Alnwick: Castle, Gardens and Historic Landmarks

Explore Alnwick through a range of themes: historic buildings, the long history of the Castle, gardens, a museum, a bookshop in a former railway station building and markets. When planning your trip, you can choose the themes that interest you most. Information about market days and individual activities can help you coordinate specific plans with suitable days to visit.

Historic buildings and the town’s history

St Michael’s Church in Alnwick is a rare example of the Perpendicular style. It is closely connected with the Percy family and Alnwick Castle. The church therefore combines a distinctive architectural style with an important historical connection to the town. The Percy Tenantry Column also stands out for its design and size: the Greek Doric column is 83 feet high and guarded by four lions.

Another historic landmark is Bondgate Tower, also known as Hotspur Tower. The gatehouse dates from the 15th century. The Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery tells stories about the past of Alnwick and the surrounding district. If you are interested in the town’s history, this offers a different perspective from the individual buildings: the focus is on stories from Alnwick and its surroundings.

Barter Books also has a historic connection to the townscape. The bookshop is housed in Alnwick’s former Victorian railway station, a listed building today. Alnwick is therefore home to different forms of historic heritage, from the gatehouse and church to a former railway station building that now serves a different purpose.

Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden

Alnwick Castle has a 950-year history. Visitors can explore the castle’s history and design influences in the State Rooms. Broomstick training is also offered at the Castle. As the times for this activity may vary, it is best to check before your visit.

The Alnwick Garden features several distinct garden highlights. At the Sage Wealth Management Grand Cascade, visitors can watch different water displays. The Rose Garden contains 3,000 English shrub and climbing roses. The Poison Garden offers a different focus: a tour takes visitors through an area with hundreds of poisonous and narcotic plants. If you plan to take this tour, check the tour information in advance; arrangements may vary.

Walks and market days

Short walks along the River Aln in Northumberland include a circular route suitable for families, couples and walking groups. A walk along the river can also lead back to Alnwick via the historic Duchess Bridge. Route conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning.

The markets also offer different reasons to visit. Alnwick Market takes place every Thursday and Saturday. Before your trip, check whether it will be operating on your planned days. Alnwick Farmers’ Market takes place on the last Friday of each month at the Market Place. Visitors can buy local produce there; the stalls and selection may vary. Check the dates if you are planning your visit to the market. The weekly market days and the monthly Farmers’ Market therefore offer different times to visit, which you can coordinate with your other plans.

Discover more destinations: Ashington, Boulmer, Gilsland, Rothbury, Duddo, Matfen, Wark, Belford.

For the wider travel overview: Northumberland.