The Alnwick Garden and Castle
Despite both being on the same site (and owned by Percy family) the Gardens and Castle are separate attractions. Neither is particularly cheap, but both are worth a visit. The Garden is open all year around; the Castle closes for the winter so it is worth checking ahead. - there are links in the text above.
The Garden is a more recent addition (redeveloped and opened to the public in 2001) and well worth repeated visits across the year if you. The formal, walled garden obviously changes throughout the year, but there’s plenty of variety across the garden. Highlights include the water features, the Poison Garden and, in spring, the cherry blossom from the more than three hundred Taihaku. The trees omnly blossom for a couple of weeks, so it is worth keeping an eye on social media if you want to catch them.
The Alnwick Garden, May 2024.
The Castle
The earliest parts of the Castle pre-date the gardens by around 900 years and has been home to the Percy family since the mid-1300s. As well as being the seat of the Duke of Northumberland, the castle has a storied history given the family’s role in shaping some of the history of England.
The history of both castle and family are well laid out and, in addition to the castle itself, the grounds are also worth exploring. That said, there is an argument that some of the best views are to be had from the pathways that run alongside the River Aln.
Alnwick Castle, June 2025.
