
Lion Bridge
A picturesque bridge offering stunning Alnwick Castle views, adjacent to a historic castle and a unique Poison Garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Lion Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque bridge offering stunning Alnwick Castle views, adjacent to a historic castle and a unique Poison Garden.
"Stroll across this unique bridge for fantastic views of Alnwick Castle and a dose of magic."

📸 Castle Views
Walk across the Lion Bridge for fantastic, peaceful views of Alnwick Castle. :camerawithflash:
⚡ Harry Potter Magic
Visit Alnwick Castle for a taste of Hogwarts! Broomstick training is a hit with younger fans. :wizard:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lion Bridge Views
Perth Road, Alnwick
Stroll across this unique bridge for stunning, tranquil views of Alnwick Castle and surrounding fields.

Alnwick Castle
Alnwick, Northumberland
Explore the real-life Hogwarts from the first two Harry Potter films. Don't miss broomstick training!

The Poison Garden
Adjacent to Alnwick Garden
A fascinating, albeit dangerous, garden filled with toxic and narcotic plants. Guided tours are a must.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Castle & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Castle Views
Walk across the Lion Bridge for fantastic, peaceful views of Alnwick Castle. :camerawithflash:
⚡ Harry Potter Magic
Visit Alnwick Castle for a taste of Hogwarts! Broomstick training is a hit with younger fans. :wizard:
⚠️ Poison Garden Caution
Explore the unique Poison Garden, but be mindful of the dangerous plants. Guided tours recommended. :warning:
🚗 Weekday Visits
Going on a chilly June weekday with few crowds made the experience much better! :thumbs_up:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Castle Views
Walk across the Lion Bridge for fantastic, peaceful views of Alnwick Castle. :camerawithflash:
⚡ Harry Potter Magic
Visit Alnwick Castle for a taste of Hogwarts! Broomstick training is a hit with younger fans. :wizard:
⚠️ Poison Garden Caution
Explore the unique Poison Garden, but be mindful of the dangerous plants. Guided tours recommended. :warning:
🚗 Weekday Visits
Going on a chilly June weekday with few crowds made the experience much better! :thumbs_up:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views of Alnwick Castle from the Lion Bridge and the magical Harry Potter experience at the castle itself. The Poison Garden offers a unique, albeit cautionary, botanical adventure, and Lilidorei provides endless fun for children. Some find the castle can get crowded, and the Poison Garden requires careful supervision.
"Located along the Perth road, not far off the Alnwick castle grounds. They have a beautifully designed lion with a very pointy tail, there are small foot paths either side of the road for cars. They are also passing points to make it easier for people to keep moving , they can also be used viewing points. You can see further out into the fields when standing on the bridge"
Mark Ngavaite
"Worth the five minute walk from the castle to stroll across this unique bridge. You get great views of the castle from here."
Adam Sewell
"Beautiful views from every angle. Peaceful & tranquil for that perfect walk what ever the weather 💯"
Scott Dixon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lion Bridge is located along Perth Road, a short walk from Alnwick Castle grounds. It's easily accessible by car with small footpaths on either side for pedestrians.
Parking is available at Alnwick Castle, and the bridge is a short walk from there. Consider public transport or ride-sharing if you prefer not to drive.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Alnwick town center to the Lion Bridge, offering scenic views as you approach the castle.
Alnwick is accessible by car via the A1. The nearest train station is Alnmouth, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Alnwick.
Regular bus services connect Alnwick to surrounding towns and cities. Check local bus timetables for routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking on the Lion Bridge itself is free and accessible. However, access to Alnwick Castle and the Poison Garden requires separate tickets.
Ticket prices for Alnwick Castle vary. It's recommended to book online in advance for potential discounts and to secure your entry slot.
Often, combined tickets or passes are available that offer access to both Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, which includes the Poison Garden. Check the official Alnwick Garden website for current offers.
Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden have seasonal opening hours. The Lion Bridge is generally accessible at all times, but it's best to check the official websites for the castle and garden for specific hours.
While free passes are not standard, arriving early and getting a free pass upon entry is mentioned as a strategy to maximize your visit, especially if you missed certain activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lion Bridge offers excellent vantage points for capturing Alnwick Castle. Stand on the bridge itself or the small footpaths alongside for unobstructed views.
Yes, the Lion Bridge, with its unique design, can be a subject of photography. Try different angles from the road or the surrounding paths.
Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' provide soft, flattering light for photographing both the bridge and the castle.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of Alnwick Castle and the gardens. However, always check for any specific signage or guidelines on-site.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical sites and attractions like Alnwick Castle due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
🎫 🌿 The Alnwick Garden & Poison Garden
The Alnwick Garden is a beautifully landscaped garden featuring various themed areas, including the famous Poison Garden, a Rose Garden, and a large play structure called Lilidorei.
The Poison Garden is home to over 100 species of poisonous, intoxicating, and narcotic plants from around the world. It's a fascinating and cautionary experience.
While children can visit the Poison Garden, they must be supervised closely due to the dangerous nature of the plants. Touching or tasting is strictly forbidden.
Lilidorei is a magical village within The Alnwick Garden, featuring the world's tallest play structure, clan houses, and daily activities, designed for children's imaginative play.
The Alnwick Garden hosts various seasonal events and activities throughout the year, including Christmas celebrations and twilight events. Check their official website for the latest schedule.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Poison Garden is fascinating, keep a close eye on children due to the dangerous plants. The Lion Bridge provides a pleasant, easy walk with lovely views, making it accessible for all ages. Consider booking tickets in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak family travel times.
🎬 Harry Potter Fans
While the Lion Bridge offers a great view of the castle, dedicating a full day to explore the castle's interiors and grounds will provide the most immersive experience. Don't forget to check for any special Harry Potter-themed events or activities that might be running during your visit.
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts & Nature Lovers
The Lion Bridge itself offers a tranquil setting with lovely views of the surrounding countryside and Alnwick Castle, appealing to those who appreciate scenic beauty and a moment of quiet contemplation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Harry Potter Connection
Beyond the broomstick training, the castle itself provides a stunning backdrop for photos and exploration. Imagine the scenes filmed within these historic walls! While the Lion Bridge offers a picturesque view of the castle, visiting the castle interior and grounds is essential for a complete Harry Potter pilgrimage.
Pro-tip: Arrive early or plan your visit during weekdays to avoid the largest crowds and maximize your time exploring the magical setting.
Exploring The Alnwick Garden & Poison Garden
Beyond the Poison Garden, The Alnwick Garden boasts a beautiful Rose Garden, a serene Bamboo Labyrinth, and the impressive Lilidorei, a magical village with the world's tallest play structure. Lilidorei is a wonderland for children, encouraging imaginative play and exploration.
Key takeaway: Allocate ample time to explore both the castle and the gardens, as they offer distinct yet complementary experiences. Consider purchasing a combined ticket for the best value and to ensure you don't miss out on any of the magic.
The Lion Bridge: More Than Just a Viewpoint
Standing on the bridge, you get a tranquil and unobstructed view of the castle, making it a perfect location for photography, especially during the softer light of early mornings or late afternoons. The peaceful atmosphere here provides a lovely contrast to the bustling castle grounds, offering a moment of calm reflection.
Insider tip: Take a few minutes to stroll across the bridge and appreciate the serene landscape. It's a worthwhile five-minute detour from the castle that rewards you with beautiful, memorable views.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit