Alnwick Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Your Castle Visit
We’re so excited to have you join us at St. Cloud State at Alnwick. To help you prepare for your stay, we’ve put together some important information and tips to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Tourist season when the castle is open for castle tours, broomstick flying lessons and photos inside the castle walls. Tourist Season is the end of April thru the end of September. The Castle is not open to tourists October thru March as the Duke and Duchess are in residence during this time.
Alnwick Workshop FAQs
What is needed before I travel?
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.
Learn more on gov.uk.
What should I pack?
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.
Do I need to bring bedding or towels?
Alnwick Castle provides a duvet (comforter), duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase, fitted sheet, bath towel and hand towel for your use during your time there.
What is the setup of the lodging?
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.
What is the set up for toilets (the loo) and showers?
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.
Does the castle have wi-fi?
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.
Will my cell phone work in England?
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.
What is the Castle Pass?
Each student and guest staying at Alnwick Castle will be issued a castle pass and lanyard. This pass is required for all entry and exit access to the castle. When leaving the castle grounds, residents and visitors must check their pass/lanyard in with Castle Security. Upon returning, the pass/lanyard can be reclaimed from Castle Security. Must be worn at all times within the castle walls during tourist season.
Getting to the Castle
Airport Recommendations
The closest airports to Alwnick are:
We recommend booking your flight(s) to one of those airports.
Transportation from Newcastle Airport (NCL)
- 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). View bus times.
- 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).
Transportation from Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- 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).
Transportation from Manchester Airport (MAN)
- 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).
Transportation from London Airport (LHR)
Or anywhere south of Alnwick
- 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).
Transportation
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