Discover Alnwick
The Percys' castle above the Aln, a poison garden behind black gates, and a bookshop in the old station
The Duke's town, inside its old walls
Alnwick, said Annick, is a stone-built market town in north Northumberland, on the south bank of the River Aln. The Percy family bought the castle in 1309 and still live there as Dukes of Northumberland, and the town grew up below it inside a ring of walls whose east gate, the Bondgate Tower, still takes the traffic.
The castle is the reason most people come, together with The Alnwick Garden next door. Stay a little longer and the town gives you a Thursday and Saturday market on the cobbles, a museum in an old church on Bailiffgate, a walled park to walk in, and a bookshop in the station that closed in 1968.
What's On
Upcoming events and things happening in Alnwick
Winter Lights at The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei
Light trail through the garden and Lilidorei, 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, timed tickets.
The Alnwick Garden Christmas Fair
Free indoor Christmas fair in the garden's Pavilion, 21 and 22 November 2026.
Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair
Preview evening and market day in the castle's Guest Hall, 24 and 25 November 2026; ticketed.
Festive Alnwick Markets
The town market's December weekends, indoors in the garden's Pavilion; free.
Alnwick Right Now
The castle grounds, the garden and Hulne Park are outdoors, so bring a waterproof. For a wet day, Barter Books, the Bailiffgate Museum and the castle's State Rooms are under cover.
Where To Eat
From fine dining to casual favourites
The Treehouse
Lunch and dinner up in the lime trees at the garden gate; no garden ticket needed to eat.
Sonnet
One tasting menu, booked online only, opposite the Playhouse; closed Sunday and Monday.
The Station Buffet at Barter Books
Plain food and tea in a rediscovered room of the old station, inside Barter Books.