Cottages in Alnwick

Alnwick is situated in the heart of Northumberland and is one of the most picturesque areas of countryside in England. With so much to offer in and around Alnwick, you are sure to have a great holiday. Whether it be days relaxing on the beautiful stretches of beach at nearby coastal villages of Alnmouth and Warkworth or exploring the Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, there is something for everyone here!

The historic market place characterised with its pretty cobbled streets are where you will find a range of quirky boutique shops, coffee shops, restaurants, chocolate shop and traditional high street shops. You will also find one of the UK’s largest second hand book shops – Barter Books, which is well worth a visit! Situated in the town’s former railway station, this bookshop not only has its own model railway track with engines that ride overhead but it also has a fabulous children’s section and its very own café with a cosy fireplace. Soon to also have its very own ice cream parlour.

Alnwick Castle is by far its largest attraction, which sits above the River Aln. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, the castle has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years. It is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK after Windsor. More recently famed as ‘home of Hogwarts’ after Harry Potter was filmed at the castle. During your visit, not only can you see some of the rooms inside the castle but you too can learn how to ride a broomstick and make a wizard’s wand! A magical experience for all ages and a must for Harry Potter fans. More recently filming of Downton Abbey was also done at Alnwick Castle.

The Alnwick Garden is situated next to the castle and consists of 42 acres of stunning landscaped gardens with feature topiaries and a Grand Cascade water feature. Have fun getting lost in the Bamboo Labyrinth, enjoy the water features and fountains, learn all about some of the world’s most poisonous plants in the Poison Garden (being careful not to touch them!) or take a leisurely stroll along the winding pathways in the Cherry Orchard which has lots of picturesque wooden swings on the bankside for you to relax and enjoy the views of the garden. Also enjoy a fun game of crazy golf in The Forgotten Garden Adventure Golf course and explore one of the world’s largest treehouses in the world which houses a café and restaurant (booking advisable!) and some fun wobbly wooden  bridges to run across.

For days when the sun doesn’t shine, the Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre is a great place to go with a swimming pool, bouldering wall, gym and café. There is also the Baliffgate Museum, located on the edge of town, where you can learn all about Alnwick’s heritage and see some fascinating Northumberland artefacts.