CAMPER VAN DIARIES | LAYBY PARK UP CLOSE TO ALNWICK CASTLE

Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing well

It’s time for another Campervan diary. We both hope you have been enjoying the vlogs over on our YouTube channel of our Campervan getaways.

If Campervans arent your things then there’s always lots of Florida vlogs you can check out too 😎 or plenty of lodge vlogs 🏡

We had wanted to visit Alnwick Castle for several years. You know how we love a good filming location and the castle and grounds are the location of many films and TV series we have enjoyed watching. Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and even Star Trek TNG.

The Park Up

We chose our park up on Park4night. It was a layby, 15 minutes drive from Alnwick.

No facilities apart from a bin but free of charge which is always a bonus.

Parkup site location on What3words ///frock.attitudes.expanded

We pulled into the layby and had the entire place to ourselves.

Sometimes it’s nice to be the only people in a park up but it’s also comforting to see other campervans around (makes you feel a bit safer)

The only other vehicle that parked up was a HGV which came along as it was getting dark and had gone on their way by the time we awoke the following day. (We had a bit of a lay in until 8:30am 💤)

Although we were on our own for most of the time, we did feel safe. There was a little noise from the road but nothing too much as to keep you awake.

The layby is right next to a Caravan site so you know there are a number of people very close by. A few dog walkers came by in the morning.

We had dinner in the Van, one of our favorites, Beans on toast. Always a good, quick meal to make in the van. I did some editing in the evening and we managed to catch a bit of a sunset at the back of the van.

We enjoyed a good night’s sleep and woke up to the sun (which unfortunately didn’t last)

View from the side window out to the layby

Nick made bacon butties for breakfast and we both took a shower in the Van before we set off on our way.

We cant state enough how impressed we are with the shower. It really does feel like a normal shower in a house when you are in it with the door closed. We had to move the van to flatter ground as the water wasn’t draining properly as we were on a slight slope

We called into an Esso garage to replenish our water tank. The garage handily had a tap that we easily hooked up and filled up free of charge.

Alnwick Castle

We headed to the castle. The Camper van and Coach park is on the left as you enter.

Large space with plenty of parking spots

Lots of room in the car park at Alnwick castle

We picked up a coffee and sampled a cake in the cafe (of course) then took the short walk up to the castle.

As you enter the castle a time table is on the left to inform you of the tour times for that day.

We of course went for the filming location one. We found it fascinating.

We were aware Downton, Harry Potter, and Star Trek had been filmed at the Castle but they informed us about a few others we didn’t know about. Black Adder (who remembers that ? I used to love watching that with my Dad back in the day) One of the Transformers films and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

We then ventured inside, into the living quarters which you couldn’t film in. These were used to film some interior shots on Downton which we recognised.

Harry Potter fans are well catered for as there is a Broomstick learning challenge you can do. Kids would love it!

Entry Prices

Here are the prices for entry to the castle as of May 2024. You pay for the day and get an annual pass so you can return for a year

CASTLE ADULT Adult aged 17 years+ £20.50

CASTLE CONCESSION Adult aged 60+ years and students£16.55

CASTLE CHILD 5-16YRS Child aged 5-16 years £10.80

CASTLE CHILD 0-4YRS Entry to Alnwick Castle is free for children aged 0-4 years

CASTLE FAMILY Family of 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5-16 years) £55.65

CASTLE CARER Free entry for carers accompanying visitors with disabilities

CASTLE FAMILY Family of 2 adults and 3 children (aged 5-16 years) £55.65

CASTLE FAMILY Family of 2 adults and 4 children (aged 5-16 years)

We didn’t go around the Gardens as the weather wasn’t great (nonstop rain) but they do look like a great place to explore. The gardens are an additional cost.

We had a walk down into the town of Alnwick which is just a short walk from the Castle. Its the usual kind of town with cafes and shops.

Nothing out of the ordinary but if you have time then worth a look around (Would have probably looked a lot better had it been a sunny day)

We made our way back to the van and went down to Beamish. More on that in the next Campervan diaries blog

You can watch our time at Alnwick castle and see the park up in our vlogs below