I visited Alnwick Castle with the intention of travelling on later in the day to Chillingham Castle a further 20 miles north.  However anyone else who has the same idea should be warned that if you are travelling from a great distance there is a lot to see at Alnwick and a second visit elsewhere is very hard to fit into the schedule.

Alnwick is the home of the Duke of Northumberland and has been in the family for 700 years.

The guidebook is a one of those that tells you everything you wish to know about the Castle, including the history of the castle, the restoration projects over the centuries, the owners and the household itself.  Not to mention a guide to each of the rooms within the castle and the separate exhibitions throughout the castle site.  There are also maps to ensure that you do not miss anything at this vast castle.

The interior of the castle contains the following rooms.

The Guard Chamber
The Ante-Library
The Library
The Saloon
The Drawing Room
The Dining Room
The Breakfast Room
The Picture Gallery

These are a varied a lavishly styled collection of rooms.  The most magnificant room is the Drawing Room which is Italian style.  But each of the rooms is fascinating in its own unique way.
 
 

However it is not merely the interior of the castle itself that is open to the public.  The Postern Tower is also open to the public and contains the Duke's Museum.

This museum contains a wide collection of archeological finds that the Dukes of Northumberland have made over the years.  Not confined to one era the finds varied and from from Roman, Egyptian, Medieval and Pompeii times.

Constable's Tower is also open to the public and contains the Percy Tenantry Volunteers Exhibition which displays the history of the military volunteers based on real-life persons who records survive dated between 1798 and 1814.

The Coach House is also open to the public and contains a variety of vehicles from the early 19th century including the state coach complete in Percy livery.

After you have seen all there is to see in the castle you can take a break in the tea room or wander through the grounds and gardens taking in such views as the one directly above.

You can also see in the castle the plans for the remodelling of the gardens for future visitors to enjoy.