Alnwick Castle Guest Hall | UK

As part of the renowned Alnwick Castle Estate, the refurbishment of the Guest Hall rejuvenates this historic space while respecting its rich heritage. Michael Grubb Studio was entrusted with designing an innovative lighting scheme that enhances the hall’s atmosphere, ensuring it remains functional for contemporary use while reflecting the grandeur and legacy of the Castle Estate.

Alnwick Castle, a historic landmark in Northumberland, has served as the ancestral seat of the Duke of Northumberland for over 700 years. The Guest Hall, a Grade II listed banqueting hall, has long been a venue for events such as weddings and corporate gatherings. In 2016, Northumberland Estates initiated a comprehensive refurbishment to modernise the space while preserving its rich heritage.

Michael Grubb Studio was appointed to develop an innovative lighting scheme that would enhance the historic character of the space, ensuring it remains functional for contemporary use while reflecting the grandeur and legacy of the Castle Estate. The castle’s grandeur and historical importance has seen it take several starring roles on the big screen for films and dramas. These include Downton Abbey as “Brancaster Castle”, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and most recently as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films.

Designing Heritage Lighting

The Guest Hall is Grade II listed and used predominately as a function space, catering for weddings, events and corporate hire. The refurbishment required sympathetic approach and aimed to transform the space into a light, welcoming, and stylish venue, in keeping with its heritage. The challenge was to blend modern lighting solutions with the hall’s original architectural features, such as stone archways, a minstrel’s gallery, and a carved beamed roof, to create a versatile space suitable for various events.

Working closely with interior architects Ward Robinson,  our award-winning lighting consultancy developed a lighting philosophy that utilised warm-white light to enhance both the historic features and modern interventions, including the newly designed bar and balcony. This approach ensured the space retained a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of candlelight. To provide flexibility for different events, remote-controlled spotlights were discreetly hidden between the rafters at high levels, offering precise lighting to tables and surrounding artworks. Architectural lighting was added to specific features, such as window recesses, the decorative wooden ceiling structure, and the balcony/bar area.

Additionally, discreet coloured lighting was incorporated within the window recesses to accommodate evening events like weddings and corporate functions. A simple control system was introduced, allowing staff to set specific moods for various occasions, ranging from daytime to evening events with an array of colours when needed.

Project Key Features

The project includes bespoke lighting solutions, with custom-designed elements that complement the hall’s historic architecture while enhancing its function for contemporary events. The heritage lighting design honours the Castle’s storied past, celebrating its legacy through subtle, elegant illumination. It also offers atmospheric flexibility, allowing the space to adapt to a wide range of events, from formal gatherings to more intimate occasions. In addition, the scheme incorporates a sustainable approach, using energy-efficient lighting throughout the refurbishment to ensure the longevity of the space while supporting sustainability goals.