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- 27th Jun 2025
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A day at Alnwick Castle: History, culture and cuisine in Northumberland
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There are castles – and then there is Alnwick Castle.
Majestic, historic and still home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle offers a day out filled with elegance, culture and memory-making.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history lover or simply looking for a civilised countryside day out, a day out at Alnwick Castle promises something special.
STEP INTO CENTURIES OF ENGLISH ARISTOCRACY
Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England – a living testament to 950 years of history. From medieval battles to Georgian restoration, the castle has been shaped by generations of the Percy family.
A visit here isn’t just about wandering through, admiring beautiful buildings – it’s about discovering the stories they tell.
FREE DAILY TALKS AT ALWNICK CASTLE
The State Room Tour
Explore grand interiors filled with works by Van Dyck and Titian, uncover the family’s heritage and hear the fascinating tales behind the portraits that line the walls. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of British nobility.
The Historical Grounds Tour
This tour is a gentle but engaging 50-minute walk that explores how Alnwick Castle has evolved over time, from a fortified medieval stronghold to a more romantic 18th-century estate. With beautiful views and expert guides, this tour offers a unique experience.
Alnwick on Location Tour
If you’re a film fan, the Alnwick on Location Tour is not to be missed. Running daily, this engaging tour takes you through the very grounds where iconic scenes from Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Transformers: The Last Knight and more were filmed. Blending fascinating behind-the-scenes stories with a fun, relaxed atmosphere, it’s a cinematic stroll for all ages.
Spotlight Talks
Throughout the day, Alnwick offers a thoughtful programme of Spotlight Talks inside the State Rooms. These 15-to 20-minute sessions dive deeper into specific moments in history or focus on standout pieces from the castle’s art and weaponry collections. You might hear about the Percys and the Gunpowder Plot one hour and admire Venetian brushwork by Canaletto the next.
Medieval Life Explored Talk
In the Artisans Courtyard, the Medieval Life Explored talks take a more tactile approach. Whether it’s medieval armour, herbal medicine or manuscript illumination, these 20-minute interactive sessions give a unique perspective on life in a castle, without feeling like a history lesson.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT ALNWICK CASTLE
The Artisans Courtyard hosts daily crafts, from medieval tile-making to hands-on soap making, perfect for all ages. You’ll also find broomstick training sessions for budding wizards and witches, and even archery lessons to try something new.
ELEGANT EATS IN A HISTORIC SETTING
Of course, all that travelling back in time and adventuring really does work up an appetite. And Alnwick Castle dining offerings don’t disappoint.
For something relaxed but satisfying, the Courtyard Pizzeria serves freshly made, wood-fired pizzas that rival any you’ll find in the city. Prefer something lighter? The Courtyard Café offers excellent coffee, teas and seasonal cakes, perfect for an indulgent mid-morning break.
And if you fancy something to cool off, don’t miss the Ice Cream Parlour, which serves homemade scoops in classic flavours, best enjoyed in the open air under the castle’s dramatic stonework.
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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