A family holiday to Alnwick could be just the thing to keep the kids entertained for a week away. Nestled in Northumberland, Alnwick is a often overlooked by holiday makers due to its very northern location and expectations of harsh weather and bleak landscapes, yet these perceptions could not be further away from reality.
Alnwick is of course most renowned for its medieval castle which was most famously used as part of the Harry Potter set. A day out at this magical castle provides many themed tours for children and families including workshops involving Broomstick training, The Knight’s Quest, The Dragon’s Quest and other exciting interactive activities.
Another exhilarating visit is just mere minutes away from the castle. Alnwick Gardens is actually a relatively recent creation. Over the last ten years, this project which was envisioned and overseen by the Duchess of Northumberland has created a beautiful public space for everyone to enjoy. The garden has many exciting features, which once again will certainly not leave the kids moaning at being made to look at “boring plants”, in fact, quite the opposite. The garden is host to all sorts of exotic poisonous plants a maze an a giant, cascading fountain. An exhilarating day such as this is bound to leave you hungry, so a great place to refuel is the tree-top restaurant in the gardens, where food is renowned for being delicious and locally sourced.
Getting around the area is best done by bicycle. Although not completely flat, the surrounding areas are breathtaking, with coastal views and the quiet roads in the area make cycling a low stress and invigorating experience. A bike ride to nearby coastal villages such as Alnmouth Beach where 18th century Victorian architecture can still be found, and you can stop for home-cooked food and accompanied by traditional locally brewed ales. Also nearby is Boulmer Beach, a pretty seaside village where you can take your shoes off and pad into the sea across white sand, before heading into The Fisher Boat Inn, a pub once the favourite of pirates and smugglers!
Most important is finding somewhere to stay whilst holidaying in Alnwick. If taking the family, the best options are to find a self catering apartment or camping, so that noise is not an issue and you can enjoy more family privacy and freedoms. Baileygate House can sleep up to 6 people from £400 a week, with the loan of essential baby care such as cots and high chairs. If pitching a tent or a caravan is more your thing, then book in at Proctor’s Stead, a camp site with 60 pitches for tents, caravans and motor homes from £12 a night. For the couple getaway, Bow House will give you a beautiful spacious room, starting from £37.50 pppn whilst 5 star accommodation at West Acre House will be just the treat you need for a relaxing stay away from home, set in a beautiful Edwardian style country house, with a patio and garden to relax in when the weather is nice!
For more information about what you can do, see and experience in Alnwick, head to the visitor’s website.
