Holidays in Alnwick
Northumberland is a melting pot of cutting-edge culture, rich British history and vibrant local atmosphere - and the town of Alnwick is where these diverse regional assets meet. Home to a globally renowned castle and a selection of fantastic eat and drink spots, Alnwick is a testament to Northumberland's natural beauty and regional charm.
Our Alnwick holidays guide features everything from the castle and gardens to local restaurants and unmissable bars - and once you're ready to call it a day, the collection of quaint and characterful cottages in Alnwick mean you'll have somewhere cosy and comfortable to spend the night.
Things to do in Alnwick
Alnwick Castle is undoubtedly one of the most iconic castles in Britain, perhaps better known as Hogwarts or Downton Abbey. Its walls are steeped in British history and its grounds are nothing short of staggering. On top of a number of extraordinary exhibits, Alnwick Castle offers daily broomstick training in the very spot Harry Potter had his own first flying lesson.
Alnwick Garden's range of picturesque spots and vibrant events give visitors from far and wide a taste of Northumberland's incredible beauty. From its tranquil ornamental garden to the Grand Lantern Parade, these magnificent gardens are an essential part of any break in the Northumberland region.
Barter Books is a miniature universe of vintage reads, pre-loved paperbacks and antiquarian books for all ages. This Alnwick bookshop can be found inside a restored Victorian train station, meaning it boasts some of the most fascinating architecture in any store of its kind - and with generous seating and a dedicated children's room, Barter Books has room for everyone, including your four-legged companion!
Restaurants in Alnwick
Cafe Tirreno combines tasty Italian cuisine with affordable pricing for an experience that's nothing if not great value for money. Cooking up filling and flavourful classics with friendly local service to boot, Cafe Tirreno is among the best Alnwick restaurants.
The Plough is a chic, traditional pub restaurant with modern, country touches throughout and is located just outside of the town walls on Bondgate Without. Boasting a menu full of delicious local produce cooked to perfection, there are a diverse collection of dishes guaranteed to satisfy all tastes. The Plough is locally renowned for never compromising on quality – making it one of the most popular restaurants in Alnwick.
The Treehouse is without doubt one of the most exquisitely located restaurants in Northumberland and perhaps even the UK. Nestled in the treetops of Alnwick Garden, with trees growing through the restaurant floor and a roaring log fire at its heart, The Treehouse offers a range of regional specialities with a side of fairytale ambience.
Pubs in Alnwick
The Hogs Head is a spacious, cosy restaurant with a name you might recognise from the Harry Potter books and films. Food is served all day, so whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, light lunch or family meal, this Alnwick restaurant has something for everyone – there’s even an outdoor play area for the kids. There’s also a great range of craft beers, coffees, wines and soft drinks on offer; you might in fact be spoilt for choice!
The Dirty Bottles is an innovative drinking experience you won't find elsewhere in Northumberland. Offering lucky visitors a chance to try self service beer pumps, ordering booths and tasting walls, this Alnwick taproom and smokehouse brings together a stunning interior, top-notch grub and a truly original take on the traditional pub.
Getting to Alnwick
The historical town of Alnwick can be found in the heart of rural Northumberland and combines irresistible local charm with international acclaim. Whether you're travelling by car, bus or train, getting to Alnwick is easy.
By car: travel northbound on the A1 from Newcastle, or southbound from Berwick-upon-Tweed. Alnwick Castle is less than a mile off the A1 and well signposted, so keep an eye out to head straight to the main attraction.
Castle parking: the main car park is off Denwick Lane (B1340). Enter the postcode NE66 1YU and your Sat-Nav can take it from there.
By bus: the X18 and 418 are two Arriva buses which operate via Alnwick and throughout the county. Take the 418 bus to travel to Alnwick from Berwick-upon-Tweed, or catch the X18 which runs from Newcastle to Alnwick (and if you travel by Arriva direct to Alnwick Castle, you'll be entitled to a 20% discount on your bus ticket).
By train: the East Coast Main Line service from London to Edinburgh stops at Alnmouth - just 4 miles from Alnwick. From there, you can get the X18 bus the rest of the way which should take around 10 minutes.
Holiday cottages in Alnwick
If you're looking for accommodation options as unique as your holiday, you've come to the right place. Our cottages are situated throughout the Alnwick area - meaning you can find a stunning self-catering property that's ideally situated for your regional break.
So, whether you're in the region to take a first-hand look at the world-famous castle or can't wait to rummage around Barter Books for your next great read, Alnwick is the perfect place for you to explore.
Explore our cottages in Alnwick online today to find your perfect self catering holiday cottage.