A stunning market town in Northumberland has its own magical castle, a garden laid with poisonous flowers, and a very bloody history. Alnwick serves as an ideal base for exploring the beautiful scenery of Northumberland, and is less than 30 minutes away from the "best seaside resort" in the UK. The destination is popular among those seeking a peaceful retreat in a town that blends bustling life with its picturesque countryside surroundings.

It's also incredibly easy to get to, with easy access to the national road network via the A1, or the nearby railway station just four miles away in Alnmouth. In addition to its beautiful setting, the town has a rich history dating all the way back to the 7th Century. It grew following the construction of Alnwick Castle, the imposing medieval fortress that overlooks the River Aln.

A high wall with four gateways was built to surround the town as a means of protecting Alnwick against Scottish raids, and two of them are still standing today. One of the walls, Pottergate Tower, is now a luxury holiday home. It offers incredible views of the castle and is sold as a unique romantic getaway.

The castle also holds a special affinity for fans of the Harry Potter movies as it was a filming location for the beloved series. It's so connected to the magical films that it also offers broomstick flying lessons, and guided tours to delve into the connection. Just down the road from the castle is the Alnwick Garden - an outdoor space famed for containing a.