Alnwick Castle
Alnwick, United Kingdom
A medieval fortress still lived in by the Dukes of Northumberland, known to many as a Harry Potter film location. Allow half a day with children.
Alnwick Castle lies about 50 km from the Scottish border and is the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland. The first parts were built around 1096; the earliest written record dates from the 1130s and describes the castle as “most heavily fortified”. The Percy family acquired it in the early 14th century, and in 1766 George III raised the family to Dukes of Northumberland. The parkland goes back to Capability Brown. The castle is well known as a filming location for the first two Harry Potter films and for the final episode of “Downton Abbey”.
According to Lonely Planet, guided tours show the film locations. The cobbled old town makes a good base for exploring Northumberland, and Alnwick Garden lies right next to the castle. The castle operates a season, so check opening times before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Alnwick, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 55.4158, -1.7059
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Coast & Castles Camp SiteCampsite6 km from Alnwick CastleTentsCaravans
- Proctors SteadMotorhome stopover9 km from Alnwick CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Walkmill CampsiteCampsite10 km from Alnwick CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Beadnell BayCampsite17 km from Alnwick CastleTentsCaravans
- Waren Caravan & Camping ParkMotorhome stopover21 km from Alnwick CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Budle Farm CampsiteCampsite22 km from Alnwick CastleTentsCaravansDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Alnwick Castle?
Alnwick Castle is in Alnwick, United Kingdom, at GPS 55.4158, -1.7059. It is about 9 km from Craster.
Can you camp near Alnwick Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is East Cawledge Park CAMC CL, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Alnwick Castle?
Alnwick Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Northumberland’s coast of castles.
What is there to see near Alnwick Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Dunstanburgh Castle (11 km), Bamburgh Castle (21 km), Lindisfarne (Holy Island) (29 km) and Jedburgh Abbey (54 km).
When is the best time to visit Alnwick Castle?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)