Explore the Magic of Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle

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You might be thinking this castle looks a little familiar. This Northumberland Castle might be a private family home, but if you could imagine Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle you wouldn’t be wrong.

Perhaps most well known as being a stand in Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter movies, Alnwick is now a popular spot for wizarding fans everywhere. However that’s not the only reason you’ll love this magical attraction in northern England.

Where is Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is in the small town of Alnwick in the northernmost county of England, Northumberland. Only a couple dozen miles from the Scottish border, it’s in a rather remote part of the country. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get to.

The major city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is only about 40 minutes away by car – complete with international airport and train routes around the country. Driving is probably the easiest way to get there, but there are National Express bus services between Alnwick and Newcastle. And it will still only take you 60-90 minutes each way. Still a reasonable day trip from Newcastle.

The practical info about Alnwick Castle

• Tickets are just over £20 but are valid for an entire year – if you live in the UK this is perfect for a return visit at a different time of year
• Book tickets in advance – even a return ticket you might need a time slot booked
• Parking is an additional fee (under £5 for the day)
• The walk from the car park is 10-15 minutes
• Wear comfortable shoes – there are many uneven surfaces around the castle
• The castle is only open seasonally and closed between November and the Spring

Life at Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is over 900 years old, although different parts of the castle are from different periods in history as additions were made. Less than 200 years after the castle was founded it was sold to the Percy family who still own it today, more than 700 years later.

Walking around Alnwick Castle are constant reminders that this is not just a tourist attraction, but a family home. Graduation photos, wedding photos, and personal family items can be seen in many of the rooms. As the country’s largest inhabited castle after the royal Windsor Castle, Alnwick is a unique place to visit.

As Alnwick Castle is a home, photography is not allowed inside the living areas – only the grounds and other parts of the castle.

Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle

You no longer need to wait for an owl to deliver your Hogwarts letter to be able to attend. As a major Harry Potter nerd, Alnwick has been on my bucket list – or is that cauldron list? – for years. So I was thrilled to be able to finally visit.

One of the filming locations for the first two Harry Potter movies, Alnwick should be instantly recognizable as Hogwarts. You can even see where Harry had his first broomstick riding lesson (more on that below).

But it’s not all magic and muggles here – although it seems Maggie Smith can’t keep away – as Alnwick was also the filming location for a Downton Abbey Christmas special. You may also recognize it from the movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves or UK TV show Blackadder.

Needless to say, Alnwick has had a lot of screen time, but in visiting it you’ll soon see why. It’s a pretty remarkable place.

What can you see and do at Alnwick Castle?

Now you know how historical it is, and why it’s a little more famous than your average castle, I’m sure you’re dying to see what else Alnwick offers.

It’s easy to get a bit of a blasé attitude visiting castles in the UK. There are a lot of them, and they can often start to feel the same as the last. But even I have to admit that Alnwick castle is different. Special. And there’s enough to keep you there for an entire day and still want to go back.

Take a tour of the castle

Instead of aimlessly wandering the castle (as fun as that can be), start by taking a historical tour of the castle. The tours leave multiple times throughout the day and are a great way to learn a bit more about the place before exploring on your own. You never know what you might find out about Alnwick Castle.

Learn about Alnwick as a filming location

History not your thing? How about movies? Alnwick is one of the most famous castles in the UK thanks to many movies and TV shows. Filming Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle then took it to next level stardom.

So what better way to explore Alnwick Castle than with a movie tour. Discover the secrets from the sets, and why the town of Alnwick was covered in snow for 6 weeks thanks to a film that shall not be named.

Visit Constable’s Tower

This 14th Century tower will take you from the dark, cold former store room in the basement all the way up through displays of unique items and cavalry history from the castle. Space can be a bit tight at times, but the exhibits are worth a look. It’s also amazing how much of the lower level is still as it would have been centuries before.

Marvel at the Alnwick Castle library

A collection of books Belle from Beauty & The Beast would be jealous of. Sixteen thousand books reside in the family library in the castle. And the room is equally impressive.

The detailed embellishments around the room are broken up only by antique clocks, barometers and other such items. What I wouldn’t give to spend a rainy afternoon curled up in this room.

Learn to ride a broomstick

I can’t promise you’ll be the winning the next Quidditch World Cup, but with some broomstick training just like Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle, you’ll be one step closer. Lessons are even on the same grassy lawn where Harry attended his first one.

Classes are free, however priority is given to children – so older wizards might have to wait their turn. There are multiple class a day and brooms are provided – so you can leave your Nimbus 2000 at home.

Have a go at archery

Put down your broomsticks and wands, and pick up a bow and arrow instead. Make Robin Hood proud by showing off your archery skills. Usually closed around lunchtime, but open the rest of the day, archery is an additional cost. But it’s still a lot of fun for less than £5.

Experience a firing cannon

Bow and arrow not cutting it? Why not upgrade to a military cannon?! Alright, so you can’t actually fire it yourself, but the replica Napoleonic cannon does fire on certain dates. Check out the website in advance for a chance to see a cannon in action. Even if you’re not able to see it fire, it’s a cool thing to look at.

Walk the walls of the castle

There are a few places where you can climb the old stone steps to get a higher up view from the castle grounds. Walk the ancient walls of the castle, peering between the gaps in the stonework at the valley below. One of the wall walks is along the inner bailey where you get a great view of the front of the castle and the entrance.

Get up close and personal with dragons

Think you know your Welsh Green from your Hungarian Horntail? See dragons almost as up close and personal as Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle with this interactive Dragon Quest experience. It involves making your way through the dragon’s lair trying not to disturb it.

Adults without kids might not find this as interesting as other things to do around the castle. Also note, it might be a little scary for really young children.

See a real Knight in shining armour

Sir Henry Percy wasn’t a dragon killer, but he was a bit of a badass in his day. The 14th Century Knight was a member of the Alnwick Castle Percy family. And at the tender age of 14 he was Knighted and began his illustrious career in battles with the Scots and the French.

Even Shakespeare wrote about Sir Henry “Hotspur” Percy in his play Henry IV Part 1. His statue is in the courtyard with the Castle grounds.

Other things to combine with your Alnwick Castle visit

As if the castle itself doesn’t hold enough to keep you busy for the day! But if you’re at Alnwick Castle anyway, there are a few other things to add to your itinerary.

On your way from the car park to the castle you will pass the Alnwick Garden. Although not included in your castle ticket, it is around £11-13 – and unlike the castle it is open most of the year. And just like Hogwarts, Alnwick Garden has it’s very own Poison Garden. Take a guided tour, and remember not to touch anything!

After your visit to Alnwick Castle, follow the walk into the town of Alnwick itself. There are some regular high street shops as well as local independent stores. Visit the Bailiffgate Museum to find out more about the town and surrounding area. Enjoy a pint at a local pub, or choose to stay the night in one of the town’s hotels or B&Bs.

Want to eat at the most unique restaurant in Alnwick? The Treehouse looks just like Hagrid’s house. Well, maybe if Hagrid won the lottery. But the whimsical style continues inside where it looks like vines and branches have taken over. The restaurant also has a menu just as epic as the décor.

Why visit Alnwick Castle

If you’re a history fan, you’ll love Alnwick Castle. The fact the property dates back so long ago, and through all the battles it’s been involved in, will enthuse even the hardest to please historian.

Likewise anyone who’s ever picked up a Harry Potter book will have wanted at one point or another to step through the gates of Hogwarts. This is your chance. You can almost feel the presence of Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle.

And even on the off chance neither of those things is making you plan your route to Alnwick already, the castle is just a great all-around day out. The views around and from the castle grounds are spectacular. And the castle itself is majestically impressive beyond words.

Get there early and plan your events beforehand for the best experience. Anything related to Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle will get busy so if you want to ride that broom or slay that dragon get your tickets as soon as you arrive. Whatever you do though, it’ll definitely be a magical day out.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Would you like to visit Alnwick Castle? What are you most looking forward to seeing?