With some of the greatest and most dynamic rural landscapes in the country, Northumberland draws a great many visitors each year. Some come for the incredible coastline and associated activities, others for the deep cultural history detailed in the castles and other historic sights.
Yet more enjoy the myriad of outdoor activities all set within stunning natural scenery, dotted with charming market towns. Voted the most picturesque of these towns and also one of the best places in the country to live is Alnwick and while residents are well aware of its boundless charms visitors can make full use of the high quality accommodation provided by the numerous Alnwick hotels.
Situated some 30 miles south of Berwick upon Tweed and the Scottish Border, the town occupies a spot 5 miles inland from the town of Alnmouth, on the stunning northern coast of Northumberland. Convenient for such notable coastal attractions such as the holy isle of Lindisfarne and a great many water sports such as diving, fishing, sailing and kite surfing, the town itself has some great attractions to come home to and in the incredible countryside surrounds. Alnwick hotels place guests at a point from which the best of Northumberland may be easily discovered.
The main feature of the town is its castle, a fortress which has defended the town against numerous ancient battles. The castle is home to the Duke of Northumberland and dominates the town with its imposing size and Grade I listed historic appeal.
The castle and adjacent Alnwick Garden are open to visitors and together form the major summer attractions of Northumberland. In the centre of town lies the marketplace, from which the major shopping streets continue the ancient commercial theme of this famous market town. The town is not large and so Alnwick hotels are convenient for all its shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and sights.
There are some grand buildings in town as befits its historically important status. Among these is the old railway station, which is now one of the largest second hand bookshops in the country, and the Robert Adam designed folly, the Brizlee Tower. Some of the Alnwick hotels occupy grand buildings too and offer the kind of luxury accommodation not usually expected from a town of its size. There are also terrific country house estate hotels within easy reach of the town, and these are associated with a great number of leisure facilities and event spaces for private functions and corporate retreats.
A visit to the Bailiffgate Museum is a must do for anyone who wants to get a deeper insight into the colourful history of the town and for those looking for more contemporary attractions there is the playhouse, which stages all manner of performance and visual arts. There is also a sports and leisure centre nearby and countless outdoor sports and activities, including no less than 13 golf courses within 30 minutes of the town and opportunities for cycling, horse riding, hiking and rock climbing all within easy reach.
Overall Alnwick is a picture postcard town in the North of England. It typifies the traditional ancient English Market town. Not only has this town been voted the best place to live in Britain, but the ancient nature of the place, combined with the magnificent castle make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
