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Alnwick Castle

Northumberland

Booking Alnwick Castle

  • Explore over 900 years of Percy family architecture and history inside a lived-in castle.
  • Experience film magic firsthand - Alnwick doubled as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies.
  • Annual pass ticket means you can revisit all year without buying another ticket.
Prices from: £22.80
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A medieval castle in Northumberland, home to the Duke of Northumberland and famous for its role in Harry Potter.

Times

Castle grounds open 10:00 to 17:00 daily. State Rooms open 10:30 to 16:30. Hours extend to 17:30 in July and August. The castle is closed over winter months. View all available times here

Attraction Duration

3-4 hours

Age Range

Fun for all ages

Attraction Overview

Alnwick Castle dates back to the 11th century and has been continuously lived in and upgraded by the Percy family for over 700 years. Its medieval, Gothic and neoclassical architecture was shaped by generations of dukes, making it one of England’s most impressive inhabited castles.

Alnwick Castle’s courtyards and outer walls were also used as filming locations for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, including the famous broomstick lesson scene. Visitors can stand on the exact spot where Harry first took flight under Madame Hooch’s instruction. Today, children can join broomstick training sessions on that very lawn, learning the basics from costumed guides in a nod to the films.

The castle also hosts dynamic events like historical reenactments and open-air cinema nights. Indoor highlights include the Fusiliers Museum housed in the Abbot’s Tower and military exhibitions in Constable’s Tower.

Be sure to explore...

  • Grand State Rooms and elegant interiors remodelled by Anthony Salvin during Victorian-era renovations.
  • The rooftop battlements overlooking Northumberland, offering sea-views and sweeping countryside vistas.
  • Fusiliers of Northumberland Museum in Abbot’s Tower, with military artefacts and local regimental stories.
  • Interactive broomstick training and family activities in the castle courtyard, popular thanks to the Harry Potter films.
  • Artisan’s Courtyard, housing exhibitions, cafés and the chance to upgrade your ticket for free on-site.