With historic and characterful buildings in abundance, it’s no surprise the market town of Alnwick remains a popular place to live. Aranda Garrard finds out more. TODAY it may be better known as a film location, for blockbusters, but the market town of Alnwick has always been a base for drama and intrigue. From Harry Potter to Elizabeth, Blackadder to Becket, all have been filmed at Alnwick’s magnificent castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland.
And at its core, Alnwick has a piece of history around every corner. The town has an historic feel with its cobbled market place and main street, and a maze of narrow alleyways and streets dating back to medieval times. The 15th Century town gate, the Bondgate Tower guards the southern entrance to the main street, Bondgate. The town centre has some lovely old, well preserved buildings containing a fine selection of shops, eating places and characterful old bars. The Olde Cross pub is no exception. More than 200 years ago, the owner of the pub suffered a heart attack as he changed the display of bottles in the window and apparently cursed the bottles as he died. A few years later, the bottles were moved again only for the same fate to befall the person concerned. They have remained there ever since, untouched and covered in dust and cobwebs. Quaint and unusual shops are also dotted around the town. Barter Books, inside the former Alnwick Railway Station, is the largest secondhand bookshop in the country and a worthy stopping-off point for visitors. Alnwick lies in the postcode district of NE66 and offers something for everyone, from its old-fashioned elegant terraces to more modern executive homes. Jane Young, of Rook Matthews Sayer’s Alnwick branch, said: “Alnwick is becoming ever more popular as visitors and residents alike appreciate the history and character of the town, close to Alnwick Castle and the magnificent Alnwick Garden. “On entering the old part of the town through the Bondgate Tower from the south, the cobbled parking and old coaching hotel the White Swan welcomes you to a choice of wine bars and restaurants, including a traditional fish and chip shop. There is a choice of supermarkets, plus specialist retail outlets, including saddlers, fishing tackle, golf shop and sportswear. “The cobbled Market Place has traditional Saturday markets plus farmers’ markets and a host of entertainment, including the very popular music festival. “There is schooling for all ages, from nursery to age 18. “The town’s Playhouse theatre also doubles as a cinema and has a wide range of entertainment. There is also a new leisure centre with pool and gym and lots of free exercise to be had on the fantastic beaches and Cheviot Hills.” | 
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