Waaay back in October, while we were in England, we spontaneously decided to visit Alnwick one sunny afternoon. It was too nice to be indoors, so we skipped the castle and purchased tickets for the gardens instead. Being October, a lot of the flowers were already on their way out, but I still managed to take many, many pictures! There was a kind of treasure hunt for children which seemed to involve finding all the different fairy tales and nursery rhymes that were referenced throughout the gardens, and I took great delight in spotting fairy tale items as well, even though I didn’t have a sheet to fill in.
Alnwick itself is a pretty little town, and is home to the amazing second hand bookshop Barter Books, the place where the “Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan was first (re)discovered. It’s housed within the old Alnwick train station, with the bookshelves where the tracks used to be and space to sit and read in what used to be the waiting room. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit Barter Books that day, but if you ever find yourself in Alnwick you definitely should!
Before driving to Newcastle, where we were due to meet a friend for dinner, we of course had to stop on the Lion Bridge to grab a few shots of Alnwick Castle – which some of my may recognise from a certain film about a wizard with a lightning shaped scar… (others may know it from Blackadder).
Alnwick is one of my favourite places and I’m glad we got to have a stroll around the town and its gardens last time I was home!
I love Alnwick. We’ve been there on holiday a couple of times. Barter Books is an amazing, unique shop. We visited the castle and did some of then guided tours that are included. They were really interesting. I loved the Poison Garden and the amazing Treehouse in Alnwick Gardens too.
I love Alnwick too! We decided not to do the castle this time, but I have been in before.
Last year, we almost visited that place but then changed our mind last minute. I kind of regret it now.. seing your lovely pictures !
beautiful! but why didn’t you visit the castle?#monday escapes
I’ve been before and we only had time for one thing. It was too nice to be indoors, so the gardens won. (I’ve been to the gardens before too, when they first opened).
ok
They are glorious gardens, aren’t they? 🙂 A little expensive though.
Yes, they’re not the cheapest.
Alnwick is so pretty. I must visit again soon x
I love your photos of the gardens – it looks like quite a magical place.
Are those kids riding around on mini tractors?!
Gardens are always a win, it seems to be a rare occurrence that I go to them when they have all the flowers in bloom though! This one is particularly beautiful!
Ahh, little English towns, how I miss them! We’re off back to the UK in May, so I need to sort myself out a trip or two!
I think they were mini tractors. Pretty fun anyway.
Yes, definitely get some trips arranged! Little English towns are the best! (Except the town where my dad lives).
We skipped the castle too in favour of the gardens! I really want to go back especially loved the bamboo maze (that’s the where I am in my profile picture!).
I’ve never actually been to the town itself so need to go and of course, must go back to Barter- I’ve got a whole suitcase full of 1st editions to barter!x
I’ve been in the castle before. A long time ago admittedly, but I doubt it’s changed that much 😉
So beautiful!! Loved the photos, they remind me that spring is around the corner and I can’t wait to see some flowers blooming around here! 😀
Happy to have you on #MondayEscapes