Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland

About the museum

The museum tells the story of the Fusilier regiments of Northumberland, whose history goes back to 1674. It was first set up in 1929 at Fenham Barracks in Newcastle upon Tyne and moved to Alnwick Castle in 1970, where it occupies a 14th-century tower, the Abbot's Tower.

Between 2014 and 2017 the museum was completely redeveloped with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and many trusts, benefactors and visitors. The new displays are arranged by theme and follow a soldier's journey from recruit to veteran, with individual stories from past and present. The museum is an independent registered charity and belongs to a wider family of Fusilier museums.

The collection includes personal items such as letters, diaries, drawings and photographs that give an insight into the daily life of a Fusilier, as well as the Victoria Crosses won by men of the regiment and its predecessors. Objects date back to the 18th century. Visitors reach the museum through Alnwick Castle, and entry is included in the castle ticket.

Highlights

• Displays that follow a soldier's journey from recruit to veteran
• Five Victoria Crosses won by men of the regiment and its predecessors
• Letters, diaries, drawings and photographs of Fusiliers
• Interactive displays, including trying on uniform
• Virtual tour of the museum on the ground floor

Permanent exhibition

• The Fusiliers story, 1674 to today – Themed displays that follow a soldier's journey from recruit to veteran, with personal objects, archives and interactive elements.

Founded

1929

Operated by

Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

There is no separate museum ticket: entry to the Fusiliers Museum is included in the Alnwick Castle admission. The prices shown are the online prices (about 10% cheaper); online tickets work as season passes valid for 12 months from the first visit. Gate prices are higher (adult £24.45, concession £19.90, child £12.90, family £71.35). Northumberland residents receive 25% off the gate price, and visitors arriving by bus or train 20% off at the gate. Members of the Historic Houses Association are admitted free; English Heritage members receive 15% off; Max Card holders pay a reduced price.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is in a 14th-century tower. The ground floor has uneven flagstones, the ramp is not suitable for mobility scooters and the two upper floors are reached by a spiral staircase. A virtual tour of the museum is available on the ground floor. Accessible toilets are in the castle grounds between the Courtyard Café and the pizzeria, and disabled parking is at Castle Square (NE66 1NG). Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The museum describes a visit as suitable for all ages, with interactive displays such as trying on uniform. Prams must be left in the courtyard when visiting some parts of the castle.

Getting there & parking

The castle is less than a mile from the A1. Walkers should aim for the admission office at postcode NE66 1NG.

Amenities & dining

• Café

A café and toilets are in the grounds of Alnwick Castle (Courtyard Café). The museum also runs an online shop for books, regimental items and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit