Alnwich Castle Gardens and Holy Island

It was great this morning to wake to blue sky. I was going to order kippers for breakfast (just to try them) but when I saw what S’s kipper looked like I decided a few mouthfuls would be fine.  For me, it tasted a bit like smoked eel but richer, as this was covered in melted butter.

After some discussion yesterday evening with the staff here about what we shouldn’t miss while in Northumberland, we decided to head to Alnwick (pronounced Annick) Castle gardens. We were rather surprised at the steep entry fee, but as we walked through the gates  and were greeted by a gorgeous fountain cascading its way down a hill in front of us, all was forgiven. Every now and then it would burst spouts of water in different directions, much to the delight of the many small children playing around it.

To one side, we were given a tour of the poison garden by a rather sinister guide who revealed tales of poisonous plants that through either eating, touching or smelling could kill. Many we recognised including one I had tried as a small child- deadly nightshade; but it was also interesting to hear that fifty apple pips chewed would contain enough arsenic to kill.

Around the corner was a zigzag path that in spring, would be stunning as it held tulip bulbs and hundreds of cherry trees. It was nice though just wandering up the hill and into a wooded area towards the ornamental  garden. This was a very formal garden with box hedging and plenty of variety in planting. There was variety in fact, wherever you went and surprises like the raspberry patch and the patch of white roses. One could spend hours here. Further on, was the rose garden then the serpentine garden filled with more modern-shaped fountains. 

The Tree Hut is also a gem with its boardwalks, staircases and swinging bridges.  Nestled up among the trees by the main gate, it also houses a small café and restaurant.

Our next stop was the Holy Island, only accessible at low tide. Once we’d paid for the parked the car, and feasted on our packed picnic lunch of cheeses, grapes, and crackers we walked all over this Island soaking in the expansive views across the estuary towards the extraordinarily perched Lindersfarne Castle and out to sea. 

 It wasn’t until we’d walked around the outside of the castle and looked back towards the main part of the island that we spotted the remains of the Abby which was equally spectacular. Thank goodness we have digital cameras nowadays as  together we must have taken a thousand pictures.

I suggested the Coastal route home as there were more castles to see. We were happy just to pass through Hudle bay, look out at the Farne Islands and admire the huge Bambugh Castle. 

We drove back into Alnwick and picked up some supplies, then headed back to Warkworth to settle down to Olympic madness on TV.

This morning we head to Stirling for a couple of nights and perhaps explore a bit of Scotland before we return the car in Edinburgh on Monday morning.