Alnwick

Introducing Alnwick

Northumberland’s historic ducal town, Alnwick (no tongue gymnastics: just say ‘annick’) is an elegant maze of narrow cobbled streets spread out beneath the watchful gaze of a colossal medieval castle. Not only will you find England’s most perfect bookshop, but also the most visited attraction in the northeast at Alnwick Garden.

The castle is on the northern side of town and overlooks the River Aln. The tourist office (510665; www.alnwick.gov.uk; 2 The Shambles; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun) is by the marketplace, in a handsome building that was once a butcher’sshop.

There has been a market in Alnwick for over 800 years. Market days are Thursday and Saturday, with a farmers market on the last Friday of the month.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009