Welcome to Stately Homes

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited Castle in England, the first being Windsor Castle, and has been the home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. The earliest mention of Alnwick Castle in the history books appears soon after 1096 when Yves de Vescy became baron of Alnwick and erected the earliest parts of the Castle.

The Castle was first restored by the 1st Lord Percy of Alnwick in the early 1300s and portions of this restoration remain today, including the Abbot's Tower, the Middle Gateway and the Constable's Tower.

After a further 250 years of being battered by Border strife, the 7th Earl of Northumberland undertook considerable restoration work in the mid 16th century, and when the 1st Duke of Northumberland took his seat in 1750, he carried out a long-cherished scheme of restoring the Castle to the point of making it a fit residence for his family.

Much of this restoration was undertaken by the celebrated Robert Adam, much of whose work can be seen in the Castle, notably the fine ceilings and fireplaces, and many of the stone figures guarding the battlements. Subsequent to the eighteenth century restoration, the interior of the Castle was refurbished in the classical Italian Renaissance style which the visitor sees today. Further information is available on their Website.

Major Rooms:

The Library - This occupies the principal floor of Salvin's Prudhoe Tower. The bookshelves, in light oak inlaid with sycamore, were installed by George Smith and the coffered ceiling (like all others throughout the state rooms) by the local cabinet maker Thomas Robertson. Giovanni Montiroli designed three trophies with art, music and science as their subjects. The fourth is dedicated to archaeology and the navy, the two main interests of the Fourth Duke.

The Drawing Room - This is the most sumptuous room in the Italian style and the one which fully demonstrates the skills of the decorative designer Giovanni Montiroli in successfully creating a symmetrical design for such an awkwardly shaped ceiling.

The Dining Room - The Great Hall has been at the centre of castle life in medieval times. Rearrangements of rooms in the 18th century did not lessen its importance. It had daily use by the family when resident; the alcove was used for breakfasting. It was here also that the first Duke and Duchess entertained local gentry and worthies on their open days. On such occasions, the Duchess had her piper play to the guests from beneath the dining room windows in the inner bailey.

Please note that the Dining Room is currently undergoing restoration works; visitors can watch the work in progress and also see the wonderful china collection in their new China Gallery.

Alnwick Castle - Film Location and Function Venue:

Alnwick Castle is the ideal setting for historical film locations. Particularly with its medieval exterior and grounds, offering excellent backdrops that require little or no dressing. Combine this with an outstanding landscape which has retained its character since being designed by the landscape architect, Capability Brown in the 18th century. The Guest Hall within the Castle offers a facility that can be used for studio sets during wet weather. Locations can be provided within the Castle grounds for unit vehicles and facilities. The most recent films are Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.

Alnwick Castle is an exceptional location for any occasion; whether you're planning a celebration with family and friends, corporate hospitality, a conference, a product launch or a theatre production, Alnwick Castle combines its marvellous buildings and stunning location with the services of a professional team who will be delighted to help you to find exactly the right package to meet your needs.

The Guest Hall is one of area's grandest venues for special events and opens onto a large cobbled Courtyard. Banqueting 200 and theatre style 300.

The Sanctuary at The Castle is a magnificent restaurant and wine bar for both Castle and non-Castle visitors, open for lunch and evening dining. It is available for private functions. Banqueting and drinks receptions for 40 to 160.

Knights Quest is perfect for an open-air summer’s drinks reception, children's birthday party and for corporate team building. Drinks reception for 100, children's birthday party 24 and corporate team building 80.

Opening Times - 2010:

31st March - 29th October: 11 am - 5 pm (last admission 4.30 pm).
Grounds Open, 10 am - 6 pm.

Admission Prices - 2010:

Castle & Ground:
Adult - £12.50
Child (5-16 years) - £5.50
Child (under 5 years) - Free
Senior - £10.60
Family (2 + 4) - £32.50

Weekly Ticket
Adult - £20.80
Concession - £17.80
Child (5-16 years) - £5.51
Child under 5 years - Free
Family - £42

Pre-booked Groups (14+) - (Tel +44 (0)1665 511178):

Weekly & Season Tickets available. Historic Houses Association members free access to Castle only.