Alnwick Garden
A captivating blend of deadly plants, enchanting play areas, and stunning water features, Alnwick Garden offers a unique day out for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom
Alnwick Garden
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating blend of deadly plants, enchanting play areas, and stunning water features, Alnwick Garden offers a unique day out for all ages.
"Absolutely brilliant, beautiful place to visit. The landscaping is out of this world!"
🎯 Book Poison Garden Tour
Essential for the Poison Garden! Book ahead to secure your spot on this unique and informative tour.
🐾 Dogs Welcome Sundays/Thursdays
Bring your furry friend along on specific days for a delightful garden stroll.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Poison Garden
Northumberland
Explore over 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants. Dare to learn about their deadly secrets on an informative guided tour.
+1
Lilidorei
Within Alnwick Garden grounds
Discover the world's tallest play structure and enchanting fairy houses. A magical wonderland for kids and the young at heart.
+1
The Grand Cascade
Central garden area
Marvel at the impressive water features and cascading fountains. A stunning centerpiece that comes alive with impressive water displays.
The Treehouse
Within Alnwick Garden
Dine in a magical, award-winning treehouse restaurant nestled amongst the branches. A unique dining experience for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Poison Garden Tour
+1Check for Dog-Friendly Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Poison Garden Tour
Essential for the Poison Garden! Book ahead to secure your spot on this unique and informative tour.
🐾 Dogs Welcome Sundays/Thursdays
Bring your furry friend along on specific days for a delightful garden stroll.
🚗 Parking Options
Paid parking (£3.50) available, or a free 10-min walk from Morrisons.
📸 Capture the Blooms
Visit during cherry blossom season for stunning photo opportunities!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Poison Garden Tour
Essential for the Poison Garden! Book ahead to secure your spot on this unique and informative tour.
🐾 Dogs Welcome Sundays/Thursdays
Bring your furry friend along on specific days for a delightful garden stroll.
🚗 Parking Options
Paid parking (£3.50) available, or a free 10-min walk from Morrisons.
📸 Capture the Blooms
Visit during cherry blossom season for stunning photo opportunities!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the garden has to offer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Alnwick Garden for its stunning beauty, unique attractions like the Poison Garden and Lilidorei, and impressive water features. The landscaping is often described as 'out of this world,' offering a fantastic experience for all ages. While some find the entrance fee a bit high, most agree the variety of plants, informative tours, and overall atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit.
"Beautiful gardens, we went on a Sunday as at the moment they allow dogs on a Sunday and Thursday only, to see the poison garden you have to do the tour as not allowed in on your own which is understandable, very interesting so well worth it, roughly every 30 minutes. £3.50 for the car park which is all day but there is a free carpark 10 minute walk away by Morrisons."
Joanne Ford
"Absolutely brilliant , beautiful place to visit. The landscaping is out of this world and you are surrounded by fantastic things to look at and explore. From the bamboo maze to the poison garden it was all such a great experience. The water cascade and water features around the grounds are awesome and we are so lucky to have a place like this on our doorstep.
The toilets were clean and fresh, the guides were very informative and helpful and the eating places were great value for money.
Different levels of car parking, with drop off point and accessibility parking at the door and tiered parking (£3.50 all day) just across the road.
Everything was well thought out and there are places inside for souvenirs and gifts.
A perfect day out."
XLsolutions
"The water cascade feature looks impressive, especially so when all the fountain jets are active. Unfortunately most of the time there are no active fountain jets, or only a few are active for a short period. I saw the majority or all the fountain jets active whilst I was having lunch in the cafe, but despite several subsequent attempts to get a video recording of all fountain jets working on a couple of occasions during the afternoon it didn't happen again which is very disappointing.
The ornamental garden above the cascade is attractively laid out with trees providing additional height to the hedges around each flower bed.
Near the bottom of the cascade is a hedged maze like area with multiple interesting water features.
The poison garden can only be accessed by guided tour which was very informative and interesting.
The cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold food, drinks and cakes and is well laid out.
I would recommend visiting, but I think the adult entrance fee is excessive.
Although I w"
Andrew Cook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alnwick Garden is about a 45-minute drive from Newcastle. You can also take a train to Alnmouth and then a short taxi or bus ride.
Yes, you can take a train to Alnmouth station, which is a short distance from the gardens. From there, local buses or taxis are available.
While ambitious, it's possible to combine Alnwick with other nearby attractions like Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle if you rent a car. Consider staying overnight in Alnwick to fully enjoy the gardens.
There is a paid car park (£3.50 for all day) directly at the gardens, with drop-off and accessible parking. A free car park is also available a 10-minute walk away near Morrisons.
Alnwick Garden is well-signposted and easily accessible by car, located just off the A1.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, and some reviewers find the adult entrance fee to be a bit steep. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and consider booking online in advance.
It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the Poison Garden tour and during peak seasons or special events like cherry blossom season to avoid disappointment.
No, the Poison Garden can only be accessed via a guided tour. This ensures visitors learn about the plants safely and responsibly.
Check the official Alnwick Garden website for any available discounts, family packages, or seasonal offers.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Alnwick Garden website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique Poison Garden tour, the enchanting Lilidorei play area, the impressive Grand Cascade water features, and the magical Treehouse restaurant. +1
Absolutely! Lilidorei offers a fantastic play experience, and the gardens themselves are spacious and engaging for all ages.
Yes, Alnwick Garden is a very photogenic location, especially during cherry blossom season or when the water features are active.
Join a guided tour! The guides are very informative and make the experience both educational and entertaining, highlighting the dangers of the plants.
Yes, Lilidorei is a major attraction with a huge play structure and fairy houses. The gardens also offer space for exploration and discovery. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a cafe on-site serving a good selection of hot and cold food, drinks, and cakes. The Treehouse restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
Reviews suggest the eating places offer great value for money, with some mentioning amazing Sunday lunches.
Yes, afternoon tea is available and has been described as delicious by visitors.
While specific options aren't detailed, the cafes generally offer a selection of hot and cold food, so it's worth inquiring about dietary needs upon arrival.
Picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally best to check the garden's policy or plan to dine at their on-site facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Cascade, the Poison Garden (from a safe distance!), the Treehouse, and the Taihaku Cherry Orchard during bloom are all incredibly photogenic.
The Taihaku Cherry Orchard blooms for about two weeks each spring. Keep an eye on their social media for exact timing.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public gardens and attractions for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A versatile camera that can handle both wide-angle shots of the gardens and telephoto for details will be ideal. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always respect signage and staff instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will love exploring the fairy houses and troll homes, burning off energy on the extensive play equipment. Top tip: Check for dog-friendly days if you're bringing a pet along for the family outing.
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
Beyond the sensational, the garden boasts the largest collection of European plants in the UK and the largest Japanese Cherry Orchard, featuring the Taihaku variety. The formal garden design, with its intricate layouts, water features, and the Grand Cascade, showcases meticulous landscaping. Don't miss: The seasonal beauty, especially the cherry blossom bloom, and the diverse planting schemes that change throughout the year.
The garden's modern design, incorporating sculpture and water, offers a refreshing take on traditional garden aesthetics. 📸 Photographers
The unique Poison Garden offers opportunities for intriguing, albeit cautionary, shots of unusual plants. Pro-tip: Visit during different times of day to experience the changing light on the gardens. Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide dramatic shadows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Poison Garden
Visitors can only enter this intriguing section of the garden via a guided tour, which is highly recommended for its informative and engaging content. This garden offers a stark contrast to the beauty found elsewhere in Alnwick, highlighting the duality of nature.
It's a place that sparks curiosity and a healthy respect for the power of the botanical world. Some visitors even report feeling faint or unwell during tours, a testament to the potent nature of the flora. The garden also offers unique merchandise, including poison-themed vodka and gin, adding another layer to its intriguing theme. Key takeaway: The Poison Garden is a must-visit for its educational value and sheer novelty. Booking a tour in advance is essential, and be prepared for a fascinating, albeit slightly unnerving, experience.
Lilidorei: A Fairytale Playground
It's renowned for housing the world's tallest play structure, offering an exhilarating experience for children and the young at heart. This attraction is particularly popular with families looking for active and engaging days out.
Key takeaway: Lilidorei is a vibrant, interactive playground that complements the formal gardens, making Alnwick Garden a fantastic destination for families seeking fun and fantasy.
Seasonal Spectacles: Cherry Blossoms and Water Features
This spectacular event, lasting for about two weeks, turns the orchard into a perfumed sea of white flowers, creating an incredibly picturesque scene perfect for photography. The Grand Cascade is another highlight, featuring impressive water displays that are particularly stunning when all the fountain jets are active.
Key takeaway: Plan your visit around seasonal highlights like the cherry blossoms or ensure you catch the Grand Cascade at its most active for the most visually impressive experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit