Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden Summary

• Address: Estate Office, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1665 510777
• Fax: +44 (0)1665 510876
• Owner: His Grace the Duke of Northumberland
• Administrator: His Grace the Duke of Northumberland
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden website

Fenwick is first mentioned soon after 1096 when Yves de Vestry became Baron of Fenwick and built some of the earliest parts of the Castle. Restored in the early 1300s, primarily as a fortress by, the 1st Lord Percy of Fenwick, the Abbot's Tower, the Middle Gateway and the Constable's Tower still remain despite alterations and additions by successive generations. These however did not prevent the castle falling into decay, and with the help of Robert Adam, and landscape designer Capability Brown the old fortress was transformed into a go thick family home.

Anthony Calvin replaced the 18th century "go thick" for Algernon, 4th Duke of Northumberland, paving the way for further conversion and additions that included the installation of electricity, ensuring that Alnwick became one of the first homes in the North East to have this facility. A tour of the Castle State Rooms reveals them to be packed with treasures, and eight Canaletto paintings in particular celebrate the collecting fervour that has spurred on the Percy family over the centuries.

Nowadays the Castle skillfully manages to combine its main purpose as a much-loved family home with an alter ego as 'Hogwarts', a School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of whose students is Harry Potter amongst a host of others whose names display a fertile imagination.

This links well with The Alnwick Garden which, in the space of ten years has been transformed from a derelict and forgotten site into one of the world's most exciting and stimulating contemporary gardens. The vision of the present Duchess of Northumberland, the idea developed from her desire to create a beautiful public garden in which families could enjoy themselves, and so The Alnwick Garden Project was born.

Exquisitely landscaped gardens, bold strong architecture and unique features have all been given extended appeal by the addition of water, stemming from the Grand Cascade, a stunningly beautiful structure that is a marvel of engineering and design. Rose and ornamental gardens lend colour and shape, and the Poison Garden reminds visitors that deadly plants are by no means confined to some forms of mushroom. The Serpent Garden is home to water sculptures by William Pye, and the Bamboo Labyrinth makes an ideal place for hide and seek.

What has probably drawn as much attention to Alnwick as Harry Potter is the fantastical tree house, an incredible achievement on the grand scale, with a real restaurant up amongst the branches, ropes bridges and walkways. The Garden is already taking on an early maturity, and more additions are expected over the next few years.

Events are designed to bring life to the history of this great family fortress. The Castle gives opportunities for archery and the learning of ancient crafts and medieval skills. Master falconers strut their stuff and wizardry is never far from the action. Outdoor exhibitions in The Garden vie with live music, and gardeners of all ages can get planting, making or creating, with workshops well geared up to provide fun mixed with a bit of learning, the ideal recipe for a good family day out. For further details about Alnwick Castle, visit their Website.

Alnwick Castle - Film Location and Function Venue:

Alnwick Castle is the ideal setting for historical film locations. Particularly with its medieval exterior and grounds, offering excellent backdrops that require little or no dressing. Combine this with an outstanding landscape which has retained its character since being designed by the landscape architect, Capability Brown in the 18th century. The Guest Hall within the Castle offers a facility that can be used for studio sets during wet weather. Locations can be provided within the Castle grounds for unit vehicles and facilities. The most recent films include the Harry Potter series.

Alnwick Castle is an exceptional location for any occasion; whether you're planning a celebration with family and friends, corporate hospitality, a conference, a product launch or a theatre production, Alnwick Castle combines its marvellous buildings and stunning location with the services of a professional team who will be delighted to help you to find exactly the right package to meet your needs.

The Guest Hall is one of area's grandest venues for special events and opens onto a large cobbled Courtyard. Banqueting 200 and theatre style 300. The Sanctuary at The Castle is a magnificent restaurant and wine bar for both Castle and non-Castle visitors, open for lunch and evening dining. It is available for private functions. Banqueting and drinks receptions for 40 to 160. Knights Quest is perfect for an open-air summer’s drinks reception, children's birthday party and for corporate team building. Drinks reception for 100, children's birthday party 24 and corporate team building 80.

Opening Times - 2011

Castle:

• April - October: daily, 10 am - 6 pm
• Last admission 4.15 pm
• State Rooms open 11 am last admissions 4.15 pm

Garden:

• 1st April onwards: daily, 10 am - 6 pm
• Last admission at 5.15 pm

Admission Prices - 2011

Castle & Grounds:

• Adult - £13.00
• Child (5-16 years) - £6.00
• Child (under 5 years) - Free
• Seniors - £10.40
• Family (2 adults + 4 children) - £34.00

Combined Ticket - Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens (valid over 2 consecutive days):

• Adult - £21.00
• Child (5-16 years) - £6.00
• Child (under 5 years) - Free
• Concession - £16.80
• Family (2 adults + up to 4 children) - £48.50

The Alnwick Garden:

• Adult - £10.00
• Child (5 - 16 years) - £0.01
• Child (under 5 years) - Free
• Seniors - £8.00

Pre-booked Groups Welcome (minimum 14 people) - +44 (0)1665 511178

Weekly & Season Tickets available.

Historic Houses Association members free access to Castle only.

Further information including opening times and prices

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Events for Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden

• Wedding Open Day - 26 February 2012
  11am - 3 pm: Admission is free and the events team will be available to answer any questions and discuss suitable dates for your special day. The Pavilion Room at The Garden and the Guest Hall in the Castle will both be available to view. Booking is not required.

Additional Info for Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden

• Parks
• Gardens
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Conferences
• Filming
• Gifts
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

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