A Harry Potter Themed Stay At Hallow & Crux Alnwick
Harry Potter fans can’t miss a stay at Hallow & Crux Alnwick, right in the centre of town and just yards from Alnwick Castle, a famous filming location as Hogwarts. Hallow & Crux hotel sits above Dirty Bottles restaurant and cocktail bar, with renovated four unique hotel rooms in line with the films, for a magical stay in this historic Northumberland town.
We stayed at Hallow & Crux in April when we were at a wedding up the coast, and although the bar and restaurant were under renovation at the time, we still really enjoyed our stay in The Common Room.
Hallow & Crux Parking
Right in the centre of town the only real issue we had was parking, as there is none available on site. There are a number of free car parks in Alnwick, but some have time limits, and the two free unlimited stay ones were full.
We had to wait around for a space but got there in the end. The two free car parks you could use when staying at Hallow & Crux are Greenwell Road parking, but check restrictions as only part of the car park allows unlimited parking, and Dispensory Street car park.
Hallow & Crux Alnwick
Against a backdrop of Alnwick Castle, Hallow & Crux has transformed as if by magic, four hotel bedrooms into Harry Potter themed rooms, but not quite in the childlike way you might imagine themed rooms to be. It was actually very realistic!
There are two larger family size rooms, and two double rooms, all that promise a magical and whimsical nights sleep. Choose from The Common Room and the Dumbledorm family rooms, or The Marauders or The Chamber double rooms. Each has unique features relating to their different themes.
For example, The Dumbledorm has a double height and starry ceiling similar to that described in the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office, The Marauder has mapped wallpaper like the Marauders map, and The Chamber has a Black family theme and plenty of snakes for an altogether darker experience. That one scared me a bit. I’m not sure I’d sleep!
We were staying in The Common Room, complete with the fat lady’s portrait hanging on the door.
The Common Room
Reflective of the Gryffindor Common Room, this room was red and gold, with big tapestries hanging on the walls, a wooden carved lion statue wearing the Gryffindor tie, and bedspreads that looked exactly like those in the film.
The details are incredible, with a cabinet filled with potions and spellbooks, a Triwizard cup, and in one corner you’ll find a sorting hat and a broomstick. There’s owls dotted about the decor, and portraits hanging on the walls of recognisable characters.
The bathroom of the Common Room was done out like the ministry, with deep green tiles, and silver trimmings, complete with a rainfall double shower and a roll top bath. The shape of the whole room, and all three of the others is completely unique, with varying views of both Alnwick Castle and the town itself.
Each room comes with a coffee machine, a smart TV, and wifi, but these modern additions don’t dampen the old fashioned magical spirit.
I had a great night’s sleep in the big carved wooden bed, it was so comfortable and it did feel like a bit of a surreal experience turning the lamp off while looking at the sorting hat on the bedside table. For a full video tour of The Common Room have a look at my Instagram Reel here.
It was an ideal place to stay for a wedding up in Northumberland, and we got taxis no problem using a local firm. Being right in Alnwick town centre it’s ideal for seeing the local area.
Dirty Bottles For Food & Drinks
Downstairs is Dirty Bottles, that has been a public house for two centuries, and they’ve recently renovated their bar and restaurant area. Here you can enjoy pub food, most of which is locally sourced, and drinks such as more local ales and spirits, and unique cocktails.
As well as traditional pub mains such as steaks, lasagnes, and even a seafood platter being on the Northumberland coastline, they also serve burgers, hot dogs, and lighter bites such as baguettes and jacket potatoes.
They cater for kids with a dedicated kids menu, vegan and gluten free options, and dogs are also welcome.
The drinks menu is as big, with a big cocktail menu serving the classics, virgin cocktails and some more adventurous choices with a local theme. Enjoy happy hour between 5-7pm too where you can get two cocktails for £10.
In warmer weather make the most of the rooftop terrace garden, complete with views of Alnwick Castle.
Alnwick Castle aka Hogwarts
If you’re a Harry Potter fan chances are you wouldnt stay at Hallow & Crux and not make sure you visit Alnwick Castle. It’s a very short walk away, and you can even get Harry Potter themed tours, or a broomstick flying lesson.
If you want to visit Alnwick Castle and the grounds, make sure you book tickets as it’s one of the most popular days out in Northumberland.
Book your stay at Hallow & Crux
For your own Harry Potter themed stay at Hallow & Crux, book your room on the Hallow & Crux website here. It’s not cheap, but most Northumberland stays aren’t anymore and prices are in line with other hotels of the same quality standard. We stayed at a time when there was renovation work being carried out so we got a discounted rate, but standard weekend rates are about £200 per night.
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