Alnwick
Alnwick is one of Northumberland's best-known towns, combining a historic market centre with one of England's most spectacular castles and gardens.
At the heart of Northumberland, Alnwick is a town that's easy to explore on foot and packed with things to discover. Its historic streets lead towards Alnwick Castle, one of England's most impressive inhabited castles and a major filming location for Harry Potter. Just a short walk from the castle, The Alnwick Garden offers something completely different, with the Grand Cascade, Poison Garden, woodland areas and the famous Treehouse. Back in the town centre, you'll find independent shops, cafés, restaurants, museums and Barter Books, one of the UK's best-known second-hand bookshops. Alnwick also makes a useful base for exploring the surrounding countryside and coast, with places such as Alnmouth, Craster, Howick and the Northumberland coast all within easy reach.
Things to see & do
Alnwick Castle
Explore more than 900 years of history at one of Northumberland's most spectacular castles. Discover the State Rooms, museums, medieval architecture and castle grounds, or follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter at one of the castle's famous filming locations.
The Alnwick Garden
Explore one of Northumberland's most unusual gardens, from the spectacular Grand Cascade and seasonal planting to the mysterious Poison Garden and the famous Treehouse. The gardens offer something for families, gardeners and anyone looking for a peaceful place to explore.
Barter Books
Browse thousands of second-hand books inside Alnwick's beautifully restored former railway station. With miles of shelves, cosy reading spaces and a café, Barter Books is one of the town's most distinctive places to spend an hour or two.
Find Alnwick
Alnwick is easily reached from the A1, with the town located just off the main road. From the A1, follow signs for Alnwick and the town centre. Regular bus services connect Alnwick with surrounding towns and villages, including Morpeth, Alnmouth, Seahouses and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The nearest railway station is at Alnmouth, around 5 miles away.
Good to know
Alnwick, Northumberland
NE66 1YU
Several car parks serve Alnwick town centre and its attractions. Parking is also available at Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, with the Garden and Castle car park accessed from Denwick Lane. The town centre has additional public parking within walking distance of the main attractions.
Spring and summer are particularly good for exploring Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, while the town centre can be enjoyed throughout the year. Visiting earlier in the day can make it easier to explore the main attractions before they become busy.
The town centre and surrounding public areas are generally suitable for dogs, although individual attractions have their own restrictions. Assistance dogs are permitted at Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, while ordinary dogs are not generally admitted.
Excellent – Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden, Lilidorei, museums, bookshops and the town centre offer plenty for families, with attractions and activities suitable for different ages.
Accessibility varies between individual attractions. Alnwick town centre has relatively easy pedestrian access, while attractions such as the castle and gardens provide accessible facilities. Check individual venues before visiting for the latest access information.
Public toilets are available in Alnwick town centre, with additional facilities at major attractions including Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden.
Alnwick town centre is accessible throughout the year, although individual shops, attractions and businesses have their own opening hours. Check individual venues before travelling.