Build, Siege and Destroy at Alnwick Castle 5th-7th May

About

Daring deeds for all at Alnwick Castle, May Bank Holiday 5 – 7 May

 

Have you ever wondered how huge, fortified castles like Alnwick Castle were built 700 years ago? With no machinery, no Harry Potter wizardry and only basic tools?

 

Over Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 5th May to Monday 7th May, in the Castle grounds, you can watch seasoned ‘medieval’ builders demonstrating and explaining exactly how it was done.  You can even have a go yourselves.

 

But then comes the best part – just how strong is your castle?  If you’re inside, will it shield you from the enemy? Will your walls withstand the onslaught of enormous 15th century weapons including battering rams, trebuchet catapults, and the mighty ballista – not to mention crossbows, longbows and slings?  

 

Would you like to swap sides and become the enemy managing the ancient weapons? Probably nicer than being inside!

 

At various times during the day at Alnwick Castle, over Bank Holiday Weekend, you can take part in these exciting “build, siege and destroy” activities (suitable from 5 years upwards) with helpful, highly informative, hands-on history explainers.

 

Charlie and Karen Slay run “Company of Artisans” and tour the UK with highly engaging and informative historic building and craft demonstrations, involving participants and creating displays for arts groups and museums. You will be building your castle under their watchful eye.

 

The attempted destruction of your castle will be managed and explained by James Silcox with his organisation, “Reach the Core” who provide thrilling and immersive, physical activities from history. If you’re brave you will also have opportunities to fire the weapons yourself.

 

All these activities are included in the one-off admission price to Alnwick Castle which also includes loads more fantastic things to do over an action-packed Bank Holiday Weekend.

 

Remember if you visit Alnwick Castle once, you can visit again free for a whole year here!  Just keep your ticket safe (remember to validate your tickets because free, day tickets need to be validated on the original day to permit re-entry).

 

Broomstick training is offered at regular intervals throughout the day (in the exact spot where Harry Potter received lessons in the film) and visitors can now book a time slot of their choice.

 

You can also join highly popular ‘On Location’ tours, where knowledgeable guides show you where famous scenes were filmed and divulge insider secrets of the many films and TV series shot at the Castle, including Downton Abbey; Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Transformers the movie; The Hollow Crown and more.

 

It's always great to have a souvenir to remember a special family day out – especially one you’ve made yourself - and there’s plenty of opportunity here to make all manner of medieval keepsakes – from beautiful illuminated manuscripts, to medieval tiles and soap. And you can even get into authentic costume too, for the occasion.

 

Make sure you have some armour on for a meeting with Alnwick Castle’s fearsome, fiery monster! Are you brave enough to enter the Dragon's Lair?

 

Perhaps you’re more interested in the culture and history of Alnwick Castle and the Percy family? You can take a tour of the State Rooms and see the splendid furniture and beautiful paintings by famous artists like Titian and Canaletto. State Room tours are term time only. Historical Grounds tours are daily.

Similarly, if you’re captivated by the legendary Harry “Hotspur” Percy – swashbuckling ancestor of the Percy family, you can view a fascinating exhibition of Harry Hotspur, immortalised by Shakespeare in his history plays.

The Courtyard Café, the Stable Fryery and Courtyard Barbeque are available for delicious meals and refreshments and there are two well-stocked gift shops.

More information on Company of Artisans at www.companyofartisans.co.uk and find out more on Reach the Core at www.reachthecore.co.uk 

For more information on Alnwick Castle please visit  www.alnwickcastle.com or call 01665 511 100

*All activities at Alnwick Castle (apart from Have a Go Archery) are included in admission price