, Chelsea, and Paris ceramics.
Other Features
Alnwick Castle’s layout is further enhanced by its natural surroundings and additional features:
- River Aln: The river flows past the north side of the castle.
- Ravine: A deep ravine separates the castle from the town to the south and east.
- Parks: The castle has two parks: the Pastures, landscaped by Lancelot Brown and Thomas Call, and the larger Hulne Park, which contains the remains of Hulne Priory.
Timings and Access
Visitors to Alnwick Castle can explore the State Rooms during the following times:
- Opening Hours: The State Rooms are open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm daily, with last admission at 4 pm.
- Conservation Work: The Library is undergoing conservation work throughout the 2024 season, which may affect visitor access.
Additional Information
- Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year and visitor type. Pre-booking is essential.
- Phone Number: 01665 511100
- Address: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NG
References
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/the-history/the-state-rooms
- https://great-castles.com/alnwickplan.html
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/whats-here/state-rooms
- https://www.sarahfarooqi.co.uk/prints/alnwick-castle-map
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alnwick_Castle