Alnwick

Alnwick (pronounced Anwick) is in central Northumberland on the River Aln and is one of the main towns on the main Newcastle to Scotland road. The picturesque town has cobbled streets around a central market place, which is the commercial centre for a largely rural community.

Alnwick is best known for Alnwick Castle which dominates the west of the town. It is the ancestral home of the Earls / Dukes of Northumberland. Originally the home of Gilbert Tyson, one of William the Conqueror's elite, it passed to Henry de Percy in 1309 and remains in the Percy family until today. The castle has had many changes over the centuries with some rooms having a Gothic style while others are in an Italianate style. In recent years the gardens have undergone a major overhaul and both the castle and gardens are open to the public in the summer months. See their website. The castle has been used for a number of films and TV programmes, the most noteworthy of which is Harry Potter where it was used for a number of the external Hogwarts scenes.

During the summer, Alnwick attracts a number of visitors and has a good selection of restaurants and hotels.

Hotels in Alnwick