Alnwick Castle is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Northumberland. It’s also the second largest occupied castle in England, home to the Percy family for 700 years.
Visiting Alnwick Castle is a must do when you’re in this part of the UK. It’s not just a pretty place to visit, it has lots of fun things to do!
1. Bailiffgate Museum
A must-see during your visit to Alnwick Castle, the Bailiffgate Museum offers a great insight into the town’s history and local district. Housed in a medieval building, it’s home to some of the most fascinating and interesting objects from the region.
Exotic ethnographic artefacts from around the world are showcased in huge glass cabinets. Wickedly bladed martial art swords from India and the Middle East, carved wooden African and Papua New Guinea fetishes, Inuit snow shows and Maori and Dayak war clubs are just some of the fascinating things you’ll discover here.
As one of the UK’s most significant heritage destinations, Alnwick Castle is packed with a range of experiences for all ages. From broomstick lessons to alchemy demonstrations, there’s something for everyone at this historic stronghold. It’s even a favourite film and TV set location for blockbusters like the Harry Potter franchise.
2. The House of Hardy Museum
A visit to Alnwick Castle, the home of the Percy family since 1309, is a must for anyone visiting Northumberland. It's one of the largest inhabited castles in England, with a history that spans 1000 years.
The castle is also famous for being used as filming locations for many movies and TV shows, most notably Harry Potter. It's a great day out for families, with broomstick lessons and dungeon tours available to keep the kids entertained while you learn about the history of this impressive building.
Alnwick Castle is a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world. It's also home to the House of Hardy Museum, which is a great place to spend an afternoon if you're visiting the town with children. The museum has a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained, from dressing up to arts and crafts.
3. Bamburgh Beach
No visit to Alnwick would be complete without a trip to the historic castle and gardens. It has a wealth of historic attractions to explore and is renowned for its fine art collection and state rooms.
The Percy Family still live in Alnwick Castle, which has been a major film and TV location for movies like Transformers: The Last Knight, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Downton Abbey’s Christmas specials and of course, Harry Potter films.
The castle is an incredibly popular visitor attraction and a great place for schools. Students can take part in a number of activities such as:
4. The Northumberland Wildlife Park
Northumberland is a county of historic sites, vast landscapes and wildlife. Countless castles jostle for attention - 'proper' ones with battlements and portcullises, ghostly ruins guarding endless sandy beaches, and ones that echo with ancient footsteps.
For history fans, hikers and romantics alike, this is the place to go. A National Park of the highest order, it is the most remote and least populated of all the parks in England – but that doesn't detract from its intense beauty.
Discover an abundance of wildlife thriving in its unspoilt lands – from red squirrels to great spotted woodpeckers. Or venture deep into the secluded Cheviot Hills, where you can hike to Hareshaw Linn and admire a dramatic nine-metre waterfall.
And if you're lucky, you'll witness the spectacular Northern Lights. In fact, Northumberland is a designated 'International Dark Sky Park'. It is one of the few areas where the night skies are completely free of light pollution ensuring you have an unforgettable stargazing experience!
