Host & Stay | The Old Workhouse

Situated in a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1878, we can't help but swoon over this Alnwick apartment. It doesn't lack character, that's for sure – vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and antique knick-knacks like typewriters and old books are in abundance. We think it's the perfect blend of old and new, and nowhere is a better example of that than the open-plan living area. Bright and roomy, there's more than enough space here to spread out and get comfortable, whether you're tucking into a feast around the table or snuggling up in front of the fire. Cooking is anything but a chore in the glossy kitchen, and on rainy days, head up to the mezzanine for board games and billiards. There's also a communal garden for the summer months, where you can sip tea in the sunshine or cocktails at twilight.

And the location is excellent, too. Alnwick is as charming as they come, sprinkled with history and magic – no wonder they filmed Harry Potter here. Spend afternoons wandering down the cobbled lanes, popping in and out of the independent shops, cafes and bookstores that line the high street. The famous Alnwick Castle is just a short walk away, while the Northumberland coast is a thirteen-minute drive. In the evenings, forgo the home-cooking for a pint, delicious pub grub and live music at one of the cosy inns in town.

Site of many a medieval skirmish, the Northumberland countryside is dotted with evidence of its turbulent past between Scotland and England. Crumbling castle ruins stand alongside Roman feats of engineering – Hadrian’s Wall stretches the length of the county. And there are just as many restored castles, like Alnwick and Bamburgh Castle to sample what life would have been like in the days of yore. Northumberland National Park dominates the north of the county, where Kielder Forest Park is home to all kinds of adventure sports and a dark sky park stretches over the moorlands. On the coast, fishing villages are set around cute little harbours, piled high with lobster pots. Take a boat out to the Farne Islands to spot puffins and seals, or cross the tidal causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne where a crumbling priory and clifftop castle make for dramatic sights. Just don’t let the tide catch you out.

The closest train station is Alnmouth, which is roughly an 8-minute drive from the property so local towns in Northumberland can easily be reached via rail.

There are a number of bus stops throughout Alnwick and the Alnwick’s main bus station is just 5 minutes away from the house. Hop on the X20 which takes you through to Newcastle with stops in beautiful areas of Northumberland like Alnmouth and Amble. The X18 route travels between Newcastle and Berwick upon Tweed with stops in Morpeth, Amble and Seahorses.

We’re always available for our guests so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.