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Book Alnwick Castle Tickets & Tours
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Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
Your full-day tour will begin at The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket in Edinburgh. Board your AC bus and start your journey.
115.55 km
1 hour 43 minutes
1
Holy Island of Lindisfarne
1 attractions
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a serene and historic island, home to the Lindisfarne Gospels, one of the most important manuscripts in the UK.
Things to do
Lindisfarne Castle
Tickets not included
Sitting atop a rocky hill, this iconic castle offers dramatic views over the Northumberland coastline. The castle was once a royal residence but was later transformed into a private home in the 1900s.
44.42 km
44 minutes
2
Alnwick
1 attractions
A charming market town known for its beautiful gardens and cobbled streets, Alnwick was one of the filming locations for Harry Potter.
Things to do
Alnwick Castle
Tickets not included
This majestic castle, often dubbed the "Windsor of the North," has been the home of the Duke of Northumberland for over 700 years. Aside from Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle also appeared in Downton Abbey.
53.91 km
50 minutes
3
Coldstream
Coldstream is known for being the home of the Coldstream Guards, Britain’s oldest regiment still in active service.
7.4 km
10 minutes
4
Flodden Field Memorial
This historical site commemorates the Battle of Flodden, one of the largest battles in British history.
84.97 km
90 minutes
5
END POINT
The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
Guided tour of Alnwick to see the castle which featured as Hogwarts in the 2001 and 2002 films
- Enjoy a full-day trip to Alnwick, Holy Island, and Northumbria from Edinburgh in an air-conditioned bus.
- With an English-speaking guide, experience the magic of the prime filming location for the Harry Potter series at Alnwick Castle.
- Immerse yourself in the rich history of both castles through an in-depth audio guide available in 6 languages.
- Admire the scenic views of the Scottish and English border region with rolling hills, green meadows, and stunning coastline.
Guided tour of Alnwick to see the castle which featured as Hogwarts in the 2001 and 2002 films
- Enjoy a full-day trip to Alnwick, Holy Island, and Northumbria from Edinburgh in an air-conditioned bus.
- With an English-speaking guide, experience the magic of the prime filming location for the Harry Potter series at Alnwick Castle.
- Immerse yourself in the rich history of both castles through an in-depth audio guide available in 6 languages.
- Admire the scenic views of the Scottish and English border region with rolling hills, green meadows, and stunning coastline.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Alnwick Castle and Northumbria
- Round-trip AC coach transfers from Edinburgh
- Local English-speaking guide
- Audio guide in Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, and Spanish
- Please note the itinerary is subject to change.
- The experience is restricted to guests aged 5 and above.
- Collapsible wheelchairs are allowed if accompanied by an assistant for boarding and disembarking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EdinburghAlnwick Castle
Top things to do in Edinburgh
Why visit Alnwick Castle
- A taste of royalty: Alnwick Castle has been the home of the Percy family for more than 715 years. The 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland still live here with their four kids.
- Heritage destination: Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK and has even been dubbed as the ‘Windsor of the North.’ With its glorious medieval architecture and stately rooms, Alnwick Castle is one of the most significant heritage destinations in the UK.
- Historical significance: The history of Alnwick Castle is steeped in drama and intrigue. From a gunpowder plotter to one of medieval England’s most prominent knights - Harry Hotspur, Alnwick Castle has seen it all.
- Popular filming location: If you're into movies and TV shows, you'll recognize Alnwick Castle from Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
Alnwick Castle highlights
State Rooms
The Italianate State Rooms have played host to extraordinary people including a gunpowder plotter, visionary collectors, and the famous medieval English knight - Harry Hotspur.
Lower Guard Room
So, you walk through the grand oak front door, and you're in the Lower Guard Room. This room is filled with old-school weapons and gear used way back in the 1700s by the Percy Tenantry Volunteers.
Upper Guard Chamber
You climb the Grand Staircase leading to the Upper Guard Chamber. This room has a shiny marble terrazzo floor, a detailed plasterwork ceiling, and huge marble statues of Justice and Britannia.
Library
Can you imagine a room filled with almost 15,000 books? The Library occupies the entire first floor of a big tower added to the castle keep during the 19th-century restoration.
Drawing Room
In the Drawing Room, you'll see the carved, painted, and gilded ceiling, painted frieze, silk wall hangings, carved doors, window frames, and marble fireplace, and an overmantel mirror, influenced by Italian design.
Dining Room
Previously the Great Hall, this room has been the heart and soul of the castle since the Middle Ages. The room has 16th-century Italian-inspired ceilings with beautiful carvings by Luigi Canina.
China Gallery
In 2006, this amazing collection of Meissen, Chelsea, and Paris ceramics was displayed in a manner inspired by the interior design of European porcelain palaces of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland
At this museum, you can try on a uniform, blast away a Vickers machine gun, or even march with the band. They've got interactive displays that tell the stories of Fusilier soldiers and their families.
Castle Museum
This museum in the Postern Tower opened nearly 200 years ago after the 4th Duke of Northumberland started collecting artifacts to promote the study of the archaeology of the North.
Constable's Tower
The basement has been untouched for 600 years. Upstairs are objects the Dukes collected from North America and Polynesia. At the very top, learn about the Percy Tenantry Volunteers and weapons used 200 years ago.
Napoleanic cannon replica
This replica of a Napoleonic cannon on the Gun Terrace is at the exact spot where they used to fire the real thing. It's made of bronze and it's a copy of old British cannons, some of which are on the terrace too!
What to do at Alnwick Castle
Broomstick training
Ever dreamed of flying like Harry Potter? Well, now you can! This broomstick training session takes place on the same grounds where Harry had his first flying lesson in the movies! You'll learn all the basics from expert instructors, like how to turn, speed up, slow down, like you're in real-life Hogwarts!
Artisans Courtyard
You can try your hand at making crafts just like they did back in medieval times! Learn how to make a tile, whip up some medieval soap, or even create your own magic wand with talented craftspeople. Dress up like a medieval king or queen, play old-school games in the castle square, and even sit on the king's throne in Hotspur Hall!
Dragon Quest
Think you're brave enough to face a dragon? Well, this Dragon Quest isn't for the faint of heart! You'll have to make your way through a tricky mirror maze, cross a fiery bridge, and hold on tight as you spin around a whirlpool. If you can survive all that, you might just spot a few dragons hiding out! Are you up for the challenge?
Archery
Ever wanted to feel like a medieval knight? Well, now's your chance! You can try your hand at archery, one of England's oldest sports. Stand in the same place as all those who've walked these castle grounds over the years. You'll get lessons from real experts on how to hold your bow, aim, and let those arrows fly and hit the bullseye.
Plan your visit to Alnwick Castle
Timings
Location
Entrances
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
Open daily from March 29 to October 24:
- Castle grounds: 10am - 5pm (last admission at 3:45pm)
(July and August: 10am - 5:30pm) - Artisan's Courtyard: 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
- State Rooms: 10:30am - 4:30pm (last entry at 4pm)
- Museum Towers: 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
- Fusiliers Museum: 11am - 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Best time to visit: Plan your visit to Alnwick Castle at 10am to freely explore the castle grounds without the hassle of crowds, queues, and waiting times. Avoid visiting Alnwick Castle during the weekends and peak tourist season like summer vacations and school holidays, for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Address: Alnwick NE66 1NQ, United Kingdom. Find on maps.
Getting there
- By bus: X15, X18 and X20
Nearest stop: Alnwick Bus Station - By rail: East Coast Mainline
Nearest stop: Alnmouth Station
There are two main entrances to Alnwick Castle. One is the entrance to the Castle admission office and the other visitor entrance is located adjacent to Alnwick Garden.
- Picnic area
- Washrooms
- Car parking
- On-site cafe/restaurant
- Wheelchair accessible
- Since you’ll be walking a lot, wear comfortable footwear while visiting Alnwick Castle.
- Wear comfortable clothing and carry a light sweater and umbrella, since the weather is unpredictable.
- Photography and videography are permitted only within the grounds of Alnwick Castle. No photos and videos can be taken inside the State Rooms.
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the grounds of the castle or inside the castle.
- Courtyard Cafe: Get ready for a taste of Northumberland at the Courtyard Cafe! They've got all sorts of delicacies, from classic sandwiches and salads to other savory bites.
- Stables Fryery: Craving classic fish and chips? Head to the Stables Fryery! It's tucked away in an old part of Alnwick Castle, in a traditional Victorian-style fryery.
- Armoury Takeaway: Check out the Armoury Takeaway in the Artisans Courtyard. They've got a great selection of paninis, sandwiches, and sweet treats to satisfy your cravings. And don't worry, they've got hot and cold drinks to wash it all down.
- Dirty Bottles: More than 200 years old, Dirty Bottles is a traditional English pub that serves yummy food, cocktails, and some refreshing beers! Definitely try the Smokehouse special.
- Treehouse Restaurant: If you are looking for a unique dining experience, then The Treehouse Restaurant has got you covered. Serving fresh, locally-inspired food, the restaurant is a must-visit. The glazed duck breast and the pan-roasted seabass fillets are must-tries.
Budget: The Market Tavern (from £66 | 0.3 miles), Black Swan Alnwick (from £80 | 0.2 miles), Cook and Barber Inn (from £96 | 6.2 miles)
Mid-range: The Bondgate Boutique (from £126 | 0.4 miles), The Dirty Bottles (from £130 | 0.1 miles), Hog's Head Inn (from £139 | 1.7 miles)
Luxury: Bamburgh Castle Inn (from £185 | 15.1 miles), Charlton Hall (from £233 | 6.2 miles), The Joiners Arms (from £264 | 9.8 miles)
- Alnwick Garden: Located only 1.3 km away from Alnwick Castle, the Alnwick Garden is an unmissable attraction! With its Bamboo Labyrinth, The Poison Garden, and the Grand Cascade, Alnwick Garden is bound to leave you mesmerized!
- BailiffGate Museum and Gallery: 400 m away from Alnwick Castle is the BailiffGate Museum and Gallery. The award-winning museum tells you interesting stories about Alnwick and the District.
Beyond Alnwick Castle
Bamburgh Castle
The first stop on your visit to Alnwick Castle is the stunning 5th-century Bamburgh Castle, which is perched atop a natural throne of volcanic dolerite. Learn about the rich history of Bamburgh Castle, and don’t forget to capture its charming beauty on your cameras and phones.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alnwick Castle tickets
What do Alnwick Castle tickets include?
Your Alnwick castle tickets include a day trip to the castle, round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned minivan, an English-speaking tour guide, an audio guide in six languages, and a visit to Bamburgh Castle and the grounds of Alnwick Castle. You can also upgrade your tickets to include an entry ticket to Alnwick Castle.
How do I access Alnwick Castle, the State Rooms, and Bamburgh Castle?
You can upgrade your normal ticket to include entry to Alnwick Castle and its State Rooms. However, these tickets do not include entry to the Bamburgh Castle.
Can I visit the Alnwick Garden with my ticket?
The Alnwick Garden is a separate attraction, and admission is not included with standard Alnwick Castle tickets.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel your Alnwick Castle tickets 24 hours before the experience begins, to get a full refund.
How long does it take to complete an Alnwick Castle tour?
Most visitors spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring the castle and its grounds. If you're planning to participate in guided tours or special activities, you may want to allocate more time.
How do I get to Alnwick Castle from Edinburgh?
Alnwick Castle is approximately 90 miles from Edinburgh and can be reached by car, bus, or train. The quickest way is by car, which takes about 2 hours. You can take a train to Alnmouth and then a short taxi ride to the castle. Alternatively, you can book an AC coach from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle and back.
Is the castle accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Alnwick Castle is committed to accessibility, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available. Some areas of the castle may have limited access due to the historic nature of the building, so it's recommended to contact the castle in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
Can I take photos inside?
Photography is allowed in most areas of Alnwick Castle, though flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibitions to protect the artifacts. Be sure to respect any signage regarding photography during your visit.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on the castle grounds, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Only assistance dogs are allowed inside the castle buildings.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you'll be walking through various parts of the castle and its grounds. The weather can be unpredictable, so it's advisable to bring a raincoat or umbrella just in case.