Carpenters Cottage - Visiting Alnwick and Northumberland Guide
Castles
About 10 minutes walk away are the Castle and Gardens, the castle is open during the summer months, for lovers of history, architecture and Harry Potter its one of the best castles in England and on your doorstep.
281 locals recommend
Alnwick Castle
About 10 minutes walk away are the Castle and Gardens, the castle is open during the summer months, for lovers of history, architecture and Harry Potter its one of the best castles in England and on your doorstep.
An impressive ruin on the coastline between Craster and Embleton, its well worth the walk from either. Park in Craster car park and head North or Embleton and head South. An English Heritage site so members or Barclays Premier customers enter free. It covers a large site and has magnificent views which are as good on a clear or stormy day! The Jolly Fisherman pub at Craster makes a good start or end (or both) to the journey.
68 locals recommend
National Trust - Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh RoadAn impressive ruin on the coastline between Craster and Embleton, its well worth the walk from either. Park in Craster car park and head North or Embleton and head South. An English Heritage site so members or Barclays Premier customers enter free. It covers a large site and has magnificent views which are as good on a clear or stormy day! The Jolly Fisherman pub at Craster makes a good start or end (or both) to the journey.
Warkworth village is a classic Norman layout and the imposing castle should be on the top 5 to visit. Again, English Heritage own and run the site so members and Barclays Premier guests get free access and parking. A great audio tour is provided. Often events are hosted throughout the year in the grounds and the impressively sized and designed keep gives a good understanding of life in the period. Take a walk down by the Coquet river at the base of the castle to the Hermitage (crossing provided by Mick the Boatman), to an early single person religious hermits cave carved into the cliffside. Finish off with a drink or food in the Mason's down in town.
49 locals recommend
Warkworth Castle
Castle TerraceWarkworth village is a classic Norman layout and the imposing castle should be on the top 5 to visit. Again, English Heritage own and run the site so members and Barclays Premier guests get free access and parking. A great audio tour is provided. Often events are hosted throughout the year in the grounds and the impressively sized and designed keep gives a good understanding of life in the period. Take a walk down by the Coquet river at the base of the castle to the Hermitage (crossing provided by Mick the Boatman), to an early single person religious hermits cave carved into the cliffside. Finish off with a drink or food in the Mason's down in town.
The large and impressive castle at Bamburgh towers over all around it and is privately owned. The surrounding beaches are impeccable and recent winners of the best in Britain.
235 locals recommend
Bamburgh Castle
40 The WyndingThe large and impressive castle at Bamburgh towers over all around it and is privately owned. The surrounding beaches are impeccable and recent winners of the best in Britain.
Holy Island is always worth a visit for walkers around the island, or the chance not to get cut off when the causeway is covered at high tide (check daily timings). The beaches provide good views of the coastline and the compact castle on the hill run by the National Trust is worth a visit. You can climb up to the exterior for good views of the Abbey and town without paying to enter if you are not NT members.
36 locals recommend
Lindisfarne Castle
Holy Island is always worth a visit for walkers around the island, or the chance not to get cut off when the causeway is covered at high tide (check daily timings). The beaches provide good views of the coastline and the compact castle on the hill run by the National Trust is worth a visit. You can climb up to the exterior for good views of the Abbey and town without paying to enter if you are not NT members.
Edlingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2BW
Edlingham Castle is actually the remains of a fortified manor house, some of it boasting a disturbing sideways lean, from the time of the border wars and reivers built to protect the inhabitants from the fighting between the Scots and the English. Now a free to visit English Heritage ruin its close by to Alnwick, has several nice walking footpaths adjacent and a very old 11th century church next to it.
The majority of the building dates from the 14th century.
Edlingham
Edlingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2BW
Edlingham Castle is actually the remains of a fortified manor house, some of it boasting a disturbing sideways lean, from the time of the border wars and reivers built to protect the inhabitants from the fighting between the Scots and the English. Now a free to visit English Heritage ruin its close by to Alnwick, has several nice walking footpaths adjacent and a very old 11th century church next to it.
The majority of the building dates from the 14th century.
Beaches
Our family favourite beach, parking is easy although may be worth buying a weeks pass if coming down more than once as its only 10 minutes drive from Carpenter's Cottage. Alnmouth Beach provides a huge area of playable sand for children (and adults) miles of walking, is close to town with the important facilities on hand and has great views. The is water is typically shallow and the tide moves out a good distance so great paddling for younger children. Often used by kite flyers and canoeists too.
36 locals recommend
Alnmouth Beach
Our family favourite beach, parking is easy although may be worth buying a weeks pass if coming down more than once as its only 10 minutes drive from Carpenter's Cottage. Alnmouth Beach provides a huge area of playable sand for children (and adults) miles of walking, is close to town with the important facilities on hand and has great views. The is water is typically shallow and the tide moves out a good distance so great paddling for younger children. Often used by kite flyers and canoeists too.
Just North of Dunstanburgh castle, parking is at the side of the road near the golf club (or pay to go in the golf club). Walk over the dunes to a huge soft sand beach.
16 locals recommend
Embleton Bay
Just North of Dunstanburgh castle, parking is at the side of the road near the golf club (or pay to go in the golf club). Walk over the dunes to a huge soft sand beach.
Award winning vast flat sand beaches around Bamburgh are great for walking, paddling, sand castle building and all else. Good rock pooling at the "Seahouses end".
32 locals recommend
Bamburgh Beach
Award winning vast flat sand beaches around Bamburgh are great for walking, paddling, sand castle building and all else. Good rock pooling at the "Seahouses end".
Druridge Bay is a huge area of coastline with much to do and walk upon backed by large dunes. A good visitors centre also has a great childrens adventure playground outside and plenty of parking. Just south of Amble about 15 minutes from Alnwick.
31 locals recommend
Druridge Bay
Druridge Bay is a huge area of coastline with much to do and walk upon backed by large dunes. A good visitors centre also has a great childrens adventure playground outside and plenty of parking. Just south of Amble about 15 minutes from Alnwick.
A very small beach but with a couple of big bonuses, lots of rocks, rock pools and quite a few fossils to be found. Drive into Howick village from Alnwick towards the farm/holiday cottages by the sea and you will come to some parking at the edge of the road. About 1/4 mile walk down. The beach is a small cove with lots of rock pools and more of these if you climb up to rocks to the right. Great walking along the coastal path in either direction.
Howick
A very small beach but with a couple of big bonuses, lots of rocks, rock pools and quite a few fossils to be found. Drive into Howick village from Alnwick towards the farm/holiday cottages by the sea and you will come to some parking at the edge of the road. About 1/4 mile walk down. The beach is a small cove with lots of rock pools and more of these if you climb up to rocks to the right. Great walking along the coastal path in either direction.
Sightseeing
Something for everyone in our favourite National Trust location, the house and its history are immense in most senses of the word and show Victorian innovation at its best, the grounds, gardens, walks and more in the estate can occupy several days on their own. We enjoy the walks around the Crag End Quarry part way round the circular driving route (children over 6/7, sensible shoes..)
106 locals recommend
National Trust - Cragside
Something for everyone in our favourite National Trust location, the house and its history are immense in most senses of the word and show Victorian innovation at its best, the grounds, gardens, walks and more in the estate can occupy several days on their own. We enjoy the walks around the Crag End Quarry part way round the circular driving route (children over 6/7, sensible shoes..)
While the house is interesting, the grounds and particularly opportunities for would be den-builders are the biggest sell. a bit of drive from Alnwick but worth it and can be tagged in on your way back if heading south.
42 locals recommend
National Trust Wallington
While the house is interesting, the grounds and particularly opportunities for would be den-builders are the biggest sell. a bit of drive from Alnwick but worth it and can be tagged in on your way back if heading south.
The accessible parts of the house are well preserved but the grounds take the main stage in the visit, if you can time it for the Snow Drops or Daffodils your on a winner and very close to Howick beach to double up for the day. Pleasant cafe...
25 locals recommend
Howick Hall Gardens
The accessible parts of the house are well preserved but the grounds take the main stage in the visit, if you can time it for the Snow Drops or Daffodils your on a winner and very close to Howick beach to double up for the day. Pleasant cafe...
Take a boat trip from Seahouses to see (time of year dependent) Puffings, Seals, Dolphins, Terns, and much more sea life plus the many lighthouses dating back to Elizabethan times. If you have visited the Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh, it gives you an idea how impressive the feat was. You can book ahead or turn up on the day if you want to check out the sea first.
26 locals recommend
Farne Islands
Take a boat trip from Seahouses to see (time of year dependent) Puffings, Seals, Dolphins, Terns, and much more sea life plus the many lighthouses dating back to Elizabethan times. If you have visited the Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh, it gives you an idea how impressive the feat was. You can book ahead or turn up on the day if you want to check out the sea first.
A small well run museum on the history of the Darling family particularly Grace, known for her courageous rescue of the crew and passengers of the wrecked SS Forfarshire on the Farne Islands during a storm. Huge amount of artefacts and worth pairing with a boat trip around the Farnes to see just what a feat it was (in a hand rowed boat)
13 locals recommend
RNLI Grace Darling Museum
Radcliffe RoadA small well run museum on the history of the Darling family particularly Grace, known for her courageous rescue of the crew and passengers of the wrecked SS Forfarshire on the Farne Islands during a storm. Huge amount of artefacts and worth pairing with a boat trip around the Farnes to see just what a feat it was (in a hand rowed boat)
One of our favourite places to explore Hadrians wall along with the well preserved fort behind it. Great walking start point also
13 locals recommend
Housesteads Roman Fort - Vercovicium - English Heritage Site
One of our favourite places to explore Hadrians wall along with the well preserved fort behind it. Great walking start point also
A must for all history buffs, those interested in the Romans and most else. A very large site with a good museum too, plenty to keep the family interested or fit into a 2 part day trip to the wall.
48 locals recommend
Vindolanda
A must for all history buffs, those interested in the Romans and most else. A very large site with a good museum too, plenty to keep the family interested or fit into a 2 part day trip to the wall.
Very easy to lose a day in the Alnwick Garden, impressively laid out and with lots to see and do. Bring lunch and picnic or there is a large cafe. Formal gardens, rose gardens, grand cascade waterfall, poison garden, bamboo maze, world largest Taihaku japansese cherry blossom orchard in the world (complete with swings)...
Children can play in a smaller area of fountains, bring a towel and change of clothes for when they get wet not listening to you.
123 locals recommend
The Alnwick Garden
Denwick LaneVery easy to lose a day in the Alnwick Garden, impressively laid out and with lots to see and do. Bring lunch and picnic or there is a large cafe. Formal gardens, rose gardens, grand cascade waterfall, poison garden, bamboo maze, world largest Taihaku japansese cherry blossom orchard in the world (complete with swings)...
Children can play in a smaller area of fountains, bring a towel and change of clothes for when they get wet not listening to you.
About 50 minutes South of Alnwick but a great day out with several days to "see it all" a complete living history museum of buildings relocated to the site from different periods, 1840's, coal mine, 1913 town, 1950's, 40's farm, railway (including Alnwicks old engine sheds). Bake it into your trip.
194 locals recommend
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
About 50 minutes South of Alnwick but a great day out with several days to "see it all" a complete living history museum of buildings relocated to the site from different periods, 1840's, coal mine, 1913 town, 1950's, 40's farm, railway (including Alnwicks old engine sheds). Bake it into your trip.
A small town but with a working harbour to visit the Farne Islands, a short walk from town to the beaches heading up to Bamburgh or the rivers and inlets on the south side. Grab some fish and chips from town.
67 locals recommend
Seahouses
A small town but with a working harbour to visit the Farne Islands, a short walk from town to the beaches heading up to Bamburgh or the rivers and inlets on the south side. Grab some fish and chips from town.
Shopping
If you want to visit another local town for a spot of shopping Morpeth is worth the short drive or is accessible by train and bus (from the end of Bridge St!). Good selection of shops, large park by the river with lido/paddling pool and adventure playground. Plenty of places to eat to boot.
71 locals recommend
Morpeth
If you want to visit another local town for a spot of shopping Morpeth is worth the short drive or is accessible by train and bus (from the end of Bridge St!). Good selection of shops, large park by the river with lido/paddling pool and adventure playground. Plenty of places to eat to boot.
About an hour and half drive or via train from Alnmouth, its easy to get to Scotland's extremely walkable capital which has to be one of Britains best cities on any measure.
285 locals recommend
Edinburgh
About an hour and half drive or via train from Alnmouth, its easy to get to Scotland's extremely walkable capital which has to be one of Britains best cities on any measure.
Given its only 5 minutes away there's no reason not to go a lot. Every book you could ever want, some you dont, trade in your old to get more! The cafe is excellent if you can find a spot in the old dining rooms. The former Alnwick Railway Station is now one of the best and largest second hand book stores in the country with more besides.
83 locals recommend
Barter Books
Given its only 5 minutes away there's no reason not to go a lot. Every book you could ever want, some you dont, trade in your old to get more! The cafe is excellent if you can find a spot in the old dining rooms. The former Alnwick Railway Station is now one of the best and largest second hand book stores in the country with more besides.
Walks
Miles of walking in the Dukes estates... amazing views from the top of Brizlee Hill over the Northumbrian countryside. Head into Alnwick onto Ratten Row (near Bailiff Gate) and follow the road. Go through the entry gates/tower and select one of the 3 circular walks of 4 to 6 miles. We've walked the 4 miler with children no problem.
Suggested Parking Area What-Three-Words App: backers.digitally.sensible
12 locals recommend
Hulne Park
Ratten RowMiles of walking in the Dukes estates... amazing views from the top of Brizlee Hill over the Northumbrian countryside. Head into Alnwick onto Ratten Row (near Bailiff Gate) and follow the road. Go through the entry gates/tower and select one of the 3 circular walks of 4 to 6 miles. We've walked the 4 miler with children no problem.
Suggested Parking Area What-Three-Words App: backers.digitally.sensible
For walkers of all levels, picking pretty much any point on the coastline gives plenty of opportunity. There is a good bus service from Alnwick (inc. just off Bridge St) which visits many of the smaller villages, so you can pick one and ride there and walk back and vice versa.
11 locals recommend
Northumberland Coast AONB
For walkers of all levels, picking pretty much any point on the coastline gives plenty of opportunity. There is a good bus service from Alnwick (inc. just off Bridge St) which visits many of the smaller villages, so you can pick one and ride there and walk back and vice versa.
Sections on the beach require this walk not to be at high tide!
Suggested Parking area using What-Three-Words app: perkily.shapeless.hopes
Parking in either Alnmouth itself or on the beachfront car park (between the sea and the golf course) the walk can be commenced from anywhere on the beach front between the mouth of the Aln and the car park entrance. Walk North along the beach heading towards Foxton/Boulmer with the sea on your right. Continue along between the sea and the golf course, eventually passing Marton Rocks (good rock pooling to be had). Continue along the beach around the small headland and over a mainly rocky area. Eventually a stone house will appear on overlooking the sea (Foxton). Follow the footpath leading off the beach up the steps. This will run upwards through (a different) golf course and the houses of Foxton. Follow the road up the hill until you reach the main Alnmouth-Boulmer road. There are good views over the inland and Alnwick from here with some benches over the road. Turning left walk back down the hill towards Alnmouth (some parts do not have a pavement so take care). Various fine viewpoints over the landscape and the River Aln on the right. Eventually the path will lead back down into Alnmouth near the Old School Gallery. Take a left at the roundabout back into town.
At this point at the Y junction near the Alnmouth Working Mens Club you can either turn left back to the beach car park along The Wynd or head into town via Northumberland St to complete the loop.
Going via town gives two options, either head down the main street/shops/pubs and eventually back to the beach or take a right down Garden Terrance, this leads down to a play park and the boat moorings and allows you to walk along the riverside back to the beach car park.
36 locals recommend
Alnmouth Beach
Sections on the beach require this walk not to be at high tide!
Suggested Parking area using What-Three-Words app: perkily.shapeless.hopes
Parking in either Alnmouth itself or on the beachfront car park (between the sea and the golf course) the walk can be commenced from anywhere on the beach front between the mouth of the Aln and the car park entrance. Walk North along the beach heading towards Foxton/Boulmer with the sea on your right. Continue along between the sea and the golf course, eventually passing Marton Rocks (good rock pooling to be had). Continue along the beach around the small headland and over a mainly rocky area. Eventually a stone house will appear on overlooking the sea (Foxton). Follow the footpath leading off the beach up the steps. This will run upwards through (a different) golf course and the houses of Foxton. Follow the road up the hill until you reach the main Alnmouth-Boulmer road. There are good views over the inland and Alnwick from here with some benches over the road. Turning left walk back down the hill towards Alnmouth (some parts do not have a pavement so take care). Various fine viewpoints over the landscape and the River Aln on the right. Eventually the path will lead back down into Alnmouth near the Old School Gallery. Take a left at the roundabout back into town.
At this point at the Y junction near the Alnmouth Working Mens Club you can either turn left back to the beach car park along The Wynd or head into town via Northumberland St to complete the loop.
Going via town gives two options, either head down the main street/shops/pubs and eventually back to the beach or take a right down Garden Terrance, this leads down to a play park and the boat moorings and allows you to walk along the riverside back to the beach car park.
Coastal Walk along gravelled footpath, suitable for all.
Suggested Parking, What-Three-Words App: intrigued.caskets.spend at the Boulmer Free Car Park.
Park up and the walk heads North along the coast as far as you wish (!), a suggested stop off for a there & back route for about a 40 minute walk is to Lowsteads Beach which is a good spot for a picnic with limited visitors.
Initially you can walk along the beach/sea front but if so you will need to climb up onto the footpath via rocks, no problem if fit and able but best avoided if with small children, buggies or those who dont like a scramble. The whole walk can be done on the waters edge but will take much longer over the rocks/sand - but is doable and enjoyable.
If your taking the easier route... from the car park follow the footpath into Boulmer village past the fishing boats. Join the main roadside path and walk through the village until the road turns sharply to the left. There is a converted school on the corner with a local artists Shepherds Hut (Jenny Allan) where you may wish to check out paintings and other crafts.
Follow the road straight ahead along the coast avoiding the turn out of the village which will quickly become the gravelled Northumbrian Coastal Path. Follow this for as long as you wish, Dunstanburgh Castle can be seen in the far distance, just before that Craster and closest Howick Beach (you can spot this using the "Bathing House" building end on distant on the cliffs). Eventually the path will come to a small bridge over a stream running out to sea. This is Lowsteads Beach and is a good place to stop and have a picnic.
Return via same route.
Sheep graze along various sections of this walk so ensure pets are kept in check.
8 locals recommend
Boulmer
Coastal Walk along gravelled footpath, suitable for all.
Suggested Parking, What-Three-Words App: intrigued.caskets.spend at the Boulmer Free Car Park.
Park up and the walk heads North along the coast as far as you wish (!), a suggested stop off for a there & back route for about a 40 minute walk is to Lowsteads Beach which is a good spot for a picnic with limited visitors.
Initially you can walk along the beach/sea front but if so you will need to climb up onto the footpath via rocks, no problem if fit and able but best avoided if with small children, buggies or those who dont like a scramble. The whole walk can be done on the waters edge but will take much longer over the rocks/sand - but is doable and enjoyable.
If your taking the easier route... from the car park follow the footpath into Boulmer village past the fishing boats. Join the main roadside path and walk through the village until the road turns sharply to the left. There is a converted school on the corner with a local artists Shepherds Hut (Jenny Allan) where you may wish to check out paintings and other crafts.
Follow the road straight ahead along the coast avoiding the turn out of the village which will quickly become the gravelled Northumbrian Coastal Path. Follow this for as long as you wish, Dunstanburgh Castle can be seen in the far distance, just before that Craster and closest Howick Beach (you can spot this using the "Bathing House" building end on distant on the cliffs). Eventually the path will come to a small bridge over a stream running out to sea. This is Lowsteads Beach and is a good place to stop and have a picnic.
Return via same route.
Sheep graze along various sections of this walk so ensure pets are kept in check.
Circular Route from Carpenter's Cottage
Starting from the house, this route takes about an hour depending on walking speed and runs around the top of town and back.
Walk up Bridge St. towards the crossroads with Waggonway Road, cross over and follow Swansfield Park Road straight up the hill. There is a childrens playpark to the right about 1/3 the way up this road.
At the top of Swansfield Park Road you will come to a sharp left turn towards (another) golf course, with a footpath to your right heading past the old farm house (this can be taken and comes out in the middle of town). Straight infront of you is a large metal gate with No Through Road displayed (ignore this old estate sign its long out of use!). Process straight ahead and between the horse paddocks to the right and golf course to the left. Following this will eventually lead to another set of permanently open black estate gates, proceeding ahead and then left the single track drive will come back out onto the main road heading down into town.
Proceed through town, following the road ahead eventually arriving back at Barter Books on Waggonway road. Complete the loop back to the house.
85 locals recommend
Alnwick
Circular Route from Carpenter's Cottage
Starting from the house, this route takes about an hour depending on walking speed and runs around the top of town and back.
Walk up Bridge St. towards the crossroads with Waggonway Road, cross over and follow Swansfield Park Road straight up the hill. There is a childrens playpark to the right about 1/3 the way up this road.
At the top of Swansfield Park Road you will come to a sharp left turn towards (another) golf course, with a footpath to your right heading past the old farm house (this can be taken and comes out in the middle of town). Straight infront of you is a large metal gate with No Through Road displayed (ignore this old estate sign its long out of use!). Process straight ahead and between the horse paddocks to the right and golf course to the left. Following this will eventually lead to another set of permanently open black estate gates, proceeding ahead and then left the single track drive will come back out onto the main road heading down into town.
Proceed through town, following the road ahead eventually arriving back at Barter Books on Waggonway road. Complete the loop back to the house.
There and back route, suitable for most walkers along the coast.
Suggested Parking What-Three-Words App: koala.equality.inflates (Free roadside parking).
Park up opposite the farm in the free area. Just to your left is a farm track with a footpath sign heading directly towards the sea. Follow this and eventually the path will split each way South to Boulmer and North to Craster. The suggested walk is towards Craster following the Coastal Path. There are various points to descend to the sea, all rocky but accessible with good rockpools, places to spot fossils and pebbled beach areas. Eventually this leads round a headland to Craster, you may see groups leaping to the sea with a local Coasteering Club here from the cliffs (supervision required). Follow through to Craster where the Jolly Fisherman offers good food and drinks. If you're looking for a full meal its generally best to book ahead.
Pick up a Craster Kipper and return via the reverse route.
Howick
There and back route, suitable for most walkers along the coast.
Suggested Parking What-Three-Words App: koala.equality.inflates (Free roadside parking).
Park up opposite the farm in the free area. Just to your left is a farm track with a footpath sign heading directly towards the sea. Follow this and eventually the path will split each way South to Boulmer and North to Craster. The suggested walk is towards Craster following the Coastal Path. There are various points to descend to the sea, all rocky but accessible with good rockpools, places to spot fossils and pebbled beach areas. Eventually this leads round a headland to Craster, you may see groups leaping to the sea with a local Coasteering Club here from the cliffs (supervision required). Follow through to Craster where the Jolly Fisherman offers good food and drinks. If you're looking for a full meal its generally best to book ahead.
Pick up a Craster Kipper and return via the reverse route.
***THRUNTON WOODS IS STILL CLOSED DUE TO 2021 STORM DAMAGE - NO ETA ON REOPENING AS YET***
Thrunton Woods has a large and well marked circular walk along with many unmarked trails which provide great opportunities for walking for most ages and abilities (our 7-8 years olds love it).
Parking is free, suggested What-Three-Words App location is summit waitress birthdays.
From the top end of the car park follow the main red gravelled path up into the woods through the large timber field gates. About 150m up the path it splits ahead & right marked with red and green trail markers. We suggest turning right and following the wide path and trail in a large loop. There are some benches and areas to stop off and admire the views out from the woods on the way round, or just enjoy being in a full size forest! The circular route comes right back round to the point you split off.
The many side trails can be explored, be careful of mountain bikers on some of them descending at speed but you can see the tracks pretty well ahead. Adventurers may be advised to take an OS Map and compass if you really want to get stuck in.
Thrunton Wood Car Park
***THRUNTON WOODS IS STILL CLOSED DUE TO 2021 STORM DAMAGE - NO ETA ON REOPENING AS YET***
Thrunton Woods has a large and well marked circular walk along with many unmarked trails which provide great opportunities for walking for most ages and abilities (our 7-8 years olds love it).
Parking is free, suggested What-Three-Words App location is summit waitress birthdays.
From the top end of the car park follow the main red gravelled path up into the woods through the large timber field gates. About 150m up the path it splits ahead & right marked with red and green trail markers. We suggest turning right and following the wide path and trail in a large loop. There are some benches and areas to stop off and admire the views out from the woods on the way round, or just enjoy being in a full size forest! The circular route comes right back round to the point you split off.
The many side trails can be explored, be careful of mountain bikers on some of them descending at speed but you can see the tracks pretty well ahead. Adventurers may be advised to take an OS Map and compass if you really want to get stuck in.
Good walking and opportunities for playing in the not too deep Breamish River in the Ingram Valley. Various walks from the car park at Bulbys Wood (although the are numerous ad-hoc car parks along the way). Suggested Parking What-Three-Words app: decoded.latches.january.
Great river valley with the river running between and steep picturesque hills to either side. Bring a picnic.
11 locals recommend
Ingram Valley GB
Good walking and opportunities for playing in the not too deep Breamish River in the Ingram Valley. Various walks from the car park at Bulbys Wood (although the are numerous ad-hoc car parks along the way). Suggested Parking What-Three-Words app: decoded.latches.january.
Great river valley with the river running between and steep picturesque hills to either side. Bring a picnic.
Food scene
Cosy, friendly gastro-pub with a delicious menu including plenty of sea food! Great views across to Dunstanburgh Castle and out to sea!
20 locals recommend
Jolly Fisherman Inn
Haven HillCosy, friendly gastro-pub with a delicious menu including plenty of sea food! Great views across to Dunstanburgh Castle and out to sea!
Brilliant Fish and chip shop with newly added bonus of delicious ice cream counte. Best fish and chips in Alnwick, highly recommend.
8 locals recommend
Carlo's
7-9 Market StBrilliant Fish and chip shop with newly added bonus of delicious ice cream counte. Best fish and chips in Alnwick, highly recommend.
SHERKHAN OF ALNWICK
2 Market PlFabulous Indian take away and restaurant, highly recommend.
Drift Cafe
Great cafe, lovely food.
The Origami Café & Gift Shop
5 NarrowgateQuirky, freindly little cafe - very welcoming and cheery!
Stunning restaurant within this historic building. The Olympic Suite Restaurant is an exceptional experience. You will find yourself surrounded by the original panelling, mirrors, ceiling and stained glass from RMS Olympic, the Titanic’s sister ship. A great experience.
Hardys Bistro offers a more informal dining option. Located at the front of the hotel you can watch the world go by, whilst enjoying your meal.
Amazing carvery, excellent value for money and perfect for groups or families. We love it there!
White Swan Alnwick
Bondgate WithinStunning restaurant within this historic building. The Olympic Suite Restaurant is an exceptional experience. You will find yourself surrounded by the original panelling, mirrors, ceiling and stained glass from RMS Olympic, the Titanic’s sister ship. A great experience.
Hardys Bistro offers a more informal dining option. Located at the front of the hotel you can watch the world go by, whilst enjoying your meal.
Amazing carvery, excellent value for money and perfect for groups or families. We love it there!