Preparations made for 'private event' at Alnwick Castle with car park closure plans in place

The castle is closed to visitors from Monday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 9 for what Alnwick Castle describes as a ‘private event’.

There is widespread speculation that a film production is taking place but there has been no confirmation from Alnwick Castle.

The Alnwick Castle website states: ‘… to Saturday, June 12 preparations for a private event will be taking place around the castle and its grounds. The castle will be closed to visitors from Monday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 9 inclusive. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’

Northumberland County Council, meanwhile, has confirmed that the car parks at Greenwell Road Part A and a section of Greenwell Road Part B will be closed from June 5-9.

Alternative long-stay parking will be available at Greenwell Road Part C and Howling Lane.

“We have worked with them to reduce the impact on parking as far as possible,” said a county council spokesperson.

Alnwick Town Council has also been consulted and given its consent.

Alnwick Castle has been used in several major films, most notably as the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the 2002 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

It also featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, and as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey's 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials, as well as appearing in Elizabeth and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, among others, so is no stranger to film crews.