Though Rob is from Northumberland we were living in the South West of England when we met and married in 2002. In 2007 we moved 400 miles to the north east, just 30 miles south of the scottish border close to the coast. We love living in Alnwick (pronounced Annick), the County Town of Northumberland. The town grew up around the mighty castle, the home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309, making this year the 701st anniversary. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, and has been garrison to 3000 troops in the past. Today the current Duke and Duchess of Northumberland live there still. The castle, and the amazing Alnwick Gardens, a special project of the Duchess’s, attract many visitors each year, some hope to find Harry Potter as parts of the films were shot there!
The earliest mention of Alnwick Castle in the history books appears soon after 1096 when Yves de Vescy became baron of Alnwick and erected the earliest parts of the Castle. We love to visit the surrounds to our town, especially walks along the river Aln. We can also travel just 4 miles and have our choice of 40 miles of golden sandy beaches. This county has 5 times as many sheep as people and is worth visiting at any time of the year. According to Country Life, October 2002, “Alnwick is the most picturesque market town in Northumberland, and the best place to live in Britain”.
Percy Tenantry Column built 1816, showing the Duke's Percy Family's Lion symbol
The River Aln at Alnmouth showing Church Hill
A serene swan on the River Aln, caught in the spot-light of the winter sun
The Gardens Treehouse, There are resturants, walkways in the sky and wobbly rope bridges for bouncing on, and it’s all accessible by wheelchair and buggy
Out for a spring walk, this view of the Castle is less than 10 minutes from home.
This cascade is the longest in Europe, the centerpiece of the Duchess of Northumberlands celebrated Gardens
Sitting in our own back yard is also a pleasure!
A lovely corner of the old brick wall in Alnwick Castle gardens
The Aln River valley showing Alnwick Castle, taken from the Duchess Viewpoint on the Woodland Walk
One of the spectacular Hornbeam tunnels in Alnwick Castle Gardens
St Michaels Church, Alnwick built in 1464
Alnwick's mighty castle from the far side of the River Aln, home of the Dukes & Earls of Northumberland for over 700 year
Forest Lodge Gateway, from within Hulne Park, on the Duke's estate
The road north out of Alnwick, past the castle and over the Lion Bridge
According to Country Life, October 2002, "Alnwick is the most picturesque market town in Northumberland, and the best place to live in Britain"
The Lion Bridge below Alnwick Castle, where the Percy family, whose symbol it is, have lived for over 700 years
Alnwick Castle Gardens back gate, taken in autumn