Alnwick Castle has been home to the Percy Family for over 700 years. Below, a family member has been chosen to represent each century, in order to give a flavour of the dramatic history of the Percy family which has shaped the castle you see today.

As of 2026, Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, and his family are the primary residents of Alnwick Castle. Although the castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions in England—serving as a filming location for Hogwarts in Harry Potter and Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey—it remains a private family home. The Duke and Duchess and their four children occupy a significant portion of the castle, while other areas are open to the public during the summer months. Alnwick is the second-largest inhabited castle in England, second only to Windsor Castle. The family is deeply involved in the management and preservation of the estate, including the famous Alnwick Garden. Living in a medieval fortress requires a balance of ancient tradition and modern upkeep, and the Percy family has managed the castle for over 700 years, ensuring it remains a "living" piece of British history rather than just a museum.

Excellent question! Alnwick Castle (pronounced “Ann-ick”) is famously the historic seat of the Duke of Northumberland.

The current residents are: Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, and his wife, Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland.

Key Details About Their Residence:

1. It’s a Family Home: Unlike some historic castles that are purely museums or hotels, Alnwick Castle is very much a lived-in family home for the Percy family. The Duke, Duchess, and their children have private apartments within the castle.

2. Part-Time Residence: They do not live there year-round. The castle is also a major tourist attraction and film location. The family typically resides there during the winter months when the castle is closed to the public. During the open season (roughly April to October), they often stay at other estates, such as Syon House in London.

3. The Duchess’s Role: Jane, the Duchess of Northumberland, is particularly well-known for her ambitious project, The Alnwick Garden, a spectacular contemporary garden adjacent to the castle, which she has driven forward as a major charitable visitor attraction.

In Summary:

While the castle is open to the public and has been used as a film set for Harry Potter (as Hogwarts) and Downton Abbey, at its heart it remains the ancestral home of the Percy family, with the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland as its current custodians and residents.