Alnwick Castle
The second-largest inhabited castle in England, home to the Duke of Northumberland. Famous as a Harry Potter filming location.
About Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle has been home to the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland, for over 700 years. It is the second-largest inhabited castle in England and one of the most visited attractions in the North East. The castle gained worldwide fame as a filming location for the first two Harry Potter films, and broomstick training sessions remain a popular activity for young visitors. Inside, the lavish State Rooms house one of the finest art collections in the country, including works by Canaletto, Titian, and Van Dyck. The castle grounds offer stunning views over the River Aln and the Northumberland countryside. Open seasonally from late March to October.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Alnwick Castle.
Best Wedding Venues in Alnwick
From the ramparts of Alnwick Castle to coastal country houses and restored Northumberland barns — some of the finest wedding venues in the North East.
Northumberland Monopoly Unveiled at Alnwick Castle — Have Your Say
A Northumberland edition of Monopoly has been announced at Alnwick Castle, and residents are invited to nominate the local places and landmarks that should feature. Nominations close on 26 July.
Local Museums and Archives Near Alnwick
Bailiffgate Museum in a listed church, Alnwick Castle's collections, the Fusiliers Museum, and the Northumberland Archives at Woodhorn -- a guide to the museums and archives within reach of Alnwick.
Historic Trades and Crafts of Alnwick
Tanners, cordwainers, blacksmiths, weavers, coopers, and the ten incorporated companies of freemen -- the traditional trades that sustained Alnwick as a market town for centuries.
Alnwick in World War II
RAF Boulmer, the castle as a wartime school, evacuees from Newcastle, the Home Guard, and the war memorial with 76 names -- Alnwick in the Second World War.
Heritage Walking Trail: A Self-Guided Tour of Alnwick
From Alnwick Castle to Barter Books, a self-guided walking trail through 900 years of history -- medieval gatehouses, the Percy dynasty, cobbled streets, and one of the finest gardens in England.
The Percy Dynasty: 700 Years at Alnwick Castle
From Henry de Percy's purchase in 1309 through Harry Hotspur, the Wars of the Roses, the Gunpowder Plot, and the Duchess's Alnwick Garden -- the story of one of England's great dynasties and the castle they have called home for seven centuries.
Upcoming Events
Events that feature or are connected to Alnwick Castle.
Raphael Historic Falconry at Alnwick Castle
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
Music Night: The Tides — Alnwick Castle
5:00 PM · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
Andrew Graham-Dixon: Caravaggio at Alnwick Castle
7:00 PM · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
Rosa Mundi Medieval Encampment at Alnwick Castle
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM (29-31 August) · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
Past Events
Recent events connected to Alnwick Castle.
ZooLab at Alnwick Castle
22 August 2026 · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
Tom Fool the Jester at Alnwick Castle
21 August 2026 · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
HandleBards: Macbeth at Alnwick Castle
19 August 2026 · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
Time Will Tell: The Great Kitchen
17 August 2026 · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
More Sports & Leisure in Alnwick
The Alnwick Garden
Stunning 12-acre contemporary garden featuring the Grand Cascade fountain, the Poison Garden, a cherry orchard, and the famous Treehouse.
Hulne Park
Stunning 3,000-acre walled parkland with free walking trails through ancient woodland, past Hulne Priory and the Duke's tower. No dogs or bikes.
Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre
Leisure centre with swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, and sports facilities. Managed by Places Leisure on behalf of Northumberland County Council. Free parking.
What's On
Raphael Historic Falconry at Alnwick Castle
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
Music Night: The Tides — Alnwick Castle
5:00 PM · Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
The Northumbrian Gathering of Guitar and Voice
Times vary by performance (28-30 August) · Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, NE66 1PQ
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