Welcome back to my Wallflower Explorer Series. Today I'm going to share Alnwick Garden with you. As always with the Wallflower Explorer series I will sprinkle in advice for when you are visiting places alone.
Alnwick Garden is a multi-award winning garden created by the Duchess of Northumberland. It is a 45 minute drive away from Newcastle.
My recent trip was in Winter so it was very different from when I've visited in other seasons. That is something I love about coming to Alnwick Gardens is that no two visits are the same. I plan to go back soon now it is Spring!
When you first walk into the garden the first thing you see is the breath taking Grand Cascade. No matter how many times I've watched the water jets go off it never looses its magic. In the dark it lights up making it truly spectacular.
The Taihaku Cherry Blossoms garden with its swing benches is a peaceful place to seat and relax. In April/May when the cherry blossoms have bloomed you really do feel like you are in a fairy tale. It would be a beautiful place to sit reading a book. If you struggle with being alone listen to a podcast or some music with you headphones. It stops you thinking about how you are alone and you can focus on enjoying what you can see around you.
The Rose Garden is truly spectacular, again especially in the summer. The roses are all in different colours and it is a truly impressive sight to see. I took the photo below in August last year and you can see how stunning the roses are.
As you are walking around, there is so much to see it's easy to forgot you are alone and get lost in exploring. As you are alone you can take your time and take as many pictures as you would like!
For me a stand out feature of Alnwick Garden is the Poison Garden. This garden is behind a gate and you can only go around with a tour guide (up to 20 people per group). It contains around 100 toxic plants. I have been on two tours and both tour guides were very knowledgeable and charismatic. On both tours I learnt something new. It fascinating to learn how several plants you can by in the garden centre are actually poisonous! It is included in your ticket price (£9.35 for an adult).
Tours are a great activity to do alone as you are part of a group with someone else talking taking the focus away you don't feel alone.
All that and there is also
The Pavilion Cafe which serves delicious cakes and hot drinks. As well as light lunch options. A perfect place to sit and watch The Grand Cascade.
The Pinery Gift Shop is not only filled with beautiful trinkets, delicious food and plants it also hosts local artists and photographers. I've brought a few cards and artwork from local artists. Its always nice to support local businesses.
So hopefully I've inspired you to go to Alnwick Gardens. It is a beautiful place to visit alone, escape the city and browse at your leisure.
Why not check out the other posts in my Wallflower Explorer Series?
Em x
Prices correct at time of writing March 2022.
It looks so pretty! You have shared some really beautiful photographs. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLauren - bournemouthgirl
Thank you! It is a beautiful place so easy to take beautiful photos!
DeleteOh wow it looks amazing! Totally mesmerised by the picture if the cherry blossom garden, really need to add it to my must see list x
ReplyDeleteYour description and the pictures of the garden have convinced me to visit Alnwick Gardens someday. It looks so beautiful 😍
ReplyDelete