Alnwick Castle — Attraction in Alnwick

Our recent family trip to Alnwick Castle was an experience that perfectly blended grandeur, history, and pure, unadulterated fun, leaving a lasting impression on all of us.

The first thing that strikes you is the castle's breathtaking presence. Standing tall and majestic against the skyline, it is the very image of a medieval fortress. The beauty is further enhanced by its stunning surroundings. The lush, expansive green lawns and the deep, whispering woods that encircle the castle create a landscape of serene and picturesque beauty, making it feel like a scene from a classic English painting.

Stepping inside the castle is like walking into a different era. The interior is a showcase of opulence and history. The State Rooms are lavishly decorated, filled with exquisite furniture, intricate tapestries, and grand paintings. The vast collection of artifacts and historical pieces told silent stories of the Percy family and the centuries of history contained within those walls, offering a fascinating glimpse into a world of aristocratic splendour.

Yet, what truly brought the day to life was the sheer joy on our children's faces. For them, Alnwick Castle was a vibrant playground of imagination. They were absolutely delighted to dress up in historical costumes, instantly transforming into little lords and ladies of the manor. Their creativity was then sparked in the hands-on workshop where they crafted their own plant-based soaps, a wonderful and tangible memory to take home. Without a doubt, the peak of their excitement was the Harry Potter-themed broomstick training session. Giggling with delight, they mounted their brooms and learned to "fly" on the very grounds where the famous movie scenes were filmed. Their laughter and wide-eyed wonder were infectious.

In conclusion, Alnwick Castle is more than just a historical monument; it is a living, breathing destination that captivates visitors of all ages. It successfully bridges the gap between a educational museum and an enchanting adventure park. We left with not only a deeper appreciation for history but also with hearts full of joy from a truly magical family day out.

We were staying in Northumbria visiting many castles in the area and thought we'd explore Alnwick after hearing about it's fame in the film industry. Of all the 7 castles we visited that week, Alnwick was by far my favourite of the lot. There's so much to do and see. We entered a courtyard where people of all ages and sizes (myself being quite large) were able to dress up in medieval period costumes and partake in activities such as soap making (at no extra cost), sit on a thrown and play games. The staff in the area provided great information about the armoury for knights and of the family history at the castle. You could also explore the Dragon quest where throughout the journey a dragon would make it's appearance and it was so fun and well thought out. There was also the chance for adults and children alike to join the characters dressed as witches and wizards from Harry Potter and you were given a broom and the chance to practice flying it on the field where in the first HP film they actually filmed their own broom flying scenes. The buildings are all stunning and in immaculate condition. The house, where the owners of the castle continue to live in over the winter months, is stunning. So many stunning rooms, high and decorative ceilings, gorgeous chandeliers and amazing decor. There are tours throughout the day and we took the one about the films and shows that have been shot onsite at the castle and it was very interesting to learn about. The views from the castle walls were very scenic. We spent practically the whole day at the castle and loved every moment. It was a fascinating experience. Staff were very helpful inside, helping me access the castle interiors via a lift as I'm currently using a walking stick due to a broken leg and the staff were helpful and attentive where possible and I used my mobility scooter to access the outside of the castle. I recommend if you also use a wheelchair or scooter to take it steady as it's a cobbled stone path in many areas. I definitely recommend this castle 🏰

This huge and awe-inspiring castle, with its fascinating history and so much to see and do, is a wonderful place to visit. I came here on an organised day excursion while on holiday in Northumberland, and spent more than 5 hours here. Ample parking (there's a £3.50 charge, but you can stay all day). Marshalls were on hand to direct us up a short path to the two imposing medieval gateways, where we could help ourselves to a free map. Our tour of the state rooms began in a guard chamber, its walls covered with swords, guns, powder horns and other historical weapons. It was not a guided tour, but there were info boards in all the rooms, and knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff who were more than happy to tell me all about the castle and its history. No photos allowed, but that gave me more time to simply enjoy the magnificent state rooms with their beautiful furniture, inlaid cabinets, ornate clocks, chandeliers and wonderful paintings. There are even huge mirrors placed high on the walls so that you can admire the intricately carved ceilings without having to crane your neck! After the tour, there was plenty more for me to see and discover: the Victorian kitchen, the state coach, towers housing interesting exhibitions, and stunning views of the castle and surrounding countryside from the gun terrace and medieval ramparts. There are plenty of fun activities for adults and children, including archery, medieval crafts, falconry displays and adventure golf. Did not visit the café, but I did enjoy the hog roast sandwich I bought at a food stand in the cobbled café courtyard. There were some nice gifts in the shops too, ranging from tapestries and jewellery to Harry Potter merchandise. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent here, and will definitely return!