Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years and remains a family home today for the 12th Duke and Duchess and their four children. The Percys, arriving from France with William the Conqueror in the 11th century, have been embroiled in the politics of the often bloody history of Britain, and the family is peppered with vivid characters.
Over the centuries the Percys have survived charges of treason, loss of land and property, rebellion, revolution, political intrigue, difficult economic circumstance and a rapidly changing social climate. That these challenges have been met and overcome is testament to the astuteness, strong sense of purpose and vision of the family.
Since Norman times, Alnwick Castle has been a constant presence in the landscape, evolving and adapting its purpose and appearance throughout the centuries.
The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden is one of the world’s most ambitious new gardens. The Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot is now a truly 21st century experience full of imagination, inspiration and fun. Designed by Jacques and Peter Wirtz, The Garden is a wonderful combination of spaces, themes, quirkiness and play.
From the tranquility of the Cherry Orchard, the excitement of the Grand Cascade and the mysteries of the Bamboo Labyrinth, to the Serpent Garden’s spell-binding water sculptures, the intrigue of the Poison Garden and one of the world’s largest tree houses – there is plenty to surprise and delight.
The Garden is a space designed to be enjoyed by all your senses, with a collection of over 4,000 plant varieties to discover, thousands of seasonal blooms and countless opportunities to get wet and play in The Garden’s water sculptures.
Day Trip - Pick up Code 4
Morpeth: Bus Station - 09:00
Pegswood: Opposite Cookswell Garage - 08:55
Pegswood: Train Station Bus Stop - 08:52
Ashington: Sports Direct - 08:45
Ashington: The Elephant Pub - 08:40
Stakeford: Morpeth Road, Half Moon Bus Stop - 08:35
Stakeford: Opposite The Cherry Tree Pub - 08:32
Guidepost: The Square Bus Stop - 08:30
Choppington: Opposite The Travellers Rest - 08:27
Bedlington: Market Square Bus Stop - 08:20
Blyth: Job Centre, Percy Street - 08:05
Cramlington: Manor Walks, near Sainsburys - 07:45