01/07/10 - Northumberland bound

A friend and I headed for Alnwick today.  The first port of call was the excellent Barter Books, where I’d have been quite happy to spend the whole day.

However, Alnwick Castle was just across the road and there was much to enjoy there too.  The water gardens were magnificent, but my particular favourite was the Poison Garden, which has given me quite a lot of inspiration for my crime writing.  Friends should beware of any invitations to dinner during the next few weeks!

The castle itself would have been interesting even without its Harry Potter associations but might not have attracted as many children.  Also well worth a visit were the Bamboo Labyrinth and the enormous Tree House.

We spent the night in nearby Rothbury, but not at the Springfield Guest House that we thought we’’d booked on line.  The system having failed to notify the owners, they very kindly arranged for us to stay at the Coquet Vale Hotel with its excellent Italia Plus restaurant - a real find!