Leah Amos
18 November 2025
Many people in Northumberland consider Lilidorei the top choice for a family day out. Found beside The Alnwick Garden, Lilidorei has become popular amongst locals and tourists alike since opening in 2023.
As one of our Facebook followers put it:
“We loved visiting Lilidorei at Alnwick Gardens. The kids were in their element!”
So, if you’re planning a family holiday in Northumberland, Lilidorei should make it onto your to-do list. It adds a lovely bit of magic to any trip and encourages families to play together away from screens. Here’s a quick guide to everything worth knowing before you go.
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What is Lilidorei?
Lilidorei (pronounced lily-dor-ay) is a whimsical fantasy play village. It features the world’s largest play structure and is packed with imagination and mischief. Created by the Duchess of Northumberland (Jane Percy), it was built to encourage children to use their imagination. There is no screen time or electronic gadgets – it’s pure hands-on adventure in a make-up village of goblins, elves, dwarves and pixies.
On my first visit, the Lilidorei team shared something that stuck with me; the Duchess didn’t just design Lilidorei for children, she designed it to be endearingly awkward for adults. Even the muffin shop’s serving hatch is only about 3 feet off the ground, which is ideal for little ones and brilliantly humbling for an adult trying to order a coffee.
Where is Lilidorei?
Lilidorei sits right next to The Alnwick Garden, only 5 miles from Alnwick town centre. It’s practically on the doorstep of Alnwick Castle too, which makes it easy to bundle the two together for a fun-filled day out. If you’re not familiar with the area, Alnwick is roughly a 45-minute drive north of Newcastle and about 30 minutes from the Northumberland coast.
Good to know:
- Address: Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, NE66 1YU
- Parking: On-site at The Alnwick Garden
- Public transport: Alnmouth is the nearest train station (4 miles away) – from there you can order a taxi or use the public bus
Food and drink at Lilidorei
All that play quickly stirs up an appetite, and Lilidorei has you covered. The Sweet Hut serves warm churros, waffles and locally made ice cream with magical toppings, plus fresh fruit pots, frozen lollies and plenty of drinks, including slush for extra excitement in the summer months.
For something more filling, the Savoury Hut offers swing-grilled sausages in brioche rolls, potato spirals dusted with rich mac and cheese, and handy Kids’ Munch Boxes.
Close to the play structure, the Magic Muffin hut sells hot and cold drinks alongside homemade muffins for a quick snack. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options throughout, so it’s easy for everyone to refuel.
Lilidorei at Christmas: a local’s experience
While Lilidorei is enchanting year-round, it becomes utterly magical at Christmas. As a local travel expert who’s experienced Northumberland’s best, I was there for Lilidorei’s very first Christmas light switch-on, and it was pure festive magic.
The moment the lights flickered on, the entire play structure shimmered like something out of a Christmas film. Twinkling pine trees lined the paths, real reindeer grazed nearby, Santa greeted families, and the smell of swing-grill sausages filled the air. It was a captivating feast for all the senses.
If you’re visiting Northumberland in winter, Lilidorei is one of the region’s best Christmas experiences for the whole family.
How to get Lilidorei tickets
You can book tickets online through the Lilidorei website or buy them on the day (though advance booking is recommended, especially during the school holidays). Ticket options include Lilidorei-only entry, a combined ticket for Lilidorei and The Alnwick Garden, and annual passes. If you are a member, have a gift card, or need to add a free carer ticket, you may find it easiest to book via telephone. I’d recommend following the Lilidorei Facebook page, as they often share offers throughout the year.
What age is Lilidorei for?
Lilidorei is designed for children aged 5 to 11 but is advertised as a multi-generational attraction. I’m definitely past the target age, yet I couldn’t resist climbing all the way up and enjoying the slide with the biggest smile.
Age groups at a glance:
- Ages 11 and under: The main focus of the attraction, with heaps of imaginative play, storytelling and adventure
- Adults: Welcome to explore most of the play structures and many end up enjoying it just as much as the children, though picnic areas are available for those who would rather watch
- Under 5s: Dedicated safe zones and pram-friendly routes with ground-level play and toddler-friendly equipment, though the big structure can be tricky for very young children
- Seniors & accessibility needs: Easier routes and entry-level spaces with smooth wheelchair access designed to make the experience more inclusive
What does Lilidorei mean?
The word Lilidorei was imagined by the Duchess of Northumberland and means “the children’s adventure with play at its heart”, a name that perfectly captures the spirit of this incredible place. Every element, from the handcrafted wooden houses to the stories woven by the Lilidorei team, celebrates creativity, curiosity and childhood wonder.
What else to do near Lilidorei?
Make the most of your visit to Lilidorei by wandering a little further into Alnwick’s centre or out towards the surrounding area of Northumberland. There’s a lovely unhurried feel here, encouraging you to savour the moment and enjoy a simple day out that remains stress-free. If you’re planning to stay a little longer, here are some more attractions that I would recommend.
Nearby attractions:
- Alnwick Castle: Famously known as a Harry Potter filming location
- The Alnwick Garden: A huge garden in the centre of Alnwick with a waterfall, treehouse and maze
- Barter Books: A popular second-hand bookshop set in Alnwick’s old railway station
- Cragside: The first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, surrounded by woodland trails
- Alnmouth Beach: For a classic beach day with colourful houses lining the waterfront
Plan your Northumberland getaway
Lilidorei isn’t just a playground; it’s a place that sparks imagination and reminds families how good it feels to play together away from screens. Its towering structures and sense of wonder create a day out to remember and many photo opportunities too.
So, when you’re planning your next Northumberland holiday, make sure Lilidorei is on the to-do list. After a day of magic and adventure, settle into one of our cosy Northumberland cottages, the perfect place to unwind and ensure a comfortable stay.
Written by Leah Amos
Regional Marketing Manager
A Northumberland-born explorer and Scotland advocate who is always chasing hidden gems and sharing local stories.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.