Broomstick Training and More at Alnwick Castle

Broomstick Training and More at Alnwick Castle – We love Alnwick but it’s many years since I visited Alnwick Castle. We have visited The Alnwick Garden several times, but I have not visited Alnwick Castle since before I had the kids, so it was lovely to return. It’s changed a great deal with so much more going on, especially for families.  It’s not open over the winter months, so check the website before you go.  We visited on the very last day it was open for this year, and look at what glorious weather we had.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle

We put a video together of some of our highlights

We are huge Harry Potter fans (I say we, the truth is that the kids and Mr W have a passing interest , it’s me who is the superfan!). So I was keen to get the kids to take part in the broomstick training.  Broomstick Training is free, but you must secure your place on the day by visiting the Artisan’s Courtyard.  Definitely make this your first port of call when you arrive as places get booked up quickly.  Miss H was keen to take part until we got there when she suddenly became shy and said no!  Fortunately Mr W, Master T and his Grandma joined in.

Alnwick Castle Broomstick Training

It was a fun and theatrical activity and brilliant for younger ones.  The wizards in charge were great teachers.

Alnwick Castle Broomstick Training

Afterwards we were advised on how to get the best broomstick flying photos (oh and check out the video above for live footage of the kids learning the spell to get the broomstick to rise UP!)

Alnwick Castle Broomstick Training Alnwick Castle Broomstick Training

After our training we headed back to the Artisan’s Courtyard where there is a fabulous assortment of 14th century style clothing (adults and kids!) for you to try on.  

Artisan's Courtyard

We also tried out some traditional games like this hoopla:

You can also try your hand at combat and try out the armour:

The kids also tried some traditional crafts, making dragons from clay:

Artisan's Courtyard Alnwick Castle

There are lots of fabulous photo opportunities here, including a set of three stocks.  I rather think Miss H was thinking of a guillotine here!

Alnwick Castle has several places to eat including proper fish and chips housed in the castle’s old stable block and the armoury takeaway that serves paninis and hot drinks.  There are lots of outdoor tables in the courtyard to take your food.  We wanted to eat in, so headed to the Courtyard Cafe for lunch.  It’s very pretty in there with lots of comfortable seating.

Courtyard Cafe Alnwick Castle

We had a lovely snug booth at the back.  The service was warm and friendly and it was all very cosy.  I always like to see what the food looks like, so here we are.  Grandma ordered the quiche of the day:

The boys went for chicken burgers:

Miss H went for a baked potato with cheese and beans:

And I chose a BLT:

Master T then finished off with dessert and a hot chocolate with whipped cream!

There was so much to do outside, we didn’t even make it into the castle, let alone on one of the tours that were available.  I’d have loved to have gone on the ‘Alnwick On Location’ Film Tour which lasts up to 45 minutes, shows you the locations where scenes were shot and allows you to ‘hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes with an entertaining costumed guide.’  We definitely need to return as there was so much left to do.  You really need to make a full weekend out of it as there is the fabulous Alnwick Garden to explore too.  Also, keep an eye out for seasonal events like the spooky Garden of Screams that we did over the October Half Term.

 

We were invited to visit and review Alnwick Castle.  As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

 

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