There are endless things to do in Northumberland year round, but one of the highlights of the winter season is of course the Alnwick Garden light trail, which attracts so many people to Alnwick while it’s running. Although the winter light trail is a highlight, the town itself has so much to offer, and it’s well worth making a full day trip to enjoy. I recently did just that, so step into Alnwick with me and be inspired to plan your own day trip this winter.

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Visit Northumberland, and I received complimentary experiences in Alnwick to help with this review. As always, all opinions are my own. 

To help me and you plan our visits to Alnwick, Visit Northumberland have recently launched a new app with the North of Tyne Combined Authority, which brings together local businesses, ideas, offers and experiences in one place, so you can easily plan your time there. Be prepared before you step into Alnwick, IOS users can download the app here, and Android users can find it here.

Alnwick is one of my most favourite Northumberland towns, and despite its small size there is so much to enjoy. If you’re unfamiliar with it, you could easily find yourself visiting only the obvious spots, like Alnwick Castle or the Alnwick Garden.

The app makes it easy to filter through other hidden gems, fun activities, unique shopping opportunities and food spots to enjoy, so by the time you do step into Alnwick, you’ll know exactly where you’re going and what to do.

With the Alnwick Garden light trail beginning after dark, I’d recommend you have a leisurely drive up in the morning after rush hour, and start your day with some lunch.

Where to Eat in Alnwick

During this visit I went to Lilburn’s for lunch, which is a gorgeous independent, family run bistro tucked just behind the main market square. They offer sandwiches, soups, baked potatoes and much more in their two storey quaint little restaurant. The owners are so friendly, food is great and it’s a relaxing start to the day. 

They’re also based right next door to The Cheese Room, if you wanted to pick up some cheese from the deli or have a light bite here. Dirty Bottles is a very popular pub, and they do great food if you want a more pub style meal, or the Alnwick Treehouse for something more formal again.

Turnbull’s butcher, baker and delicatessen is another must visit, where you could pick up pies, sausage rolls and scotch eggs, as well as locally sourced meat and fish to take away with you. They also have a selection of local ales, spirits and drinks too.

Northern Angels has a lovely little tearoom where you could enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and cake.

Shopping in Alnwick

You could easily spend hours going to all the little boutiques in Alnwick, there are some brilliant ones that sell really nice gifts, artwork, home decor, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs. 

My first stop was Robinson’s of Alnwick, a mini department store packed with a little bit of everything. I spent ages browsing the jewellery and the homeware, which was very seasonal for Christmas. They also have a kids section full of toys, and their Christmas window is fabulous. It’s really traditional with moving characters and music – a big hit with everyone who passed by.

Further along from Robinson’s you can also find Proudlock House and Home store, which is a hardware store but it’s one of those places where you’ll find just about anything. They have some Emma Bridgewater crockery, some Newcastle United themed decor, candles and much more. There’s a reason they’re often referred to as an Aladdin’s cave.

Next door to Northern Angels tearoom is the main shop, selling bags, clothing and accessories, so definitely stop by there for a mooch too. For pets you must visit Northumbrian Pets, and keeping it local, you can’t go to Alnwick without getting a tipple or two from Taste of Northumberland as well. 

The Chocolate Spa is a cute little chocolate shop on the corner, and just along from this you must go into Dovecote Northumberland. This candle, fragrance and body shop is stunning, with the most amazing collection of scents in the form of candles, diffusers and wax melts. They were doing beautiful Christmas gift hampers and tree decorations too.

All of these places can be found on Market Street, Fenkle Street or around the Market Place, and they offer some really unique but quality gifts, either for other people or just for yourself. 

Moving along to Narrowgate, this quaint little run of shops is on a pedestrianised street, and it’s gorgeous even for just a window shop walk along, but I highly recommend you dip into a few.

Brightwater Gallery is bigger inside than it looks from the outside, and sells some beautiful coastal artwork, sculptures and decorations. I think many of the places I’ve stayed at along the Northumberland coast source their decor from here, and you can see why. I really loved the paintings of Seahouses harbour. 

Ruby Tuesday is another gift shop to pop your head into, as is the Accidental bookshop. Speaking of bookshops, I can’t mention them without suggesting Barter Books, slightly out of the town centre but it’s a paradise for book lovers. 

Fancy A Winter Warmer?

You could easily spend a couple of hours shopping, but if you get tired or fancy a drink then the latest addition to Alnwick for winter is Backyard Bavaria. 

This pop up is right next door to Dirty Bottles, which is also a great pub for a mulled cider and cosy atmosphere, but Backyard Bavaria has been transformed from the Beach Club it was in summer to a winter alpine lodge, with fire pits, Christmas trees, and a seasonal cocktail menu to enjoy too.

You can pick up food like hot dogs, pizzas and loaded fries here, and they also show sport on matchdays, which is when it gets really busy. It was a very festive atmosphere here, we enjoyed a couple of cocktails – all with great names, and the food was quick and tasty – very much like winter market food, so definitely pay a visit over the winter months while it’s here. 

Alnwick Garden Light Trail

Finally, round off your Alnwick visit with the Alnwick Garden light trail. I thoroughly enjoyed it and in its fifth year of running I think it’s perhaps the best one yet. There are plenty of options for hot drinks as you go around, with coffee carts and a tipi available to pick up refreshments. 

I found the trail itself really interactive, and enjoyable for both children and adults alike. Some of the interactive elements included the talking snowman and the snowzone, I also loved the dancing reindeer and penguins. It’s not entirely Christmas themed, with some of the light displays just pretty to see, but those that were more festive were definitely the crowd favourites. 

The finale of the trail is the incredible fountain display, which is beautiful and a fabulous way to round off your day in Alnwick. The trail is on until 7th January, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy it over the Christmas holidays. You can book tickets here. 

By the time you come out of the light trail Alnwick town centre will also be lit up with their Christmas lights on, so make sure you wander through the Market Place again to see the tree and displays on the buildings and windows. 

This was how I spent my winter day out to Alnwick, and as much as I managed to fit in I still didn’t visit everywhere I could have or seen everything there is to see. Even once Christmas has passed, a day out up the coast exploring Alnwick is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy all the local businesses.

Step into Alnwick with Visit Northumberland here, and if you’re going to visit make sure to download the app to help you plan your day out. There may be new offers and ideas when you visit, to help you make the most of this fabulous town.