Maybe it is just me but when I visited Alnwick Gardens I was impressed by the quality of the garden but disappointed by the scale. It was small. Including the Castle I could not imagine spending longer than one day there.

Am I missing something?

I'm staying in Alnwick because it seems like a good central location to see Northumberland. My itinerary includes Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne, Housesteads, and possibly a boat trip to the Farne Islands. I'm there for four days and five nights. My hobby is medieval history. The Percy family dominated the area for about 700 years, and I will searching for Percy ghosts.

Mayla,

IN truth Alnwick is not a foodie paradise but there are several good restaurants in the area- depending of course on what you want.

In Alnwick there is Bibby's- by the White Swan- very pleasant little "bistro" place (but not cheap). I would recommend it though.

Outside of Alwick there is the very charming Ship Inn at Low Newton (about 4 miles away on the coast- well worth the search). It's open only Thursday/Friday/sat/Sun but I would say it is a true treasure. Set in an idyllic spot, on the ocean in a tiny little gathering of fishermans cottages it has a setting to dies for and serves excellent food in a very relaxed environment.

There are a number of "nicer" pubs with dining roomsl ike the Cook and Barker at Newton on the Moor and the Tankerville at Eglingham- but all few miles out- 4/5 miles of so those two- but easily accessed.

In Bamburgh, look no further than Blackets in the main street- very very nice cooking and run by a delightful couple (Hans and Jean). Great food- extremely good service from teh friendly wait staff

Anything particular you were looking for?

Graham

(A local)

Graham: Thanks for the info.!

Fine dining is not a priority, but it's great to get some recommendations from a local. I don't eat meat, but I do eat seafood, so I'm guessing I won't starve. We'll be there the last Friday of the month, which I read is the day of the monthly market in Alnwick. Would that be worth a look do you think?

Mayla-the market is OK- but I wouldn't get particularly excited about it really! So- you are staying at South Charlton? Very nice- you'll like it. Of course it's a few miles north of Alnwick (but very near to the places I described as being good for food -The Ship Inn in Newton serves very fresh local fish). I'm intrigued at folks from LA coming to Northumberland- it's not really featured as a prime spot for US tourists so far-but maybe Harry Potter's castle will open the door! We lived in the US ourselves a few years ago and have been bringing a steady stream of US friends over in the past few years-they have tended to love the area. If the weather is good it's about as beautiful as anywhere.

If you want any specific advice on where to go-what to do, where is good for a drink near South Charlton etc. please do contact me directly at graham@gceassociates.com

Just back from a week there.

I'm not really a nightlife person but I do like good food. Had a really nice meal at The Masons Arms at Rennington. The Ginger Sticky Pudding was one of the best puddings I have ever tasted.

Obviously the kipper place in Craster (Robson and Sons) is worth a visit. I bought a disposable BBQ and cooked them on the beach (black pepper, lemon, butter and wrapped in foil, give 3 to 5 min per side) Yum Yum! Also really nice from the stand next to the Tourist Info place. (Kipper fillet £3.50)

I actually found Seahouses to be the least pleasant place we went to. Full of fish and chip shops, but the hotel (Bamburgh Castle Hotel) was nice. If you do want fish and chips one of the locals told me the Haddock was better than the cod.

I was also told you could get fresh lobster off the boats in Newton By the Sea at around 2.00pm though I never checked this out (didn't have a pot big enough)

http://www.kipper.co.uk/

http://www.a1tourism.com/uk/masons.html

Thomps: You're lucky you got to cook on the beach. My visit at the end of July was cold and rainy. In fact, being from southern california, it was the coldest I've ever been in the middle of summer! Favorite place were: Alnwick Castle, Barter Book Store, Warkworth and Bamburgh. And thanks to the people from T.A. who guided me to visit Hadrian's Wall at Housesteads. It was worth the drive from Alnwick (even though I nearly froze to death hiking up to the fort).

Have just had a lovely week in Warkworth. A delightful village on the coast about 5 miles south east of Alnwick.

Stayed at Lupin Cottage - well equipped cottage with loads of space - advertised for 6 but can sleep up to 8. website www.lupincottage.co.uk

Ate at the Hermitage Inn- can definatley recommend the lamb jennings!

If you like walks along beaches backed by the dunes, some interesting castles, historic houses - Cragside, The Holy Isle and causeway, small fishing ports, a walled town - Berwick upon Tweed, easy access to Hadrian's Wall: you will enjoy Northumberland. You just have to look for what suits you.Brisk sea air usually means a guaranteed sound night's sleep after a day out in the open.