Walk around Alnwick

2.1 miles (3.3 km)

This attractive town in Northumberland is surrounded by lovely countryside and a number of large parks which are ideal for walkers. The main highlight is the expansive Hulne Park located right next to the town.
It's proximity to the wonderful Northumberland Coast also presents a number of good walking options. You could visit the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle or pick up the long distance St Oswald's Way. Our Alnwick to Bamburgh Walk links the two historic castles using the coastal path.
This short walk takes you around Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens in the town centre. You start off at the impressive castle which dominates the western side of the town. The Grade I listed building dates from the 11th century, built following the�Norman conquest, and renovated and remodelled a number of times.�As well as admiring the fine architecture you can visit the exhibitions where you can see frescoes�from�Pompeii,�relics�from�Ancient Egypt�and�Romano-British�objects.�The castle is open to the public throughout the summer months.
After exploring the castle and grounds you can then stroll round to the wonderful Alnwick Garden. There's well laid out footpaths here to take you to various themed plantings designed around a central�water cascade. Also of note is the huge wooden treehouse and the Poision Garden which features a number of intoxicating and�poisonous plants.
After exploring the garden you can stroll through woodland up to the River Aln before returning to the castle.
To extend the walk cross the river and head west to visit the nearby Alnwick Abbey. An architecturally impressive 14th century gatehouse still remains of the abbey which was originally founded in the 12th century.
You can virtually explore the castle and grounds using the Google Street View link below!

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Alnwick Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Alnwick Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Alnwick OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Alnwick Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Explore the Area with Google Street View

Walks near Alnwick

Thrunton Woods - Enjoy miles of cycling and walking trails in this large area of woodland near Alnwick
Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle - This walk takes you along a beautiful stretch of the Northumberland Coast Path from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle and then on to Embleton Bay and the Newton Pool Nature Reserve.
Dunstanburgh Castle was built in the 14th century, being one of the largest and grandest fortifications in Northern England at the time
Cragside Country Park - This is a circular walk around the gardens of the beautiful Cragside Estate in Rothbury, Northumberland
Warkworth to Alnmouth - This is another splendid stretch of the Northumberland Coast Path, with a historic castle, beautiful beaches, interesting villages and lovely bays to enjoy.
St Oswald's Way - Explore the coastline, islands, river valleys, hills, villages, forests and farmland of Northumberland and follow in the footstepts of St
Druridge Bay Country Park - This beautiful country park on the Northumberland coast consists of three miles of beach and sand dunes, a large freshwater lake, peaceful woodland and meadows
Beadnell to Low Newton - A popular walk from the Northumberland village of Beadnell to Low Newton By Sea along section of the Northumberland Coast Path
Farne Islands - The Farne Islands are located just 1.5 miles from the Northumberland Coast at Bamburgh
Alnwick to Bamburgh Walk - This walk takes you from Alnwick Castle to Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland Coast Path
Embleton Bay - This attractive bay is located just north of Craster on the Northumberland coast
Whittingham - This pretty rural village in Northumberland sits in a scenic spot on the River Aln.
Chillingham Castle - This walk explores the historic Chillingham Castle in Northumberland.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head a north west of the town and there's a group of interesting sites to visit. You can enjoy peaceful woodland trails in Hepburn Woods and climb to the Iron Age Hill Fort at Ros Castle for excellent views over the area. The splendid Chillingham Castle is also near here. The 13th century castle is said to be the most haunted in Britain. It's surrounded by gardens, lakes and fountains with easy footpaths to explore on.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cheviots Walks and Northumberland Walks pages.