Location: Alnwick
Top Things to do in Alnwick
Top 10 Things to do in Alnwick, England
Alnwick (/ˈænɪk/ ( listen) AN-ik) is a market town in north Northumberland, England, of which it is the traditional county town. The population at the 2011 Census was 8,116.
Restaurants in Alnwick
1. Howick Hall Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
Reviewed By whiddershins
The gardens are very beautiful especially the sensory garden, the bog garden and the formal gardens at the rear of the house. The tearoom is very grand and the service was excellent. We enjoyed a gluten free cake each and were impressed by the selection of gluten free cakes available. The only slight disappointment was that the house is not open to the public, which were not aware of until we had already paid and entered the grounds. Other than that a great day out especially for anyone with an interest in horticulture.
2. Hulne Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By J2502SXstephenh
One of my favourite places for a walk. Be aware, access is from 11am with gate man stopping access until then. Closes at sundown during British Summertime or 4pm in winter I believe. No dogs allowed as there are several working farms with sheep. Three walk routes on good surfaces, one taking you up the small Brizlee Hill/ridge where you can see Brizlee Tower and views up the Vale of Whittingham and beyond to the Cheviot hills. There is also the future burial place for the Percy family. The gates are a must see! Further around the park just as you begin to follow the river Aln, you reach Hulne Abbey. You are allowed inside the gate (try it, its open) but respect the owners in the corner property. Follow the river onward to the weir and bridge back to the start.
3. Edlingham Castle and Edlingham Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
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. It has been described as "...one of the most interesting in the county", by Nikolaus Pevsner, the architectural historian Edlingham itself is little more than a hamlet with a church alongside the castle. St John the Baptist is a mediaeval (11th century) church in Edlingham in the English county of Northumberland. The church is mostly Norman, from two periods, the late 11th – early 12th Century and late 12th century. The chancel arch and the south porch, with its rare Norman tunnel vault, are late 11th century, and the north aisle arcade is from the late 12th century. The columns are circular and the capitals are scalloped with bands of nail-head. The defensible west tower may also have been begun in the late 12th century, but completed later.
Reviewed By frigate - England, United Kingdom
A fantastic ruin held up with steel hawsers, and a sort of mini Leaning Tower of Pisa. Good information. A visit doesn't take long, but because it is utterly uncommercial it has so much atmosphere. Children will love it. Limited car parking, by the way.
4. Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery is an award-winning people’s Museum suitable for all ages and run by volunteers, where fascinating stories of the past are told about the town and district of Alnwick. The museum has now reopened with full Covid precautions, having been awarded the official "Good to Go" status. Displays are on 3 floors, with the uppermost floor host to a range of exhibitions on a variety of themes (see website for the current schedule). Recently receiving a £300,000 update, the Museum is housed in what was previously a church close to Alnwick Castle. It has been recognised as one of the 25 best places in the country for early years children to visit. Great for families there is lots to enjoy for adults too, detailing the stunning county and characters of Northumberland.
Reviewed By 452emiliaw
Bailiffgate museum is a great family experience. You can take your kids on the mouse hunt while just learning some history yourself
5. Alnwick Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,310 reviews
Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England. Home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years, it has witnessed drama, intrigue, tragedy and romance. From stunning art collections and sumptuous State Rooms to medieval crafts and Potter-inspired magic, a visit to Alnwick Castle fires the imagination.
Reviewed By 180udis - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
It used to be the home of the Percy family, but now it seems that today it is the home of harry potter. Alnwick is the best castle I visited this year by far! it has several daily tours dedicated to its history and to its filming history, great activities for kids (especially if they read Harry Potter), and the gardens... oh my, they are incredible. If you come from afar like us, and you want to explore both the castle and the gardens you shoul dknow that it is a very tough mission. You should know that by buying one day ticket for the castle you can use the ticket for the whole year. so my tip is to stretch you visit over 1.5- 2 days. focus one day on the castle and the grounds and the other on the gardens
6. Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Catster100
We came here on an extremely wet weekend in the summer holidays and expected the pool to be rammed - we were pleasantly surprised. We went to the fun inflatable session, fun for our older children and good selection of toys in the small pool for my 2 year old. Staff were cheerful and managed the inflatable well so the kids were safe but had some freedom. Everyone had a good time.
7. Alnmouth Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By andrewspiers - Sheffield, United Kingdom
A truly beautiful beach with a long sandy coastline, excellent for a beautiful walk whatever the weather, backed by sand dunes and a golf course running through the side of it, you can walk for miles here and sometimes not see anyone else.
8. St Michael's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
St Michael's is the Anglican parish church of Alnwick. The Grade I listed building has its origins in Saxon times, and was handsomely rebuilt in the 14th, 15th and 19th centuries. It is open for visitors, and holds regular services, to which all are welcome.
9. The Alnwick Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,612 reviews
The Alnwick Garden is one of the world’s most extraordinary contemporary gardens. From poisonous plants and treetop walkways to glorious roses and towering delphiniums, the Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot is now a truly 21st century experience full of imagination and fun, all brought to life with water.
Reviewed By LoobieB
If you can watch the video on the website before you go, that gives a great insight into how much work has gone into creating this amazing garden. It is so varied- there are lots of different water features in the serpent garden, a bamboo maze, the Poison garden (fascinating insight into deadly plants all done in an interesting and fun way) , well stocked and beautifully laid out walled garden , cherry orchard with loads of solid wooden swings that are suitable for adults and children alike- relax on the swing overlooking the beautiful views. The main attraction of course though, as you come in, are the huge stepped fountains which squirt jets out to create stunning displays. Well organised Covid measures. Plenty of cafes, toilets, ice cream places etc for a day out too. Don’t miss visiting this beautiful place
10. Chillingham Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 927 reviews
Chillingham Castle is open to the public between Easter - End of October. Hours open is 12 noon - 5pm.
Reviewed By GILLC940 - Blackpool, United Kingdom
Three of us visited Chillingham Castle on the 26th September. We had a great tour of this quirky Castle, and enjoyed looking at the numerous artefacts, with lots of comments and anecdotes from Sir Humphrey, followed by a very enjoyable snack in the tearoom with its huge log fire. All the staff were very Covid-aware, friendly and helpful. We then had a lovely walk round the beautiful gardens, with its topiary and very long herbaceous border, obviously autumnal, but still a lot of colour. Super visit.
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