Lying in the heart of Northumberland just 30 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne is the District of Alnwick. Stretching from the unspoilt wilds of the Northumberland National Park to the outstanding beauty of the Heritage Coast, the region has everything for a perfect holiday. Rolling countryside, long sandy beaches, quaint villages and historic market towns sit with magnificent castles in spectacular surroundings.

The main town, and the Best Place to Live in Britain (Country Life 2002), of the area is Alnwick, historic county town of Northumberland and seat of the Duke of Northumberland. Cobbled streets, narrow alleys and fine stone buildings combine to make this one of the most picturesque market towns in Northumberland. Alnwick is home to one of the largest second hand bookshops in England - Barter Books which is situated in a former Victorian station, House of Hardy famed for its high quality fishing rods and of course the 'jewel in the crown' Alnwick Castle.

Alnwick Castle rises magnificently from the banks of the River Aln and remains the family home of the Duke of Northumberland. Considered one of the finest castles in England and known as the 'Windsor of the North' this has been the family home of the Percy family for nearly 700 years.

In addition to this spectacular castle is Alnwick Garden - an outstanding 12 acre garden development including unique water features, topiary and sculptures - designed by internationally renowned Belgian father and son team Jacques and Peter Wirtz. Other spectacular castles well worth visiting and just a short distance from Alnwick include Warkworth. Set in the heart of a picturesque village on the River Coquet and a short distance from a stunning dune backed sandy beach this imposing castle is also the scene for a number of family activities in the summer. The view from Warkworth reaches across the River Coquet to the small fishing town of Amble with its marina, harbour and friendly town this is certainly the place to stop for some of the best fish and chips in the region.

To the west is Rothbury lying in a loop of the River Coquet. This is also 'Gateway to the National Park' and makes for an ideal base from which to explore the heather topped expanses of the Simonside and Cheviot Hills. Just outside Rothbury is Cragside House and grounds, once the home of Lord Armstrong this is the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity.

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