📌 Alnwick, Northumberland
★★★★
Once comprising the formal part of Alnwick Castle‘s grounds, The Alnwick Garden fell into disrepair during the 20th century but was restored by the Duchess of Northumberland Jane Percy around the turn of the millennium. It’s now an impressive sight once again, unusually grand in scale for northern England with some parts faintly reminiscent of the Gardens of Versailles. Visitors passing through the entrance gate are first greeted by the enormous Grand Cascade; hang around at one end of this for the regular, synchronised water fountain displays. The other main sections of the garden include an extensive, walled Ornamental Garden, rose garden, bamboo labyrinth and a Cherry Orchard with (strangely) dozens of wooden swings. Perhaps the most unusual area is the Poison Garden: enter by guided tour (for a nominal fee) and learn how each plant within can kill or harm you, entertainingly illustrated by stories about previous victims.
🌍 Location
📌 Greenwell Road, 5-min walk east of Alnwick town centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NU 191133
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.413551,-1.700526
🚌 Bus to Alnwick
🚗 Car park (charge)
📝 Key info
⌚ Generally open daily, some closures over the winter months – best in early summer
🎫 £17.05 adult / free for children – joint ticket with Lilidorei available
