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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Alnwick Tourist Information Centre

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Things To See & Do in Alnwick

Discover the magic of Alnwick, whether you are visiting for the day or a weekend break , there are so many things to do in Alnwick . From walks in Alnwick , to exploring Alnwick town and stepping foot inside Alnwick Castle, this beautiful area nestled in the heart of Northumberland has so much to offer visitors throughout the year.

Read on to find out more about why Alnwick is one of the best places to visit in Northumberland. 

Step Inside Alnwick Castle

No visit to Alnwick is complete without a trip to Alnwick Castle. 

Experience medieval life for yourself as you venture through the historic Lion Arch and watch history come to life with our resident artisans and their medieval crafts , enjoy a range of spectacular and family friendly medieval performances and demonstrations as part of our events programme , as well as immersing yourself in medieval history by trying on our range of wonderful medieval costumes for adults and children . 

A visit to Alnwick Castle is truly magical, with a mystical dragon quest to take on. Join forces with our resident dragon catcher and Harry Hotspur , and be the courageous princess or brave knight that you have always wanted to be. 

The magic doesn’t stop there, ever wanted to learn to fly a broomstick? Take part in one of the Alnwick Castle Broomstick Training sessions, where every witch and wizard can master their broomstick skills in the very place that Harry Potter learnt to fly.

Scenic Walks Around Alnwick

Take in the beautiful Northumberland countryside that surrounds Alnwick, experiencing the spectacular scenery for yourself. Enjoy walks around the Alnwick Castle grounds where you can step in the footsteps of film and television stars who have starred in iconic film and television productions , including Downton Abbey , Harry Potter , Dungeons and Dragons, as well as Transformers: The Last Knight . You may have previously enjoyed Alnwick Castle on screen , and now you can feel like you  are on a film set as you discover the castle grounds. Don’t forget to download our visitor map to help guide you around as you explore. 

Discover Alnwick Town

Of course, a visit to the town centre provides a wealth of things to see and do in Alnwick, offering a mix of shops , accommodation , pubs and restaurants for food and drink , that are perfect for enjoying Alnwick at your own pace. Just a short walk from Alnwick Castle, you can discover more history in the old market square, as well as being able to enjoy the Alnwick market held every Thursday and Saturday, and the last Friday of each month. There is something around every corner of the town's cobbled streets for visitors to enjoy. 

Plan your visit 

Ready to plan your visit to Alnwick? Make sure to book your tickets online on the Alnwick Castle website to secure your visit to the castle. Not only will this give you access to all that the castle has to offer on the day of your visit, but will automatically become an annual pass that you can use throughout the year to visit us whenever we are open to the public . So whether you have journeyed from Newcastle to Alnwick or are visiting from further afield, you can come back to Alnwick Castle free for twelve months. 

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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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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

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

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

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.

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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