Famed for its rugged and wild landscape, emphatic castles, gorgeous coastline and puffins galore, to explore all its wonders I first needed a base. Introducing The Cookie Jar in Alnwick.
The Cookie Jar is one of Northumberland’s most treasured and highly regarded boutique hotels, but it comes with a somewhat holy history. The grand townhouse was originally a convent of 1890, becoming a staple and refuge for the market locals bracing bitter winters and struggling conditions of the Victorian era. It was only in 2015 that the nuns disbanded from the convent, and a few years later it was bought by inspired hoteliers Debbie and Robert Cook.
Seeing the architectural and historic significance of No 12 Bailiffgate, it was transformed into The Cookie Jar. Inconspicuously signposted to instead fathom a home away from home, the subtle opulence is something felt throughout your stay.
Stepping inside you’re greeted by a sumptuous lounge, decked by a grand bookcase and nooks to get lost in literature (perhaps even with one of their signature Negronis in hand!) The Chapel Suite is without doubt the standout room to acquaint; redeeming all the high ceiling structure and shape of its origin, it bursts with light thanks to the stained-glass windows. With a copper bathtub and dramatic waterfall shower, you’ll feel utterly relaxed and ready to embrace what Alnwick and beyond has to offer.
The food is nothing short of fantastic
Taking local ingredients and finessed with modern touches, we sampled melt-in-the-mouth duck breast, perfectly cooked steak, and potentially the greatest homemade bread you’ll experience; fused with garlic and olive.
The dining room itself is perfectly styled, taking British quintessence with a splash of coastal blue and white influence. Looking out to a quaint garden taken over by lavender, it’s a perfect setting to feast in.
So what does the surrounding neighbour have to offer?
A stone’s throw from Alnwick Castle, you’ll quickly recognise it from many iconic scenes in Harry Potter. This other worldly association unconsciously themes the town as a whole; skinny cobbled lanes leading to crooked and charming pubs, and grand statues armouring every corner.
Barter Books is one of the most renowned and adored second hand bookstores in the country (possibly even the world). With a miniature steam train meandering above the shelves, it truly is a Harry Potter moment, and you’ll soon find a 5 minute ‘pop in’ becomes a whole afternoon of browsing.
Easily a chapter within a Hogwarts tale, Alnwick Garden hosts a heavily gated Poison Garden, home to over 100 toxic and narcotic plants. Not ideal souvenirs, but a cool brag to say you survived a guided tour. It’s easy to get lost in the magic of a town that’s perfectly offset and untouched from modern and commercial influence.
Venturing further from Alnwick, Bamburgh Castle is dramatically poised on a cliff edge looking down to a beach. Perfect for dog walks and finding a secluded picnic spot. The bucket list for Northumberland is extensive, which calls for another trip to the county as soon as possible.
Looks like I’ll be checking in again to The Cookie Jar very soon!
