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News, guides, and stories from Alnwick.
What's On This Weekend in Alnwick
Shakespeare in Action Workshop Series, Spookydorei Days at Lilidorei, The Pumpkin Garden at The Alnwick Garden, and 1 more
Work Begins on £2.6m Revamp of the Cobbles on Bondgate Within
Northumberland County Council has started a £2.6 million scheme to restore the Cobbles on Bondgate Within. Work runs in phases until autumn 2027, with shops open and parking available throughout.
Robert Adam Court Named Best Residential Community at Northumbria in Bloom
The residents' garden at Robert Adam Court on Bondgate Without has won Best in Class for residential communities at the 2026 Northumbria in Bloom awards, and Swansfield Park Primary School shared the schools prize.
St Cuthbert's Way Named in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027
The 62-mile pilgrimage walk from Melrose to Holy Island is the only UK experience on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 list. Its Northumberland stretch runs through Wooler, less than 20 miles from Alnwick.
Alnwick Castle Celebrates the Northumbrian Smallpipes and the Duke's Piper
A special weekend at Alnwick Castle put the spotlight on the Northumbrian smallpipes and the centuries-old tradition of the Duke's Piper, with performances, have-a-go sessions and a pipers' gathering.
Corporate Christmas Party Venues in Alnwick
Alnwick sells the work Christmas do three ways: a seat at a shared party night, a room of your own in town, or a country house a short drive out. Published prices, real capacities, and how everybody gets home from a town with no railway station.
Christmas Markets in Alnwick
The Alnwick Garden's Christmas Fair is free and runs 21 and 22 November 2026. Alnwick Castle holds its own fair on 24 and 25 November. Add the twice-weekly Market Place market and Winter Lights, and Alnwick has one of the fullest festive calendars in Northumberland.
Bonfire Night in Alnwick 2026: The Community Fireworks Have Moved Venue
Alnwick Round Table's community fireworks are on Saturday 7 November, gates 6pm and first launch 7.30pm, at Alnwick Town Juniors FC on Taylor Drive, NE66 2DH. Note the postcode: the display moved from the rugby club in 2025 and a lot of listings are still wrong.
Charity Afternoon Tea at The Alnwick Garden Raises More Than £10,000
Around 100 guests, welcomed by the Duchess of Northumberland, raised more than £10,000 for The Alnwick Garden charity at a fundraising afternoon tea in the gardens.
Council Buys Three More Affordable Homes at Riverbrook Gardens, Alnwick
Northumberland County Council is spending £408,000 to buy three more two-bedroom homes for affordable rent at Riverbrook Gardens, taking its Alnwick total to 13 in three years.
Alnwick Throws Open Its Doors for Heritage Open Days 2026
More than 20 free events open familiar working buildings across Alnwick for Heritage Open Days 2026, on the theme 'Everyday Histories', building to the main open day on Saturday 19 September.
Alnwick's Barbara Scrimshaw, 93, Receives British Empire Medal for PDSA Fundraising
Barbara Scrimshaw, 93, has received the British Empire Medal for 45 years of fundraising for the veterinary charity PDSA, having helped raise more than £100,000.
Supermarkets and Grocery Shopping in Alnwick
A town-centre Morrisons, a Sainsbury's superstore, Aldi and Lidl on South Road and a handy Co-op, plus Alnwick's excellent butchers, delis and food halls: a guide to grocery shopping in Alnwick.
Football in Alnwick: Clubs, Pitches and How to Get Involved
A guide to football in Alnwick, from the Magpies of Alnwick Town AFC at St James' Park to grassroots junior football, walking football at Willowburn and where to have a kickabout.
Family Activities in Alnwick: Days Out with the Kids
The best family days out in Alnwick, from the castle and The Alnwick Garden to Lilidorei, Barter Books and rainy-day soft play, grouped by type so you can plan around the weather.
Date Night in Alnwick: Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do
Where to eat, drink and wander for a romantic evening in Alnwick, from a Michelin-recognised tasting menu and a treetop restaurant to castle-town pubs and a stroll through The Pastures.
The Lost Buildings of Alnwick
From vanished town gates and a demolished tollbooth to a suppressed abbey and the railway that closed under Beeching, here are the Alnwick landmarks that time, traffic and the demolition men took away.
The History of Alnwick's Shopping Streets
How Alnwick grew around its Market Place into one of Northumberland's finest shopping towns. The story of Bondgate Within, Narrowgate, Fenkle Street, the Market Cross and the streets that still carry their medieval names.
Interesting Facts About Alnwick
From a castle that became Hogwarts to the rediscovery of the Keep Calm and Carry On poster, a medieval game of football and a garden full of poison, here are the stories that make Alnwick so distinctive.
Getting Around Alnwick Without a Car
A practical guide to travelling in and out of Alnwick without a car: the bus network, the East Coast Main Line at nearby Alnmouth, walking, cycling, taxis and the Aln Valley heritage railway.
Best Parks and Green Spaces in Alnwick
From Capability Brown's Pastures below the castle to 3,000 acres of walled parkland at Hulne Park, the best free green spaces in and around Alnwick.
Alnwick Lifting Firm William Hackett to Open Its Works for Heritage Open Days
William Hackett, the Alnwick manufacturer whose lifting and hoisting equipment is used around the world, is opening its works to the public for the first time as part of Heritage Open Days.
Learning to Drive in Alnwick
A practical guide to learning to drive in Alnwick: the local theory and practical test centres, choosing an instructor, rural roads to master, and what it all costs.
Business Support in Alnwick: Funding, Advice and Workspace
A practical guide to starting or growing a business in Alnwick, from the free North East Growth Hub and Advance Northumberland to funding, mentoring and networking for a tourism-led market town.
Mother and Baby Writing Circles at Alnwick Playhouse
MotherFolk runs a weekly mother and baby writing circle at No. 32 in Alnwick Playhouse, a gentle, baby-friendly space to write, reflect and meet other new parents in Alnwick.
Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts in Alnwick: A Parents' Guide
A parents' guide to Girlguiding and Scouting in and around Alnwick: the sections by age, the local groups, how to sign your child up, what it costs, and how to volunteer.
Visiting Lilidorei: A Family Guide to the World's Largest Play Structure
Everything you need to plan a day at Lilidorei, the Alnwick Garden's magical play village: the nine clans, the giant Elfwin Drin tower, tickets, best ages, food and Free Fridays.
Halloween in Alnwick
Arguably the North East's best Halloween town: family half-term at Alnwick Castle, Spookydorei at the Alnwick Garden, a ghost walk through the old streets and haunted Chillingham nearby.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Alnwick
A calm, practical guide to the first steps after a death in Alnwick, registering the death in Northumberland, arranging a funeral, and where to find local help and support.
The Best Independent Shops in Alnwick
Alnwick is one of Northumberland's best towns for independent shopping. From Barter Books to family butchers, delis, boutiques and galleries, here is where to shop local.
How to Find a Good Tradesperson in Alnwick
Hiring a builder, electrician or plumber in Alnwick? Here is how to check credentials, get fair quotes and avoid the common pitfalls, plus where to find trusted local trades.
Crew Clothing to Open in Former Baileys Café on Bondgate Within
The national fashion brand Crew Clothing is set to take over a prominent empty unit on Bondgate Within, the former Baileys café, and is already recruiting a store manager, a welcome vote of confidence in Alnwick town centre.
Best Wedding Venues in Alnwick
From the ramparts of Alnwick Castle to coastal country houses and restored Northumberland barns, some of the finest wedding venues in the North East.
Restoration Works Begin on Alnwick's Northumberland Hall
Specialist contractors have begun the first phase of restoration on the Grade I listed Northumberland Hall, starting the rescue of a water-damaged landmark set to become Bailiffgate Museum's new home.
Alnwick's Building Trade Turns Out for Launch of New Jewson Branch
A purpose-built Jewson has opened at Lionheart Enterprise Park, with a launch day of food trucks, guest appearances and prize draws, and four new jobs for the town.
Best Summer Sports Camps in Alnwick
Multi-sport holiday camps, tennis coaching, leisure-centre activity clubs, and swimming crash courses -- a guide to summer sports camps for children in Alnwick.
The Alnwick Garden Marks 25 Years with a Summer of Celebration
The Alnwick Garden celebrates its silver anniversary this summer with a Proms-style concert on the lawn and a fundraising 5K in aid of its Bright Garden Appeal.
Northumberland Monopoly Unveiled at Alnwick Castle, Have Your Say
A Northumberland edition of Monopoly has been announced at Alnwick Castle, and residents are invited to nominate the local places and landmarks that should feature. Nominations close on 26 July.
The Range Opens at Willowburn, Filling the Old Homebase Unit
The Range has opened a home, garden and leisure superstore in the former Homebase at Willowburn Retail Park, complete with a Garden Centre by Homebase and retained ex-Homebase staff.
Best Children's Party Entertainers in Alnwick
Magic, face painting, princess characters, and a kids' disco, a guide to children's party entertainers who genuinely cover Alnwick and north Northumberland.
Clay Shoots at Hulne Priory Raise Nearly £70,000 for NE Youth
Two clay-pigeon shoots at Hulne Priory near Alnwick raised close to £69,000 for youth development charity NE Youth, drawing dozens of teams from local businesses and beyond.
Bailiffgate Museum's Move to Northumberland Hall Takes Shape
Interior restoration is under way on Alnwick's Bailiffgate Museum's new home in the Grade I listed Northumberland Hall, a move set to roughly triple the museum's size.
Alnwick Bus Station Transformation Reaches a New Milestone
Paving and landscaping work is under way at Alnwick bus station, part of the wider Borderlands regeneration of the town centre, with 25 new trees and rain gardens planned.
Bailiffgate Museum's Summer Show Revisits Alnwick from Ration Books to Moon Landings
The volunteer-run museum's summer exhibition explores everyday life in the Alnwick area from 1950 to 1970, drawing on its archive of objects, documents and sound recordings.
The Alnwick Garden Has Added £400m to the North East Economy, New Report Finds
An independent Newcastle University Business School study, published for the Garden's 25th anniversary, finds it has contributed £400m in GVA and welcomed over nine million visitors since 2001.
Oat and Olive Opens in the Former Turnbull's Butchers on Market Street
A 50-cover cafe and bistro has opened in the carefully restored former Turnbull's butchers on Market Street, with five holiday apartments above and several new local jobs.
Best Sunday Lunch in Alnwick
From a farm-to-table roast at the Adam and Eve to a traditional carvery at The Oaks, here are the best places for Sunday lunch in Alnwick.
Local Museums and Archives Near Alnwick
Bailiffgate Museum in a listed church, Alnwick Castle's collections, the Fusiliers Museum, and the Northumberland Archives at Woodhorn -- a guide to the museums and archives within reach of Alnwick.
Historic Trades and Crafts of Alnwick
Tanners, cordwainers, blacksmiths, weavers, coopers, and the ten incorporated companies of freemen -- the traditional trades that sustained Alnwick as a market town for centuries.
Allotments and Community Gardens in Alnwick
Four town council sites with over 130 plots, a community allotment run by the Gallery Youth Project, and a town where allotment provision is four times the national average.
Volunteer Groups in Alnwick
From The Alnwick Garden's Elderberries group to Bailiffgate Museum, Hospice Care charity shops, and North Northumberland's volunteer network.
Alnwick in World War II
RAF Boulmer, the castle as a wartime school, evacuees from Newcastle, the Home Guard, and the war memorial with 76 names -- Alnwick in the Second World War.
Heritage Walking Trail: A Self-Guided Tour of Alnwick
From Alnwick Castle to Barter Books, a self-guided walking trail through 900 years of history -- medieval gatehouses, the Percy dynasty, cobbled streets, and one of the finest gardens in England.
The Percy Dynasty: 700 Years at Alnwick Castle
From Henry de Percy's purchase in 1309 through Harry Hotspur, the Wars of the Roses, the Gunpowder Plot, and the Duchess's Alnwick Garden -- the story of one of England's great dynasties and the castle they have called home for seven centuries.
Best Ice Cream in Alnwick
The Alnwick Ice Cream Parlour, Carlo's Gelateria, and Sarah's farm parlour -- where to find the best ice cream in and around Alnwick.
Alnwick on Screen: Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Beyond
From Harry Potter's first broomstick lesson to Downton Abbey's Brancaster Castle and a Transformers blockbuster -- a guide to Alnwick Castle's life on screen.
Alnwick's Medieval Gates and Walls
Hotspur Tower, Pottergate Tower, and the medieval town walls -- a walking guide to Alnwick's 15th-century defences, built to protect a border market town from Scottish raids.
Hulne Priory and Hulne Park
A guide to Hulne Park and its ruined Carmelite priory -- one of the earliest in England, founded by a returning crusader in the 1240s. Free to visit, but no dogs or bikes allowed.
History of Alnwick
From Anglo-Saxon origins on the River Aln through the Percy dynasty, medieval market town, border warfare, and centuries of transformation -- the full history of Alnwick, Northumberland.
Best Care Homes in Alnwick
Three CQC Good-rated care homes in Alnwick offering residential, nursing, and dementia care in the heart of Northumberland.
Best After-School Clubs in Alnwick
Community after-school clubs, swimming squads, leisure centre activities, and soft play -- the best after-school clubs and activities for children in Alnwick.
Best Solicitors in Alnwick
From a Market Place practice that has served Alnwick since 1894 to a leading Northumberland firm on Bondgate Without, here are the best solicitors in Alnwick.
Summer Holiday Activities in Alnwick: The Complete Guide for Families
Castle adventures, Lilidorei, beach days, swimming, and the library reading challenge -- everything you need to fill six weeks of summer in Alnwick.
Best Electricians in Alnwick
NICEIC-registered contractors, solar PV specialists, and over 50 years of local experience -- the best electricians in Alnwick.
Best Plumbers in Alnwick
Gas Safe registered engineers, heat pump specialists, and LPG experts -- the best plumbers in and around Alnwick.
Find a Tutor in Alnwick
Northumberland Music Service, language classes, art workshops, and online platforms -- your guide to finding private tuition in Alnwick.
Best Brunch in Alnwick
From Mediterranean-inspired dishes on Market Street to hearty breakfasts in the Market Place, here are the best spots for brunch in Alnwick.
Photography Spots in Alnwick
From Alnwick Castle reflected in the River Aln to bluebells on the Moor, here are the best spots for photography in and around Alnwick.
Best Massage in Alnwick
Head spa treatments, bodywork therapy, and spa day packages -- where to get a great massage in and around Alnwick.
Quiz Nights in Alnwick
At least three Alnwick pubs run regular quiz nights. Here's which night, which pub, and what to expect.
EV Charging Points in Alnwick
Ultra-rapid IONITY chargers, an Osprey hub at Willowburn, and council car park units -- where to charge an electric car in and around Alnwick.
Charity Shops in Alnwick
Five charity shops on Bondgate Within and Narrowgate -- including Oxfam, two Cancer Research UK shops, The Salvation Army, and Mind.
Best Chinese & Thai Restaurants in Alnwick
Yan's for Chinese, Leo for Thai -- the two best Asian restaurants in Alnwick.
Best Soft Play Centres Near Alnwick
Willowburn Leisure Centre, The Lion's Den, and Castle Mania in Amble, the best soft play options within easy reach of Alnwick.
Best Estate Agents in Alnwick
Four estate agents have offices in Alnwick's town centre. Here's who does what -- from an award winner on Market Street to a luxury property specialist.
Best Cocktail Bars & Drinks in Alnwick
Flower Cafe by night, Pig in Muck cocktails, and pints at the Dirty Bottles, evening drinks in Alnwick.
Best Butchers in Alnwick
Turnbull's (sixth generation, since 1880), the Food Hall, and Market Place Butchery, butchers in Alnwick.
Best Indian Restaurants in Alnwick
Mumbai Flavours and Sherkhan, the best Indian restaurants in Alnwick.
Best Italian Restaurants in Alnwick
Di Sopra and Caffe Tirreno, the two Italian restaurants in the heart of Alnwick.
Best Pizza in Alnwick
Di Sopra, Pizza Rosso, and Ristorante Tirreno, the best pizza in Alnwick.
Best Beer Gardens in Alnwick
The Dirty Bottles, Hog's Head Inn, and the Treehouse, beer gardens in and around Alnwick.
Baby & Toddler Groups in Alnwick
Mini Michaels, Hartbeeps, family hub, and baby swimming, parent and toddler groups in Alnwick.
Birthday Party Venues in Alnwick
Lilidorei party huts, Willowburn pool, and Alnwick Castle, birthday party venues in Alnwick.
A Rainy Day in Alnwick
Barter Books, the Playhouse, Bailiffgate Museum, and the Treehouse, rainy day activities in Alnwick.
Best Playgrounds in Alnwick
Lilidorei (world's largest play structure), Swansfield Park, and local play areas in Alnwick.
Best Bakeries in Alnwick
Bread and Roses sourdough, Trotters Family Bakers (since 1969), bakeries in Alnwick.
Best Barbers in Alnwick
Clippers, Trotters, and Hotspur Barbers, the best barbers in Alnwick.
Weekend in Alnwick, 48-Hour Itinerary
Saturday at the Castle, afternoon at Barter Books, evening at the Dirty Bottles. Sunday at the Garden and Hulne Park. Your 48-hour plan for Alnwick.
Best Streets to Live on in Alnwick
From Georgian townhouses on Bondgate to new builds at Willowburn Park, the most desirable residential streets in Alnwick.
Running & Cycling in Alnwick
The Pastures parkrun, Hulne Park trails, the Alnwick Harriers, and cycling the Coast and Castles route, staying active in Alnwick.
Best Wedding Venues in and Around Alnwick
Alnwick Castle's Guest Hall, the Treehouse at the Garden, and Northumberland's finest country venues, where to get married near Alnwick.
Meditation in Alnwick
Mindfulness courses, guided sessions, and retreat options in and around Alnwick.
Yoga in Alnwick
From Tru Yoga on Fenkle Street to accessible classes at Willowburn, yoga in Alnwick for all levels.
Council Services in Alnwick
Bins, council tax, reporting issues, and the library, your guide to Northumberland County Council and Alnwick Town Council services.
Politics in Alnwick: Who Represents You
Your MP, county councillors, and town council, a factual guide to political representation in Alnwick.
Best Hotels & B&Bs in Alnwick
From the White Swan's Olympic Suite to boutique B&Bs in converted townhouses, where to stay in Alnwick.
Famous People from Alnwick
Harry Hotspur, the Astronomer Royal, a bookbinder who threw his typeface in the Thames, the famous people of Alnwick.
Skate Parks Near Alnwick
No full skatepark in town yet, but a pump track on Lindisfarne Road and options in Amble, Morpeth, and Ashington.
Churches in Alnwick
From the Grade I listed St Michael's to the Salvation Army, churches and places of worship in Alnwick.
Beer Festivals Near Alnwick
The Alnwick Beer Festival, the International Music Festival beer tent, and CAMRA's Newcastle fest, beer festivals near Alnwick.
Open Mic & Buskers Nights Near Alnwick
Monthly open mic at the Tanners Arms, weekly folk singaround at the John Bull, and live music across Alnwick's pubs.
The Oldest Pubs in Alnwick
The Dirty Bottles' sealed window from 1725, the Plough's 1714 inscription stone, and a pub crawl through Alnwick's history.
School Holidays: Northumberland Term Dates 2025-2027
Every half term, holiday, and INSET day for Northumberland schools in 2025-26 and 2026-27. What Alnwick parents need to know.
Best Vets in Alnwick
Two veterinary practices in Alnwick, from a mixed practice established in 1897 to an independent with longer appointments.
Best Physiotherapists in Alnwick
Private clinics and NHS self-referral options for physiotherapy in Alnwick, sports injuries, back pain, and rehabilitation.
Best Personal Trainers in Alnwick
From private gyms to group fitness classes, the best personal trainers and fitness coaches in Alnwick.
Best Opticians in Alnwick
Independent and high street opticians in Alnwick, eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses.
Best Nurseries in Alnwick
Day nurseries and school nurseries in Alnwick, Ofsted ratings, funded places, and what to look for.
Best Financial Advisers in Alnwick
Independent and restricted financial advisers in Alnwick, pensions, investments, and mortgage advice.
Best Dog Groomers in Alnwick
Salon, mobile, and self-service dog grooming in and around Alnwick.
Best Counsellors & Therapists in Alnwick
BACP and UKCP registered counsellors and therapists in Alnwick, specialisms, fees, and how to choose.
Best Cleaners in Alnwick
Domestic, commercial, and holiday cottage cleaning services in Alnwick and the surrounding area.
Best Builders in Alnwick
Extensions, renovations, and new builds, the best builders serving Alnwick and Northumberland.
Best Accountants in Alnwick
Chartered accountants and tax advisers in Alnwick, from established ICAEW firms to specialist advisers.
Best Dentists in Alnwick
Four dental practices in Alnwick, NHS, private, and an Urgent Dental Access Centre. Addresses, phone numbers, and tips.
Free Things to Do in Alnwick
Hulne Park, the castle grounds, Barter Books, Bailiffgate Museum, and market days, the best free days out in Alnwick.
Best Takeaways in Alnwick
Indian, Chinese, pizza, and fish and chips, the best takeaways in Alnwick for delivery and collection.
Best Breakfast in Alnwick
From Baileys on Bondgate to the Station Buffet at Barter Books, the best breakfast spots in Alnwick.
Best Gyms in Alnwick
From the leisure centre at Willowburn to independent gyms on Fenkle Street, every fitness option in Alnwick.
Swimming in Alnwick
Willowburn's 25-metre pool, the Alnwick Dolphins club, and open-water options along the coast.
Best Schools in Alnwick
The Duchess's High School, three primary schools, and what parents need to know about Alnwick's two-tier system.
Dog-Friendly Alnwick
No dogs in Hulne Park or the Garden, but riverside walks, dog-friendly pubs, and stunning nearby beaches. Your guide to Alnwick with a dog.
Best Walks from Alnwick
Hulne Park, the coastal path to Dunstanburgh Castle, the River Aln, and the walk to Alnmouth, four walks from Alnwick.
Where to Park in Alnwick
Free disc parking in town, Castle car park, and Garden car park, every option with prices and tips for busy summer weekends.
Best Fish and Chips in Alnwick
From a Five Star Quality Award winner on Market Street to a takeaway with delivery, the best fish and chips in Alnwick.
The Alnwick Garden: The Complete Guide
The Grand Cascade, the Poison Garden, the world's largest play structure, and a restaurant in the trees, everything you need to know about The Alnwick Garden.
Alnwick Castle: The Complete Visitor Guide
700 years of history, Harry Potter broomstick lessons, falconry displays, and Italianate State Rooms, the complete guide to visiting Alnwick Castle.
Best Cafes in Alnwick
From cocktails at the Flower Cafe to browsing Barter Books with a coffee, the best cafes in Alnwick.
Best Pubs in Alnwick
The Dirty Bottles' sealed window, the Market Tavern's steaks, and a proper pub crawl route, the best pubs in Alnwick.
Best Restaurants in Alnwick
From fine dining at Sonnet 41 to dinner in a treehouse, the best places to eat in Alnwick.
Moving to Alnwick: The Complete Guide
Market town charm, a world-famous castle on the doorstep, and gateway to the Northumberland coast. Here's what to expect from life in Alnwick.
Things to Do in Alnwick: The Complete Guide
Alnwick Castle, the Poison Garden, Barter Books, Hulne Park, and a cobbled town centre full of independent shops, everything worth doing in Alnwick.
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This Weekend
Shakespeare in Action Workshop Series
10:00 AM · Alnwick Playhouse
Spookydorei Days at Lilidorei
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM from 24 October) · Lilidorei
The Pumpkin Garden at The Alnwick Garden
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM from 24 October) · The Alnwick Garden
Tastes Through Time at Alnwick Castle
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM · Alnwick Castle