Overview

We visited Alnwick Castle as part of a holiday. We prebooked our visit because of Covid and had researched the venue so we largely knew what to expect. This was another venue where my expectations were that I would just do what I could and enjoy the atmosphere. I knew that some of it would be challenging. I always have to choose carefully which wheelchair to use. This was a tricky one. Outside, my mountain trike would have been better but that would have been impossible inside, so I opted for my normal chair with freewheel.

Transport & Parking

We arrived by motorhome, following directions from Google Maps. Don't! Google hasn't got a clue where the parking is, though she may have been taking us to the limited accessible parking at the top of the castle in town. We aimed towards coach drop off and accessible parking and a helpful member of staff showed us where to park. The walk back up towards the castle was lovely, though mostly uphill and cobbled in places. Signage was distinctly lacking! We got a bit lost and nearly went into the gardens instead of the castle but staff helped redirect us.

Access

Access is mixed. As someone else has pointed out, the castle grounds are nearly all cobbled. The cobbles are not nice little smooth ones. They are huge and very lumpy bumpy. I have never been so glad of my Loopwheels and Freewheel, as they took out some of the worst of it. My back still felt a little shaken though by the time we'd done. The castle inside was really lovely but getting in was a bit of an ordeal. First there are a few steps. Hubby helped me up and then carried my chair. Then we headed to the lift. Normally they ask you to transfer to their chair but I have low spine problems and other chairs usually cause me pain, so again hubby carried mine up and met me out of the lift. The lift is the smallest lift I have ever seen! It is limited to two people. Not sure how that would have worked. Let's hope the two people really like each other... a lot! Once the lift bit was done, the route around the inside was actually really good. They had social distancing sorted and it all felt very safe and was quite interesting. The outdoor areas were plenty big enough except for a tight spot where the demonstrations were happening. It was all one way but the crowds meant I couldn't get past the weapons and torture demo. Good job I'm not too squeamish! My youngest son would have just fainted or thrown up! It was quite graphic!

Toilets

One of the accessible loos, on the route up to the castle, was out of order. The ones in the courtyard were open and were clean and easy to access.

Staff

Every single member of staff was polite, friendly and helpful. The staff inside the castle tried so hard to ensure I could access the upstairs and were very accommodating.

Photos