A charming UK market town boasts, historic pubs, Europe’s largest secondhand bookstore, and affordable three-bedroom homes from £160,000 – as well as Harry Potter links
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Nestled in the Northumberland countryside lies a delightful market town, brimming with winding cobbled streets that lead to eccentric bookshops, independent boutiques, and snug cafés.
A bi-weekly market continues to draw visitors, while an imposing castle and steam railway keep the town’s intriguing history alive.
Despite its allure, Alnwick in Northumberland was often bypassed as a tourist spot until its castle featured in a globally renowned film. Alnwick Castle morphed into Hogwarts for the Harry Potter films, with Quidditch matches shot on its outer green and memorable scenes like the flying car crash unfolding within its grounds.
Regardless of whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, Alnwick Castle is a must-see. Dating back to the 12th-century, this majestic edifice is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor, opening its gates to the public during the summer months.
In the town centre, remnants of Alnwick’s fortifications can be seen in the town walls, erected in the 15th century for protection. Bondgate Tower, with its robust stone walls and narrow tunnel, was heavily guarded during wartime.
However, while it served a purpose centuries ago, in today’s world, it tends to cause traffic congestion as only one vehicle at a time can navigate through its tight passage.
Harry Potter isn’t the only literary link the town can claim. It’s also home to Barter Books, one of Europe’s largest secondhand bookshops, housed within a former railway station.
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Among countless shelves of books, visitors will discover armchairs and crackling fireplaces, creating an inviting spot to while away an afternoon. Meanwhile, rival shop The Accidental Bookshop boasts what it claims is Britain’s tallest bookshop bookshelf, meaning staff assistance may be required for anything perched at the top.
Alnwick features numerous delightful independent shops tucked along the town’s winding narrow streets. Markets take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, with a well-attended farmers’ market on the final Friday of each month.
The cobbled Market Place transforms into a bustling hub of vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, crafts and food, with numerous vendors selling locally-made Northumberland goods.
An excellent way to explore the surrounding countryside is aboard the Aln Valley Railway, which operates seasonally. Comprising restored diesel and steam locomotives, it transports passengers on a 30-minute journey through lush landscapes.
Alnmouth Beach sits just 15 minutes away by car, offering an extensive sandy shoreline that welcomes dogs and provides various walking trails and birdwatching opportunities. After a full day of sightseeing, Alnwick boasts plenty of traditional, welcoming pubs where visitors can settle in for a pint or a hearty meal.
Despite its somewhat off-putting name, Dirty Bottles has an intriguing backstory rooted in local folklore. Trapped between two window panes are some aged, dusty bottles.
According to legend, more than two centuries ago, a publican met his demise whilst tampering with these bottles, prompting his widow to declare that anyone who disturbed them would meet a similar end. Consequently, the bottles remain safely encased, allowing patrons to savour traditional British pub grub or relax in the sunny beer garden without any supernatural worries.
Real ale enthusiasts flock to The John Bull Inn, celebrated for its impressive whisky collection. Tucked away on a quiet residential lane, it’s a true hidden treasure.
The Plough is another essential stop for those who appreciate historic watering holes, and whilst the interior has been updated, the façade retains its stunning 19th-century stonework and ornate carvings.
One might expect that residing in such a delightful town would command premium prices, yet whilst the UK’s average house price hovers around £300,000, Alnwick offers numerous three-bedroom properties for under £200,000. Current Rightmove listings feature a terraced house at £160,000 and another property complete with garage and driveway for £189,950, significantly undercutting the national average.
Of course instead of committing to a full move, you can just book a short break and enjoy everything Alnwick has to offer. Sykes Holiday Cottages has a wide array of beautiful cottages in and around Alnwick, while Lastminute.com can be a useful source for cheap hotels from £36 a night.