The Alnwick Garden is one of the most extraordinary gardens created anywhere in the last hundred years — the Duchess of Northumberland’s bold transformation of a derelict walled garden into a place of fountains, follies and mischief. It sits right beside Alnwick Castle, but be clear: this is a separate attraction with its own ticket, and it earns a day in its own right.
The Grand Cascade and Gardens
The centrepiece is the Grand Cascade — a great tumbling staircase of water where 120 jets fire in choreographed displays, and children are positively encouraged to get soaked in the fountains below. Beyond it lie the Ornamental Garden’s 15,000 plants, the Rose Garden, the serene bamboo Labyrinth, and one of the largest collections of Taihaku cherry trees in the world — an unmissable cloud of white blossom each spring.
The Poison Garden
Behind black gates marked with skull and crossbones grows the Garden’s most famous corner: around 100 of the world’s deadliest plants, from hemlock to deadly nightshade, shown only on guided tours where the gardeners’ tales of poisoners and accidental victims are gleefully macabre. It is, fittingly, kept under lock and key — and it’s the tour everybody remembers.
The Treehouse and Lilidorei
Lashed among the limes is one of the world’s largest wooden treehouses — a fairytale tangle of walkways, wobbly rope bridges and turrets, home to a rather magical restaurant with a fire crackling in the middle. And for families there’s Lilidorei, the Garden’s spectacular play village ruled by its own elf lord, built around one of the biggest play structures on the planet. Between the fountains, the treehouse and Lilidorei, children may refuse to leave.
Visiting The Alnwick Garden
The Garden is in the heart of Alnwick, 35 miles north of Newcastle, with parking shared with the castle. Book online in advance for the best prices, and check the website for Poison Garden tour times and seasonal events — the winter light trails are magical. Combining Garden and Castle makes a full and fabulous day; add Barter Books in the old station and you have a perfect Alnwick trip.
Book Your Visit
Tickets for the Garden, Lilidorei and seasonal events are on the official Alnwick Garden website.
Visit The Alnwick Garden WebsiteWhere to stay: Holiday Cottages • Hotels