Originally held by the De Vesci family for several centuries, Alnwick Northumberland was handed over to the House of Percy at the dawn of the second millennium in 1309. The Percys are still seated in the castle at the centre of the town.
A picturesque market town, it was voted by Country Life in 2002 as “the best place to live in Great Britain.” With a population of around 7,000, it is 32 miles south of the Scottish border & 5 miles inland from the North Sea at Alnmouth. It dates back to approximately 600AD, and despite much of the town being razed to the ground in 1424 by Scottish invaders, over the centuries, it has thrived as an agricultural town, the location of Alnwick Castle and home of the Earls of Northumberland and as a stopping place on the Great North Road between Edinburgh & London.
Despite its recent growth, Alnwick still has much of its original character. Most recently, it has become a modern rural commuter town. Alnwick also boasts one of the biggest second-hand bookstores in Europe: Barter Books, housed within the old railway station. The main east-coast railway line is situated around four miles along the river Aln and can be accessed via Alnmouth railway station.
Alnwick is a captivating medieval market town in the heart of Northumberland. Best known for its magnificent castle and gardens, which were used in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick offers no shortage of historic charm and family-friendly activities.
From iconic attractions to enriching cultural pursuits, there is something for everyone in Alnwick:
For History Fans:
– Tour the breathtaking Alnwick Castle and Gardens, with its medieval architecture and ornate gardens
– Wander through the quaint streets and gaze upon the 15th century Alnwick Gate
– Glimpse into the town’s past at Alnwick District Museum and Bailiffgate Museum
For Families:
– Discover the magic of Alnwick Castle’s filming locations from Harry Potter
– Let the kids explore Alnwick Gardens’ whimsical poison gardens and treehouse
– Spend a fun-filled day at The Alnwick Garden’s Grand Cascade water features
Outdoor Recreation:
– Hike or cycle a portion of the Northumberland Coastal Path
– Tee off at Alnwick Castle Golf Club or Foxton Golf Club
– Go fishing, sailing, or surfing along the Northumberland coastline
Arts & Culture:
– Catch a performance at the Alnwick Playhouse arts venue
– Browse the art galleries showcasing local Northumbrian artists
Places to Eat in Alnwick:
1. The Plough – Award-winning restaurant featuring modern British cuisine
2. Provenance Alnwick – Farm-to-table dining focused on local, seasonal ingredients
3. The Tanners Arms – Cozy countryside pub serving hearty classics
4. The Ivy House Kitchen – Casual cafe known for its homemade baked goods
5. Fillabruzzo Italian – Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria and restaurant
Alnwick has been an important settlement since the 7th century, with a rich heritage stretching back over a millennium. For centuries, the mighty Alnwick Castle acted as the seat of the powerful Dukes of Northumberland.
In the medieval period, Alnwick flourished as a bustling market town, hosting traders from across Britain. Today, the Bondgate Tower and 15th century Town Walls stand as reminders of Alnwick’s prosperous past.
Alnwick achieved modern fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. The castle’s exteriors portray the wizarding school of Hogwarts. During castle tours, visitors can explore the very spots where scenes were filmed.
With its enchanting ambiance, a wealth of heritage sites, and fantastic visitor attractions, Alnwick is a magical base from which to discover Northumberland.
If you’re an owner looking for Airbnb management in Alnwick or holiday cottage management in Alnwick, get in touch. We are perfectly placed to support you.
Explore the scenic trail from Alnwick to Lesbury, winding along the picturesque banks of the Coquet River. There are two walking routes and one cycle route available. The first walking route is 3.8 miles long and partially follows the river, while the second is a longer 6.6-mile route that circles Lesbury and its lovely riverbank. The cycle route extends towards Alnmouth, offering an easy 6.6-mile round trip. Download the route from the Northumberland Estates website.
Originally designed by the renowned Capability Brown, Hulne Park offers stunning parkland surrounding Alnwick Castle. The park features various well-marked walking paths, some of which lead through the historic Hulne Priory and Alnwick Abbey Gatehouse. Please note that dog access is limited as many paths cross farmland, and the Northumberland Estate has a duty to protect local livestock. Different walk routes can be downloaded from the Northumberland Estate’s website.
Photo credit: Grant Cossar
Situated just inside Bondgate Within, Yan’s offers an excellent Cantonese menu in a modern setting. Popular with both locals and tourists, the restaurant also has a highly praised takeaway menu, though delivery is not available. Booking ahead is recommended, as Yan’s is a favorite dining spot year-round.
In the heart of Alnwick, Adam and Eve focuses on Northumbrian produce, using as many local suppliers as possible. The seasonal menu is worth checking online before your visit, and their cocktails and drink selection are spectacular. Booking is recommended to ensure you enjoy the best of what this charming restaurant has to offer.
Photo credit: Adam and Eve
Known locally as “The Dirty Bottles” due to its historic display of untouched bottles, this restaurant and bar retains its charm with the original bottles encased in glass. Now a taproom and smokehouse, it offers great cocktails, home-smoked meats, and delicious desserts. The Dirty Bottles is a must-visit for both its novelty and its excellent food.
Located on Fenkle Street, The Market Tavern Steakhouse may have a pub-like front, but the restaurant at the back serves fantastic food in a romantic, low-light setting. Featuring a variety of locally sourced meats and fish, this relatively new addition to Alnwick’s dining scene is very popular with locals. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Originally held by the De Vesci family for several centuries, Alnwick Northumberland was handed over to the House of Percy at the dawn of the second millennium in 1309. The Percys are still seated in the castle at the centre of the town.
A picturesque market town, it was voted by Country Life in 2002 as “the best place to live in Great Britain.” With a population of around 7,000, it is 32 miles south of the Scottish border & 5 miles inland from the North Sea at Alnmouth. It dates back to approximately 600AD, and despite much of the town being razed to the ground in 1424 by Scottish invaders, over the centuries, it has thrived as an agricultural town, the location of Alnwick Castle and home of the Earls of Northumberland and as a stopping place on the Great North Road between Edinburgh & London.
Despite its recent growth, Alnwick still has much of its original character. Most recently, it has become a modern rural commuter town. Alnwick also boasts one of the biggest second-hand bookstores in Europe: Barter Books, housed within the old railway station. The main east-coast railway line is situated around four miles along the river Aln and can be accessed via Alnmouth railway station.
Alnwick is a captivating medieval market town in the heart of Northumberland. Best known for its magnificent castle and gardens, which were used in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick offers no shortage of historic charm and family-friendly activities.
From iconic attractions to enriching cultural pursuits, there is something for everyone in Alnwick:
For History Fans:
- Tour the breathtaking Alnwick Castle and Gardens, with its medieval architecture and ornate gardens
- Wander through the quaint streets and gaze upon the 15th century Alnwick Gate
- Glimpse into the town's past at Alnwick District Museum and Bailiffgate Museum
For Families:
- Discover the magic of Alnwick Castle's filming locations from Harry Potter
- Let the kids explore Alnwick Gardens' whimsical poison gardens and treehouse
- Spend a fun-filled day at The Alnwick Garden's Grand Cascade water features
Outdoor Recreation:
- Hike or cycle a portion of the Northumberland Coastal Path
- Tee off at Alnwick Castle Golf Club or Foxton Golf Club
- Go fishing, sailing, or surfing along the Northumberland coastline
Arts & Culture:
- Catch a performance at the Alnwick Playhouse arts venue
- Browse the art galleries showcasing local Northumbrian artists
Places to Eat in Alnwick:
1. The Plough - Award-winning restaurant featuring modern British cuisine
2. Provenance Alnwick - Farm-to-table dining focused on local, seasonal ingredients
3. The Tanners Arms - Cozy countryside pub serving hearty classics
4. The Ivy House Kitchen - Casual cafe known for its homemade baked goods
5. Fillabruzzo Italian - Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria and restaurant
Alnwick has been an important settlement since the 7th century, with a rich heritage stretching back over a millennium. For centuries, the mighty Alnwick Castle acted as the seat of the powerful Dukes of Northumberland.
In the medieval period, Alnwick flourished as a bustling market town, hosting traders from across Britain. Today, the Bondgate Tower and 15th century Town Walls stand as reminders of Alnwick's prosperous past.
Alnwick achieved modern fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. The castle's exteriors portray the wizarding school of Hogwarts. During castle tours, visitors can explore the very spots where scenes were filmed.
With its enchanting ambiance, a wealth of heritage sites, and fantastic visitor attractions, Alnwick is a magical base from which to discover Northumberland.
If you're an owner looking for Airbnb management in Alnwick or holiday cottage management in Alnwick, get in touch. We are perfectly placed to support you.
