Key facts
- Operator
- Northumberland Estates (Duke of Northumberland)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The seat of the Duke of Northumberland and the second-largest inhabited castle in England, familiar to millions as an early Hogwarts stand-in in the Harry Potter films. The gardens next door are run and ticketed separately, which catches some visitors out - budget for both if you want the full day.
Worth the trip
The library-like Book Room, which reviewers consistently flag as the best-designed interior in the castle.
Before you go
Check the castle and gardens ticket options before you go - they're separate attractions with separate admission, and at least one reviewer discovered that only after arriving; the walk in is lovely in cherry blossom season if you can time it.
Reviewers consistently mention Alnwick's Harry Potter filming connections as a major draw, alongside genuinely praising the state rooms, museum and war exhibits, and grounds. Several highlight that the ticket remains valid for a full year, seen as good value for a fairly steep entrance price. One more mixed review found the main castle rooms a little underwhelming and smaller than expected, though even that reviewer praised the exhibitions and gift shops.
Seasonal opening, spring-autumn
“We planned to visit the castle on our first day here and only realised it's Harry Potter connection after seeing the Harry Potter shop in Alnwick. And it was no mistake visiting! The walk to the castle was lovely, with…”— R, visitor review
Further reading
Gibsons - Castle Cutaway (1000pc)
Detailed cutaway illustration of a medieval castle's rooms, dungeon to battlements.
Find it on AmazonUGears - Hogwarts Castle mechanical wooden model (340pc)
Currently-sold mechanical wooden 3D model kit, 340 parts.
Find it on Amazon
