LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the far north of England, where a landscape brimming with wonder and adventure awaits. Here, visitors can explore a magnificent castle that served as the backdrop for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a sight that will thrill any Harry Potter fan. Imagine stepping into a whimsical theme park where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round, with twinkling lights and festive decorations creating a joyful atmosphere at every turn. The area is also home to mystical clans of elves, goblins, fairies, and enchanting beings, adding a touch of folklore to the experience. As you wander through this magical realm, don’t miss the renowned Poison Garden, a captivating attraction filled with some of the deadliest plants in Britain. Each step takes you deeper into a world of fascination and allure. With its rich tapestry of attractions and stories, Alnwick is truly the most magical destination in England.

The home of Hogwarts

Alnwick, located near the Northumbria coast, is a fairytale cobbled town that sparks the imagination. As visitors wander through the grounds of Alnwick Castle, they can imagine Madame Hooch teaching a flying lesson and even participate in broomstick training sessions, just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Guests are free to explore the castle courtyard and the Lion Arch, where iconic film scenes were shot.

Where to stay? The Hoggs Head

If you are visiting Alnwick for the weekend, you’ll want to stay at The Hoggs Head, named after the tavern in the Harry Potter books and films. Owned by the Inn Collection, this is a family-friendly pub that was built in 2012 As soon as you walk in, you’ll be welcomed by the friendly staff and sit down by the fire for a drink while
you wait for your key. If you are staying more than one night,, you can swap your room service for a free drink, which is a novel idea. The Alnwick rum is particularly moreish.

They have a variety of cask ales,, including Caffrey’s on tap, mixed in with a generous dose of Northern hospitality. The food at The Hoggs Head is delicious, with an emphasis on the flavours of the countryside. Guests can enjoy pheasant goujons coated in Cumberland sauce for a starter, followed by Venison medallions. You can also enjoy a succulent rump steak, while favourites like scampi and chips are on the menu for younger visitors. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of warming desserts such as sticky toffee pudding.

And when it comes to the end of the night, a comfy bed awaits. The family rooms are spacious with two double beds, a flat-screen TV, large wardrobes, a bathroom with a bath and shower, a desk and tea and coffee-making facilities. The décor is very rustic with browns and creams,, which evoke a homey feel, complete with comfortable king-sized beds to aid a good night’s sleep.

Christmas magic

The gardens also host Lilidorei, a themed playpark built on the grounds of Alnwick Gardens. Costing £15.5 million, the project was developed by the Duchess of Northumberland as a place where guests can let their imaginations run wild, and it has been casting a spell on youngsters and adults alike. It is a magical, mysterious village full of play and home to nine clans who worship Christmas. As you walk through the gates, the chants of the clansmen ring in your ears, ramping up the excitement of the festive season, and then you see the magical spires of the play equipment, said to be the largest play structure in Europe.

You are immersed in a magical world of strange sounds, storytelling, and myths. Reindeer graze on the grass as hundreds of fir trees sparkle. As guests explore, they can discover the homeland of these mystical creatures, knocking on their curious little houses, peering through the windows, and, all the while, hear the clansmen going about their festive preparations, chanting and singing yuletide songs. They are ruled by Lord Elfwin, King of Lilidorei, who lives in Elfwin Drin, the biggest play structure in the world. If you are visiting in November or December, you can also book a visit with Santa Claus. This is the most magical way to meet the main man himself, who has his special grotto amongst the Christmas trees. If you have small people, then this is up there on your Christmas wish list.

Titanic history

However, you might also want to dine out one night, and if you wish to enjoy a meal at the historic White Swan Hotel, a 300-year-old coaching inn with links to the famous White Star Line’s Titanic. Guests can step into the Olympic Suite, the dining room of the White Swan Hotel, and travel back to the lavish Edwardian era. Here, they will experience the grandeur of the RMS Olympic, the nearly identical sister ship of the world’s most infamous ship, The Titanic, which has been lovingly restored for guests.

As you enjoy a meal in the hotel’s dining room. You can marvel at the original panelling, mirrors, ceiling, and stained glass salvaged from the ship. Down in the town or ‘toon’, as they like to call it in these parts, there are fabulous bars to explore, such as the Dirty Bottles, which serves fabulous food and drink. Further down the road is Harry’s Bar, which is wonderfully welcoming with beams and a small seating area out the back. You can also browse the quaint shops for gifts. At Christmas,, the town is decorated with lights, and in summer, you can wander down the winding cobbled streets. Continue past the archway of Bondgate Tower, the only remaining chunk of the town walls, which will take you to Barter Books, where you can settle into an armchair by the open fire with a coffee and immerse yourself in a literary world as toy trains chug above you.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Adventurous souls can also use Alnwick as their base to visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which can only be visited when the tide is low. You are also well placed to visit Bamburgh Castle, a Grade II listed fortress, or Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Alnwick is a fabulous place to visit at any time of the year, but summer is the best time for Potter fans who will be able to explore the castle. The magic of Christmas, however, lures visitors in the run-up to the festive season, and since the magic is celebrated all year, you can visit at any time. Choose Alnwick for your next visit up north.