Alnwick is a stunning and popular market town, boasting historic architecture and attractions such as the Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Barter Books, and in close proximity to neighbouring coastal villages including Amble, Warkworth and Alnmouth. The town hosts an eclectic mix of amenities including independent shops, national retailers, supermarkets, doctors surgeries, churches and fantastic schools, as well as easy access to the A1.
Alnwick is certainly a desirable place to live, but it is also an everchanging and growing business hub. At the end of May 2021, an application was submitted seeking permission to build six business units with ancillary trade retail areas, external storage yard areas and car parking on the Lionheart Enterprise Park. A separate application was also submitted seeking full planning permission for the construction of 10 office units in two phases on the nearby Cawledge Business Park. Similarly, following a period of growth and expansion, Arcinova has been acquired by Quotient Sciences, a drug development and manufacturing accelerator. The facility in Alnwick, Northumberland, is now one of the most technically advanced of its kind in the UK, and is a prominent name promoting clean and efficient chemistry and biotechnology processes to minimise the environmental impact of drug development. Attracting business interest of this proportion demonstrates that Alnwick has no intention of slowing down and aims to continue its business expansion.
Towards the end of 2020 Premier Inn received the green light for plans to develop a new 83-bed hotel on a 3.5-acre site within Willowburn Trading Estate in Alnwick. The scheme is expected to create more than 100 jobs during the construction of the project, as well as up to 30 jobs upon the completion of the hotel. Other impressive hotel options include the rapidly expanding Inn Collection Group. Founded in Alnwick, and given a Harry Potter inspired name and a silver award for the North East England Tourism Awards, The Hog’s Head Inn is a prominent member of the Inn Collection Group’s ever expanding influence across the hospitality and hotel industry in the North.
Besides strong business prospects, Alnwick has plenty to see and do. From an assortment of markets and farmers markets to a collection of independent shops and businesses, there is something for everyone in Alnwick. However, if shopping is not your favourite pastime, there are plenty of local and historic attractions to visit that the whole family will enjoy.
The infamous Alnwick Castle has most recently featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, and as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey’s 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials. Having also appeared as Hogwarts in the iconic Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle certainly has strong fame in motion picture.
Alnwick Castle is also legendary across the country due to its historic background. With the initial construction beginning in 1096, the castle was built to control and protect the border, symbolising status, and power for the new Norman barons across the country. A result of its role in history, the castle possesses numerous defences, including two-metre-thick walls, a seven-metredeep moat, two baileys and thick oak gates. The Castle has been home to the Percy Family for the last 700 years and they still live in the castle today. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, second only to Windsor Castle.
Alongside the castle, Alnwick Gardens, the brainchild of the Duchess of Northumberland, is a stunning attraction. With a Taihaku Cherry Orchard, Poison Garden, and Rose Garden, there is plenty to do all year round. Alnwick Garden is also home to the magical Treetop Restaurant, the perfect venue to make any occasion special.
Alnwick is also in a brilliant location due to being surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Northumberland Coast offers some of the finest costal walks in the country and is adorned with sandy beaches, rocky headlands, dramatic castles, and beautiful coastal villages for all to enjoy. The perfect place for a summer picnic, bird watching, or fishing, the Northumberland Coastline is the gift that keeps on giving.
With plenty of recreational activities and business opportunities available, planting roots in Alnwick will be your next step. With a collection of brilliant schools and transport links – setting up home in Alnwick is becoming increasingly attractive.
With Swansfield Park Primary School receiving an Outstanding inspection rating from Ofsted, and The Duchess’s Community High School being one of the many schools receiving good ratings; any child attending either of these schools would be obtaining a first-class education. If independent schools are of interest to you, there is also a collection of independent junior and senior schools a mere 30 miles from Alnwick town centre. This journey can be easily taken via the A1, which has recently received interest for advancement through planning applications for a major infrastructure project. These plans include alterations to the Morpeth to Felton section initially, following a separate order for the Alnwick and Ellingham section, and then later with hopes for the A1 to be dualled all the way to the Scottish Border.
Alnwick is consistently becoming a more and more prosperous business community. That, coupled with stunning surroundings is encouraging more and more people to move to the area.
If you are interested in property opportunities in Alnwick please call 01665 605 605 or email [email protected]
For more information head to www.bradleyhall.co.uk
