Allotments and Community Gardens in Alnwick

Alnwick has a long and proud allotment tradition. The town's provision is roughly four times the national average, a legacy of the days when allotment plots peaked at around 370 between the two world wars. Today there are around 180 plots across several sites, and demand remains strong. Here is the guide.

Allotment Sites in Alnwick

Alnwick Town Council operates four allotment sites with over 130 individual plots:

Ratten Row -- the largest site with 72 plots, located between Alnwynside and Hulne Park. The majority of plots have their own water supply. A popular and well-established site with fine views.

St James's -- located between Victoria Road and St Georges Crescent with 13 plots and water on the site.

St George's -- home to both traditional allotment plots and a community growing project.

Cawledge View -- located at the rear of Alnwick Cemetery with three allotment plots. No water supply on this site.

Best for: Alnwick's allotment provision is roughly four times the national average -- a legacy of the town's strong growing tradition stretching back to the wars.

Other allotment sites within the town are managed by Northumberland Estates, the Duke of Northumberland's land management organisation.

How to Apply

Download the waiting list application form from the Alnwick Town Council website and return it to the council offices. The council will contact you when a plot becomes available.

Plot sizes and costs: Standard and half plots are available. Contact the Town Council for current rental rates.

Community Growing

The Gallery Youth Project Community Allotment at St George's was created when a group of local organisations teamed up to take over an overgrown plot, with the aim of creating a safe, inclusive space that improves health and wellbeing through social prescribing. The project is open to local individuals and community groups.

The Alnwick Garden also inspires growing through its educational programmes, and volunteers help maintain the 12-acre garden throughout the year.

What People Grow

Alnwick's inland Northumberland location means a slightly shorter growing season than the coast, but the soil is good and the sheltered river valley provides reasonable conditions. Standard allotment crops do well: potatoes, onions, leeks, brassicas, runner beans, beetroot, carrots, and soft fruit. Fruit trees and rhubarb are common on established plots. Polytunnels are essential for tender crops.

---

Know a community growing project in Alnwick we should feature? Get in touch via our contact page.