Alnwick Castle
About
The castle of the Percys, who bought it in 1309 and became Dukes of Northumberland in 1766; the castle's own figures count twelve dukes at Alnwick. It is still the family's home and it is not open all year: the season runs from the end of March to October, and in 2026 it closes for the winter on 20 October. A ticket covers the grounds, the State Rooms, the Great Kitchen, three museums, guided tours and Broomstick Training. Broomstick Training is held in the Outer Bailey, where the castle says Harry had his first flying lesson in the first film; it is free but you need a time-slot ticket, collected on arrival on a first-come basis. The castle stood in for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, and the Lion Arch and the Guest Hall also feature on its film tours. Tickets bought online cost less than at the gate and work as a pass for twelve months of open-season visits. Show a bus or train ticket at the gate for 20% off. Only assistance dogs are allowed, there is no luggage storage, and photography is not allowed in the State Rooms. The castle and The Alnwick Garden are separate attractions with separate tickets.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓State Rooms
- ✓Broomstick Training in the Outer Bailey
- ✓Film location tours
- ✓Great Kitchen
Tips
- →Closed for the winter: in 2026 the last open day is 20 October. The season normally starts at the end of March; 2027 dates were not announced when checked in October 2026.
- →Book online: an adult ticket was £22.00 online against £24.45 at the gate when read in October 2026, and online tickets are a 12-month pass.
- →Arriving by bus or train? Show your ticket at the gate for 20% off.
- →Collect a Broomstick Training time slot as soon as you arrive; sessions are first come, first served.
- →Only assistance dogs are allowed in the castle or grounds.
