Alnwick Castle Make A Great Day Out

One of the most popular requests we have from groups hiring one of our minibus with drivers is to take them to a castle for a day out. We have taken groups to castles all over the UK but one our favourites is Alnwick castle. It provides much more than a few ramparts that you can walk along, it’s a real tourist attraction with lots for you to see and do.

Alnwick Castle is situated in the North East of England in the town of Alnwick in Northumberland. It can trace its history back to the time of the Norman Conquest and has been remodelled and expanded on a number of occasions. It has been used as a location for, among others, Black Adder, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and most recently Downton Abbey’s Christmas special in 2014.

Alnwick castle has something for everybody. The castle’s history is told through a number of exhibitions. Three of the castle’s mighty towers are used to house exhibitions. One is dedicated for the families own long held love of archaeology. While many of the artefacts are from the local area there are also ancient Egyptian and Roman relics on display.

As with most castles there has been close links to the military over time and Alnwick Castle is no exception. The castle houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Northumberland Fusilliers.

There are works of art by Titian, Canaletto and Van Dyck to name but a few. You may well recognise the State Rooms as they were featured in the Downton Abbey Christmas Special and they will be seen in the next series too.

Knight’s Quest allows you and your family to try your hand at authentic artisan activities from the Middle Ages, children are able to dress up as knights and princesses. Broomstick Training teaches children how to fly a “witch’s broomstick”.

There are also three places to eat on site that provide tasty snacks and hearty meals.

The gardens are truly beautiful. The main feature is the cascade fountain that is on a monumental scale. While you are there it is also fun to take a guided tour round the Poison Garden, you have to take the guided tour because the exhibits are so dangerous that you need to be accompanied for your own safety!

All in all Alnwick Castle is a great day out for the whole family. If you do need to hire a minibus and driver to take your party to Alnwick Castle or anywhere else then do call 0845 200 3005 for a free quote on your minibus hire requirements.