Alnwick attractions

Alnwick Castle combines medieval architecture with Italianate State Rooms and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years. As you move through the lavish State Rooms you'll see one of the country’s finest private art collections, including eight paintings by Canaletto and works by Titian, Van Dyck, Turner and Dobson. The China Gallery displays impressive services from Meissen, Chelsea and Paris, while the Saloon houses the Cucci cabinets originally created for King Louis XIV and Versailles. The castle’s history spans nearly a millennium, with about 950 years to absorb as you explore. Alnwick famously featured as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films; the Outer Bailey is where Harry first learned to fly. You can join a tour of filming locations or take a Broomstick Training lesson with the resident wizarding professors. The castle has also appeared as Brancaster in ITV’s Downton Abbey and in BBC’s Hollow Crown, Robin of Sherwood, Blackadder, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Elizabeth and Transformers: The Last Knight. Families can dress in medieval costume, train in swordplay, play period games, try craft-making and take photos on the thrones or in the stocks in the Artisans Courtyard. In Dragon’s Quest you can join forces with Harry Hotspur and the Dragon Catcher to face mystical challenges and a dragon. Along the way there are resident knights, ladies and entertainers, plus gift shops, cafes and museums to round off your visit.

This Farne Islands tour offers a family-friendly way to experience the islands and the Northumberland coast. You’ll take in the scenery as you move around the islands and along Northumberland’s iconic shoreline. The trip is suitable for all ages and paced for easy enjoyment. Along the way you may see grey seals and seabird habitats, depending on the time of year. You’ll also get clear views of the islands’ rock formations and coastal vistas. As you travel, you will learn about Grace Darling’s life-saving heroics and the local stories that shaped the area. The balance of wildlife, landscape and local history gives a rounded sense of the Farnes and their place on the Northumbrian coast.

You will travel from Seahouses to the Farne Islands with a genuine, wholly-owned small family-run business that has been established for many years. Your boat is the Golden Gate, purpose-built in Seahouses for work around the Farnes and originally used for Trinity House lighthouse duties. Along the way you'll learn about the islands' maritime history and the boat's local role. Your skipper, George, is also a lighthouse attendant and has sailed these islands for many years. He will share extensive commentary and quirky local knowledge as you move around the islands. Seasonal seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and terns can only be guaranteed between May and July, and sightings outside that period are not guaranteed. Since Covid‑19 the operator no longer aims to fully book the boat, so trips are less crowded to improve your experience. The team aim to meet your expectations before and after the trip and focus on making your visit enjoyable.

At The Highland Way, a self-guided walking safari gives you the chance to see Highland cows up close. A purpose-made walkway keeps you safe while you observe these gentle animals at your own pace. Along the way you can take time to watch their behaviour and enjoy the rural setting. Your ticket to The Highland Way also includes entry to the rest of the farm, so while you’re here you can meet the goats, chickens, sheep and pigs. If you visit in April or May, you can also book to bottle-feed the lambs during your visit. Picnics are welcome on the farm, and tea, coffee and ice creams are available to purchase if you prefer to buy refreshments on site.

You’ll visit the Farne Islands area to view one of the very few accessible bird colonies in the UK. As you move around the islands, you’ll have opportunities to watch the colony from close vantage points and take in the natural setting of this well-known wildlife area. On board, the current Trinity House Lighthouse Attendant will provide expert commentary, offering insight drawn from their role. The trip is run by a small, family-run company with extensive experience touring around all of the Farne Islands, so you’ll be guided by people familiar with the local waters and wildlife. Along the way you’ll hear informed observations and context that help bring the islands and their birdlife into clearer focus.

Sailing from Seahouses, you’ll head first to the Farne Islands and then continue to Holy Island. The trip offers a different perspective on the Northumberland coastline, with plenty of coastal scenery to enjoy as you travel between the islands. When you arrive at Holy Island the tide will be high and the island will be cut off from the mainland, so you can feel the peace and tranquillity of island life. You’ll have time ashore to explore this historic place and visit attractions such as the Priory Museum (English Heritage), Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust), St Aidan’s Winery (where a free sample of mead can be enjoyed), and the Museum of Island Life and Visitor Centre. The island also has cafes, pubs and shops; opening times of the attractions vary and social distancing will still be in place. On the return sail you’ll have seaward views of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castles and of Stag Rock Lighthouse, and you might even spot dolphins along the way. Dogs are welcome.

This breadmaking workshop is a relaxed, hands-on session that works well as an introduction or as a way to build your baking skills and confidence. You will be taken through the basics of dough making and shaping, then move on to prepare and bake your own oven masterpieces. Along the way the atmosphere stays informative, creative and fun, so you can learn at a comfortable pace and enjoy the practical experience. Sessions are led by either Dave or Harvest, both of whom have years of breadmaking experience and have spent time working in traditional mills that make flour. You will learn practical techniques and tips drawn from that experience and may hear about traditional milling and how it affects baking. By the end you will leave with greater confidence in your breadmaking and with breads you helped make during the workshop.

Jacksons at Jedburgh is a self-guided walk-around farm attraction in the Scottish Borders, just a couple of miles from the historic town of Jedburgh. On a visit you can explore a working family farm at your own pace, meet friendly farm animals, and follow a scenic farm walk. Along the way there are play and picnic paddocks where your group can relax and enjoy time outdoors. Hot drinks and seasonal refreshments are available if you want to spend more time on the farm. The farm also offers Highland Cow Experiences as an optional extra. On this experience you will head out in a tour trailer around Highland Field, led by Fenwick, the farmer, and have the opportunity to meet and greet the highland cows up close. This gives you a close-up encounter with these distinctive animals while still enjoying the wider farm surroundings.

This experience gives you access to Longstone Island and Grace Darling's Lighthouse. It is offered by the only company with any access to these locations. The trip is run by a small, family-run company that genuinely cares about the area, so the visit is handled with local knowledge and respect for the sites. Your skipper and tour guide, George, is a current Trinity House Lighthouse Attendant, so you will receive highly informed commentary about the lighthouse and the island. As you move through the visit you will see Longstone Island up close and view Grace Darling's Lighthouse while hearing first-hand, specialist insights from someone who works with lighthouses. Along the way George will answer questions and share his knowledge, giving a clear sense of the places you are visiting and their significance to the local coastline.

This guided stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lesson on the estuary is designed for beginners and families. You will have a wetsuit fitting and take part in a group briefing covering the equipment, paddle technique and safety. You’ll practise kneeling and standing on the board in a supportive setting before heading out onto the water. As you move along the river, the route follows the estuary past Warkworth Castle and takes you under the medieval bridge. Along the way you may see swans, herons and the occasional seal. The session mixes coaching with playful activities — such as SUP dodgems and board transitions — to help build your confidence and make learning on the water enjoyable.

At The Bairnkine, join an immersive farm tour led by either Matt or Lucy, who are the farmers there. This experience brings you into the farm’s natural setting and gives you a chance to explore the land alongside the people who work it. You’ll be welcomed by your host and taken around the property to get a feel for life on the farm and the surrounding environment. As you move through the farm, Matt or Lucy will talk about their day-to-day work and the rhythms of the seasons, and they’ll answer your questions about farm life and the landscape. The tour focuses on experiencing nature at close range and on hearing directly from the farmers who manage The Bairnkine. It’s an opportunity to learn about how the place functions, to appreciate the rural setting, and to gain personal insight from hosts who know the farm best.

A walk across the tidal sands to Holy Island offers an atmospheric approach that evokes Saxon kings and Celtic priests. Start times vary with the tides, so you will be sent the correct start time for your chosen date — the 03:30 time shown is not correct. The crossing is at low tide and, along the way, you are likely to see and hear Grey seals as they bask on the sands. As you move across the flats you'll hear stories that reach back to Roman times and can begin to imagine early pilgrims making the crossing to pay their respects to St Aidan and St Cuthbert. Walking barefoot is an option if you want to get the fullest sense of the place. The walk is a one-way crossing to the island; after some free time on Holy Island you will return to the start point in the guide’s vehicle.

Starting at Morpeth Train Station, you’ll travel with an expert guide and driver along one of England’s most picturesque coastlines to uncover hidden foodie gems. Along the way you’ll enjoy very fresh seafood, including the renowned Lindisfarne oyster, harvested just miles away. It’s not all seafood — there will be plenty more to try, so come with an appetite to sample a range of local flavours. As you move through charming fishing villages you’ll soak up local history and sample regional tipples. Your guide will share stories about Northumberland’s turbulent past, and the route includes a stop in the town that is home to one of Britain’s most haunted hotels. With coastal views, memorable flavours and local stories woven throughout, the experience focuses on tasting the region and learning about the places that produce it.

This private tour will collect you from either the Port of Tyne Cruise Terminal or Newcastle Central Station in chauffeur‑driven transport and take you to Alnwick Castle. You’ll visit the castle that has long been the home of the Percy family and has featured in several films and TV shows. As you move around the castle grounds, your guide will point out some of the main movie and television hotspots, and you’ll then enjoy a self‑guided walkthrough of the grand interior of Alnwick Castle. On the return journey you’ll travel along and past the beautiful Northumberland coast region before being taken back to the Port of Tyne or into Newcastle city centre. The experience focuses on seeing the castle’s notable locations and exploring its interior at your own pace, with a guided introduction to the film and TV connections while on the grounds.

Expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where you can learn at your own pace. The experience will let you take things slowly or move more quickly, depending on what suits you. As you go, qualified guides will be on hand to support your learning and to keep the mood light, with plenty of fun and laughter along the way. You will use equipment that the provider describes as some of the best available, which is intended to give you a comfortable and reliable experience. Guides will help you get familiar with the kit and will offer assistance whenever you need it, so you can focus on enjoying the activity and building your skills.