Alnwick Castle

United Kingdom · United Kingdom · Tier A

Alnwick Castle, a A-tier castle in United Kingdom

Alnwick Castle stands above the River Aln in Northumberland, northern England, seat of the Percy family — Dukes of Northumberland — since the early 14th century. First built around 1096 by Norman lord Ivo de Vesci, it was a key bastion during the Anglo-Scottish border wars. Robert Adam and James Paine remodeled it in the 18th century; Anthony Salvin gave it its present medieval-revival appearance between 1854 and 1865.

The second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor, it remains a private residence while opening parts to the public seasonally. The castle served as a filming location for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, significantly boosting its public profile.

Official site · Wikipedia

Visitor information

Location
United Kingdom
Country
United Kingdom
Tier
A (Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip)
Coordinates
55.4158, -1.7061
Official site
http://www.alnwickcastle.com/

Frequently asked questions

Where is Alnwick Castle?
Alnwick Castle is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 55.4158, -1.7061).
Can you visit Alnwick Castle?
Yes — Alnwick Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.alnwickcastle.com/ for hours and tickets.
What tier is Alnwick Castle on the Castle Atlas?
Alnwick Castle is rated A tier on the Castle Atlas — Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip.
What can you see at Alnwick Castle?
Alnwick Castle stands above the River Aln in Northumberland, northern England, seat of the Percy family — Dukes of Northumberland — since the early 14th century. First built around 1096 by Norman lord Ivo de Vesci, it was a key bastion during the Anglo-Scottish border wars. Robert Adam and James Paine remodeled it in the 18th century; Anthony Salvin gave it its present medieval-revival appearance between 1854 and 1865.

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The Castle Atlas
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Methodology

A castle here means anything Wikipedia lists as a castle — which often includes fortresses, palaces, monasteries, and châteaux. The list also includes historicist creations like Neuschwanstein, but only when their main construction was completed before the 20th century.

All castles are sorted into tiers based on nothing but the author’s vibe and whim. Feel free to rearrange them however you personally see fit. Ultimately, the criteria were not historical significance or defensive capability, but how exciting a visit there would likely be.