What’s On in Alnwick: Autumn 2026

If you’re planning a stay in Alnwick this September or early October, there is plenty happening across the town. Following our spring round-up, we’ve put together this guide to some of the confirmed events taking place during autumn 2026.

From Heritage Open Days and live cannon firing at Alnwick Castle to the Northumbrian Piping Weekend, live entertainment at Alnwick Playhouse and The Alnwick Garden’s 25th anniversary celebrations, there is a good mix of history, culture, music and entertainment to enjoy.

We’ve arranged the events in date order to make planning your visit easier. Where possible, we’ve linked directly to the official organiser. Event details can change, so it is always worth checking the relevant website before you travel, particularly if an event requires advance booking.

Early September

Spritember at Lilidorei — from Wednesday 2 September

If you’re visiting Alnwick with children, Spritember at Lilidorei offers a colourful start to September.

The Sprites take over the magical village with bubble play, games, crafts, storytime and the chance to explore Lilidorei’s giant play structure.

From 2 September, Lilidorei is open Wednesday to Sunday, generally from 10:00–17:00. Combined tickets allow visitors to enjoy both The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei during the same day, while Lilidorei-only tickets operate from 13:00–17:00.

Check The Alnwick Garden’s latest opening information before booking, as opening dates and times vary later in the season.

Napoleonic cannon firing — Saturday 5 September

On Saturday 5 September, Newcastle Garrison will bring a replica Napoleonic cannon to the Gun Terrace at Alnwick Castle.

The cannon is fired hourly between 11:00 and 16:00, weather permitting. The demonstration is free with castle admission.

It is a particularly good addition to a day at the castle if you enjoy living history and military demonstrations.

Heritage Open Days — 11–20 September

Heritage Open Days return from 11–20 September 2026. It is England’s largest festival of history and culture, with thousands of free events taking place across the country.

Alnwick has its own programme of local events, with walks, tours, exhibitions and opportunities to see some of the town’s historic buildings and discover stories that are not always visible to visitors.

Some events require advance booking, so it is worth checking the Heritage Open Days event directory before your visit.

A few events that are particularly convenient from the town centre include:

• Guided Walk Exploring Alnwick’s Sporting Heritage until 1918 — Tuesday 15 September, 10:00–13:00, starting from Alnwick Market Place. Advance booking is required.
• A Walking Tour of Alnwick’s Lost Pubs — Thursday 17 September at 10:30, starting from Market Place. The tour explores the locations and history of some of Alnwick’s lost inns, taverns and beer houses.
• Alnwick Playhouse Heritage Open Day Tours — Saturday 19 September. The Playhouse is on Bondgate Without, the same street as The Bondgate Boutique.
• The Alnwick Garden Heritage Tour — Saturday 19 September.

Market Place is only a few minutes’ walk from Bondgate Without, through the historic Bondgate Tower.

Saturday 19 September — a busy day in Alnwick

Saturday 19 September is one of the busiest dates in this autumn’s calendar, with several events taking place around Alnwick.

If you’re staying in town that weekend, there is plenty to choose from, but we would recommend selecting one or two events rather than trying to fit everything into a single day.

Northumbrian Piping Weekend — 19–20 September

Alnwick Castle’s Northumbrian Piping Weekend takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.

The weekend celebrates the distinctive sound and heritage of Northumbrian piping, with music and demonstrations taking place within the castle.

The Duke’s Piper opens both days at 10:00. Events are included with castle admission.

Murder at the Masked Ball — Saturday 19 September

For something rather different, The Pavilion at The Alnwick Garden hosts Murder at the Masked Ball on Saturday evening.

The event runs from 18:30 until 23:00, with last orders at 22:30. Tickets are £57.95 per person, with a £10 deposit required to secure a place. It is a shared-seating event.

The evening includes a three-course themed meal, and guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion with black tie and masks.

Advance booking is required by contacting hospitality@alnwickgarden.com.

Afterwards, it is a pleasant walk back into the centre of Alnwick. If you prefer something more relaxed for dinner, The Plough is conveniently located next door to The Bondgate Boutique.

Late September

Alnwick Market

If you’re in Alnwick towards the end of September, don’t forget the town’s regular market in Market Place.

Alnwick Market takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays, providing an easy opportunity to browse stalls and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic Market Place.

It is only a short walk from The Bondgate Boutique through Bondgate Tower.

Joe McElderry at Alnwick Playhouse — Wednesday 30 September

Joe McElderry brings his Live 2026 tour to Alnwick Playhouse on Wednesday 30 September at 19:30.

Tickets include standard admission at £32, with Meet & Greet tickets also available. The Playhouse is on Bondgate Without, just a couple of minutes’ walk from The Bondgate Boutique.

If you’re looking for an evening of live entertainment without needing to drive anywhere, this is a particularly convenient option for visitors staying in the town centre.

The Alnwick Garden’s 25th Anniversary — 1–4 October

The first weekend of October is a special one for The Alnwick Garden, which celebrates its 25th anniversary with four days of entertainment, activities, music and evening celebrations.

The programme includes daytime entertainment, performances and activities, with the Garden’s Grand Cascade becoming the centrepiece of the evening celebrations.

Thursday 1 October

Thursday is a daytime-only celebration, with the Garden open from 10:00–17:00.

Friday 2–Sunday 4 October

From Friday through Sunday, visitors can purchase a day ticket allowing access from 10:00–20:15, or an evening-only ticket from 17:00–20:15.

The evening programme includes lights, lasers, fireworks and a special Grand Cascade water display.

Up to four children under 16 can attend free with each paying adult.

The Garden’s anniversary weekend is likely to be popular, so advance booking is advisable.

Visiting The Alnwick Garden in September and October

The Alnwick Garden is open daily from 10:00–17:00 from 1 September to 23 October 2026. Lilidorei has separate opening arrangements, generally opening Wednesday to Sunday during September and October.

Check the latest Garden opening times and ticket information before travelling, particularly if you’re planning to visit both attractions.

Remember that Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden are separate attractions, with separate admission arrangements.

Alnwick Castle — 2026 season ends 22 October

If you’re visiting later in October, make a note that Alnwick Castle’s 2026 season ends on 22 October.

The Castle Grounds are generally open from 10:00–17:00, with last admission at 15:45. Online adult admission is currently £22, with discounted prices available for concessions and children.

Castle admission includes the grounds, State Rooms, Great Kitchen, museums and a range of daily activities.

The Castle’s own ticket information confirms that admission to The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei is not included in a castle ticket, so separate tickets are required if you want to visit both attractions.

 

Alnwick’s Halloween House Returns in 2026

A spectacular week of ghosts, ghouls, skeletons and spooky surprises.
There are some things you expect to find in Alnwick in October: crisp autumn walks, cosy pubs, the changing colours of the trees and, of course, the magnificent backdrop of Alnwick Castle.

But for one week each year, there is another Alnwick attraction that takes centre stage after dark.

Alnwick’s Halloween House is back for 2026!

From Saturday 24 October until Saturday 31 October 2026, the Allerburn Lea house will once again be transformed into a spectacular Halloween display, with the lights, skeletons, creatures and decorations coming alive every evening from 6pm until 8pm.

And yes — after a year away from the spooky season, we’re at it again! Read more here Alnwick’s Halloween House

Walking to Alnwick’s attractions from Bondgate Without

One of the advantages of staying centrally in Alnwick is that once you’ve arrived and parked, many of the town’s attractions and events can be reached on foot.

Our guide to parking in Alnwick covers the main parking options if you’re arriving by car.

From The Bondgate Boutique:

• Alnwick Playhouse: On the same street, just a couple of minutes’ walk away.
• Market Place: A short walk through the historic Bondgate Tower.
• Alnwick Castle: An easy walk through the town centre.
• The Alnwick Garden: A little further beyond the castle, but still within comfortable walking distance.
• Heritage Open Days events: Many of the town-centre walks, buildings and exhibitions are easily reached on foot.

For timed events, such as the 10:00 start of the Northumbrian Piping Weekend, allow yourself plenty of time to walk across town and arrive before the scheduled start.

Autumn is a great time to visit Alnwick

September and early October can be an excellent time to visit Alnwick. The main summer season is beginning to wind down, but the town remains busy with events, attractions and things to see and do.

Whether you’re interested in Northumberland’s history, traditional music, live entertainment or simply exploring the town at a more relaxed pace, there is plenty to keep you occupied.

And because so much of Alnwick is within walking distance, staying centrally means you can leave the car behind and make the most of your time here.

Check before you go

Event dates, opening times, ticket prices and booking arrangements can change. We recommend checking the official organiser’s website before setting out, particularly for events requiring advance booking.

For guests staying at The Bondgate Boutique, most of the events featured in this guide are within easy walking distance of the guest house.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Alnwick this autumn.