Travel to the U.K. requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The online application is straightforward, but it’s important to complete it carefully and accurately to ensure approval. Once submitted, you will typically receive an email confirmation quickly with your approval status. An ETA is mandatory for entry into the U.K. (including travel to Alnwick) and costs £16. Without approval, you will not be permitted entry.

Pack light and bring clothing that can be layered. Alnwick Castle can be cool at times in the summer, but when you are out and about, wear layers; the weather in the U.K. can change quickly. Good walking shoes/boots are also a must - the Castle and town have plenty of cobblestone streets and stairs.

Alnwick Castle provides a duvet (comforter), duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase, fitted sheet, bath towel and hand towel for your use during your time there.

Alnwick Castle is set up in a traditional dormitory style rather than as a hotel. Guests should not expect hotel-style amenities or luxuries. The Castle also has many stairs, so accessibility may be limited. There are heaters in the room however, there is no air conditioning - windows open (but no screens). Each room will have 1 or 2 single beds in a room, desk and chair, closet shelf and some rooms may include a sink (not guaranteed).

Lodging areas in the Castle: Lion Tower, Upper Fosses, Lower Fosses, Hunters Block.

Toilets and showers are shared among guests within the same area (Lion’s Tower, Upper Fosses, Lower Fosses, and Hunters Block). Each facility is private and equipped with a door and lock for your comfort and security.

Wi-Fi inside the Alnwick Castle is linked to the St. Cloud State University network. This means you will have access to Wi-Fi the entire time you are inside of Alnwick Castle's SCSU spaces.

Your cell phone service in the U.K. will depend on your individual plan. iPhones can use iMessage when connected to Wi-Fi, but we recommend contacting your service provider before travel to review your options. Another convenient option is an electronic SIM card (eSIM), which allows you to download a provider’s profile directly to your phone and connect to a local network for calls, texts, and data. A popular choice is Airalo, which is easy to set up and lets you customize your destination and package.

Each student/visitor of Alnwick Castle will receive a Castle Pass. This pass is needed to enter and exit the castle. When a student/resident leaves the castle, they leave their pass with castle security. Upon return, claim the pass from castle security.

The closest airports to Alwnick are:

• Newcastle International Airport (NCL)

• Edinburgh International Airport (EDI)

We recommend booking your flight(s) to one of those airports.

• BUS: Take the Metro to Regent Centre. From Regent Centre take the bus (X15) to Alnwick. Once at the bus station, you will need to walk to the castle, which is about a 7-minute walk. (Estimated 1.5 hours and can cost about £10). Bus times can be found at arrivabus.co.uk/north-east.
• TRAIN: Take the tram at the airport to the train station. Then, take the train to Alnmouth Station. You will then need to take a taxi or bus to the castle. (Estimated time is 1 hour).
• TAXI: Taxis are available outside the airport. They will need the postcode of NE66 1NQ and they will drop you off right at the castle doors. (Estimated time is 40 minutes and can cost around £80).

• BUS/TRAIN: Take the AirportExpress Bus to St. Andrew’s Square (lothianbuses.com/our-services/airport-buses), which will take you to Waverly Station. At Waverly Station, take the train to Alnmouth Station. You will then need to take a taxi to the castle. (Estimated time is 1 hour).

• TRAIN: Take the train from the airport to Alnmouth Station. A change of trains will be required in either York or Newcastle. You will then need to take a taxi or bus to the castle. (Estimated time is 3.5 hours).

• TRAIN: Take the train from the airport or the south to Alnmouth Station. Train’s depart from King’s Cross Station for Alnmouth (accessible by Tube from Heathrow). You will then need to take a taxi to the castle. (Estimated time is 4.5 hours).

Parking

If you are parking, park on the Peth (the large hill leading down from the castle to the Lion Bridge). Parking in front of the castle and on the Castle Square is not allowed. Follow posted road signs regarding parking.

Taxi

• AA Taxi - Phone: +44 01665 606060 - Online: alnwicktaxis.co.uk
• Alnwick Wizard Taxis - Phone: +44 1665 663709 - Online: rsmtaxis.co.uk 

Bus

• Arriva UK Bus - Online: arrivabus.co.uk

Train

• London Northeastern Railway (LNER) - Online: lner.co.uk
• Trainline - Online: thetrainline.com/en-us