Visit Historic Alnwick

Fall in Love with a Beautiful Town

Alnwick Castle

Visit Alnwick, a thriving Northumberland market town steeped in ancient history, and take a step back in time. Alnwick’s past is rich with battles against the marauding Scots during the time of the border raids. Today’s visitors may be charmed by this pretty town’s bustling, friendly atmosphere, but the area has a turbulent back story.

Around the town, you’ll find various memorials to the wars that raged across the Scottish borders. A stone cross near the river marks the place where Malcolm III of Scotland was killed during the first Battle of Alnwick. In fact, due to the relentless frequency of raids by the Scots, at one time the whole town was enclosed by a high wall. Two gates in the wall remain intact today – Pottergate and Bondgate.

Although modern times are peaceful, ancient traditions and customs still play a large part in daily Alnwick life. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy festivals and events that have been celebrated for centuries.

Alnwick Castle, where the hugely successful Harry Potter movies are filmed, provides a spectacular backdrop to the town and is open all year to visitors. World-renowned Alnwick Garden, with its cutting edge landscaping, creative planting and year-round events schedule has attracted millions of visitors to Alnwick since it opened in 2001.

Alnwick really does have something to offer everyone. In the following months, we’ll be turning the spotlight on some great places to visit and events to enjoy in the area.

The Bondgate Boutique

The Bondgate Boutique is a hotel conveniently located in the centre of this unique town. It’s the ideal base for your visit. You’ll also find the proprietors, Charlotte and Leo, are keen to share their local knowledge with you and are happy to recommend the best places to visit.