West Acre House · Alnwick

Things to do in Alnwick & Northumberland

Castles, gardens, books and coast. Make West Acre House your comfortable base for exploring the area.

Alnwick Castle

Explore the historic castle, its state rooms and the stories of the Percy family. Its varied seasonal programme makes it worth checking what is on before your visit.

The Alnwick Garden

Formal planting, water features and changing seasonal colour make the garden a rewarding place to spend a day. Check the garden’s website for opening dates, tickets and guided experiences.

Barter Books

Browse shelves of second-hand books in Alnwick’s former railway station. The old station setting and extensive collection make it an inviting stop for book lovers.

Hulne Park

Follow the estate’s walking routes through woodland and open countryside. Some routes close on particular dates, and dogs and cyclists are not permitted in Hulne Park: check the estate’s current information before visiting.

Cragside

Discover the National Trust’s house and landscape near Rothbury, with woodland, gardens and a remarkable story of invention. Check the visitor information to plan around seasonal access and opening times.

Alnmouth & the coast

Alnmouth makes a lovely coastal outing, with its colourful village, estuary and beach. Plan a walk, pause for lunch and explore more of the Northumberland coast during your stay.

More places to explore

From local shopping and museums to castles, railways and countryside, these recommendations will help you plan your stay. Follow the links for current opening times, tickets and access information.

Local shopping

Alnwick

Browse the independent shops around Alnwick’s historic centre and explore the market when it is running.

Wallington (National Trust)

Near Morpeth

Discover a historic house, woodland walks and a walled garden on the National Trust’s Wallington estate.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh

Explore the castle above the Northumberland coast, then spend time in the village or on the beach below.

Chillingham Castle

Chillingham

Visit the historic castle, gardens and grounds. Check the castle’s website for seasonal opening and visitor information.

Aln Valley Railway

Alnwick

Enjoy a heritage railway outing through the Northumbrian countryside from Lionheart Station. Check the timetable for operating days and services.

Ford & Etal Estate

Ford & Etal

Explore the estate’s villages and attractions, including a steam railway trip on the Heatherslaw Light Railway. Check individual attractions for opening and running dates.

Bailiffgate Museum

Alnwick

Discover the history of Alnwick and the surrounding area at this museum in the old town, close to the castle.

Holy Island

Lindisfarne

Explore the island’s village, history and coastal scenery. Always check the official safe causeway crossing times before travelling and allow time for your return.

Heritage Coast

Northumberland coast

Discover coastal villages, beaches and walking routes along the Northumberland coast. Use the local guide to choose a route for your day out.

Hill walking

Northumberland National Park

Explore Northumberland’s hills and open countryside. Choose a walk suited to your experience and check route information and weather conditions before setting out.

Explore on foot

Follow Bruce’s local walking guides through Hulne Park and the countryside around Rothbury.

A different day out

For more coastal history, visit Bamburgh Castle. If you are planning a trip to Holy Island, check the safe causeway crossing times before you travel.

Pair your day out with our places to eat guide. Opening times, admission arrangements and access vary, so use each attraction’s own website for the latest details.

Photo credits

We look forward to welcoming you

Choose your room and check availability, or speak to Bruce and Jeannette about your stay.