Ad-we were gifted admission into the Garden
Last Sunday, we left Alan at home with the dreaded lurgy & headed up to Alnwick Garden with my parents. It had been a few years since we had visited & I couldn’t wait to get out in the fresh air to blow the cobwebs away. My Dad had been once years ago & it was a new experience for my Mam.
After a quick browse in the shop after picking up our tickets we headed into the gardens. My Mam spotted some bargain plants & Abigail wanted a Christmas sticker book. There was a lovely range of festive gifts & a great clearance section for bargain hunting. The girls spotted the winter bumpers just off the Pavillion cafe area (£3 for 7 minutes) and were keen to book them up straight away. Bookings take place at the Information Point & they were lucky enough to get straight on.
Garden Tours
My parents were keen to do the guided tour of the garden which takes around 45 minutes so they signed up to that while I waited our turn for the bumpers! The cascading water feature looks just as pretty in the winter & although as you would expect in winter the garden isn’t in full bloom there’s still plenty to engage visitors in all seasons. The staff at the gardens are so knowledgeable & a real credit to the gardens. My parents came back full of facts about the garden & were telling us all about the plans for expansion of the treehouse into a play area beginning next Spring.
Winter Bumpers
It’s often quite hard to find an activity or ride that both girls love, but the winter bumpers were a massive hit for both girls. After being strapped securely into the cars & given a little instruction on how to spin and move, they were off to their own devices. Abigail is often a little timid when met with new challenges but she soon got the hang of the controls & had a smile on her face the whole way around. Imogen enjoyed dunching into her! If you come with small kids it’s worth noting that the bumpers can fit an adult & small child in one car. Kids have to be over a certain height to ride alone.
Helter-Skelter & Crafts
Feeling confident Abigail decided to have a go on the helter-skelter which was a festive temporary addition along with a kiddies roundabout (extra charges apply-it was £2.50 for 3 goes). She loved it & another ride ticked off the list! She had never been keen to do one before.
Next to the rides behind the Poison Garden was a tipi tent where some staff members were on hand to help the kids with crafts. Abigail made a little bird from a pine cone & some feathers, felt & googly eyes which the staff members stuck on using a glue gun.
Warming up in the Pavillion Cafe
We met back up with my parents in the cafe & enjoyed some hot chocolates, coffee & cake. It’s such a lovely space & as the night started drawing in the cascading water feature was a lovely backdrop.
Treehouse
As we headed back to the car we popped across to the Treehouse. The restaurant was pretty busy & looked so cosy with the fire roaring. The Christmas seasonal menu sounded lush! No visit is complete without a circle around the wibbly-wobbly bridges which gives you full-on sea legs! There is such potential in this area & I’m sure it’ll be amazing when it’s expanded in the future.
Festive Events coming up at the Alnwick Garden
❄️Winter light trail from 13th December-23rd December 4.30-8.45pm Tickets £8.95 per person.
❄️ Winter playground £3 per 18-minute session & the winter bumpers are all on until 5th January.
❄️ The Treehouse restaurant is running a Christmas menu 2 courses £24.95 or 3 courses £34.95 which sounds like such a festive treat!
❄️Festive Afternoon tea in the Pavillion which is available on selected weekends £19.95 per person or £26.95 with a glass of champagne.
For more information & opening times see www.alnwickgarden.com
Leave a Reply