Alnwick Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Alnwick Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Alnwick packs a serious punch for sightseers. The town's crowning glory is Alnwick Castle (NE66 1NQ, open 10am-5pm March-October), the second-largest inhabited castle in England and home to the Duke of Northumberland. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 5,000 reviews.

Next door sits The Alnwick Garden (NE66 1YU), a contemporary garden space featuring the Grand Cascade, Poison Garden and one of the world's largest treehouses. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from 3,800+ reviews.

Barter Books (NE66 2NP) is a must-visit. This enormous secondhand bookshop in the old railway station has comfy sofas, open fires and a model railway running above the bookshelves. It's where the famous "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster was rediscovered.

The Northumberland coast is just a 10-minute drive away. Alnmouth Beach offers miles of golden sand and was voted one of Britain's best beaches by The Telegraph. After a day exploring, your cottage hot tub awaits!

Pet Friendly

Alnwick is dog heaven. Most beaches in Northumberland welcome dogs year-round, unlike many UK coastal areas. Alnmouth, Warkworth and Bamburgh beaches all allow dogs with no seasonal restrictions.

The Alnwick Garden welcomes dogs in their grounds (not in the Treehouse Restaurant). Alnwick Castle allows dogs in the grounds but not inside the castle buildings. Barter Books is famously dog-friendly with water bowls provided.

For eating out, The Dirty Bottles (NE66 1NE) in town has a dog-friendly bar area and garden, plus excellent pub grub. Bailiffgate Café (NE66 1LX) welcomes dogs and serves homemade cakes and light lunches.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - Northumberland beaches can get muddy at low tide. Many cottages provide dog beds, bowls and even treats, but it's worth checking what's included before you travel.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Alnwick

Alnwick Castle is unmissable. Home to the Percy family for over 700 years, it's featured in everything from Harry Potter to Downton Abbey. The castle offers broomstick training sessions on the very spot where Harry had his first flying lesson. The State Rooms contain one of the country's finest private art collections including works by Canaletto and Van Dyck.

The Alnwick Garden is unlike any garden you've seen. The Poison Garden contains over 100 toxic plants and requires a guided tour for safety reasons. The Grand Cascade water feature has 120 jets creating spectacular displays every half hour. Kids love the bamboo labyrinth and the enormous treehouse restaurant - the largest in Europe.

Dunstanburgh Castle (NE66 3TT) sits dramatically on a remote headland 9 miles from Alnwick. The walk from Craster village along the coastal path offers stunning views before reaching these magnificent ruins. English Heritage maintains the site, with one visitor noting: "The approach along the coast path makes this the most dramatically situated castle I've ever visited."

Is Alnwick worth visiting?

Absolutely. Beyond the headline attractions, Alnwick offers a charming market town experience with independent shops, cafés and restaurants. The town's layout has remained largely unchanged since medieval times, making it a pleasure to explore on foot.

When is the best time to visit Alnwick?

Spring and summer offer the best weather, with The Alnwick Garden at its peak. However, autumn provides spectacular colours and fewer crowds. Winter can be magical, especially around Christmas when the town and castle have special events.

How far is Alnwick from the beach?

The nearest beach is at Alnmouth, just 5 miles (10 minutes) from Alnwick. Warkworth Beach is 9 miles south, while Bamburgh Beach with its famous castle is 16 miles north.

Can you walk around Alnwick for free?

Yes, the town itself is free to explore including the market square and narrow medieval streets. The Bailiffgate Museum (£5 entry) tells the town's history, but many visitors enjoy simply wandering the historic streets.

Is Alnwick Castle the same as Hogwarts?

Alnwick Castle served as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. The Outer Bailey is where Harry had his first flying lesson, while the Inner Bailey featured as the main courtyard. However, other scenes were filmed at different locations including Durham Cathedral.

Do I need a car in Alnwick?

While not essential, a car makes exploring the surrounding countryside and coast much easier. Alnwick does have bus connections to Newcastle and coastal villages, but services can be infrequent.

1. Visit Alnwick Official Tourism Site
2. Alnwick Castle Official Website
3. The Alnwick Garden
4. Northumberland Coast AONB