Alnwick Gardens

Built to be unconventional, The Alnwick Garden is a unique, contemporary visitor attraction in the heart of Northumberland, and one that consistently surprises people who expect a conventional day out at a stately garden. Created by the Duchess of Northumberland, it is a registered charity that places people at the forefront of all its activities. The result is a place that feels genuinely alive and democratic in a way that sets it apart from almost any other garden in the country.

The centrepiece is the Grand Cascade, a tiered water feature consisting of a series of symmetrical stone steps over which water tumbles continuously, stretching over 120 metres and framed by clipped hornbeam hedges. Every 30 minutes the Cascade comes alive with a dynamic water display as jets spray high into the air in synchronised patterns. Younger visitors tend to abandon any pretence of staying dry, and wise parents bring a change of clothes.

One of the most talked-about features is the Poison Garden, hidden behind locked gates and entered only on guided tours. Home to over 100 toxic, intoxicating and narcotic plants from around the world, visitors are guided through a thrilling and educational experience where they can hear tales of the darker, more mysterious side of horticulture. These guided tours are included with entry and last around 20 minutes. It is genuinely unlike anything else you are likely to have seen in a garden setting.

Beyond these headline attractions, the garden is also home to the world’s largest Japanese cherry orchard, with 326 Taihaku cherry trees that in spring produce an unforgettable display of white blossom. In autumn the same trees transform again into rich copper tones. The Serpent Garden, the Rose Garden and the winding Bamboo Labyrinth each offer something different again, and the garden changes enough with the seasons that a return visit rarely feels repetitive.

At the heart of the garden, the Treehouse is a fantastical structure that seems to have sprung from the pages of a fairytale, crafted from sustainably sourced wood with wobbly rope bridges, mysterious passageways and an atmospheric restaurant complete with a roaring log fire in cooler months and trees growing right through the floor. The Treehouse Restaurant is one of the most unusual dining experiences in the north of England and is worth booking in advance, as it fills up quickly.

The Alnwick Garden is a separate attraction from Alnwick Castle next door, with its own entrance and ticketing. Up to four children can go free with each paying adult on standard garden entry, making it excellent value for families. Check the website for seasonal events and opening times before you visit, as the programme changes throughout the year.