Attached to Alnwick castle, the Alnwick garden covers 26 acres and has a range of unique features that attract thousands of tourists and locals every year. First started as a project by the Duchess of Northumberland, the award-winning garden offers a spectacular day out for all the family. Discover some facts about Alnwick garden and plan your next visit with our guide below.
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Alnwick garden was first built in 1750 when the first Duke of Northumberland commissioned a celebrated local gardener to landscape the area near the Alnwick museum. By the 19th century, the fourth Duke had created a garden with a large conservatory and acres of flowers. During the Second World War, the garden was used to provide food but was then closed in 1950 and fell into disrepair.
In 1997, Jane Percy the Duchess of Northumberland led the redevelopment of the garden with a reported cost of £42 million. The garden was reopened in 2001 with the creation of the cascade fountains and planting of new gardens. Today, the garden employs over 1000 people and has contributed millions to Northumberland's economy.
The poison garden
The poison garden was opened in 2004 and is filled with over 100 toxic plants. It was added to Alnwick garden by the Duchess for educational purposes and to allow visitors to learn about deadly plants such as nightshade, foxglove and Christmas rose.
This garden can only be accessed by a guided tour in which visitors are strictly prohibited from smelling, touching or tasting any plants. Some visitors still faint while inhaling the fumes from walking in the garden.
Tours occur every thirty minutes during the opening hours of the Alnwick garden, simply head to the Poison Garden Gates for the tour.
The grand cascade
The grand cascade is one of the original features of the garden and is the first thing that visitors see upon entering. Created by Belgian designer Jacques Wirtz, the cascade blends the history of the garden with a contemporary finish. Every thirty minutes the 250,000 gallons of water erupt into a choreographed display to wow visitors. Set on a steep hillside and surrounded by hedges, the evening performance can be enjoyed from the Pavilion located directly opposite the cascade.
The treetop restaurant
Located at the perimeter of the Alnwick garden, the Treehouse is a restaurant and bar located in the largest treehouse in the world. Built around 16 lime trees, the structure was crafted with sustainably sourced wood and offers guests a delicious menu with local produce and cocktails named after the Duchess of Northumberland. The handcrafted wooden chairs and tables provide a warm, comfortable atmosphere after a day exploring the garden. There is also a large deck area and rope bridge that can be accessed by wheelchair.
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