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Alnwick is referred to as ‘the Windsor of the North’ thanks to its grand castle (Picture: Getty Images) Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Northumberland, a stone’s throw from the quaint villages of Alnmouth and Amble, lies the market town of Alnwick. Renowned for its cobbled streets, turreted skyline, and an enchanting castle reminiscent of a fairy tale, Alnwick has recently been lauded by lifestyle experts at Muddy Stilettos as one of the best places to live in the UK for 2026. The town is often referred to as ‘the Windsor of the North’, thanks to the grand castle, which was immortalised by its role in the first two Harry Potter films and attracts visitors and residents alike. Yet Alnwick is far from stuck in the past. The town hums with life — its streets lined with independent shops, cafés, and pubs that mark it as a community rooted in tradition but flourishing in innovation. Comment nowHave you visited Alnwick? Tell us what you think of itComment Now Things to do in Alnwick One of the many jewels in Alnwick’s crown is its food scene, which boasts an appealing mixture of time-honoured favourites and creative new ventures. Barter Books café, situated in a lovingly converted Victorian railway station, offers one of the UK’s largest second-hand bookshops, where homemade cakes share space with beloved literary titles. @mollytraves 📍alnwick town centre, northumberland #englishtowns #northernengland #northumberland #alnwick #towncentre #giftshop #bookstore #barterbooks #jellycat #collection #wildolive #castletown #traveluk ♬ Home – Matthew Hall Dining becomes an experience to remember at The Treehouse Restaurant, embedded within Alnwick Garden’s expansive treehouse, where fairy lights and cosy log fires create an atmosphere both magical and intimate. Local pubs such as The Dirty Bottles, with its roots steeped in folklore, and the Adam & Eve Pub, famed for its innovative cocktails, offer meeting spots that bring the community together. Meanwhile, the town’s award-winning chippie, Carlos, has garnered rave reviews, standing as a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, expertly prepared fish and chips. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ_9zczsSq0/?hl=en From March until December, Alnwick’s market bustles to life three times a week, providing residents and visitors alike with fresh locally sourced produce, handcrafted goods, and one-of-a-kind gifts. It’s a shopping experience that punctuates the town’s leisurely rhythm, and independent stores like Marilyn & Melrose and The Accidental Bookshop add to this eclectic commercial tapestry, delighting shoppers who are eager for authentic, original offerings. The market’s vibrancy reaches its crescendo each August during the Alnwick Town Festival, a celebration combining artisan markets, global street food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. The town may be small, but there is plenty to see and do (Picture: Getty Images) The market is one of Alnwick’s main attractions (Picture: Getty Images) And Alnwick’s cultural calendar is packed year-round. February welcomes the internationally acclaimed Alnwick Story Fest, while there’s the popular Beer Festival in August and September brings the Food Festival, complete with live cookery demonstrations that showcase Northumberland’s rich gastronomic heritage. Nearby landmarks include Bamburgh Castle and Northumberland National Park, and Alnwick is a mere 40-minute drive from Newcastle and just an hour on the train to Edinburgh from nearby Alnmouth, combining rural charm with metropolitan accessibility. House prices in Alnwick Reflecting its appeal, Alnwick’s housing market exhibits a range of options with average prices hovering around £296,821, according to Rightmove. Terraced homes can be found at approximately £250,386, while detached properties average a higher £424,109. Unsurprisingly, properties boasting views of the castle or nestled within the town’s most sought-after districts command premium prices — a testament to Alnwick’s enduring draw. House prices in Alnwick are slightly above the UK average (Picture: Getty Images) What locals say about Alnwick On Reddit, locals have praised Alnwick for its friendly vibe, and shared some of their favourite things to do in the town. One user said: ‘I would highly recommend Alnwick. Amazing little town with lots to explore around every weekend, from hiking in the Cheviots to the coast and the castle scene. On the main line to Newcastle, Edinburgh and London.’ And another praised the town’s ‘great community attitude and good schools’. Sharing their favourite food and drink spots, one local said: ‘The Tree House in Alnwick is a great restaurant, I’ve only ever had Sunday dinner there, which was grea,t but the setting is the cool thing about it.’ Another added: ‘We usually get a few pints in the Tanners Arms. It’s a small pub, but everyone is generally friendly and has a nice atmosphere with local ales and whatnot.’ Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
