Travelling and Parking in Alnwick
Are you ready to plan your trip to Alnwick Castle? No matter where you’re visiting us from, we’ve got you covered with tips on how to get to Alnwick, where to park, and everything else you may need to know for an exciting visit.
Once you walk through our gates, we want you to spend every moment enjoying the magic of Alnwick Castle. From avid Harry Potter fans and heritage enthusiasts, to school groups and solo travellers, we have something for everyone.
With this in mind, we want your journey to us to be as smooth as possible.
How to get to Alnwick Castle
Alnwick is a small town, and our castle is quite large, so you’ll never be far from us! The castle is quite easy to get to if you’re travelling to Alnwick by car, train, or coach. We’re also very lucky to be based within a comfortable driving distance of a few major UK cities.
Getting to Alnwick from other UK cities
From Newcastle
If you’re wondering how to get from Newcastle to Alnwick, all it takes is a 35-minute drive along the A1.
You can also take a train from Newcastle to Alnmouth, then catch the local X18/X20 bus or taxi to the castle.
From London
Take the East Coast Mainline train from London Kings Cross to Alnmouth station, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. From Alnmouth, local bus services or a short taxi ride will bring you to Alnwick Castle.
From Edinburgh
Alnwick Castle is about a 1.5-hour drive from Edinburgh via the A1. For train travel, there’s a direct service from Edinburgh to Alnmouth. From there, you can then take the bus or taxi to Alnwick.
Unfortunately there is no train station in Alnwick, but there are plenty of connections from our nearest station — Alnmouth. If you are taking a taxi, we recommend pre-booking in advance. The bus journey from Alnmouth to Alnwick only takes around 10 minutes, and you’ll see the beautiful, rolling landscapes of Northumberland on your way.
If you’d like more information on transport options for your Alnwick Castle, see our Find Alnwick Castle page to help plan your journey.
Alnwick Castle Parking
If you wish to park at the castle you can follow the postcode NE66 1YU, where you will be directed to The Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Garden shared car park.
Please note there is a small £3.50 charge taken via contactless payment only. This will grant you access for all day parking in Alnwick whilst you visit the castle.
Accessible parking
We want to provide a welcoming experience for all. For visitors with mobility needs, our designated Alnwick Castle disabled parking spaces are available near the castle entrance and can be found at NE66 1NG.
Please visit our accessibility page for further information on how we aim to make your visit with us as smooth as possible. Need to speak to a member of our team about how we can assist your visit? Please get in touch.
Other car parks near Alnwick Castle
Planning to explore Alnwick Town before visiting us? It’s a great way to discover the local area. Below are some public car parks in Alnwick.
Northumberland County Council offers £1 parking discs, available from libraries, tourist centres, customer information centres, and some car parks. While some car parks require a disc, there are a few free options available.
Free parking in Alnwick town centre
You can park without a parking disc at the following Alnwick car parks. Please remember that some restrictions may apply.
- Dispensary Street Car Park - NE66 1LN
- Greenwell Road B Car Park - NE66 1HB
- Greenwell Road C Car Park - NE66 1HB
- Greenwell Road E Car Park - NE66 1HB
- Pottergate New Row Car Park - NE66 1JT
- Roxburgh Place Car Park - NE66 1TX
Hotels in Alnwick with free parking
If you're staying overnight or for a weekend break in Alnwick, Bailiffgate Hotel and many local hotels and guesthouses provide complimentary parking. Be sure to check with individual accommodations for specific parking details, as facilities may vary.
Alnwick Castle motorhome parking
Currently, we are unable to offer motorhome parking at Alnwick Castle, but there are several nearby campsites and caravan parks for overnight stays.
Dispensary Street and Roxburgh Place offer public car parks with spaces suitable for motorhomes. Please check local signage for details on maximum stay limits upon arrival.
Make the most of your visit by planning ahead
Arriving prepared is the best way to soak in everything Alnwick Castle and the local town has to offer. Before setting off, don’t forget to plan your visit. Check our opening hours and consider your guided tours and activities in advance to avoid any disappointment on the day.
The earlier you plan your visit to Alnwick Castle, the more time you have to focus on exploring the castle’s historic grounds, magical Broomstick Training sessions, spectacular State Rooms and more.
Book your tickets online today and prepare for an unforgettable journey to one of England’s most iconic castles.