UK Travel Planning

Things to do in Alnwick (+ best guide, tips & map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 6, 2022

The beautiful town of Alnwick is located in Northumberland on England’s North East coast . If you are planning to visit while staying in the area (or perhaps after driving the Northumberland Coastal Route or on a road trip from England to Scotland) you will find plenty of things to do in Alnwick.

In this guide to visiting the town, you will find essential information about the best things to do and see in Alnwick as well as in the surrounding county of Northumberland to help you plan your trip.

FAQs about where to stay plus information about how to get to Alnwick (by rail/bus and train) as well as the best day tours to the town are all included in this best guide to the beautiful Northumberland town of Alnwick.

One of the most popular things to do in Alnwick is the visit Alnwick Castle shown in the image.

Alnwick Castle

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No trip to Northumberland would be complete without a visit to Alnwick Castle. It’s over 1,000 years old and is known for its rich history and glorious architecture.

Often called the “Windsor of the North,” it’s home of the Duke of Northumberland’s family, making it the second largest occupied castle in England .

The oldest part was built in 1096 as a Norman fortress and it has undergone multiple expansions over the years. Between 1364-1366, Alnwick Castle was home to one of England’s most famous knights, Harry “Hotspur” Percy, whose statue currently guards the castle’s courtyard. The modern-day Percys live in a small portion of the castle, leaving the rest to be shared with visitors from all over the world.

Upon entering the grounds, don’t be surprised if something seems a little familiar. The baileys and courtyards were used in the first two Harry Potter films to create the illusion of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

If you have little wizarding fans with you and need fun things to do at Alnwick Castle, sign up for some broomstick training. They’ll provide the brooms, hats and the fun.

If you choose to tour the inside of the castle, you’ll be treated to spectacular Italianate staterooms with art ranging from Titian to Turner. Visitors should be prepared for uneven walking surfaces like cobblestones, grass and gravel.

Alnwick castle tickets can be booked ahead of time online.

Alnwick Castle

If you’re visiting Alnwick Castle, you shouldn’t miss seeing the magnificent Alnwick Garden.

In 1997, when Mrs Jane Percy suddenly found herself as the new Duchess of Northumberland, she decided she needed a pet project. Given that her newly acquired castle came with 42 acres of neglected, centuries-old grounds, it seemed reasonable that an epic renovation would be in order.

Mrs Percy hired the renowned Belgian landscapers Jacques and Peter Wirtz. Nearly 50 million pounds later, the Alnwick Garden is one of the loveliest and most whimsical places to go in Northumberland.

The central feature is the Grand Cascade — a breathtaking, multi-level cascading fountain. There are countless other water features to be found as well as over 4,000 plant varieties and seasonal blooms.

Don’t forget the ornamental rose garden and cherry orchard. If you adore whimsy, you’ll love the garden sculptures, serpent garden and towering bamboo labyrinth.

Ah, and what about the menacing little patch of earth hidden behind locked gates? For those who relish the darker things in life, the Poison Garden is a must-see.

On the lighter side, who doesn’t love a giant treehouse? It’s a whopping 560-square meter and has an amazing restaurant nestled up in the treetops. The timber-lined Treehouse Restaurant has twinkling lights and a cheerful fireplace, a perfect place to enjoy some contemporary fare after exploring the gardens.

Within the confines of Alnwick Garden, there is a smaller, rather ominous section partitioned off from everything else. The entrance is blocked by black iron gates bearing skull and crossbones and a dire warning — “These Plants Can Kill.”

Welcome to what has been described as the world’s deadliest garden. The Alnwick Poison Garden is home to more than 100 notorious plants that could dispatch countless unfortunate victims by taste, touch or even smell.

The garden was created in 2005 by Mrs Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland. She thought it would be interesting to create something a little unique in an area that had last been used as a victory vegetable garden during WWII.

Inspired by the Medicis’ infamous poison garden in Padua, Mrs Percy sought to recreate her own version on English soil. Don’t be afraid to enter, however. Knowledgeable guides escort visitors throughout the garden and explain all that there is to know. You’ll be amazed that the deadliest of plants are actually housed in cages.

The garden is kept locked and has 24-hour security in case someone hatches a macabre plan. So if you’re a mystery author looking for inspiration, or if you’ve ever wondered what hemlock, foxglove or the deadly nightshade looked like, you’ll finally get your answers.

This garden is one of the most popular spots when visiting Alnwick Castle and Gardens and in spite of its dark subject matter, it’s appropriate for all ages.

Alnwick Castle poison gardens. By Steve F, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13596108

Barter Books is more than just a bookstore — it’s a destination and one of the top things to do in Alnwick.

Set in an old Victorian railway station, it’s the largest secondhand bookstore in Britain. Besides books, it features a lovely café with a crackling fireplace, a continuously running model train and an enormous mural of 33 significant literary figures.

Mary and Stuart Manley opened Barter Books in 1991 as a place where customers could trade their old books for new ones. You can still trade books there today and you’ll have a lot to choose from. Rows and rows of a changing array of books are stacked high, representing just about every possible genre.

Barter Books has another claim to fame — it is the home of the iconic Keep Calm and Carry On poster. Back in 2000, in a box of old books purchased at an auction house, the Manley’s discovered an old WWII British propaganda poster that had never officially been released to the public.

They adored it, had it framed and put it up in the shop. It was so popular with the customers, they had copies made to sell and the rest, as they say, is history.

Barter Books is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

If you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience in a one of a kind historical setting, put on your Sunday best and head over to the White Swan Hotel.

A lovely 300-year-old coaching inn in the heart of Alnwick, the White Swan is internationally renowned for its Olympic Suite, home of the RMS Olympic Dining Room.

The Olympic, the Titanic’s sister ship, took its final voyage in 1936. Shortly thereafter, it was dismantled and its pieces were auctioned off. It proved to be an irresistible opportunity for a savvy hotelier named Algenon Smart.

Given that the Olympic and Titanic shared the same craftsmen, he knew the history needed to be preserved and that parts of the ship could one day be repurposed.

From the ship’s First Class Lounge, he purchased the ceiling, wood panelling, mirrors, stained glass windows, staircase and revolving door. When it was all finally reassembled in the White Swan’s Olympic Suite, it became a nearly identical replica of a dining room from the Titanic.

Today, guests can pass through the doors and into history. Just like those ill-fated passengers from long ago, you can experience the height of seafaring luxury as you sit down to an elegant meal.

The seasonal menu offers a wide variety of options and is proud to feature only the very best local produce. Savouring a meal in the Olympic Dining Room is truly one of the more luxurious and historically poignant Alnwick tourist attractions.

White Swan Hotel (The RMS Olympic Dining Room). By Own work - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19006045

If you’re pondering what to do in Alnwick and you’re the kind of person who loves to get a real sense of a town’s history and culture, stop into the Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery.

It’s located in the town’s Castle Quarter, the oldest part of Alnwick, in a gothic revival building that was once St. Mary’s Church. The museum emphasizes art, social history and textiles and is run by a cadre of well-informed volunteers.

Visitors will learn about the history of Alnwick’s local trades and industries and even the 19th-century inter-village football match which helped define local culture. Take a gander at the Rothbury football from the late 19th century. It’s the size of a handball and is stuffed with hay, so different from its modern-day counterparts.

The museum’s first two floors house their permanent collection including a Davidson Bible and a hand-operated Albion press.

The museum’s third floor is reserved for visiting exhibitions that change throughout the year. Check online to see what exhibitions will be on display during your visit.

The museum is one of the more family-friendly Alnwick things to do, so feel free to bring the little ones along. Plan to spend at least a few hours in order to see everything.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick.

Once exclusively used as the Percy family’s hunting grounds, Hulne Park is the last of the three vast parks that were part of the Alnwick Castle estate.

Behind its famous walls are woods, moors and large fields of open grassland. In the 18th Century, the famous landscape architect Capability Brown was hired to remodel the park — a formidable task considering there are thousands of acres.

Today it is one of the most popular Alnwick attractions because of its many well-marked walking routes suitable for any level of fitness. One takes you up Brizlee Hill and has a lovely view of Brizlee Tower and the Cheviot Hills. Another path follows the River Aln to the Hulne Priory.

Hulne Park is still owned by the Percy family and has several residents living on site. Much of the park serves as a grazing area for sheep and highland cattle so no dogs are allowed. Leave the puppies at home and plan to spend at least some of your days out in Northumberland exploring Hulne Park.

It’s open from 11:00 a.m. to sunset each day, and the entry and parking are both free. Because it is still privately owned, Hulne Park may close with little notice, so it is important to confirm online that it’s open when you plan to visit.

Hulne Park Gate.

Places to visit near Alnwick

It’s mysterious, ancient and atmospheric. Only 18 miles from Alnwick, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is the earliest site of Christianity in Britain.

In the 600s, a priory was established and then re-established by the Normans a few centuries later. Viking raids desecrated the site, eventually driving the monks away. If you’re looking for things to do near Alnwick, you can explore the ruins of the 12th-century priory, take a walk on the beach or enjoy some bird watching.

Getting to Lindisfarne can be a challenge — it’s a tidal island and is sometimes inaccessible. If travelling by car, you’ll need to drive across a long causeway that is underwater at high tide.

If you’d prefer an old-school arrival, wait for a receding tide and use the Pilgrims Way — an ancient footpath marked with wooden poles. A walk along the Pilgrims Way following in the footsteps of long-gone saints is one of the most sublime things to do in Northumberland.

LEARN MORE – Guide to visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Lindisfarne Castle.

On the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , 12 miles from Alnwick, you’ll find a charming little fishing village called Seahouses.

It’s a perfect place for a day trip spent watching the fishing boats or gazing at the North Sea over its rocky coastline and sand dunes. For something fun, book a horseback riding trip along the coast.

You can also poke around in the shops or dine at any number of cosy little places to eat. How about visiting one of the UK’s oldest smokehouses? Swallow Fish is tucked away on a back street but worth seeking out. They offer a variety of smoked and fresh seasonal fish and have a fascinating display of historical fishing memorabilia.

One of the most popular activities is to take a boat to the Farne Islands for a few hours of bird watching. Regardless, Seahouses is one of the most delightful places to visit in Northumberland.

Seahouses.

From Seahouses, hop on a boat for a 3-mile trip to the Farne Islands, one of Europe’s most famous bird sanctuaries.

At least 290 different species have been spotted on its windswept rocks, so inhospitable to man but obviously perfect for seabirds. When it’s breeding season, around 150,000 birds descend on this small archipelago, all squawking and vying for an ideal nesting position.

During the season, you may see oystercatchers, gulls, cormorants, kittiwake, razorbill, puffins and terns, among others. In addition to the birds, the Farne Islands are home to a large colony of grey seals who are known for basking lazily on the rocks. Make sure to bring your camera — you’ll want to take plenty of pictures.

Weather permitting, the boats run year-round and are suitable for all ages. If you’re a bird lover wondering what to do Alnwick, this avian paradise is only a 15-mile bus ride away.

A puffin.

Bamburgh Castle is one of the most dramatic castles in Northumberland . Perched atop a windswept plateau of volcanic rock, it spans an immense nine acres.

Its history goes all the way back to the 400s when it was home to the Norse Kings of Northumbria. The keep was built in the 11th century by Henry II.

During the Wars of the Roses, Bamburgh Castle was besieged and became the first English castle to fall. Eventually, in the 19th century, it was restored by Lord Armstrong, one of the most powerful industrialists of his time.

Today, visitors will enjoy the historically rich architecture and the breathtaking views of the Farne Islands and Bamburgh village. Inside there are 14 elegantly appointed staterooms as well as the King’s Hall with its stunning vaulted teak ceiling.

If you’ve run out of captivating places to visit in Alnwick, Bamburgh Castle is only 14 miles away and is accessible by train, bus, taxi or car.

View of Bamburgh Castle.

There’s nothing like exploring the ruins of a 14th-century fortress to make a person reflect about life. You can do just that if you visit Dunstanburgh Castle or rather what’s left of it.

The once-formidable structure is nothing more than a partial gatehouse keep and a few crumbling walls. Oh, and there may or may not be the ghost of Sir Guy the Seeker lingering throughout the ruins in search of a lost young maiden.

As Sir Guy would likely attest, the castle was grand in its day, built in the early 1300s. Though it was refortified during the Wars of the Roses, it was abandoned by 1550.

A particularly scenic way to visit Dunstanburgh Castle is from the small fishing village of Craster, six miles from Alnwick. Park in Craster and walk along the coast for one and a half miles. It’s a relatively flat path with a few rocks and makes for a marvelously dramatic experience.

If you’re finished with things to see in Alnwick, Dunstanburgh Castle should be your very next stop.

LEARN MORE – 6 beautiful castles in Northumberland to add to your itinerary

Evening view of a castle in Northumberland.

Attention stargazers!

One of the most unique features of Northumberland is its minimal light pollution. Given that most of the country’s population lives in urban centres further south, it’s no surprise.

In 2013, the International Dark Sky Association declared the newly created Northumberland International Dark Sky Park as the best location in England to observe the night sky .

The park is 572 square miles, all of which yields views of thousands of stars. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the Andromeda Galaxy, over 2,500,000 light-years away. In the Dark Sky Park, the Milky Way is truly a spectacular sight.

Make sure to go to their website before visiting to see if there will be any cosmic events on the horizon. So if you have finished your meal and are wondering what to do, Alnwick is approximately a 40-minute drive away from the Dark Sky Park.

View of Hadrian's Wall.

Plan your visit to Alnwick – FAQs

Alnwick is located just off the A1 – the main arterial road which runs up the eastern side of the country.

It is 500 km from London and 140 kms from Edinburgh.

If you are on a road trip from England to Scotland (or vice versa) adding a few days in Northumberland is highly recommended.

There are fast direct trains to Alnmouth (located 4 miles from Alnwick) from London, Edinburgh and Newcastle along the East Coast Mainline.

Walk to the bus stop ( a 7-minute walk) then catch the X18/X20 which runs every half hour (hourly on Sundays).

The bus journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

There are National Express Coach services from London Victoria Coach Station to Alnwick.

The journey takes approximately 7 1/2 hours and costs between £12 – £16.

If you prefer to visit Alnwick as part of a tour there are some great options available from Edinburgh including –

  • Holy Island, Bamburgh and Alnwick Castle from Edinburgh

Highlights of this Castles, Coasts and Fortresses tour includes visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and sampling some of the Monk’s Mead as well as a visit to Alnwick Castle.

  • Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh

Venture into the borderlands between Scotland and England on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. The tour includes a visit to Alnwick Castle which has been featured in many of the Harry Potter movies .

There are a number of options for all budgets in Alnwick including hotels and B&Bs.

More accommodation suggestions – Best places to stay in Northumberland & Guide to the best Northumberland coastal cottages

To continue with your research I have a number of related posts about visiting Northumberland including our Northumberland Travel Guide plus an article that details books to read about Northumberland (or set in the area) before your visit. This includes both fiction and non-fiction titles.

My top 10 places to visit in the North East has more ideas for day trips.

For more inspiration for your travels, my UK bucket list provides the 100 best places to visit or check out my UK Travel Planning Guide for top tips.

  • Guide to the 9 regions of England
  • Durham Travel Guide
  • York Travel Guide
  • Lake District Travel Guide

Join my UK and London travel planning group on Facebook for more tips, inspiration and help from other travellers planning future travel to London and the UK.

The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Alnwick (Northumberland, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Alnwick (Northumberland, England)

The North of England’s most powerful baronial family, the Dukes of Northumberland (Percy) have ruled the land around Alnwick for more than seven centuries.

Their descendants still reside at the magnificent ancestral home, Alnwick Castle, which was a shooting location for the Harry Potter movies and is bursting with priceless art.

The castle’s garden has been totally reworked in the last 20 years and warrants a day out on its own.

Just by spending time in Alnwick you’ll learn a lot about the Percys, who still own massive tracts of land here.

Alnwick is in one of the remotest regions of England, a few miles from the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Bay.

There you’ll come across sandy beaches, dunes and ruins like the ghostly Dunstanburgh Castle.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Alnwick :

1. Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle

Started as a Norman fortress, Alnwick Castle has been the seat of the powerful Percy Family, the Dukes of Northumberland, since the 13th century.

Over the last 700 years, successive generations have added their own touches, and today Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK after Windsor.

Much of the complex, like the inner ward, kitchen, opulent accommodation and Prudhoe tower, is from 19th-century makeovers by Anthony Salvin and Italian architect Luigi Canina.

The State Rooms show off the family’s invaluable collections, rich with paintings by Titian, Veronese, Canaletto and Turner, Cucci cabinets made for Versailles, as well as Meissen and Sèvres porcelain.

The Percys occupy just a small fraction of the property and visitors are invited to discover the rest.

Guided tours take you to the parts used for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films

2. Alnwick Garden

Alnwick Garden

Since 1997 Jane Percy has led a multi-million pound update of the castle’s set of formal gardens, which date back centuries but had fallen into decline.

Over 42 acres Alnwick Garden was plotted by the Belgian landscape architects Jacques and Peter Wirtz, and feature topiaries and innumerable water features like a regal Grand Cascade.

There’s a peaceful Cherry Orchard, a Bamboo Labyrinth and a Serpent Garden with otherworldly water sculptures.

Alnwick Garden also has one of the largest treehouses in the world, in a 560-square-metre complex housing the cafe.

The remarkable pavilion/visitor centre opened in 2006 and has a striking barrel-vaulted grid-shell timber roof.

3. Alnwick Poison Garden

Alnwick Poison Garden

Through a set of black iron gates with ominous skull and crossbones warnings is a garden of deadly plants laid out in the Alnwick Garden in 2005. This has been described by the Smithsonian Magazine as the “world’s deadliest garden” and grows more than 100 plants that can kill.

It was inspired by the Medicis’ notorious poison garden in Padua, and has classic poisonous plants like hemlock, foxglove, strychnos nux-vomica (producing struychnine) and deadly nightshade, side by side with exotic killers like brugmansia.

Also in the garden are a coca plant, cannabis and poppies, the source of opium.

Visitors have to refrain from smelling, touching and of course tasting any of these plants!

4. Bailiffgate Museum

Bailiffgate Museum

In one of the oldest corners of the town, the Bailiffgate Museum occupies the former St Mary’s Church, a Gothic Revival building from 1836. The museum uncovers the heritage of Alnwick and Northumberland, with a collection far larger than it can display at any one time.

One important piece is a copy of the Davison Bible, named after the progressive reformer William Davison, who printed the Holy Bible in 100 parts in the 19th century to make it more accessible to everyday people.

There’s also a hand-operated Albion press (1852), similar to what Davison would have used, as well as goggles from a First World War pilot.

One outstanding exhibit is the Rothbury football, used in an inter-village match in the late 19th century.

These games involved dozens of players and took place in open countryside between villages.

The contemporary artist, Stella Vine is an Alnwick native and has donated a set of her works to the museum.

5. Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle

The epitomy of a picturesque ruin, Dunstanburgh Castle is stranded on a dark promontory on the south side of Embleton Bay.

The castle has been decaying since the 16th century, but the jagged outline of its twin-towered keep is still visible for miles.

This mighty fortress was started by Earl Thomas of Lancaster in 1313. At this time Thomas was in opposition to his first cousin Edward II, and the proportions of the fortress were intended to send a message to the king.

After his rebellion was defeated he was executed in 1322. Dunstanburgh Castle then became a key defence against the Scots and was involved in the 15th-century Wars of the Roses, when it was besieged and captured by Yorkists on two occasions.

You can reach the castle from Craster on a spectacular coastal path that has been named one of the UK’s favourite walks.

6. Howick Hall Gardens

Howick Hall Gardens

The Palladian Howick Hall is the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey.

And if that name rings a bell, one former resident is the Prime Minister Charles Grey, who gave his name to a type of tea.

Earl Grey tea was custom blended in China to go with the spring water at Howick.

The estate’s big draw is the garden, which was reworked in an informal, natural style in the 20th century.

Praised for its bulbs, Howick Hall Gardens is often cited as one of the best UK gardens to visit in spring.

There’s a snowdrop festival in February and the daffodils are brilliant in March and April.

Around this time, the tulips add a blaze of colour to Botticelli Meadows.

And where better to enjoy a cup of tea than at The Earl Grey Tearoom, which is found in the house’s East Quadrant.

7. Hulne Park

Hulne Park

The last survivor of three massive parks on the Alnwick Castle estate, Hulne Park is still owned by the Percy family.

Covering thousands of acres, the park is enclosed by a wall and was once the family’s hunting ground.

In the 18th century Capability Brown, the foremost landscape architect of the period was hired to remodel this parkland.

The park is managed by Northumberland Estates, which has devised a network of circular walking trails guiding you to points of interest, which we’ll talk about below.

A lot of Hulne Park is given over to grazing, so there are plenty of sheep and highland cattle, while you should see plenty of fallow deer.

Check online before setting off, as because Hulne Park is private land it can be closed to the public at short notice.

8. Brizlee Tower

Brizlee Tower

Out in Hulne Park you won’t be ignore this solemn Gothic Revival landmark, which is often touted as the UK’s most beautiful folly.

Brizlee Tower (1781) was designed by the celebrated Robert Adam, who had a big influence on Western architecture at the start of the Classical revival in England.

This 26-metre, six-floor structure was erected in memory of Lady Elizabeth Seymour by her husband Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland.

Close to the public for most of its history, the tower has been restored since the 2000s and now opens on specific days.

If you do get the chance to go up, the vistas of the estate and the landscapes to the east and north are amazing.

You can survey the Northumberland coast and its islands, as well as the Treviotdale hills, 40 miles away in Scotland.

9. Hulne Priory

Hulne Priory

Ambling through Hulne Park you’ll come upon this ruined Carmelite friary from the 13th century.

Hulne Priory, possibly England’s first Carmlite priory, was constructed with a defensive wall, which was a necessity in this unstable border region in Medieval times.

A defensive Pele tower was also added in the 15th century, and this is in good condition today.

The priory and its monastic buildings were abandoned in after the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century but the ruins are extensive and have statues of friars carved in the 18th century.

The site is unlabelled but unusually complete; in 1991 it doubled as Maid Marian’s home in Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

10. St Michael’s Church

St Michael's Church

One of the north’s loveliest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, St Michael’s Church has Norman roots but was almost completely rebuilt in the 15th century.

The church has the style’s signature broad traceried windows with mesmerising 19th-century stained glass, and faux castellations.

Funding for the project came from King Henry IV, who granted Alnwick a fair and market in 1464, as well as tolls on exports from the port at nearby Alnmouth.

Outside, seek out the little turret on the southeast corner of the church, part of a system of towers to warn of cross-border raids.

There are ledger stones dating back to the 13th century on the aisle walls, as well as two statues, one of St Sebastian or Maurice and the other of Henry IV. These were unearthed during a restoration in 1818 and given new heads.

11. Alnmouth Beach

Alnmouth Beach

In any season you have to take in the natural wonders of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Within five miles is the picturesque village of Alnmouth, fronted by a giant sandy bay.

Such is the size of this bay that the beach in front of the village never feels busy, even when hundreds of sunseekers come on the hottest days in July and August.

There’s an even quieter patch of sand just south of the River Aln’s estuary, and both the estuary and dunes here are Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The village of Alnmouth has an intriguing past as a port that lost its role when it was cut off from the coast by vicious storm in 1806. Later in the century, when the railways came, Alnmouth emerged as a seaside resort and Alnmouth Golf Club (1869) here is England’s fourth oldest course.

12. Embleton Bay

Embleton Bay

Another hauntingly beautiful undeveloped beach, Embleton Bay is charged with extra drama by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle posted on a promontory on its south end.

The sand is a burnt gold, and the bay arcs for more than a mile, bordered by little more than dunes offering an important breeding site for fulmars, shags, kittiwakes and elder ducks.

On the warmest summer days families flock to Embleton Bay to relax in the sun and build sandcastles, and when the tide goes out you can investigate the rockpools in the dark reefs.

The rest of the year you can savour its untamed beauty on walks before taking shelter at the namesake village’s friendly pub.

13. Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle

This hilltop castle over River Coquet was founded as a small wooden fort at the start of the 12th century.

But given the fractious relationship between England and Scotland it soon became something more substantial.

Warkworth Castle was beefed up in the early 13th century, and King John and Edward I stayed here in the 1200s, while the stronghold repelled two Scottish sieges in 1327 before being acquired by the Percys.

After the English Civil War the castle went into decline, but the 4th Duke of Northumberland restored the cross-shaped keep in the mid-19th century and conducted excavations that brought ruins like the collegiate church to light.

Now an absorbing English Heritage site, Warkworth Castle has an almost complete circuit of towered walls to go with that intact keep.

As you explore, look for the Percy family’s lion insignia, which shows up all over the site.

14. White Swan Hotel

White Swan Hotel

Somewhere very special to go for a meal in Alnwick is the White Swan Hotel on Bondgate Within.

This is a fine 300-year-old Baroque coaching inn with a beautiful arcade and pedimented windows.

But the most exciting feature is inside at the Olympic Suite.

There you can take lunch surrounded by the wood panelling, stained glass windows, mirrors and carved ceiling from the transatlantic ocean liner RMS Olympic (1911). This was Titanic’s near-identical sister ship, and the hotel acquired these fittings when they were auctioned off as the ship was being broken up in Jarrow in 1936.

15. Stargazing

Stargazing

In England’s most sparsely populated region, Alnwick is one of the best towns to visit to admire the night skies.

Here you’re not far from the eastern edge of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, a 572-square-mile zone free of light pollution, the largest area of its kind in Europe.

The park, delineated in 2013, is recognised by the International Dark Sky Association, and on a clear night you can you can marvel at 2,000 stars without using any kind of magnification.

There’s a choice of apps you can download to help you identify stars, planets, satellites and whole galaxies like Andromeda, all visible with the naked eye.

The park is the best place in the country to appreciate the Milky Way, as well as events like the aurora and meteor showers.

15 Best Things to Do in Alnwick (Northumberland, England):

  • Alnwick Castle
  • Alnwick Garden
  • Alnwick Poison Garden
  • Bailiffgate Museum
  • Dunstanburgh Castle
  • Howick Hall Gardens
  • Brizlee Tower
  • Hulne Priory
  • St Michael's Church
  • Alnmouth Beach
  • Embleton Bay
  • Warkworth Castle
  • White Swan Hotel

Visit Alnwick

Explore Alnwick & Northumberland

Visitor attractions in alnwick, northumberland & the scottish borders.

Alnwick is in the heart of Northumberland, the Alnwick District is famous for its unspoilt beauty, and is one of the most picturesque areas of countryside in the whole of England – with long sandy beaches, quiet friendly villages, the Simonside and Cheviot hills, well preserved medieval Castles, and gardens (Alnwick Garden should come top of your list!). There are numerous Stately Homes in the area including the fantastic Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland and oft referred to as “The Windsor of the north”.

Alnwick Region – Central, Countryside & Coast

Explore Alnwick, the historic market town in the heart of Northumberland. Visit the market, Alnwick Castle & Alnwick Garden and enjoy the beautiful countryside and stunning coastline.

Explore Northumberland

Explore Northumberland by car on unbelievably quiet roads. In Northumberland you can drive a distance of 60 – 70 miles and meet only a few dozen cars during journeys to Hadrian’s Wall and Berwick upon Tweed.

Northumberland National Park

Explore the high hills, dales and crystal clear rivers and, not forgetting, the magnificent Kielder Water – Europe’s biggest man made lake.

Northumberland Coast

Enjoy sweeping golden beaches, rolling dunes, high rock cliffs and isolated islands, including Holy Island, where you can explore its rich Christian history and enjoy bird watching on the Farne Islands.

Gardens in Northumberland

As well as the famous Alnwick Garden, find out more about other horticultural delights in Northumberland, such as Belsay Quarry Gardens, Howick Hall and Cragside.

National Trust Properties in Northumberland

Information on all National Trust properties in Northumberland, including Lindisfarne Castle, Cragside Estate and Wallington Hall.

English Heritage Properties in Northumberland

All English Heritage Properties in the region, including Warkworth Castle, Lindisfarne Priory and Hadrian’s Wall.

The Scottish Borders

Attractions north of the Border within driving distance of Alnwick, include Floors Castle, Manderston, Mallerstain & Paxton House.

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Alnwick Town Council

Welcome to Alnwick

Key attractions & information.

alnwick tourist information

  • Council Documents
  • Your Councillors
  • Alnwick Cemetery
  • Bus Shelters
  • Civic Events
  • Floral Displays
  • Mechanic’s Institute
  • Community Groups
  • Neighbourhood Plan

Great British Bucket List

22 INCREDIBLE Things to do in Alnwick, England

With dungeon tours, haunted hotels, cursed pubs & broomstick riding lessons, these things to do in alnwick are a fairy-tale just wait to happen.

things to do in alnwick

In the heart of Northumberland sits the gorgeous market town of Alnwick. And when I say it’s gorgeous, I really mean it. I’ll even go as far in saying Alnwick is one of the most beautiful towns in all of England . Yep, I just went there.

Alnwick ( pronounced: An-nick . Don’t say Aln-wick otherwise you’ll get very confused looks! ) is home to the Duke of Northumberland. This county boasts spectacular coastlines, cracking castles and cobbled streets all just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a romantic staycation or a place to take your kids on holiday, there are so many incredible things to do in Alnwick.

Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey fans will be delighted to see some familiar scenes at Alnwick Castle. There are a few tours that explore the filming locations of both here. Also, ghost hunters will be excited to check out the Schooner Hotel – it’s one of the most haunted hotels in Britain!

alnwick itinerary

I spent 2 days in Northumberland and I had such an amazing time travelling around. I spent one day in Berwick-upon-Tweed, and one day in Alnwick.

Alnwick is one of those places that you’ll completely fall in love with. Whether it’s wandering around the ramparts of Alnwick Castle or losing yourself in the mazes of Alnwick Gardens, I had so much fun explore this pretty market town.

Whatever your reasons for visiting Alnwick, you won’t be short on fun things to do. To help plan your trip, I’ve created a list of what to do in Alnwick for you. If you tick off a few of these then you’re in for an amazing time. Just let yourself be enchanted by everything Alnwick has to offer!

Things to do in Alnwick

Alnwick castle.

alnwick things to do

You will be forgiven for thinking you’ve seen Alnwick Castle somewhere before. In fact, you probably have as it’s been used as a film location in both Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey. For all of you Potterheads out there, this is the home of Hogwarts for the first two Harry Potter films.

I’m not going to lie, I am a huge Harry Potter fan, so when I found out they were offering broomstick lessons where you learn to fly, I signed up immediately.

The flying broomstick lesson takes around 30 minutes, and it’s a fun interactive lesson where you essentially “fly” around in the grounds of Alnwick Castle. It’s very cheesy, but it’s perfect for families with kids. Saying that, there were 12 of us in our lesson and only one kid!

things to do at alnwick castle

For 700 years this glorious castle has been home to the succession of Dukes of Northumberland. While the Percy family still lives in the castle, you can take a tour inside to admire the incredible carved ceilings and their collection of priceless art.

There are a number of interactive tours at the castle where you can learn all about the history, explore the dungeons, or see where they filmed certain scenes. Oh, all of the tours are included in the price of the ticket which is brilliant.

Admission costs £ 18.50 for an adult, or £ 50.50 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children). Pro tip: buy the tickets online before you visit to save 10% off entry.

Alnwick Garden

alnwick gardens

A trip to the recently restored Alnwick Gardens is perfect on a sunny afternoon. The gardens feature a waterfall fountain, rose garden and cherry orchard with swings in them

No surprises here, but my favourite spot in Alnwick Gardens was the giant bamboo maze. It’s massive, and it can get quite dark in the centre. If you’re with the kids, they will love this spot.

playhouse alnwick

One of the most fascinating things to do in Alnwick Gardens is visiting The Poison Garden.

This garden, kept locked behind bars, features a collection of over 100 of the worlds most poisonous plants. Due to the nature of these plants, you can only visit this section with a guided tour which takes around 25 minutes. But no touching!

If you’re planning to visit the castle as well, grab yourself a combined entry ticket for £ 28.70 per adult. You can purchase your tickets online here .

Barter Books

things to do in alnwick

Formerly the Alnwick train station, this building has taken on new life as the beloved Barter Books . This is actually one of the largest second-hand bookshops in the country.

With aisles and aisles of second-hand books and manuscripts – all organised by topic – Barter Books is a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.

You can cuddle up in one of the armchairs or sit next to a fireplace and leaf through one of your finds. There is also a model train zooming around the tops of the bookcases in keeping with this being the old railway station.

Barter Books has a great kids section too. This section includes ride on toys, so it can be a great place to bring your young ones on a rainy day.

As the name may suggest, the store is opening to bartering, so bring your pre-read holiday reads to trade for something new.

The Treehouse restaurant

best restaurant in alnwick

There is no shortage of options when you’re looking for where to eat in Alnwick. For those looking for pub grub, The Joiners Arms has a great atmosphere and serves all your pub favourites. Head there on a Sunday to get a proper Sunday roast and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

treehouse restaurant alnwick

If you’re in Alnwick gardens, The Treehouse is definitely worth the visit.

Enjoy delicious meals from locally sourced ingredients, washed down with a selection of cocktails which were created in collaboration with Duchess of Northumberland.

For lunch I had the double baked cheese soufflé and the tempura broccoli with beetroot puree and pickles. It’s hard to pick a favourite but the cheese soufflé was so decadent.

Beautifully crafted, decorated with fairy lights and with sections connected by suspended bridges, dining here makes for a magical experience. It genuinely feels a bit like Disneyland. As you can imagine, this restaurant can get busy, so be sure to book in advance!

Alnwick Market

free things to do in alnwick

Alnwick is an old market town, so it’s no surprise there is still an incredible market here.

You can find Alnwick Market in the centre of town, and it is on every Friday and Saturday.

During summer, there are usually 35 stallholders selling everything from artisan soap to local landscape photography to scrummy treats.

Obviously I was most interested in the food, and there was a lot on offer! Geordie Bangers are famous for their sausages, but my favourite stall was Eggs R Us. They sell unique scotch eggs, pies and pasties. Naughty, but so delicious.

A Taste of Northumbria

taste of alnwick

If you’re looking to pick up a memento from your weekend in Alnwick, look no further than A Taste of Northumbria.

Found in the main square, this is a shop selling a wide range of products from across Northumberland. This includes the legendary Alnwick rum, Lindisfarne mead, ales, wine, teas and tray bakes.

Basically, it is a shop full of your favourite stuff all in one place. Be warned: it’s impossible entering without leaving with something.

Pig in Muck

best bar in alnwick

Looking for the best bar in Alnwick? Then say hello to Pig in Muck .

Also found in the market square, this is such a beautiful place on a lazy sunny afternoon.

This place is really famous for its cocktails. With a salter caramel espresso martini and a lemon meringue pie cocktail, it’s well worth staying for a least two. Or three…

The Cheese Room

cheese shop alnwick

Whenever I’m exploring a new county in England, I always pick up a few of the local cheeses. I find it’s a great way of getting to know a region, and it supports the local businesses and farms too.

The Cheese Shops is great for two reasons. Firstly, they have a great cheese counter with dozens of different cheese from all over the world.

Secondly, and almost my favourite reason, is you can have lunch here. At The Cheese Shop you can order scones and sandwiches, but it’s all about the cheese boards in my eyes.

If you love cheese as much as I do, then you’ll love it here!

Walk the streets

places to visit in alnwick

If you’re wondering what to do in Alnwick when you’ve got a spare hour, I’d really recommend walking around the streets.

Alnwick dates back to 600 AD, so there’s some serious history here. The town hasn’t changed that much over the years, and it’s a beautiful place to explore. I mean, just take a look at this winding street? It’s so pretty here!

The Origami Cafe

best cafe in alnwick

Personally, I would say this is the best coffee in Alnwick. The coffee is spot on and very fresh which I was surprised about, so make sure you add this to your Alnwick itinerary.

Also, if you’re up for it, they do mega ice cream milkshakes with chocolate bars and sweets spilling out over the sides. Calorific, but it definitely hits the spot.

The Playhouse

playhouse alnwick

If you’re spending the weekend in Alnwick, the Playhouse is one of the top theatres in Northumberland.

Alnwick Playhouse has played a major role in the life of the town since 1925, and has been a vibrant arts centre since 1990.

From theatre performances to local gigs to indie films, you’re always guaranteed to find something interesting going on at the Playhouse. This is definitely one of the top attractions in Alnwick, that’s for sure.

The Ale Gate

micropub alnwick

The Ale Gate is the newest micropub in Alnwick and it is the perfect place to stop off at for a pint. Not only do they have a fridge packed full of craft beers, but they have a number of unique guests ales on draft. They really champion local breweries in Northumberland too which I liked.

I know coming from London I don’t have a leg to stand on, but a pint was only £3.40 which was a bargain. If I didn’t have to catch my train home I could’ve happily up my feet up and settled in for the evening.

Hotspur Gin

alnwick attractions

The Hotspur Gin Emporium is where you’ll find the local favourite gin. This is distilled directly in Alnwick, and each bottle comes with its own batch and bottle number. Because they’re such small batches, it makes the perfect souvenir to take away.

The primary Northumbrian botanicals of heather, bilberry & rose petals influence the distinctive flavour. These are expertly blended with juniper, orris root, angelica, Nutmeg and pink peppercorns.

Basically, what you’re getting is a gin that’s very distinctive to Northumberland. I just love the connection to the county here.

Dirty Bottles

the dirty bottles

For things to do in Alnwick at night, be sure to check out some of the excellent pubs the town has to offer. And trust us, there are so many different places to choose from.

If you’ve ever fantasised about being on the Titanic, make sure you head to the White Swan. The White Swan has been decked out with many of the fittings from the SS Olympic, the sister ship to the Titanic, following its dismantling in the 1930s. It’s a really cool place for afternoon tea, but it still has a lot of old school charm to it too.

Alternatively, newly established The Dirty Bottles , which local folklore believes to be cursed, is another great place to spend your evening. Featuring an excellent cocktail menu, changing guest ales and a self-service tasting wall, you’ll be feeling merry in no time. Just don’t test the curse!

Bailiffgate Museum

Bailiffgate Museum

Set in a former church, this museum is one of the best wet-weather family activities in Alnwick. There are many activities to keep children entertained, including dressing up, and arts and crafts. The museum also features an exhibition called “Batteries Not Included”, which displays a history of toys.

Not just for children, this museum displays much of the local heritage and displays items from local art and history. At £4 per adult and £1 per child this is a great place for those looking for cheap things to do in Alnwick.

Things to do near Alnwick

Alnmouth beach.

alnmouth beach

Alnmouth beach, an easy 10-minute drive from Alnwick town, is what to do in Alnwick if you want to experience the breathtaking scenery the Northumberland coast has to offer. The beach is broad, so you’ll always find places to lay out your towel, even in the height of the summer holidays. Come here on a week day though and sometimes you’ll have the place to yourself.

Just off the beach is Alnmouth town filled with quaint cottages and is well worth a wander through. While you’re here, why not visit the 17 th century Schooner Hotel, which is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in England. If you don’t fancy scaring yourself still, you can play a round of golf at Alnmouth Golf Club , England’s 4 th oldest golf course?

Stargazing in Northumberland

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Visit Northumberland (@visitnorthumberland) on Jan 2, 2020 at 2:01am PST

For those looking for some romantic things to do in Alnwick , this sparsely populated area is one of the best stargazing spots in the whole country!

Northumberland has the largest ‘Dark Sky Park’ in Europe, an area of 572 square miles which are dedicated as lights free. Because of this, on a clear night you can see over 2,000 stars with your bare eyes. The views of the night skies really are something special here.

Grab yourself a picnic blanket, a nice bottle of wine (or a thermos of hot chocolate in winter!) and marvel at the amazing show the night sky has to offer. Download an app or two on your phone to help you identify the planets, galaxies and constellations, or simply lay back and take it all in.

Brizlee Tower

Brizlee Tower

The 1 st Duke of Northumberland had the Brizlee Tower constructed in the memory of his wife Lady Elizabeth Seymour in 1781. Situated in Hulne Park, this Gothic revival style tower is 26m (6 floors) high. You can almost imagine Rapunzel at the top of the tower, can’t you?

The tower is generally closed to the public. However, it is opened for tours for special occasions. If you visit on one of its few open days, you will be gifted with stunning views as far as the Scottish hills ! While you’re here, take a wander through Hulne Park to see the ruins of a 13 th century Carmelite friary.

Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle

From humble wooden fort beginnings, following upgrades in the 13 th century, this hilltop castle held its own against two Scottish sieges! Today, Warkworth Castle is one of the top places to visit in Northumberland.

Following the English Civil War the castle was left to crumble. However, in the mid-19 th century parts of it were restored and uncovered. Visitors today can enjoy walking around the towered walls, admiring the cross shaped keep or taking an extra adventure upstream to the hermitage.

During the school holidays activities such as adventure quests and knights’ tournaments are held here, so it’s a great place to bring the kids. Entry is £7.20 for an adult or £18.70 for a family ticket (2 adults, 3 children).

Embleton Bay

Embleton Bay

If dramatic, untamed coastlines are your thing, get yourself down to Embleton Bay. Here you can enjoy a walk along the arced beach while taking in the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. Due to its large size and low population, Embleton Bay is a great place for families to spread out.

The beach is bordered by dunes, which are the breeding grounds for many types of birds and at low tide there are rock pools to explore. During the summer this is a great natural spot to come and relax. In winter, enjoy wandering along the coastline – then retreat to one of the friendly local pubs to warm your cockles!

Howick Hall Gardens

Howick Hall Gardens

The tea lovers among us can enjoy the experience of visiting the creation place of Earl Grey tea – and of course, sitting down to enjoy a cup. The name of the tea is derived from the Earls Grey, who hold the ancestral seat of Howick Hall – one of whom had tea specially blended for him to complement the local well water.

Visit in the spring time to wander around the beautiful display of flowers in the gardens. Followed, naturally, by sipping on an Earl Grey tea in the resident tea room.

Hotels in Alnwick

The hog’s head inn.

the hogs head inn

If you’re looking for a fantastic option, especially if you’re driving around Northumberland, then I’d really recommend The Hog’s Head Inn .

This modern inn on the edge of Alnwick is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the town and the surrounding countryside.

Also, Harry Potter fans will recognise The Hog’s Head Tavern from the books – I love how the whole of Alnwick is Harry Potter mad up here!

This pub with rooms is part of the Inn Collection and they have loads of great places to stay across Northumberland.

What are you looking to do in Alnwick? Any of these things jump out at you? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Best Things to do in Alnwick, England

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  • 1.2 By train
  • 2 Get around

Alnwick is a pretty town in Northumberland , England . It is best known for Alnwick Castle, which gas been used for the filming of many TV shows and movies, including the Harry Potter films. Its name is pronounced 'Annick'.

Get in [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

Arriva Bus X15 MAX runs hourly from Newcastle upon Tyne Haymarket, taking 90 min via Gosforth and Morpeth , as of July 2022. Alternate buses continue north up the A1 to Beal (for Lindisfarne), Scremerston and Berwick-upon-Tweed .

By train [ edit ]

The nearest railway station is Alnmouth 3 mi (4.8 km) southwest, with trains on the London King's Cross -Newcastle- Edinburgh route. The Arriva Bus X18 and X20 MAX routes run every half hour from Alnmouth Station to Alnwick (13 min) as of July 2022 or organise a taxi (£12 as of Oct 2022).

Get around [ edit ]

Map

On foot or by taxi.

  • The Yellow Taxi (Russell Draper) ( ☏ +44 1665 541 250 ) - Up to six passengers can travel in style in a genuine London taxi.

See [ edit ]

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Do [ edit ]

  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Module:Fuerdai Vandal My testicles are very soapy and are going up and down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down' not found. is a theme park within Alnwick Castle grounds.

Buy [ edit ]

  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Module:Fuerdai Vandal My testicles are very soapy and are going up and down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down' not found. , Alnwick Station, NE66 2NP , ☏ +44 1665 604888 . Daily 9AM-7PM, closed only on Christmas Day; buffet: 9AM–6:30PM, last orders for hot food 5PM; ice cream parlour 11AM-4PM . The largest second hand bookstore in the UK, housed in the former railway station. It is the loveliest place and its charm is complete with a fireplace, old Victorian sofas, and a miniature train running on top of the bookshelves. It holds some very old and rare books and has its own cafe in the back. ( updated Oct 2022 )

Eat [ edit ]

  • A good cheap pizza place is on the high street.
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Module:Fuerdai Vandal My testicles are very soapy and are going up and down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down' not found. . Within the White Swan Hotel (see Sleep) is a recreation of the first class lounge of RMS Olympic , the sister ship of Titanic . The hotel bought the fittings, along with a revolving door and staircase when the ship was scrapped in Jarrow in 1936. Have breakfast, lunch, Sunday afternoon tea or dinner to see what dining on the Titanic might have been like - although the menu is contemporary. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

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Sleep [ edit ]

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  • Bailiffgate Hotel by the castle opens in Aug 2024.

Connect [ edit ]

As of July 2021, Alnwick has a patchy 4G signal from all UK carriers. 5G has not reached the town.

Go next [ edit ]

alnwick tourist information

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The picturesque town of Alnwick (pronounced Annick), is the ancient seat of the Percy family who's ancestors, (the Earls of Northumberland), ruled northern England for 200 years. The town is dominated by its massive castle, which is still the home of the Dukes of Northumberland. Alnwick Castle has been used many times as a location for films and television programs. Its most recent starring role was as 'Hogwarts' in the Harry Potter movies.

Bondgate Tower

The pleasant town has many good Georgian buildings and the old Town Hall has shops in its arcaded ground floor. The only surviving gateway to the town is the Hotspur Tower, built by the 2nd Earl in 1450. St Michael's church mirrors the castle with its battlemented tower, and preserves some of the best 15th-c ecclesiastical workmanship in the county. It houses several fine monuments and a 14th-c Flemish carved chest.

The ruins of Alnwick Abbey stand on the outskirts of the town to the north, and include a well-preserved 14th-c gatehouse. Also 3 miles north-west of Alnwick, in Hulne Park, stand the remains of the 13th-c Hulne Priory.

Content by Steve B

Places of interest to visit in Alnwick

Alnwick castle.

Alnwick Castle Entrance

The castle which began as a simple Norman motte and bailey and was replaced in the 12th-c by a stone fortress. The castle fell into decay after the border wars, and was restored in the 18th-c by Robert Adam. During the 19th-c, the 4th Duke of Northumberland transformed the castle into a great country house. The interior is decorated in a fine Italian Renaissance style and contains paintings by Canaletto, Tintoretto, Van Dyke and Titian.

The castle ranks as one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in the country. The gateway is guarded by an impressive Barbican, and the outline of its massive keep, walls and towers completely dominate the town's horizon. Parts of the castle are open to the public, including the Constable's Tower, the Postem Tower, the keep and many of its exquisitely furnished state rooms.

Opening times: Apr~Oct: daily 10am - 6pm Admission Charge Location: Alnwick NE66 1NQ Website: alnwickcastle.com

Alnwick Garden

A fantastic 12-acre contemporary garden recently created by Belgian designers. This unique project has transformed a derelict and forgotten plot into a beautiful landscape. The garden includes one of the largest wooden tree houses in the world, a Poison Garden, a Labyrinth and a Serpent Garden.

Opening times: Apr, May & Oct, daily 10-6; Jun-Sep daily, 10-7; Nov- Mar daily 10-4 Admission Charge Location: Denwick Lane (in centre of Alnwick) NE66 1YU - Tel: 01665 511350 Website: alnwickgarden.com

Map of Alnwick

North East England

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Towns and Villages in Northumberland

Alnwick , Beal, Berwick-upon-Tweed , Corbridge, Hexham , Lindisfarne, Morpeth

Attractions in Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle | Belsay Hall | Temple of Mithras | Corbridge Roman Site | Dunstanburgh Castle | Housesteads Roman Fort | Warkworth Castle | Vindolanda

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Alnwick Castle

alnwick tourist information

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Alnwick Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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  • (0.05 mi) Castleview Bed & Breakfast
  • (0.07 mi) The Cookie Jar
  • (0.08 mi) The Dirty Bottles
  • (0.08 mi) Crux
  • (0.05 mi) Castle Retreat, central Alnwick Grade II listed apartment
  • (0.10 mi) Mumbai Flavours
  • (0.09 mi) Strawberry Lounge
  • (0.11 mi) The Origami Cafe & Gift Shop
  • (0.09 mi) Grannies
  • (0.08 mi) The Dirty Bottles Taproom, Smokehouse & Inn
  • (0.07 mi) Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery
  • (0.06 mi) Fusiliers Museum Of Northumberland
  • (0.10 mi) Brightwater Gallery
  • (0.10 mi) Marilyn & Melrose Lifestyle Boutique
  • (0.10 mi) A World of Difference

alnwick tourist information

Alnwick travel guide

Alnwick tourism | alnwick guide, you're going to love alnwick.

With a population of 7,940, Alnwick is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom.

Where to Eat in Alnwick

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Joiners Arms (Newton By The Sea) and The Whittling House (24-25 Northumberland St) are great picks.

When to visit Alnwick

How to get to alnwick.

Although Alnwick doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Newcastle Airport (UK) (NCL), which is located 26 miles from Alnwick. The shortest flight to Alnwick from the United States departs from Chicago and takes around 11h 20m.

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Alnwick, followed by Cross Country. The train journey from Alnwick to London takes 2h 48m and costs around $65 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Nottingham, expect to pay about $139 for a 4h 31m trip.

Another option to get to Alnwick is to pick up a car rental from Edinburgh, which is about 69 miles from Alnwick. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, among others, in Edinburgh.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Alnwick, including Megabus, FlixBus and National Express. From Edinburgh, the bus ride to Alnwick takes 155 miles and will cost you around $6. From Manchester, the ticket costs about $11 for a journey of 205 miles.

Airports near Alnwick

Airlines serving alnwick, where to stay in alnwick.

Average rates range from around $126 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $151 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Alnwick

Most booked hotels in alnwick, renting a car in alnwick.

Expect to pay $6.93 per gallon in Alnwick (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $83.13 and $110.84. The most frequently booked car type in Alnwick is Standard (Volkswagen Passat Variant or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Opel Crossland X or similar) are, on average, 49% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

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Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NG

History on a grand scale

Dubbed the Windsor of the North, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the country and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years.

Combining magnificent medieval architecture with sumptuous Italianate State Rooms, Alnwick Castle is one of the UK’s most significant heritage destinations and best days out in Northumberland. What's on at Alnwick Castle The Castle’s rich history is brimming with drama, intrigue and extraordinary people; from a gunpowder plotter and visionary collectors, to decadent hosts and medieval England’s most celebrated knight: Harry Hotspur.

In recent years it has also taken starring roles in a number of film and television productions, featuring as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey and previously appearing as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films. Alnwick Castle is now closed to the public for the winter months and will reopen Friday 29th March 2024. T: +44 (0)1665 511100 E: [email protected] W: www.alnwickcastle.com

Alnwick Castle is now closed to the public for the winter months and will reopen Friday 29th March 2024.  

very interesting.

Loved all of it, a nice castle, ideal for harry potter fans, fantastic day out, although parking is a bit of a pain (but easy to follow the signage), not welcoming to disabled guests.

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Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre

Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

The Bosk Restaurant

The Bosk Restaurant

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Northern Adventures

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Lady Waterford Hall

The Hog's Head Inn Restaurant & Bar

The Hog's Head Inn Restaurant & Bar

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The Commissioners Quay Inn Restaurant & Bar

Roman Army Museum (Carvoran) Hadrian's Wall

Roman Army Museum (Carvoran) Hadrian's Wall

Vindolanda (Chesterholm) Hadrian's Wall

Vindolanda (Chesterholm) Hadrian's Wall

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What to see & do in and around historic Alnwick in beautiful Northumberland

Our luxury bed & breakfast accommodation is an ideal base for exploring Alnwick Castle & Garden and the many other attractions in beautiful Northumberland

Explore alnwick.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Barter Books, Alnwick

Barter Books, Alnwick

Alnwick Garden, Alnwick

Alnwick Garden, Alnwick

Events and Festivals on the Alnwick website  www.visitalnwick.org.uk

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Northumberlandia, nr Cramlington, Northumberland

Northumberlandia, nr Cramlington, Northumberland

Alnmouth, Northumberland

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Or further inland you can explore Europe’s largest man made lake and England’s largest forest, Kielder Water & Forest Park , in  Northumberland National Park  – a nature reserve stretching from  Hadrian’s Wall  to the Cheviot Hills, with superb walking scenery, a variety of wildlife and many historic sites.

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  • For more comprehensive Tourist Information see  “Visit Alnwick”
  • Northumberlandia  – One of the biggest sculptures in the world, located near Cramlington in the south of Northumberland. It takes the form of a reclining woman with paths crossing the contours of the body.
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Scenic Drives in Northumberland

Enjoy driving routes on quiet winding roads  in unspoilt, peaceful countryside, such as the hills & valleys of Coquetdale, Kielder & Northumberland National Park, and the stunning coastal roads that pass through such delights as Warkworth, Alnmouth, Seahouses & Bamburgh.  Website

Further afield

We are centrally placed for visits to  Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead , the  Scottish Borders , the  North Pennines , and  Beamish Open Air Museum  near Durham City where you can visit  Durham Cathedral .

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Things to see & do in alnwick.

Alnwick is a small market town in Northumberland. The town with its cobbled market place and main street is a warren of narrow alleyways and streets dating back to medieval times.

The town's greatest building is Alnwick Castle  (pictured above) the home of the Earl of Northumberland, the Dukes of Northumberland, and site of the Alnwick Garden .

Alnwick is an excellent centre in which to base your holiday in the area, due to its proximity to the heritage coast and the Cheviot Hills.  It has a a wide choice  of eating places, pubs,restaurants and bistros, and if you fancy some light entertainment it even has a cinema and theatre.

If you prefer outdoor pursuits such as angling, river and sea fishing these are also available.

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Hotels in this town

White swan hotel, 32 hotels in this region, hall garth hotel, derwent manor boutique hotel, redworth hall hotel, redworth, leonardo hotel quayside, leonardo hotel newcastle, caledonian hotel, hotel indigo newcastle, lumley castle hotel, george hotel, sandman signature newcastle hotel, roker hotel, malmaison newcastle, county hotel, hotel du vin newcastle, mercure darlington kings hotel, cairn hotel, radisson blu hotel durham, 91 aparthotel jesmond road, royal station hotel, blackwell grange hotel, doubletree by hilton hotel newcastle international airport, holiday inn darlington a1 scotch corner, morritt hotel & garage spa, hampton by hilton newcastle, hilton garden inn sunderland, hilton newcastle gateshead, hampton by hilton stockton on tees, innside by melia newcastle, mercure george washington hotel golf & spa, tempus at the charlton hall estate, charlton hall, other towns in this region.

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alnwick tourist information

IMAGES

  1. Alnwick Tourist Information Centre

    alnwick tourist information

  2. Alnwick Tourist Information Centre

    alnwick tourist information

  3. 15 Best Things to Do in Alnwick (Northumberland, England)

    alnwick tourist information

  4. Alnwick Castle

    alnwick tourist information

  5. Alnwick Tourist Information Centre

    alnwick tourist information

  6. Guide to visiting the pretty town of Alnwick in Northumberland England

    alnwick tourist information

COMMENTS

  1. Tourist Information

    Find tourist information centres, transport, restaurants, cafes, maps, guides and books for your holidays in the Alnwick region of Northumberland. Explore the town centre, countryside and heritage coast attractions, as well as local services and amenities.

  2. Visit Alnwick: What to do & where to stay in Alnwick, Northumberland

    Find out what to do and where to stay in Alnwick, the heart of Northumberland, with its famous Alnwick Castle and stunning coast and countryside. Explore attractions, activities, events, accommodation and tourist information for your holidays in Alnwick and Northumberland.

  3. Discover Alnwick

    Home to the Percy family for over 900 years, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK, and remains a family home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Combine your visit with a trip to The Alnwick Garden, one of the most spectacular gardens in the UK. This enchanting site holds 4000 different plants, a Grand Cascade ...

  4. Alnwick Library & Visitor Information Centre

    The office is open Monday to Saturday (closed bank holidays). The majority of Alnwick's tourist attractions such as Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden, Barter Books and Bailiffgate Museum can be accessed by foot within a 5 minute walk from the centre. Local, knowledgeable staff are very happy to advise on what to see and do in the area.

  5. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Alnwick (Updated 2024)

    Good range of artwork and jewellery. 11. Edlingham Castle and Edlingham Church. 134. Castles. Edlingham Castle is a small castle ruin, having Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building status, in the care of English Heritage, in a valley to the west of Alnwick, Northumberland, England.

  6. Alnwick

    Please note, the Alnwick Garden is a different venue to the Castle and different opening times and charges apply. (Find out more about Alnwick Garden on our Gardens page) Video of Garden. Stunning Countryside. The Alnwick countryside is also a great area for walking, short and long hikes, cycling, fishing, and in fact every kind of country pursuit.

  7. Things to do in Alnwick (+ best guide, tips & map)

    The beautiful town of Alnwick is located in Northumberland on England's North East coast.If you are planning to visit while staying in the area (or perhaps after driving the Northumberland Coastal Route or on a road trip from England to Scotland) you will find plenty of things to do in Alnwick.. In this guide to visiting the town, you will find essential information about the best things to ...

  8. 15 Best Things to Do in Alnwick (Northumberland, England)

    Let's explore the best things to do in Alnwick: 1. Alnwick Castle. Source: iLongLoveKing / shutterstock. Alnwick Castle. Started as a Norman fortress, Alnwick Castle has been the seat of the powerful Percy Family, the Dukes of Northumberland, since the 13th century. Over the last 700 years, successive generations have added their own touches ...

  9. Explore Alnwick & Northumberland

    Visitor Attractions in Alnwick, Northumberland & the Scottish Borders. Alnwick is in the heart of Northumberland, the Alnwick District is famous for its unspoilt beauty, and is one of the most picturesque areas of countryside in the whole of England - with long sandy beaches, quiet friendly villages, the Simonside and Cheviot hills, well ...

  10. Visitors

    The Official Tourism Association website for Alnwick District in Northumberland. Alnwick Youth Hostel. Alnwick Youth Hostel has 57 beds, spread over 15 rooms, all of which are ensuite. The Lindisfarne Centre, Lindisfarne Rd, Alnwick NE66 1AX. Telephone: 01665 602574. Email: clerk @alnwick-tc.gov.uk.

  11. 22 INCREDIBLE Things to do in Alnwick, England

    One of the most fascinating things to do in Alnwick Gardens is visiting The Poison Garden. This garden, kept locked behind bars, features a collection of over 100 of the worlds most poisonous plants. Due to the nature of these plants, you can only visit this section with a guided tour which takes around 25 minutes. But no touching!

  12. Alnwick

    55.410013 -1.699024. 1 Barter Books, Alnwick Station, NE66 2NP, ☏ +44 1665 604888. Daily 9AM-7PM, closed only on Christmas Day; buffet: 9AM-6:30PM, last orders for hot food 5PM; ice cream parlour 11AM-4PM. The largest second hand bookstore in the UK, housed in the former railway station.

  13. Alnwick Visitor Information Guide

    What to see and do in Alnwick, Northumberland, North East England. Famous for its well preserved castle, used in many films and TV dramas, including Harry Potter. Travel About Britain. ... Tourist Information Centre: 2 The Shambles, Alnwick. NE66 1TN - Tel: 01665 511 333: Content by Steve B. Places of interest to visit in Alnwick

  14. Alnwick Castle

    Alnwick Castle, Northumberland & Borders Tour Incl Admission (From $104.49) Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & The Kingdom of Northumbria from Edinburgh (From $72.10) Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh (From $88.83) 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders (From $62.57)

  15. Alnwick Travel Guide

    Expect to pay $6.81 per gallon in Alnwick (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $81.76 and $109.02. The most frequently booked car type in Alnwick is Mini (Fiat 500 or similar). If you're looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Class ...

  16. Visit Alnwick

    Visit Alnwick, Alnwick, Northumberland. 2,690 likes · 7 were here. Alnwick District's Tourism Website contains information on most of the quality accommodation, Attrac

  17. Step into Alnwick

    Step into the curious world of Alnwick. Step into the curious town of Alnwick with the Visit Northumberland app and redeem offers, experiences AND an exclusive competition entry! Find restaurants, butchers, fragrance shops, accommodation and more. From broomsticks to bookshops and tree houses to cherry blossoms, and jousts to dragons, you can't miss the magic of the cobbled market town of ...

  18. All About Alnwick

    All About Alnwick, Alnwick, Northumberland. 4,606 likes · 259 talking about this. Telling you what's on, in and around Alnwick....

  19. Alnwick Castle

    Alnwick Castle is now closed to the public for the winter months and will reopen Friday 29th March 2024. T: +44 (0)1665 511100 E: ... Tourist Information. Tourist Information Centres Shopping. Online Shop/Mail Order Shopping Additional. Family friendly Wheelchair friendly Search. 01. 03.

  20. Alnwick Castle & Gardens and Tourist Information for the area

    Explore Alnwick. Alnwick is in the heart of Northumberland, and close to all of Northumberland's attractions. Within a 10 minute walk you can reach the famous Barter Books, one of the largest second hand and antiquarian book sellers in the UK.Or a few hundred yards further on you will reach Alnwick Garden, with its famous water features, and Alnwick Castle.

  21. Alnwick Tourist Information

    Alnwick Tourist Information Things to see & do in Alnwick. Alnwick is a small market town in Northumberland. The town with its cobbled market place and main street is a warren of narrow alleyways and streets dating back to medieval times.