Highlights
- The Grand Cascade, with 120 water jets
- The Poison Garden, seen on a short guided tour
- The Rose Garden and the walled Ornamental Garden
- The Cherry Orchard of 326 Taihaku cherry trees, in blossom in spring
- The Treehouse, Bamboo Labyrinth and Serpent Garden
About The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden was the idea of the Duchess of Northumberland, who decided in 1996 to create a new garden in the grounds of Alnwick Castle. The Belgian firm Wirtz International was commissioned to design it, building began in 2000, and the first phase, with the Grand Cascade, Rose Garden, Ornamental Garden and Woodland Walk, opened in 2001.
A second phase in 2005 added the Treehouse, Poison Garden, Bamboo Labyrinth and Serpent Garden, followed by the Pavilion by Sir Michael Hopkins in 2006 and the Cherry Orchard in 2008. The garden is run by an independent charity, The Alnwick Garden Trust. Its character is modern and theatrical, mixing water, sculpture and planting, with the Lilidorei play village alongside.
What to see
- The Grand Cascade, a stepped water feature with 120 jets.
- The Poison Garden, behind locked gates, with toxic and narcotic plants explained on a guided tour.
- The Ornamental Garden, a walled garden with formal planting.
- The Rose Garden, entered through the Duchess's Gates.
- The Cherry Orchard, planted with 326 Taihaku cherries.
- The Treehouse, home to the Treehouse Restaurant, with the Bamboo Labyrinth and Serpent Garden nearby.
Planning your visit
The garden is on Greenwell Road in Alnwick; for sat navs the garden suggests NE66 3RA to reach the right A1 exit. All-day parking costs £3.75 per car, with free parking for Blue Badge holders. Allow three to five hours, or a full day with Lilidorei.
Online booking is recommended. The garden is wheelchair accessible and a small number of mobility scooters can be hired by phone. Winter opening is reduced: Thursday to Sunday in November and early December, with the Winter Lights evening event from mid-November, and weekends only in January and early February.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit The Alnwick Garden?
The online Garden-only adult ticket is £19.70 with Gift Aid or £17.90 without from September to 1 November 2026. Up to four children aged 0 to 16 go free on a standard ticket. Combined tickets with Lilidorei cost more.
Can I bring my dog to The Alnwick Garden?
Dogs on leads are welcome on Thursdays and Sundays. On other days they can use the walkway between the Alnwick Town and Denwick Lane entrances, the Bakery, gift shop and Potting Shed. From 16 November 2026, during Winter Lights, only assistance dogs are allowed.
How do I see the Poison Garden?
Only on a guided tour of about 20 minutes. Tours cost £1, must be pre-booked and need a valid Garden ticket or membership.
How long does a visit take and is there parking?
Most visitors spend three to five hours. All-day parking is £3.75 per car, and Blue Badge holders park free in the priority car park.