17-What to See and Where to Camp in Alnwick

Alnwick Castle. Ian Procter

Ahoy, Alnwick! Stop number four on our exciting Northumberland road trip finds us in the vibrant market town with rich history and a host of exciting activities for families. So far, our flexible Northumberland itinerary has taken us from the North Pennines, past the stunning landscapes of Northumberland National Park to magnificent Morpeth. Hop on the A1 to drive in from Morpeth and you’ll reach Alnwick in a half hour or less. We’ll help you dive into this charming town with an itinerary and pointers on where to find campsites in Alnwick to rest your head on your Northumberland road trip.

• An Itinerary for a Road Trip in Northumberland

Alnwick, pronounced ‘anick’ draws in quite a crowd with Harry Potter locations, an intriguing poison garden, and other spellbinding attractions, including the majestic Alnwick Castle. Take a tour of England's second-largest inhabited castle and home to the Duke of Northumberland for over 700 years.

Get on the B6341 and start your journey north to stop at the stunning Hareshaw Linn waterfall, accessed via a 2.5 mile walk cutting through the countryside, past old ironworks, before reaching the cascading body of water. Stop at Barter Books, a glorious second-hand bookshop that happens to be the second-largest in Europe. Customers can trade in their own books for credit, a practice still followed today and reflected in the store's name.

• Is It Worth Visiting Alnwick?
• Why is Alnwick famous?
• campervan Road Trip Alnwick Map
• Campervan Hire Towns in Alnwick
• Can You Stay Overnight at Alnwick Castle?
• Can You Park Overnight at Alnwick Castle?
• Camping In and around Alnwick
• Best Campsites at Alnwick
• Tent Camping at Alnwick
• Campsites at Alnwick for Motorhomes
• Touring Caravan Sites Near Alnwick
• Static Caravan Parks Near Alnwick
• Alnwick Camping Cabins

Is It Worth Visiting Alnwick?

Located just off the A1, Alnwick is easy to access both by road and rail, and is certainly worth a visit. The market town brims with attractions, with its main highlight being Alnwick Castle, which has stood for over a 1000 years and remains inhabited by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Beyond its attractions, Alnwick is surrounded by stunning countryside, including the nearby Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Northumberland National Park, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring picturesque landscapes.

So, whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying the charm of a traditional English town, Alnwick is definitely worth a visit.Treat the family to a delicious post-excursion Northern English meal at The Treehouse Restaurant in Alnwick Gardens. Built around 16 mature lime trees, the largest wooden treehouse in the world houses a fantastic restaurant with growing branches creating a living restaurant. Indoor branches are adorned with golden fairy lights and a flickering fire providing warmth while creating a cosy atmosphere at dusk.

Explore the Alnwick Farmer Market, held every last Friday of the month, or spend an afternoon pottering around the market square, stocking up on artisanal breads, cakes plus Northumbrian meats and fish. The town’s traditional stone houses hold a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs, so you’re well–placed for letting someone else do the cooking. Hire a campervan in Alnwick, and let the adventures begin.

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Why is Alnwick famous?

Originally a prosperous mediaeval town, Alnwick still retains its ancient charm, with winding cobbled streets, intriguing narrow alleys, and impressive stone buildings. Not only is the town home to the 11th-century Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England, and the largest collection of Japanese Taihaku cherry blossoms in the world, the Alnwick is also home to one of the largest second hand bookshops in the UK: Barter Books.

Potter around the town centre, unspoiled by modern architecture and the instant mediaeval atmosphere of Alnwick. Visit during market days to see the square explode with activity, with stalls offering fresh food and other irresistible artisanal goods.For more mediaeval charm, visit St Michael's Church, an architectural gem dating back to the 4th century with detailed craftsmanship, including stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

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Alnwick may be small, yet it buzzes with oodles of character and plenty of exciting locations.The town is well-positioned for visiting nearby attractions like Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle in Craster, and Alnmouth Beach.

Campervan Road Trip Alnwick Map

Use our Northumberland road trip map to make the most of your campervan adventure through the county. Brose thrush our detailed selection of attractions, activities, and camping locations in Alnwick plus our selection of nearby towns with private campervan owners.

Campervan Hire Towns in Alnwick

Alnwick, a lovely market town and the historic county town, is a fine place to start your exploration of Northumberland. When exploring Alnwick and its famous castle, you can easily arrange campervan hire Northumberland. Farmers markets and a town that transports you back in time with refurbished coaching inns, crumbling castles, expansive gardens and friendly locals make a holiday here a memorable one. We recommend finding campervans in Shilbottle or speaking to our owners in Lesbury. You can also find campervan rentals in Edlingham for £65 a night.

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Shilbottle, a small and peaceful village in mid-Northumberland, rests an easy 3 miles southeast of Alnwick and is well-located if you’re keen to hire a camper close to the town. Rumble over on the A1 and speak to private owners in the area, and you’ll find the perfect campervan in no time. Take a moment to visit the lovely local Anglican Church of St James, constructed in 1885, or enjoy the beautiful open countryside views while making your way to your campervan hire in Shilbottle. You can also find campervans in towns nearby to hire a campervan by scrolling to the end of the page. We have campers for rent in Felton, campers for rent in Rothbury, campers for rent in Chathill, campers for rent in Beadnell, campers for rent in Ashington, and campers for rent in Morpeth,

Lesbury is a friendly base for campervans hired in the picturesque Northumberland, and it enjoys a spectacular position near the coastline. Enjoy the rugged beauty and historic sites with Bamburgh Castle with our campervans in Lesbury. Take a quick break before handover with a stop at the local pub to rub shoulders with the locals and refuel on a dish of choice. The village is a peaceful and quiet place to escape the bustle of towns like Alwnick, so you might even consider an overnight stay here if time permits. For those traveling from further south, campervan hire Bristol offers excellent access to begin your journey north to this remarkable Northumberland destination. You can also find campervans for hire in nearby towns like campervans in Seahouses, campervans in Newbiggin By The Sea and campervans in Bamburgh.

Edlingham, a small hamlet approximately six miles southwest of Alnwick, rests in a verdant valley with winding country lanes, the mediaeval church of St John the Baptist and the magnificent ruins of Edlingham Castle. Reserve a campervan in Edlingham and rumble over to remarkable Alnwick, or drive around the county and fall in love with its empty roads, big skies and varied attractions. If you’d like to find more private campervans in the vicinity, check out campervan rentals in Wooler, and campervan rentals in Belford Find a camping vehicle on the site for your campervan hire.

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Can You Stay Overnight at Alnwick Castle?

Unfortunately, there is no accommodation within the castle or its ground, however there are plenty of excellent campsites within walking distance. Doxford Farm, just 11 minutes away, is a great place to rest your head, especially if you prefer being a short stroll from local amenities. Tucked within lush farmland, the campsite offers space for campervans, motorhomes and caravans on generous pitches, with optional electric metres. A swish selection of glamping pods and bell tents are perfect for guests who prefer a little shelter from the elements alongside mod cons like heating and electricity. Members of the Caravan and Camping Club can rumble over to Dunstan Hill Camping and Caravanning Campsite, 19 minutes away, and wake up to stunning sea views that pair exceptionally with the fresh ocean air and big skies.

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The town also holds a range of cosy bed and breakfast accommodation, charming inns, and luxury hotels, so feel free to treat your merry band of adventurers to an upgrade if the mood strikes.

Can You Park Overnight at Alnwick Castle?

A shared parking area between Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden is available to all visitors at a modest charge of £3.50 for a full day of parking, beginning at 9 a.m. The site only accepts contactless and card payments. We recommend setting aside between 2-4 hours to explore the castle and possibly join the events or sign up for activities on the premises.

Camping In and around Alnwick?

The town of Alnwick, just a few miles from the Northumberland Coast, is home to many historic attractions and is also within close proximity to a number of old Roman forts and ruins. The town’s layout holds varied shops, pubs, and inns, providing an interesting day’s walk. With a handy location close to the Scottish border plus the English/Northumberland Border, there are plenty of beautiful campsites in Northumberland, particularly in and around Alnwick. Escape into the Northumberland countryside by staying at a campsite in Rothbury, or savour the buzz and bustle of one of the largest towns in the county with our camping locations in Ashington. We also have a plethora of camping spots in Alnmouth. For those seeking a different adventure further south, our campsites in Bristol offer urban convenience alongside easy access to the stunning countryside of the West Country. Here’s what these locations might be the perfect for your stop in Alnwick.

What better way to relax after a day of sightseeing than by cosying up around a flickering campfire with the sounds of nature creating a soothing soundtrack? Rothbury, a traditional market town in the heart of Northumberland, brims with scenery plus peaceful cycling and walking routes. Campsites in Rothbury are hidden amid rolling hills and the sparkling River Coquet twisting through the town centre. Explore Northumberland National Park, Simonside Hills, and the Cheviot Hills. Explore the lush landscape and wildlife, or stroll to the pub for a pint. Don’t forget to use our camping accommodation icons to filter out campsites based on your specific camping needs. Find tent-friendly campsites in Alnwick, or use our filters to find the best touring and glamping locations near you. The blue text at the top of the page indicates the number of campsites within 30 miles of your chosen town of hire.

The bustling town of Ashington is the place to be if you enjoy amenities at hand, the hum of activity, colourful houses, and a welcoming community. Despite its status as a town, there are plenty of beautifully green spaces for exploring, including a stunning woodland. A selection of museums pay homage to the town’s mining history, and are well-worth a visit, especially if you’d like to take a stroll from your campsite in Ashington. Scroll to the end of the page to find a map with pinpoints to each campsite mentioned on our campsites in Ashington page, and feel free to pick your camping locations based on our detailed map. Alternately, click on campsites in the nearby towns of campsites Morpeth, campsites Felton, campsites Whitley Bay, campsites South Shields, campsites Newcastle Upon Tyne, campsites Gateshead, and campsites Cambo right under the campsite map at the end of the page.

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Alnmouth, with its delightful collection of vibrant houses, plentiful wildlife, and beautiful beach, is a wonderful place to set up camp if you’re exploring Alnwick. Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, campsites in Alnmouth are a delight for nature lovers who can gaze out across the coastline and enjoy scenic walks, cycling and horse riding. A wealth of nature and big skies await you, and the town of Alnmouth is well-located for exploring the local area. For more camping locations nearby, check out our campsites in Belford and campsites in Wooler. we also list campsites across the UK for your ultimate pleasurable travel experience.

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Tent Camping at Alnwick

Ah, yes. Tent camping is the most authentic way to camp, and who doesn’t enjoy the thrills of unzipping your tent to step out on jaw-droppingly gorgeous landscapes? We’ve highlighted Walkmill Campsite above, and we also recommend both KMF Camping, an eco friendly location in a gorgeous Dark Skies area.

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Tranwell Farm Campsite is another cracking tent pitch supporting campsite in Morpeth offering a blend of camping and glamping options, ranging from tent pitches to bell tents. You can also check out our tent pitch supporting camping in Felton, tent pitch supporting in Chathill, and tent pitch supporting in Beadnell.

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Campsites at Alnwick for Motorhomes

Motorhome camping in Alnwick blends convenience and the thrills of adventure in the scenic Northumberland countryside, creating a laid back atmosphere for unwinding under big skies. Park your motorhome amidst the tranquillity of the region and embark on adventures to nearby settlements like Amble, where you can stroll along the picturesque harbour, or find motorhome friendly sites in Morpeth and explore its quaint streets and riverside walks. Pretty Proctors Stead Caravan Park welcomes caravans and motorhomes in a beautiful, family-run caravan park just a mile from the glittering ocean.

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The Shepherds Rest Inn is a quiet Camping and Caravanning Club location with scenic views of the open countryside in Alnwick. Located a 15-minute drive to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the campsite rests on a private meadow, surrounded by the sounds of sheep grazing in the surrounding fields. For more camping locations, take a peek at our motorhome friendly camping in Rothbury, motorhome friendly camping in Seahouses, motorhome-friendly camping in Bamburgh, motorhome friendly camping in Belford, motorhome friendly camping in Wooler and motorhome friendly camping in Ashington.

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Touring Caravan Sites Near Alnwick

Tugging your caravan along for the hols? No problem! We’ve got every camping location possible in Alnwick, including fantastic sites that welcome caravans on-site. Beautiful Beadnell Bay Camping And Caravanning Club Site is a delight for anyone in search of a coastal caper, resting right across a lovely sandy beach in Beadnell. There are several local pubs nearby, including the The Craster Arms, plus a mobile fish and chips near the site - perfect for meals after an active day on the beach. The site has space for motorhomes and touring caravans, plus a selection of well-equipped cottages. Coalhouses Farm Caravan Site, a certificated camping space in Morpeth, has spacious pitches with a handy bus stop right outside the gates. The owners are most welcoming and the site is beautifully-maintained, near the beach, with fresh eggs for sale most days. Hop on over to Seddons Caravan Park, a touring caravan friendly campsite in Widdrington Moor, and enjoy a relaxing stay with disabled-friendly amenities, separate male and female showers, toilet blocks, free parking, and a kid’s play area.

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Static Caravan Parks Near Alnwick

The allure of kicking back in a holiday home is undeniable. Not only are they luxurious and spacious, guests are free to leave the towed vehicles or cumbersome motorhomes behind for the convenience of a relaxing car ride. Not only do these homes offer direct access to spectacularly scenic locations, they provide a feel of being in a community, and often offer cost effective accommodation options for large groups or families. Cresswell Towers Holiday Park rests in a beautiful woodland location, nestled amid lovely coast and countryside strolls nearby. Waren Caravan Camping Park is another beautiful site in Bamburgh, on a stunning headland above Budle Bay Nature Reserve. Golden Sands Holiday Park is perfect for exploring miles of beautiful beaches in Lincolnshire, while Bockenfield Country Park provides a host of facilities, including bubbling hot tubs. Take a look at these options or browze our static caravan available campsites in Alnwick. For more options check out static caravan available camping in Alnmouth, static caravan available camping in Shilbottle, static caravan available camping in Lesbury, and static caravan available camping in Hipsburn.

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Alnwick Camping Cabins

Alanwick Camping cabins are a step above touring escapes, yet are no-frills enough to provide the feel of camping under the stars with the comforts of heating, electricity,and a roof overhead. We’ve already mentioned Doxford Farm above, which is very close to the town centre, offering camping cabins plus touring options to adventurers keen to unwind close to Alnwick Castle. Middlemoor Farm Holidays combines exceptional views of the coast with quirky accommodation options ranging from dog friendly glamping pods in Alnwick to stays in narrowboats with access to lovely hot tubs. Campers might also consider Westfield House Farm, a wonderful site with a selection of shepherd’s huts and cottages for rent.

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You can also have a look through Camping cabins in Edlingham, camping cabins in Rennington, and camping cabins in Longhoughton,

Goodbye to Alnwick and Onto Our Next Roadtrip Stop

And there you have it. An Itinerary for a Road Trip in Northumberland covers six great destinations, spread across the beautiful Northumberland landscape taking in the finest sights in the area. We hope to challenge campers to discover something new, while falling in love with the old or more frequented attractions. Whether you find yourself nursing a cold pint by the fireplace at The Treehouse Restaurant, or lounging on the golden beaches of the Northumberland Coast AONB, our Northumberland road trip is a holiday to remember. We’ve just explored buzzing Alnwick, the fourth stop on our Northumberland escape.

Don’t pack for a trip home just yet, as we have plenty more exciting locations on our itinerary. We’ve compiled a list of excellent camping spots and private campervan owners, creating the flexibility to kick off your Northumberland road trip from Alnwick itself. You’ll save plenty with our campervan hires and campsites, while enjoying the very best Northumberland views and the freedom to wander as much or as little as desired. We’ll be back again next week with an update along the route. Our fifth stop takes us on a holiday at the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stay tuned.

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