Bailiffgate Museum
The people and places of north Northumberland are brought to life here in lively, interactive style.
YHA Alnwick
Overview
YHA Alnwick is located in the heart of the medieval town of Alnwick. Once the town’s Victorian Court House, its central location makes it ideal for a visit to Alnwick Castle, the medieval pile which featured in the early Harry Potter films as Hogwarts, as well as the neighbouring Alnwick Garden.
Plus, a short car journey takes you to the fabulous Northumberland coast and its glorious unspoilt beaches. Opened by HRH the Queen in 2011, this 4-star hostel provides quality budget accommodation, suitable for families, independent travellers and groups alike.
Why guests love YHA Alnwick
Accommodation at YHA Alnwick
Food and drink at YHA Alnwick
Things to do around YHA Alnwick
Seahouses
Seahouses is a good access point to the nearby Farne Islands. This small seaside town is a very popular holiday resort.
Alnwick Castle
Tour the castle and enjoy fascinating stories from the past. Children can step into the world of a medieval knight or pretend to be witches and wizards as they stroll the corridors. Alnwick Castle is...
Walking and Rambling in Alnwick
Get back to nature and stride out on foot to explore the beauty of this part of the country. Whether it be walking routes or off the beaten track, you are sure to enjoy wandering around and taking in...
Cragside House and Gardens
The home of Victorian inventor and landscape genius Lord Armstrong. Crammed full of ingenious gadgets, and the first house to be lit by hydro-electricity. Visit the National Trust website page
Bamburgh Castle
Explore 14 public areas, learn more about the castle and watch history being uncovered during archaeological excavations. Sample Northumberland produce from the tea rooms. Visit the castle's website
Barter Books
Barter Books is one of the largest second hand bookshops in Britain. Considered a local tourist attraction, Barter Books is a book shop situated in an old train station.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is famous both for its medieval religious heritage and its picturesque 16th century castle.
Watersports in Alnwick
Dive head first into water fun and action and you'll find yourself taking to the water like a pro! Take the plunge and enjoy some fun on (or in) the water!
Mountain biking in Alnwick
Get out and about on your bike and enjoy the rolling landscape. Whether you are after hard core down hills, or just a simple ride along the landscape taking in some beautiful views, you can ride as...
Cycling in Alnwick
Jump on your bike and enjoy the rolling landscape on two wheels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just fancy a ride, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Climbing near Alnwick
Simonside (near Rothbury) has three fine crags, the northern scarps of the moors to the north of Rothbury offer brilliant climbing. Further west are Sandy Crag, Linshiels, The Drakestone and South...
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Ambulant accessible
- Baby changing
- BBQ area
- Breakfast
- Classroom(s)
- Coach parking nearby
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Free on-street parking
- Games
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Library
- Licensed bar
- Luggage store
- Meeting room(s)
- Minibus parking nearby
- Near bus stop
- Outdoor seating
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Sole use available
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception opening hours: From 08:00 - 10:00 and 16:00 - 19:30 (19:00 from November - March).
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is free on-street parking near the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Alnwick. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
History
YHA Alnwick is formed of two very different buildings which were used by the local council until recently as office space.
The main building dates back to 1856, and was built as the town's first Court House - the imposing bare stone walls downstairs emphasise the sense of authority and order. Now almost demolished, the town's Correction House stretched away towards the town at the back of the building. All that remains is the outer wall, forming part of our back yard wall and the name of the alleyway that runs between the two buildings - Correction House Alley. The east building is actually a range of two smaller cottages, knocked together at some stage in the early 20th Century.
Back in the 1820s these buildings were leased to the local constabulary, the forerunner of the police force in Northumberland. A passage led through between the two buildings to a cobbled yard, illuminated by a gas lamp - rather extravagant for a domestic property. Here a small stable was provided for the pony that used to haul the police cart. The cobbles, the stable and the gas lamp bracket still exist. The courthouse and police houses fell out of use when the new police station and court room was constructed on Prudhoe Street in the 1920s.
The hostel sits on Green Batt - the name may derive from the area of land used by the yeomen of the town to practise their archery, known as a butt, and as this was outside the town walls, the land would have been fields, hence, Green Batt.
Meet the team
We are a small, friendly team at YHA Alnwick. We look forward to welcoming guests, both new and returning, to the hostel. YHA Alnwick is a perfect base for cyclists who want to experience and explore the many and varied cycling routes that North Northumberland has to offer. We are currently undertaking an exciting project to transform one of our unused outbuildings into a dedicated cycle hub.
YHA Alnwick is a not-for-profit social enterprise, with profits being donated to good causes in the local area.
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