ALNWICK CASTLE & The Alnwick GARDEN
One of Northumberland’s premier attractions undoubtedly is Alnwick Castle – famous for large scale film sets for blockbusters such as the Harry Potter series, Transformers, The Avengers, Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves or TV hit series such as Downton Abbey. There is so much more to the small market town of Alnwick though…
ALNWICK CASTLE: MORE THAN A MOVIE SET
Alnwick Castle most recently featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, and as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey’s 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials – however, there is so much more to this spectacular place:
In 1309, Henry Percy, Duke of Northumberland, purchased a typical Norman-style castle of motte and bailey form. Over the centuries, it has transformed to a palace of splendour within the Northumberland landscape.
Today, it is still home to the Percy family and officially stands as the second largest inhabited castle after Windsor. The state rooms (for you to visit) are simply awe-inspiring…
VISION OF A DUCHESS
“If you know your Roses from your Rhododendron and your Primrose from your Petunias, if you want to visit the Worlds largest Taihaku cherry orchard or if you want to sit back and find some peace in our Ornamental Garden then we are The Garden for you.” A very fitting introduction for one of the most contemporary gardens you will ever find…
And this has not included some of our favourite parts of this discovery garden… The Poison Garden is one of those – host to around 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants (just have a look at this introduction video). Or the Grand Cascade water feature (and there are many water features to be found here!) – one of the largest in Europe. Then there is the Treehouse – our favourite (arguably) place – a restaurant, play area, cafe and pathway, all set around trees above the ground.
Whatever it is you wish to discover here, have a chat with us to create your custom experience.
BARTER BOOKS - WHAT A COLLECTION
One of the best places to visit in Alnwick – we feel – is Barter Books. It is one of the largest second hand bookstores in the UK but is a lot more than that – have a look at their atmospheric video to give you a flavour.
If you have the time (and you may need lots of time!), make this part of your visit or request that it should be, when booking your tour with us. We will always happily create that bit of flexibility for you.
ALNWICK - QUAINT MARKET TOWN
The beautiful, historic market town of Alnwick has quickly become one of the country’s top tourist destinations – however, many bypass the town for the two major attractions (the great castle and contemporary garden – both clearly highlights but one should not forget the quaint little town)… Lovely architecture, lively atmosphere – especially on market days – quirky stories and some fantastic hidden secrets…
Ask your guide about a connection between RMS Olympic (Titanic’s sister ship) and a local pub in the town…
WANT TO DISCOVER MORE?
We have compiled some web links for you below to find out more about Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden & Alnwick market town: