Plan Your Family Visit
Family activities and things to do at Alnwick Castle
Enjoy a fun family day out at Alnwick Castle with a variety of events and activities to keep everyone entertained. We're open daily from 10am to 5pm and easily accessible by car, train, and bus. Located in the heart of Northumberland, just off the A1, we're a short trip away for a memorable family adventure.
Learn more about how to find us, along with opening times, ticket prices and parking information.
From history buffs to Harry Potter fans, there's something for everyone at Alnwick Castle. Book your tickets today!
Broomstick Training
Did you know that Alnwick Castle is where Harry Potter had his first broomstick flying lesson in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?
Our Broomstick Training sessions are one of the best things for families to do in Alnwick. The sessions are free but require a time slot ticket, which you can ask our staff about on arrival.
Broomstick Training is extremely popular, especially during the school holidays, so we recommend collecting your tickets as soon as you arrive to make sure you can learn those all important broomstick skills.
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Artisans Courtyard
Included with entry
Open: 10am to 5pm
Travel back in time with a visit to Artisans Courtyard. In this immersive, interactive area of the castle, you can take part in medieval crafts, dress up in medieval-inspired costumes, sit on the throne of Hotspur Hall, and play traditional games.
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Dragon Quest
Included with entry
Age: 5-12 years old
If you feel brave enough, you could enter the Dragon’s lair and take on our Dragon Quest. Journey through the mirror maze and over the fiery bridge and see how many dragons you can find.
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Have-a-go Archery
£5 for 8 arrows
Age: 11+
Have-a-Go Archery lessons are all about fun and relaxation. Led by trained instructors, you'll learn everything from proper stance to perfecting your aim.
Tours, Talks & Trails
For a more educational visit, we offer daily tours and talks at Alnwick Castle, with information that will entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.
At weekends and during school holidays, we even offer a shorter Family-Friendly History tour to give our young visitors a chance to learn about Alnwick Castle’s history in a 30-minute tour.
If you have a few Harry Potter fans in your family, our ‘Alnwick on Location’ tours will take you on a 45-minute cinematic journey throughout the castle grounds. Get up close to the locations where specific scenes were shot with information from an entertaining guide.
Our tours and talks are free and included in your ticket admission.
More fun things to do as a family in Alnwick
Throughout the school holidays there is always something fun and exciting to do at Alnwick Castle. Family friendly activities include:
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Company of Artisans
Learn about the role of an artisan in the medieval and Tudor periods. Make your own tile, and learn about the properties of medieval soap with the Company of Artisans.
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Longbow demonstrations
Our Master Archer, Andy Rice, is here to give expert longbow demonstrations. Stick around, and you may even hear a few gruesome battle tales!
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Tom Fool
Our resident Jester of Alnwick Castle, Tom Fool, will be around to provide all the merriment and silliness you need for a unique day out in Alnwick.
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Silly History Boys
The Silly History Boys' interactive shows will allow you to delve into the silliest and goriest parts of medieval history.
On-site facilities at Alnwick Castle
We have everything you need on-site for a fun and stress-free day out with the family in Northumberland.
Food and drink
We have plenty of food and drink facilities at Alnwick Castle.
Our Courtyard Café is open from 10am to 4pm daily and serves a delicious range of sandwiches, soups, and savoury bites. We also have cakes and sweet treats, along with hot and cold drinks. Sit within the courtyard in the sunshine and marvel at the castle walls surrounding you.
For a quick coffee stop or snack, our Armoury Takeaway is also open from 10am to 4pm during school holidays. It offers a takeaway selection of paninis, sandwiches, sweet treats, and hot and cold drinks.
During peak periods, local street food providers can be found in The Courtyard for an extra yummy pitstop. And, new for 2025, Alnwick Castle now has its own Pizzeria and Ice Cream Parlour!
Accessibility at Alnwick Castle
The castle grounds feature a mix of cobblestones, flagstones, grass, gravel, and wood, which can be uneven and steep in places. However, partial pushchair access is available.
An accessible toilet is located between the Courtyard Café and Pizzeria, with additional facilities in the Pavilion at The Alnwick Garden.
For any access enquiries, please contact the Alnwick Castle team before your visit.
Plan your visit today for fun activities with kids in Alnwick—we look forward to welcoming you!