A magnificent medieval fortress steeped in history and cinematic fame
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Overview
Alnwick Castle, the ancestral seat of the Duke of Northumberland, ranks among England's most impressive inhabited castles and has served as a filming location for major productions including the Harry Potter series. Its imposing Norman keep, lavish state rooms, and sprawling grounds offer a vivid journey through nearly a thousand years of English noble history, while the adjacent Alnwick Garden features one of the world's largest treehouses and a fascinating Poison Garden.
Accessed as a shore excursion from cruise ports along England's northeast coast, Alnwick typically involves a coach journey of one to two hours depending on the departure port. The castle is open from late March through October, and summer months bring the fullest program of activities and demonstrations. Pre-booked excursions are recommended, as independent travel requires careful timetable coordination.
Talk to a cruise expert to choose the right itinerary.
The opulently decorated interior showcases centuries of art, armor, and furnishings collected by the Percy family, including works by Canaletto, Titian, and Van Dyck in a setting of gilded ceilings and carved stonework.
Tip: Allow at least ninety minutes to appreciate the state rooms without rushing.
This contemporary twelve-acre garden features the Grand Cascade fountain, a bamboo labyrinth, and the intriguing Poison Garden where guided tours reveal the lethal histories of common and exotic plants.
Tip: The Poison Garden requires a guided group entry, so check tour times upon arrival.
The charming market town of Alnwick itself offers independent bookshops, traditional tearooms, and a weekly farmers' market where local cheeses, cured meats, and Northumbrian honey reflect the region's artisanal food culture.
Tip: Barter House Books, housed in a former railway station, is one of England's largest secondhand bookshops.
Aboard
S.S. Joie de Vivre
From
Edinburgh, Scotland
12 Sailings
Apr 16 - Oct 1, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
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