The State Rooms
State Rooms: 10:30am – 4:30pm (Last entry: 4pm)
Photography is not permitted in the State Rooms
Within the castle's keep, you'll find our beautifully decorated State Rooms, which include the Upper and Lower Guard Chambers, the Library, the Drawing Room, the Saloon, the Dining Room, and the China Gallery.
In the 1850s, the 4th Duke of Northumberland began restoring Alnwick Castle. He employed the help of an English architect, Anthony Salvin, for work on the exterior, and the Italian architect, Commendatore Luigi Canina, to design the castle’s interior.
The stylistic design of Alnwick Castle was inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Rome with influences from other Italian cities.
Today, these rooms are the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and are full of fascinating treasures and stories that bring the history of Alnwick Castle to life.
Book a visit to Alnwick Castle today, and explore the State Rooms for yourself.
Explore our State Rooms
Throughout the day, our knowledgeable and friendly guides are available in each room. Don’t hesitate to ask them any questions— they’re keen to share fascinating facts and insights about the castle's past.
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The Lower Guard Chamber
Behind the grand oak front door, you’ll find the Lower Guard Chamber. It welcomes visitors with its extraordinary display of arms and accoutrements, largely dating back to the late 18th century and the Percy Tenantry Volunteers.
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The Upper Guard Chamber
The grand staircase leads to the Upper Guard Chamber, which has a stunning marble terrazzo floor, plasterwork ceiling, and majestic marble figures of Justice and Britannia.
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The Library
The magnificent library houses nearly 15,000 books and occupies the entire first floor of the large tower added to the keep during the 19th-century restoration. When the Percy family is in residence, this is their favourite room in which to relax and unwind.
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The Drawing Room
Here, you can experience the full extent of Italian influence on the State Rooms. The Drawing Room boasts a carved, painted, and gilded ceiling, painted frieze, silk wall hangings, carved doors, dado and window shutters, a marble fireplace, and a huge overmantel mirror.
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The Dining Room
The State Dining Room, located roughly in the same area as the medieval hall, has been the centre of castle life for centuries. In fact, the Percy family continues to use it regularly today.
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The China Gallery
Since 2006, the collection of Meissen, Chelsea, and Paris ceramics has been displayed in Alnwick Castle’s China Gallery. The display was inspired by the interior design of European porcelain palaces of the 17th and 18th centuries.
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The Saloon
The Saloon at Alnwick Castle is one of its most elegant rooms, featuring ornate ceilings, historic artworks, period furnishings, and grand windows with views of the grounds.
Lions of the Red Rose Exhibition
The Lions of the Red Rose exhibition is located in the Breakfast Room, just as you exit the State Rooms.
Inspired by the book of the same name written by Ralph Percy, the Duke of Northumberland, the exhibition explores the history of the Wars of the Roses, offering a chance to learn about key members of the Percy family during this turbulent period in English history.
Discover the fascinating stories of Henry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland, along with his warrior sons—Henry, Thomas, Richard and Ralph—and another Henry, the 4th Earl, who survived the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
You can purchase Lions of the Red Rose from our gift shops during your visit, available in hardback (£29) and paperback (£19).