Scotland
I’m slightly biased in saying this as we’ve stayed in lodges rather than hotels for as long as I can remember but they’re just such a great base to explore any part of the UK, including Northumbria and the very beautiful Alnwick.
Booking a lodge with a hot tub is also highly recommended as it adds no end of fun and relaxation and, well, you just can’t beat that feeling of slipping for the first dip when you arrive at your accommodation.
In this guide, I’ll go over my favourite places to visit if you’re heading over to Alnwick and the surrounding areas and also go over some of my favourite lodges with hot tubs that are available to book online.
Whether you’re taking a romantic hot tub break for two, or planning an active family holiday with lots of great days out on your itinerary, Alnwick offers lots to see and do and some fabulous Northern landscapes that are just different to what you’ll find in the rest of the UK.
Just seven miles away from Alnwick you’ll find this collection of luxury glamping pods with a beautiful lakeside setting. The uniquely designed wooden huts sleep up to two guests and have pet-friendly accommodations available here too.
There’s a certain kind of peace and tranquility you’ll experience at Blossom Pods and it makes for a relaxing base you can unwind with someone special. You’ll find everything you need in these luxury pods and your own private outdoor decking area to take in the natural beauty of the lake.
Blossom Pods has a restaurant and bar onsite so nobody has to drive! But when you’re ready to explore Alnwick, you’ll find all the attractions are close by. Each of the pods has a private hot tub. Another thing I like about these pods are that they’re close to the coastline which you have to see if you’re visiting for the first time!
This glamping spot also earned a 9.3 user rating on Reevoo.
This cosy apartment for 2, set right on Alnwick is an ideal accommodation to book for a romantic couple’s getaway. If you’re looking for somewhere for a celebration or a surprise for your other half, this one might be worth a look.
Within walking distance of Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Garden, you can leave the car once you’ve arrived and focus on exploring everything the area has to offer. You’re also only 15 mins away from the coast and seaside villages such as Alnmouth, Warkworth, Amble, Craster and Seahouses.
The real highlight of this getaway has to be its outdoor decking area with lots of private space and its fab covered hot tub. Shops, pubs and places to eat are all within walking distance and you can treat yourself to some on-site spa facilities too.
If you fancy a break from that hot tub or exploring the walks around your lodge, Alnwick has some brilliant days out (free and paid) that are well worth your time.
As you’ll know doubt have heard, a certain famous Wizard movie had a lot of its scenes filmed here. But it’s not just Harry Potter that’s used this iconic castle – everything from Transformers to Downton Abbey has featured Alnwick Castle.
Alnwick castle has a fantastic history that’s worthy of a movie all of its own but the most important thing to know is it’s a great day out for couples, families or groups of friends. It’s one of the biggest castles I’ve ever seen and has that magical sort of feel about it.
Have a go at archery, explore the museums there or do take one o the tours or walking trails. The staterooms are nothing short of breathtaking!
You’ll need to book tickets and you can find out more on the website.
Another good stop off on your holiday in Alnwick is definitely the Poison Garden, within Alnwick Gardens. Not just anyone can wander in here because, as the name suggests, it’s not exactly safe.
This forbidden corner of the gardens is packed with over 100 plants that can cause anything from vomiting to a slow, painful death! But don’t worry, guided tours are available and nobody has died there yet.
This fascinating look at the darker side of the plant Kingdom will fascinate family members of all ages and all of the plants are carefully locked away from causing anyone harm. If you think gardens are boring or have some hard-to-please guests with you, take them here, they’ll love it. Definitely one you’ll be talking about later in your hot tub!
This second-hand bookstore might not sound like somewhere you should add to your list of places to visit but trust me, it’s fantastic. A real hit with everyone who visits. With a roaring open fire, comfy chairs and a fantastic old building, it’s well worth a nosey around.
If your Alnwick lodge break lands on a weekend, you could do a lot worse than head into the market square and check out the local market. While it’s not ideal if you’re on a diet, you’ll find some absolutely gorgeous treats here and some unique products you can’t buy anywhere else.
If your life is like mine, it gets pretty hectic and stressful and I don’t really think about my next UK staycation until it’s a few days away. But Alnwick is a very popular holiday destination and the restaurants can get very busy at all times of the year.
If you’ve picked out somewhere special you want to visit, booking in advance is a must as you’ll get the time you want and avoid disappointment. Don’t leave it until the last day if you can help it.
How come when you’re going on a lodge break, no matter how carefully you pack the car, there never seems to be enough room? Short of leaving one of the kids behind, or strapping Nana to the roof rack, it’s going to be a squeeze to fit even the essentials in.
Well, one thing you can do if you’re travelling to a UK lodge is not to bother packing the food and drink at all. Instead, a lot of lodge owners are more than happy for you to have your Asda or Morrisons, or shopping of your choice delivered right to the doorstep at your cabin.
Not only will everything arrive nice and fresh, you won’t have to pack and unpack it from the car!
Depending on how well you time it, you might have a bit of a wait to get your shop, but a quick dip in the hot tub is an ideal way to pass the time.