Best Walks from Alnwick

Alnwick sits in one of the finest walking landscapes in England. Within minutes of the town centre you can be in ancient parkland, following the River Aln through woodland, or heading east towards the Northumberland coast. None of these walks require specialist gear -- just decent shoes and a willingness to get moving. Here are the best options.

Hulne Park

This is the walk that most visitors miss and most residents consider their favourite. Hulne Park covers around 3,000 acres of walled parkland immediately north of Alnwick, and entry is completely free.

The park offers three colour-coded walking routes, but the most rewarding is the red route to Hulne Priory. This circular walk from the Ratten Row entrance follows the River Aln through mature woodland before climbing to the remarkably well-preserved ruins of a 13th-century Carmelite friary. The priory sits on a hilltop with wide views across the Northumberland countryside -- on a clear day you can see the Cheviot Hills. Allow around two hours at a moderate pace for the full loop.

The park is managed by Northumberland Estates and is open to pedestrians only -- no cars, no bicycles, and no dogs. This makes it unusually peaceful. Opening hours are typically 11am to sunset, though the park closes on certain days for estate management.

Best for: Check the notice board at the Ratten Row entrance or the Alnwick Castle website before setting out. Hulne Park occasionally closes for estate work, and you don't want to arrive at a locked gate.

On the way back, look out for Brizlee Tower, a striking 18th-century folly built by the first Duke of Northumberland. It stands on the highest point of the park and was designed as a viewing tower -- the panorama from the top takes in the coast, the Cheviots, and the town below.

Alnwick to Alnmouth

Distance: 7km (4.5 miles) one way | Time: 2--2.5 hours | Terrain: Field paths, riverside, and sandy beach

This is the classic Alnwick walk and one of the best linear routes in Northumberland. The path leaves the southern edge of town and follows the River Aln downstream through farmland and riverside meadows before arriving at the coast at Alnmouth.

The final stretch is the highlight -- dropping down to the estuary and crossing onto the golden sands of Alnmouth Beach, with views out to Coquet Island. Alnmouth itself is a picture-postcard village of pastel-coloured houses, with several pubs and cafes where you can refuel before catching the bus back to Alnwick (the X18 runs regularly).

The route is mostly flat but crosses open fields, so it can be muddy after rain. Boots or sturdy walking shoes are recommended in winter and spring.

Best for: Make this a one-way walk and catch the bus back from Alnmouth. The Arriva X18 runs between Alnmouth and Alnwick roughly every hour.

River Aln Town Walk

Distance: 3km (2 miles) | Time: 45 mins--1 hour | Terrain: Paved and gravel paths, mostly flat

If you want a shorter stroll without leaving town, the River Aln walk is ideal. Start near the castle and follow the riverbank south past Lion Bridge -- a 1773 bridge guarded by the Percy lion, and one of the most photographed spots in Alnwick.

The path continues along the river through trees and open grass, with chances to spot herons, sea trout, and the occasional kingfisher. The route is largely flat and suitable for pushchairs, making it a good option for families with young children. You can loop back through the town centre for a coffee at Barter Books or one of the cafes on Bondgate Within.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) return | Time: 1--1.5 hours | Terrain: Coastal path, grassy and flat

Ten miles north-east of Alnwick, the walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is one of the most dramatic short walks in England. The route follows the coastline for about 1.3 miles from the harbour at Craster, with the jagged silhouette of the 14th-century castle growing larger with every step.

Dunstanburgh was built in 1313 by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and was deliberately placed to be imposing from a distance -- the approach on foot is exactly as it was designed to be experienced. The castle is managed by English Heritage and there is a small entry fee, but simply walking to the castle and back is free and spectacular.

The path is flat and grassy, exposed to the wind but easy going. After the walk, stop at The Jolly Fisherman in Craster for a bowl of their famous crab soup -- one of the best pub lunches on the Northumberland coast.

Best for: Craster is a 20-minute drive from Alnwick. There is a pay-and-display car park at the village. Arrive early on summer weekends -- it fills up.

For more on what Alnwick has to offer, see our guides to things to do in Alnwick and dog-friendly Alnwick.

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