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The Pastures

5
·10 reviews·, United Kingdom

Scenic fields offering breathtaking views of Alnwick Castle, ideal for walks, picnics, and observing livestock.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime walks

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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The cows

The Pastures

Best Time

Daytime walks

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Scenic fields offering breathtaking views of Alnwick Castle, ideal for walks, picnics, and observing livestock.

5
(10 reviews)

"Amazing walk with views of Alnwick Castle, can make this walk as long or as short as you want."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Respect the Livestock

Always use proper gates and paths. Do not spook the cows and their calves; admire them from a safe distance. :cow:

📸 Picnic & Photo Spot

The Pastures are ideal for picnics and capturing stunning photos of Alnwick Castle. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alnwick Castle Vistas

Alnwick Castle Vistas

The Pastures

Capture breathtaking views of Alnwick Castle, especially when the castle is closed. Perfect for photos and picnics.

Reddit
Livestock Encounters

Livestock Encounters

The Pastures

Get up close with cows and their calves in a safe, designated environment. A unique experience for nature lovers.

Reddit
Scenic Walking Trails

Scenic Walking Trails

The Pastures

Enjoy flexible walking routes with lovely scenery, adaptable to any fitness level. Climb for elevated castle views.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Castle Views & Livestock Etiquette

Enjoy stunning Alnwick Castle views from The Pastures, but be mindful of grazing livestock. Stick to marked paths and gates to avoid disturbing cows and their calves. It's a fantastic alternative when the castle itself is closed. Reddit

Best Walking Paths

The Pastures offer flexible walking routes with beautiful scenery. You can tailor your walk to be as long or short as you like, with options to climb hills for even better castle vistas. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime walks
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
When castle is closed
Why
Alternative castle views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

DON’T touch Giant Hogweed, DO follow us on Tik Tok 💖🌿 📍The Poison Garden, Alnwick Northumberland #poison #gianthogweed #hogweed #poisongarden #fyp #fypシ #viral
@alnwickgarden
188.7K likes • 2.2M views

🎯 Respect the Livestock

Always use proper gates and paths. Do not spook the cows and their calves; admire them from a safe distance. Reddit :cow:

📸 Picnic & Photo Spot

The Pastures are ideal for picnics and capturing stunning photos of Alnwick Castle. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Welcome to Parker Pastures. IN HONOR OF MY MOM I don’t think I truly knew the blessing of having a mom like mine—a safe place, someone so intentional with what she fed us, full of unconditional love, passion, and a gentleness that never ran out… until she was no longer earthside. Without her, there wouldn’t be Parker Pastures or my deep love for the land and drive to provide you with clean meat...
parkerpasturesgrassfed
222 likes • 4.2K views
Wandering around The Pastures taking in the sun 😍☀️ #AccommodationEssex #EssexUni #UniversityOfEssex #UniOfEssex #ThePastures #Colchester #Essex #NewFor23 #SunshineWalks
accommodationessex
248 likes • 8K views

🚶‍♀️ Flexible Walking

Enjoy walks of any length. Climb higher for even better panoramic views of the castle and surrounding area. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🏰 Castle Alternative

A great option for viewing Alnwick Castle when it's closed, offering lovely scenic perspectives. Reddit :castle:

The Pastures Parkrun review A nice trip to Alnwick Castle a.k.a Hogwarts for Parkrun. Have you done this one before? #parkrun #parkrunuk #parkruntourist #parkruntourism #running #runningcommunity #runner #parkrunner #thepastures #alnwick #alnwickcastle #hogwarts #harrypotter #northumberland
parkrunrater
49 likes • 499 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Respect the Livestock

Always use proper gates and paths. Do not spook the cows and their calves; admire them from a safe distance. Reddit :cow:

📸 Picnic & Photo Spot

The Pastures are ideal for picnics and capturing stunning photos of Alnwick Castle. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Flexible Walking

Enjoy walks of any length. Climb higher for even better panoramic views of the castle and surrounding area. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🏰 Castle Alternative

A great option for viewing Alnwick Castle when it's closed, offering lovely scenic perspectives. Reddit :castle:

What Travellers Say

5
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise The Pastures for its stunning, unobstructed views of Alnwick Castle, making it a perfect spot for photography and picnics, especially when the castle is closed. The opportunity to see livestock like cows and calves adds a unique charm, though visitors are reminded to be respectful of the animals and stick to designated paths.

"Tonight, me and Star took a walk in the Pastures. Lovely views of Alnwick Castle. What we didn't expect was the pastures was filled with Cows and their Calfs, so Star got to get up close and personal with them thinking they were big dogs too."

Matthew Turnbull

"Nice walk and views of castle. Climb further up hill to get better views. Use proper gates and paths. Do not spook the livestock."

Cartz

"Great place to walk, lovely scenery. Also a lovely place to get great views of the castle grounds if the castle is closed for winter"

Jack Fletcher

What People Like

Amazing castle views
Great for picnics
Peaceful walks

What People Dislike

Uneven terrain
No facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Pastures are accessible fields adjacent to Alnwick Castle. You can typically reach them via local roads and footpaths from Alnwick town. Parking may be available in Alnwick, followed by a short walk. Reddit

While direct public transport to specific points within The Pastures might be limited, Alnwick town is served by buses. From the town center, it's a pleasant walk to the fields. Check local bus schedules for routes to Alnwick. Reddit

Access for vehicles directly into The Pastures is generally restricted to preserve the natural environment and protect livestock. It's best to park in Alnwick and walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Pastures are open fields and generally accessible without an entrance fee, making them a free alternative for enjoying the scenery. Reddit

As open fields, The Pastures do not have set opening or closing hours. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome in The Pastures, but it's crucial to keep them on a lead, especially around livestock, and to clean up after them. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy walking, picnicking, and photography with views of Alnwick Castle. You can also observe grazing livestock like cows and their calves from a safe distance. Reddit

The Pastures are natural fields and typically do not have amenities like restrooms or cafes. It's recommended to use facilities in Alnwick town before your visit. Reddit

You can expect to see grazing livestock, primarily cows and their calves. Birdlife is also common in the open field environment. Reddit

The terrain can be uneven and grassy, which may pose challenges for strollers and wheelchairs. Stick to the main paths for easier navigation. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photography spots are often found by climbing the hills for elevated views of Alnwick Castle. The fields themselves offer picturesque scenes with livestock. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating beautiful golden hour shots of the castle and landscape. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos of the livestock, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Pastures offer a fantastic, free outdoor experience for families. Kids will love the chance to see cows and their calves up close, but always ensure they maintain a safe distance and follow instructions about not disturbing the animals. Reddit The open fields provide plenty of space for children to move around, and the flexible walking paths mean you can adjust the length of your outing to suit younger legs. Pack a picnic to enjoy with the stunning castle views as your backdrop. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For those on a budget, The Pastures are a dream. Entry is free, and the main activity is simply enjoying the natural beauty and the views of Alnwick Castle. Reddit It’s the perfect place for a cost-effective picnic lunch, saving money on expensive tourist cafes. The opportunity to see the castle from the outside without an admission fee is a significant draw. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating The Pastures Safely

The Pastures offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy scenic views of Alnwick Castle. However, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially the presence of livestock. Travelers have noted that the fields are often populated with cows and their calves. Reddit It's essential to respect their space and avoid any actions that might startle them. Always use the designated gates and stick to marked paths to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals. Reddit

Remembering that these are working fields is key to a positive experience. Avoid leaving any litter behind, and if you bring your dog, ensure it's on a lead and well-behaved. The flexibility of the walking routes means you can tailor your visit, whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer exploration. Climbing the hills can reward you with even more impressive panoramic views of the castle, making it a rewarding experience for photographers and sightseers alike. Reddit

The Pastures as a Castle Alternative

For visitors planning a trip to Alnwick Castle, especially during its off-season or closure periods, The Pastures present a compelling alternative. As highlighted by visitors, the fields provide excellent vantage points for capturing photographs of the iconic Alnwick Castle, often referred to as 'Hogwarts' by fans. InstagramReddit This makes it a popular spot for those who want to see the castle's exterior and soak in the atmosphere without necessarily entering the grounds.

This natural landscape offers a peaceful and less crowded experience compared to the castle itself. It's an ideal location for a relaxed picnic or a leisurely walk, allowing you to appreciate the castle's grandeur from a different perspective. The ability to customize the length of your walk means you can easily fit a visit to The Pastures into any itinerary, whether you have a full day or just a couple of hours. Reddit

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