Alnwick Castle

Almost as soon as the rain stopped, out came the midges! Gosh Ian was glad he had put the leveling blocks under the front wheel while it was still tipping it down. Forget about using the public toilets, no way would we venture out while those little B's were about!

I did feel sorry for the chap who came to check on the parking ticket. You could see him waving frantically and we quickly pointed to the windscreen where the ticket had been put. Luckily for him, we were the only vehicle parked so he didn't have to brave those blighters checking to see if any others had a ticket.

All windows shut, fly screens down yet how did they manage to get in? Several times the fly spray came out, all but killed us off as well as those midges. Anyway, Ian discovered the side door was not completely shut, ah...so that's how they got in!

Early to bed, early to rise, we were off to Alnwick Castle for 10 am. Best intentions though and we still didn't leave Keilda Forest car park until 9 am. Blasted midges hung around until the sun eventually drove them away but for us it delayed our departure. It was having to remove the wheel blocks, Ian didn't fancy being eaten alive and I certainly was not going to offer! In the end, we pulled into the castle car park nearer 11 am, and coach after coach was parked, crikey how busy was it and this being a Monday too! 5 spaces available for motorhomes and we managed one of those...phew.

The first glimpse of Alnwick Castle was impressive. It was huge, no wonder some of Harry Potter films took place here. As HH members the castle was free to visit but what we hadn't realised was the gardens had to be paid for separately, even though we had Historic Houses member cards, that counted for nothing. But we were asked if we belonged to English Heritage, yes came the reply and showing our cards got a £4 discount. So instead of £19 each ended up paying £17 each.

First to the castle. No photography inside, shame really because it was very impressive. There was a New Crown and Coronet exhibition and this excerpt was taken from the link. 

 
For the first time, historic costumes worn by Percy family members at the 1937 Coronation are displayed together, alongside photographs, printed ephemera, and a selection of coronation souvenirs from the coronations of 1911, 1937 and 1953.

The castle has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years and many paintings and collections can be seen through its many splendid rooms. We both enjoyed the visit and trying to figure out where the Harry Potter filming had taken place made us decide to watch the films again sooner rather than later. 

In the gardens, there are areas of landscape put down to Capability Brown, he did love his trees and lakes. although the most impressive feature, the Grand Staircase with its fountains and cascading water was not a design by him. It was a sight to behold. Officially opened in 2001 and on the half hour, the fountains start in sequence from the top culminating in the main fountain display at the bottom. 

 

A maze of sorts made from bamboo, you may think was easy but we ended up going in circles before eventually finding our way out. Lovely rose and ornamental gardens, gosh the scent was amazing. Many unique water features were also present. Shame we did most of those in the pouring rain. 

 

Our visit finished by going on a Poison Tour. Nothing sinister just talks about the many plants that can be lethal if eaten. One funny incident was when a first aider rushed to the aid of a younf lady on a previous tour. We all made silly remarks about the poison plants and one chap piped up "I forgot to bring my business cards" I laughed and said "Why, are you an undertaker?" to which he replied, yes 😂Much laughter ensued and Im very glad to report no death occured on the tour!

Hut at the start of the tour.

A good 6 hours spent enjoying the sights before leaving and making our way towards our next overnight stop at Budle Bay. On the way we got stopped by a level crossing. 10 minutes we waited because first one train came, then another and finally after the forth train, the barriers rose.

As you can imagine I took loads of photos so here are a few more,

And wildlife