Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle
England · Northumberland · Near Newcastle upon Tyne
Built 1096 · Norman / Gothic Revival
This page is part of an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Alnwick Castle.
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Quick Facts
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–17:30
- Entry via GYG
- €26
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Best time
- April to October
- Nearest city
- Newcastle upon Tyne
Featured Tour
Alnwick: Alnwick Castle Ticket
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Highlights
- ✦Filming location for Harry Potter (Hogwarts exterior, broomstick lessons)
- ✦One of the largest inhabited castles in England
- ✦State rooms with Meissen porcelain, Titian and Canaletto paintings
- ✦Alnwick Garden — one of Britain's most visited contemporary gardens
- ✦Home of the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland, for 700 years
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England and one of the most recognisable in the world, thanks to its appearance as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Seat of the Percy family — the Dukes of Northumberland — for over 700 years, the castle has played a central role in the history of the English-Scottish borderlands. The interior houses spectacular state rooms filled with Old Master paintings by Titian, Canaletto, and Van Dyck, Meissen porcelain, and medieval weapons. Beyond the castle walls, the world-class Alnwick Garden draws visitors with its Grand Cascade, Poison Garden, and spectacular treehouse restaurant. The castle remains a family home — the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland still reside here.
History
A castle was built at Alnwick by Yves de Vescy, Baron of Alnwick, in 1096. It was acquired by Henry Percy in 1309 and has remained in Percy family ownership ever since. The Percys were one of the most powerful noble families in medieval England — the 'Hotspur' Percy was a major figure in the Wars of the Roses. The castle was extensively restored in the 18th and 19th centuries, first in Gothic style and later in the Italianate manner under the 4th Duke. Harry Potter filming began in 2000, transforming visitor numbers.
How to Visit
Getting there: Alnwick lies 55 km north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Regular buses (Arriva X18/X20) run from Newcastle's Eldon Square bus station to Alnwick in around 1h15. Alternatively, take the train to Alnmouth station (about 20 minutes from Newcastle), then a 5 km taxi or occasional bus connection to the castle.
Tickets: Walk-up admission is £17 for adults and £9 for children, covering the state rooms and grounds. The GetYourGuide entry ticket (t199831, from £26, 4.6★/441 reviews) offers convenient pre-booked access and skips the ticket queue. Note that the Alnwick Garden is a separate admission — combination tickets are available and strongly recommended if you plan to visit both.
Practical tips: Visit on a weekday in spring or early autumn to avoid Harry Potter-related school-holiday crowds. Allow at least 3–4 hours to cover both the castle and the garden — the Poison Garden tour at Alnwick Garden is particularly memorable and worth timing your visit around. Barter Books, a celebrated second-hand bookshop set in the Victorian railway station, is a rewarding stop before or after.
Combine with: [Bamburgh Castle](/castles/england/bamburgh-castle), a dramatic coastal fortress 22 km to the north, and [Chillingham Castle](/castles/england/chillingham-castle), a reputedly haunted medieval stronghold around 30 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alnwick Castle's exterior and courtyard appeared as Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and Chamber of Secrets (2002), including the famous broomstick flying lessons scene.
Location
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ, England
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
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From
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