Howick Hall was the home of Earl Grey, former prime minister and tea supremo. Although the hall is closed, the gardens are open to the public and are perfect for a wander in late spring. They include wild flower meadows, the woodland garden, rockery, herbaceous borders and bog garden. After a pot of Earl Grey tea in the old Ballroom, we like to finish by taking 'The Long Walk' through the arboretum which leads down to the beautiful Northumberland shore.

Howick Hall Gardens, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3LB
www.howickhallgardens.org
+44(001665 577285
Google map: bit.ly/kwvg5o

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A truely magical place!
Imaginative planting, sculptures, futuristic water features, poison garden, giant tree house with cafe serving delicious food.
If that isn't enough, you can combine your visit with a trip to "Hogwarts" castle next door.

Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
+44(0)1665 511 350
www.alnwickgarden.com/
Google map: bit.ly/kD29CK

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At the Alnwick Garden you can sway across the wooden bridge to Britain's largest treehouse; find out how medieval monks purged themselves on bulbs in the poison garden; admire the thousands of matching purple tulips growing beneath the cherry blossom; get enjoyably soaked by the water sculptures, and still have time to pop back to the castle where you might meet Hagrid and Dumbledore. Tickets last for, and happily fill, two consecutive days and allow you back into Alnwick town for lunch if you don't want to eat in the garden's own restaurant.

www.alnwickgarden.com
+44(0)1665 511350
The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
Google map: bit.ly/mIBOgS

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A one bedroom B&B at Brownieside near Alnick, Northumberland.
A large comfortable bed,a whirlpool bath, great breakfasts and and hosts who go that extra mile-who else would allow you to borrow their SatNav to help you find the isolated inn you have chosen for supper?

www.birdsongcottage.co.uk/
Birdsong Cottage, Brownieside, Alnwick, Northumberland NE67 5HW
+44(0)1665 579362
Google map: bit.ly/eR4ryY

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