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- 4th Apr 2025
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Alnwick Castle opens hidden section for the first time its nearly thousand-year history
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The wait is finally over – Alnwick Castle officially opened its gates last week for the 2025 season, and trust us, you’re in for something special.
For the first time ever, you’ll be able to step ‘below stairs’ and explore the castle’s kitchens as an exciting four-year restoration project gets underway.
And if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat – there are some delicious new offerings coming to the Alnwick Castle grounds too… but more on that later.
HLN TOP TIP: Don’t forget that by booking Alnwick Castle tickets for a day, you get free unlimited visits for the year. Book here.
STEP DOWNSTAIRS INTO THE HISTORIC ALWNICK CASTLE KITCHENS
The kitchen restoration at Alnwick Castle is happening in stages over the next four years, and the first phase just opened last week. Now, you can explore renowned architect Anthony Salvin’s incredible Great Kitchen and four stunning larder rooms with soaring ceilings.
So far, the restoration has uncovered some amazing finds, like Victorian ovens that had been hidden behind plaster for decades, and the removal of modern tiles to reveal the beautiful original stone floor beneath.
When you head downstairs, it’s like stepping back in time to the 19th century. You’ll get to learn about the cutting-edge steam and hydraulic technology that made these kitchens a true marvel of Victorian innovation. Plus, experts and historians will delve into the lives of the people who worked in the kitchens at Alnwick Castle and the delicious dishes they created.
More areas of the restoration will open in 2026, 2027 and 2028, so you’ll have plenty more chances to discover the rich history, stories and functionality of these incredible behind the scene spaces as the project progresses.
Pictured L-R: Christopher Hunwick, Archivist; Daniel Watkins, Education, Learning and Engagement Officer; Catherine Neil, Head of Alnwick Castle Ventures.
WHAT WERE THE KITCHENS AT ALNWICK CASTLE USED FOR?
The kitchens at Alnwick Castle, designed by the famous architect Anthony Salvin in the 1850s for the 4th Duke of Northumberland, are packed with history. The ‘Great Kitchen’ and its adjoining larder rooms were unveiled in style in November 1859 with a huge dinner for 640 restoration workers. The highlight? A whole ‘baron’ of beef, which was ceremonially brought into the dining area by none other than the Duke’s Piper.
Over the years, these kitchens have had many different uses. During World War II, they were used to house evacuees as part of Newcastle Church High School’s evacuation efforts. Later, they became a centre for teacher training under Northumberland County Council. And from the 1970s onwards, they were used by St. Cloud State University.
CAN YOU SPOT ANY OF YOUR ANCESTORS? HELP ALNWICK CASTLE SOLVE A HISTORICAL MYSTERY
Alnwick Castle needs your help. As part of an exciting four-year project to restore and revitalise the historic kitchens, the archivists have been studying a fascinating early 20th-century photo of the kitchen team preparing for a royal visit.
Now, they’re reaching out to families across the country for help identifying the kitchen staff in this century-old photograph. The picture (see above) shows a dozen servants standing proudly in front of the impressive kitchen range, surrounded by silver platters and delicate dishes from the time.
To help bring the stories of these hardworking kitchen staff members to life, Alnwick Castle is asking you can spot any of your ancestors in this picture. Could one of them be in this historical snapshot?
“We’re thrilled to bring these magnificent spaces to life for our visitors and to celebrate their enduring legacy,” says Daniel Watkins, Education, Learning and Engagement Officer at Alnwick Castle. “But we need help from the public, especially from any families with roots in and around Alnwick.”
“Traditionally, so much focus has been placed on the lives of those in the history books. But what about those behind the scenes at the Castle? What were their lives like? What was it like working in this cutting-edge kitchen, which boasted some of the very best technology available at the time? That’s what we want to discover, and so we are asking the Great British public if they can spot any ancestors in this photograph.”
If you think that you may have ancestors who lived and worked in the kitchens at Alnwick Castle, please contact: [email protected]
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2025?
Get ready for some new tasty additions to the Alnwick Castle Courtyard this year. A brand-new pizzeria and ice cream parlour are joining the lineup, serving up delicious handmade food and drinks.
Think freshly made pizzas, crisp salads, and, of course, famous locally sourced ice cream from Morwick Dairy. Plus, there’ll be cakes, pastries and savoury treats to keep you fuelled up for your historical adventures.
With Easter just around the corner and warmer weather on the way, there’s a range of activities taking place at Alnwick Castle this year, including medieval tile-making, falconry displays, and talks from world-renowned authors such as Alison Weir.
VISIT ALNWICK CASTLE’S WEBSITE
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NQ
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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