The sight of Alnwick Castle from a distance hits you with a sense of familiarity that intensifies as you step into its castle grounds. A familiarity brought about by popular films, from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves to Harry Potter and then to the most recent Transformers: The Last Knight. As you get closer, the castle will take you to the scenes of the fantasy movies and will bring your imagination to a faraway place.
Alnwick Castle’s structure and setting entice your imagination to wander freely without bounds. It is a place where you could get your body and mind engaged the whole day as you move from one corner to the other. It is not only a place to behold but also a spot to learn history. Because after all, before it became a favorite filming location, it was a stronghold that witnessed centuries of victory and defeat. It holds rich, centuries-long history that is open for everyone to discover.
WHERE IS ALNWICK CASTLE LOCATED
Alnwick Castle is a favorite tourist attraction in Northern England that became more popular after it was featured as Hogwarts in the blockbuster film, the Harry Potter. It lies at the northeast of England by the River Aln in the county of Northumberland, bordering Scotland to the North. Several tours run from Edinburgh combining Alnwick Castle with other attractions like Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle.
ALNWICK CASTLE
The imposing Alnwick Castle stands guard by the River Aln since the 11th century during the Norman period. Like any other castles, it went through series of reconstructions and refurbishments over the centuries until it became what it is today. It started with a simple motte and bailey style and later on expanded, strengthened and improved.
A portion of the castle is still occupied up to this time by the Duke of Northumberland’s family while the rest is open to the public during the summer season. It is the home of Percy’s family for over 700 years thus considered as one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK.
THE STATEROOMS
The highlight of your visit to Alnwick Castle is to get a glimpse of its lavish staterooms. The castle is inspired by Italian Renaissance Style interiors like that of Vatican and Rome. Before you proceed to the grand staircase that leads you to the upper chamber, there is a big board reminding you that photography is not allowed. So, there is no way to show you how grandiose the rooms are except to see it for yourself.
Alnwick state apartments is truly a delight to the eyes with the ornate carvings in its ceilings, windows, and doors. It is filled with the finest collection of furniture and artworks that every visitor would be impressed. The touch of Italian influence is best captured in the Drawing Room with its wall decorations and elaborately carved ceiling.
Take your time to stroll around, visit every room, and learn about the stories behind it. Guides in each room are ready to provide you with information and answer questions if you have any. Check out the elegant dining room that is still used by the Percy family up to now. Also, the huge library is something to catch sight with its wide collection of books. Before making your way out of the staterooms, take a look of the castle’s display of ceramics arranged in glass cabinets along the corridor.
MUSEUMS
Alnwick Castle has a lot of history to tell. At the far end tower of the Castle is the Fusiliers Museum that shares the stories of the soldiers of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. The museum exhibits a collection of articles, artifacts, and memorabilia that would help you understand its origins and the series of wars they have fought.
Another tower houses the Castle Museum which displays an assortment of archaeological finds. The 4th Duke of Northumberland has a great interest in such field that he initiated the opening of the museum. The museum is intended to promote the study of Archeology of the North.
A newly refurbished Constable Tower re-opens to the public in June 2018. It is the oldest section of the castle that allows you to experience a 14th century Alnwick Castle interior in its basement level. The mid-level displays a variety of the Dukes’ collectibles and items, and presents a short film about the tower. The third top floor is the section designated for the Percy Tenantry Volunteers. In this level, learn how the voluntary force was established and find out their stories of war.
BROOMSTICK TRAINING
Broomstick training lessons is a fun activity for all ages, especially for Potter heads. It is held on the castle grounds at the exact location as that of in the movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The wizarding professors dressed up in costumes will teach you how to maneuver the broomstick and fly. The training sessions are conducted daily for about 25 minutes at different intervals. The broomstick lesson is included in the entrance fee you paid but the slots are limited so better come early. What is exciting about this activity is you could take a lot of pictures while flying with your broomstick! Cool!
ALNWICK GARDENS
Don’t miss out the nearby Alnwick Gardens once you visit the Castle. Though you need to purchase a separate entry ticket for the garden, it is worth a visit if you have plenty of time.
Alnwick Gardens is a great place for adults to relax and for kids to play and get wet. At the moment you enter, you will be welcomed by a fountain cascade as it takes the center stage of the formal garden. The water features and the changing water displays are what make the garden alive and full of energy.
Take your time to stroll around the surrounding serpent garden and enjoy its beauty and symmetry. Get lost in a bamboo maze, walk under the Japanese cherry orchard, or take a look inside the unique Poison Garden.
THE POISON GARDEN
The Poison Garden is an interesting place within the garden complex where a big warning sign is displayed on its gates that says, “These Plants Can Kill.” But don’t be hesitant upon seeing the sign, all visitors of the garden went out alive and brought with them a handful of information. The primary purpose of the garden is to educate the people about the variety of dangerous species of plants and its nature. Planted in the garden are the infamous narcotic plants, Cannabis and Opium poppies.
THE TREEHOUSE
One of the captivating features of the garden complex is the huge treehouse beautifully constructed high at the treetops. The treehouse is built under a canopy of mature lime trees connected by suspended walkways and rope bridges. It is a great idea to dine at the Treehouse Restaurant not only for the magical ambiance but also for its sumptuous local food.
I really want to ride that broomstick. It looks so cool haha
Yeah it was really fun, especially if you get that perfect shot!:)
I would love to come here and do all things harry potter here! But then I saw those gardens! I imagine that’s not all year round but what a view!
You would love the garden especially during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!