Review: A Boutique Bolthole Overlooking Alnwick Castle
A brand new boutique bolthole overlooking medieval Alnwick Castle exceeds all expectations
Alnwick is a pretty market town and it’s clear Bailiffgate’s location is second to none within it. You are just metres away from the thick, buff stone walls and gatehouse of medieval Alnwick Castle and the beautiful scenery of Hulne Park. Friendly, attentive staff make check-in incredibly easy, and a (to be recommended) valet service will take your car down to the car park at the back of the hotel.
The hotel has a newly finished feel, and yet the interior design team has successfully created a clever heritage-country-chic meets contemporary townhouse aesthetic, that manages to pay suitable homage to the property’s historical significance and its beautiful surroundings. From large gilt-framed oil paintings to jewel-toned armchairs and brushed leather sofas, there is a very welcoming feel to the bar and lobby area – it’s the kind of place you can imagine ordering a delicious glass of wine after a country walk in your coat and wellies.
For us, this was more a case of shorts and flip-flops given the 20+ degree day we were enjoying, so we were pleasantly surprised to stumble across the hotel’s hidden courtyard tucked behind the hotel where guests were enjoying drinks in the sun. The careful thought that had gone into its design was clear: with slatted screens (made from wind-damaged trees from the Duke’s surrounding estate) and log-burners the space felt surrounded by nature but modern and comfortable at the same time.
Back inside, our room, decorated in soft tones, was spacious and well thought out with a super-king bed, sofa and coffee table area, a desk and a wardrobe complete with a very well-equipped (and welcome) coffee station. But perhaps the real highlight was the balcony – a sunny retreat complete with a hanging chair and bistro table overlooking the buzzy courtyard below. It was the perfect place to relax with a drink before dinner.
The bathroom was another stand-out feature. Without doubt, the hotel boasts some of the best bath-tub views. From the luxury of the deep tub you are looking directly across to Alnwick Castle battlements, whether you are a historian, a Harry Potter fan, or simply someone who enjoys a bath with a view, I couldn’t recommend it any more highly. The entire suite feels luxurious and a little magical, a place to really relax.
That evening we dined in the restaurant, which is the only part of the hotel interiors we felt that slightly missed the mark, just a little too bright and modern in comparison to the soft lighting and country-inspired-styling throughout the rest of the hotel. The food however did not disappoint, with a menu made up mainly of tempting bistro classics we tried the lobster and duck to start, both of which were rich and full of flavour, and shared a generous, perfectly-cooked chateaubriand to follow, and I can give it no higher praise than my husband declaring that it was one of the best he’d had.
The sun was still shining the following morning which helped get us up, but luckily breakfast is served right up until 10am for anyone who can’t bear to leave their super-comfy bed too soon. There is a small self-serve continental buffet and the option to order cooked plates, and just like the previous evening, the food was excellent. It’s clear the chefs have put their own twist on what is a traditional breakfast menu, with Craster kipper hash and Turkish eggs featuring alongside the full Bailiffgate.
A 15-minute wander through the town will lead you past plenty of independent shops to the much-loved Barter Books, where thousands of second-hand books are housed in the old railway station – well worth a visit in its own right. The famous Alnwick Garden and children’s Lilidorei play park, all created by the Duchess, are within a few minutes walk and the beautiful Northumberland coast is within easy reach, including the sweeping beaches and castles of Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh. The popular seaside village of Alnmouth is just a 10-minute drive from Bailiffgate so we headed there for a long walk on the beach which skirts the golf course (the fourth oldest in England), picking up a coffee on the way.
That afternoon we booked tickets to Alnwick Castle (discounted entry tickets are available for hotel guests). From flying lessons (for Harry Potter fans) to a dragon quest and dress-up area for children there was lots going on. We joined the history tour and enjoyed a 45-minute wander through the grounds, learning all about the Percy family and the incredible amount of drama to befall one family over the centuries, plus various failed attempts from the Scots to lay siege to the castle. There are museums and impressive rooms to explore onsite, with pop-up food carts and incredibly helpful staff all making it a very enjoyable place to spend a few hours.
We left Bailiffgate Hotel with nothing but positive things to say about our stay in Alnwick. The hotel feels luxurious but comfortable with it, somewhere you can truly switch off and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As a destination getaway we would recommend at least a few days here to just relax and enjoy this welcoming hotel in a truly magical setting.
