Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, has been the home of the Percy's, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. The earliest mention of Alnwick Castle in the history books appears soon after 1096, when Yves de Vescy became Baron of Alnwick and erected the earliest parts of the Castle.

The Castle was first restored by the first Lord Percy of Alnwick in the early 1300's and portions of this restoration remain today, including the Abbot's Tower, the Middle Gateway and the Constable's Tower.

Today, Alnwick Castle remains a family home, and is the second largest inhabited Castle in England. Often referred to as the Windsor of the North, this glorious medieval castle has a wealth of history to be explored and treasures in abundance, a legacy of the Percy family who have been collecting for generations.

Alnwick Castle also has many things for the children to do. We have the Knights Quest where you can train to become a knight, after you have been knighted and proven your nobility you can take on the Dragon in our interactive Dragons Quest (be warned only the brave should enter!). You can also go on a tour to see the Harry Potter film locations.

Alnwick Castle

Northumberland

UK, NE66 1NQ

Opening Hours:

The attraction is now closed for 2008, please check back soon for more information for 2009!

Directions:

Alnwick Castle is on the outskirts of Alnwick town, just over a mile from the A1. It is 33 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne; 30 miles south of Berwick upon Tweed and the Scottish Border.

Centre For Life

The centre for life aims at explaining new things about life and looking at the world around us. It does not matter if you are 8 or 80 there is something here for everyone.

 

There are many interesting activities such as being able to smell the smog in Mexico or then taking a trip into the future when you can see what you will look like when you are ninety years old! You will discover live science shows as well as a motion ride and visual journey through the 'dome'. This is sure to be an action packed day that is also highly educational at the same time.

 

Centre for Life,

Times Square,

Newcastle Upon Tyne,

NE1 4EP

 

Information Line: 0191 243 8210

Booking Hotline: 0191 243 8223

 

email: info@life.org.uk

Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum is one of the most popular free museums located in the North East of England. Housed in a spacious building is a tribute to the areas scientific and technological achievements, as well as an exploration of its famous maritime history.

The museum is not just about looking at exhibits however, as it offers several interactive displays to enhance understanding for both youngsters and adults alike. Currently on display is an example of local technological achivement in the form of the Turbinia. This ship was the first in the world to be powered purely by steam, and at one time could boast the achievement of being the fastest in the world, it can be found directly by the front entrance.

Discovery Museum,

Blandford Square,

Newcastle upon Tyne,

NE1 4JA

Tel: (0191) 232 6789

Textphone: 18001 0191 232 6789

Fax: (0191) 230 2614

Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm. Closed: 25 & 26 December & 1 January.

If you would like to contact Discovery Museum then please use their contact form.

Angel of the North

The Angel of the North - completed in 1998 - draws around 150,000 people a year all eager to experience the vastness of this impressive structure.

The angel is 20 metres tall (65 feet) and its wings spread to an astonishing 54 metres (175 feet), and was funded almost purely by the National Lottery.

Construction began in 1994 and took four years to complete, giving the Gateshead skyline a definitive

new look forever. The structure has been specially built from weather resistant steel and has to withstand

winds of 100mph due to its location.

The surface of the structure contains copper and over time it is gradually turning a rich red-brown colour - pleasing to the eye. If you wish to experience the vast structure - which is now an iconic part of the Gateshead skyline - then look no further, the Angel of the North is waiting to be visited.

Public Art Team,

Cultural Services,

Civic Centre,

Gateshead Council,

NE8 1HH

Tel. 0191 433 2986