Location: Alnwick
Top Things to do in Alnwick
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The 5 Best Castles 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. Dunstanburgh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,403 reviews
Reviewed By hms02 - Kent, United Kingdom
We parked in Craster pay and display car park and walked a mile and a bit along the coastal path. Greeted by the loveliest English Heritage lady who waved and greeted us and made us feel very welcome and also told us some interesting history about the castle. The castle ruins are beautiful and we saw ravens, which were nesting, a sparrow hawk and lots of sheep!! Would recommend the walk and location it was stunning especially in the sunshine.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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.
