The Alnwick Garden
Built to be unconventional, The Alnwick Garden is a unique, contemporary garden in the heart of Northumberland. Lose yourself in the mysterious Bamboo Labyrinth, explore the perils of The Poison Garden or gaze upon the Grand Cascade. Transformed across seasons, no two days in The Garden are ever the same. The Garden’s history is still honoured through the traditional Ornamental Garden and mesmerising Rose Garden. Created by The Duchess of Northumberland in 2001, The Alnwick Garden is a garden with a purpose and is a registered charity (No.1095435) that places people at the forefront of all of its activities.
Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden
There are 9 invisible clans who live at Lilidorei, and they spend 11 months of the year preparing for the biggest event in the Lilidorei Calendar – Christmas! Some clans are good, some are troublesome but they all worship two things – Christmas and their beloved leader, Lord Elfwin. Lord Elfwin rules the village from high up in his tower at the very top of Elfwin Drin, which also happens to be the world’s largest play structure. From the large, locked gates to the strange sounds and noises, your imagination is all that you need when you visit. Peer through the windows of the clan houses, listen to the immersive sounds and interact with the team of secret keepers throughout the village to create your own story about Lilidorei.
Alnwick Castle
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and owned by the Percy family since 1309, Alnwick Castle is full of fascinating stories to discover during your visit. Wander through the state rooms, admire the stunning landscape of Capability Brown and enjoy medieval crafts, talks and dressing up in the Artisans Courtyard.
Alnwick Town
Alnwick is an historic market town in the heart of Northumberland. Explore the ancient streets full of artisan shops and boutique stores or one the many tourist attractions and then indulge in a bite to eat from exquisite restaurants, cafes, or pubs. If walks are your thing, then enjoy one of the many walks that Alnwick offers taking in the Capability Brown landscape on the pastures or the beautiful scenery of Hulne Park.
Kielder
There are so many things to do in Kielder. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the waterside or take on one of the many cycle tracks through the forest. Visit Kielder Castle or if you love stargazing, then visiting Kielder at night is the perfect place. Home to Europe’s largest dark sky park, Northumberland International Dark Sky Park covers 580 square miles making it a great place to see the stars and even the Northern Lights in the winter and you can even visit Kielder Observatory.
Holy Island
Holy Island is a small Island of the coast of Northumberland accessible only during safe tide time crossings. It has a wealth of history from Lindisfarne Castle and Abbey to the Lindisfarne Gospels being created there. It has splendid walks around the island taking in all nature has to offer from seals to the chance to see dolphins and the thousands of birds that call the island its home. The little village there has beautiful pubs and café perfect for a bite to eat.
Cragside
Cragside is a magnificent estate with man-made lakes, waterfalls, and thousands of rhododendrons. Take a stroll through many of the walks that wrap around the estate or head to the formal gardens and see the gothic clock tower. You can drive all around the estate or visit the house and see all its magnificent rooms. There are plenty playgrounds for children to run around and explore along with a labyrinth to get lost in.
Bamburgh
Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, Bamburgh is now a beautiful and captivating village along the magnificent Northumberland coastline. The main feature of this small village is Bamburgh Castle sitting high on the cliff. The castle isn’t the only bit of history to be found in the village, it is also home to RNLI Grace Darling Museum. Once you have explored the village you can then stroll on Bamburgh beach with the backdrop of the castle behind you.
Northumberland Coast
Northumberland’s coast has dramatic landscapes with endless beaches, quiet bays, and many dunes to enjoy making it an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Walk or cycle Northumberland’s Coastal path, splash in the waves, paddle past castles or islands on SUP boards or kayaks and take part in the many other activities it offers.
Northumberland National Park
Northumberland National Park is a great place to get back into nature. Enjoy the many walks found across the park from Hadrian’s Wall to the Cheviot Hills.
