Welcome to my new series! Over the years I’ve visited many historical sites and snapped lots of photos alongside other visitors, but I’ve been loath to share my experiences since time has passed and exhibits may have changed.
However, feedback from other bloggers said I was wrong, therefore I thought my readers would enjoy seeing some of my favourite pictures from my exploits around the country! This series is primarily a photo blog and textual histories will be limited, where possible I will link to an official website for those who wish to explore further.
Alnwick Castle and Gardens in Northumberland, England, is one of the best places I have had the pleasure of visiting and I can highly recommend it for all the family. It has been the home of the Percy family for over 700 years and is steeped in history.
Not only does Alnwick Castle have a stunning pleasure garden, I suppose it does help that I visited on one of the hottest days of the year, it also has a world famous Poison Garden containing deadly plants that you can peruse only on a ticketed guided tour.
The Poison Garden was my main draw to Alnwick as I’d studied poisoning crimes for my undergraduate dissertation and was itching to visit for about three years.
The modern pleasure garden was a delight on a hot summer’s day with plenty of space to explore.
The Castle resides in Alnwick in the beautiful Northumberland countryside.
Alnwick has been hugely popular as a setting for film and TV and fans of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter may recognise it! One of the activities on offer for children is broomstick training, just like the students of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Other posts in this series.
Pictures of History: Rosslyn Chapel
Pictures of History: Blair Castle
Pictures of History: Natural History Museum
Pictures of History: Tower of London
Images author’s own.
HistorianRuby: An Historian's Miscellany 
I loved Downton Abbey.. Thanks for sharing!
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The poison garden is on my list of must see places. You took some amazing pictures.
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Some lovely photos. A place I would love to visit. Is it my imagination or was it also used for Blackadder. Looking forward to seeing more on historical sites 😁
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I’m not sure about Blackadder. I regret not taking photos of the Downton set now, but I don’t watch that!
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Wow, sounds and looks like a fascinating place to visit!
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I am a HArry Potter fan! Would definitely put this place in my travel bucketlist!
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I love Alnwick Castle. Such a great day out. My son especially loved the broomstick training. Happy memories.
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So glad you decided to share your photos.
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Thanks 🙂
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You seem to have quite the eye for photography, as well.
The Poison Garden sounds so intriguing. I can see how you wanted to go. I opened https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/step-inside-worlds-most-dangerous-garden-if-you-dare-180952635/ to read more.
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Photography is hit and miss with me – sometimes I try and look at composition and aim for a really good shot, other times I’m too slapdash.
I’ll happily take a look at the article – thanks 🙂
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We went in a very cold day and only had time for one thing so chose the Castle. I’ll need to go back for the gardens. Re comment above, it was indeed the Castle used in the very first Black Adder.
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I did the same with Hever Castle – but that was because it was later in the afternoon. I want to go revisit it.
I did not know that about Blackadder, but then the first series is the one I’m most unfamiliar with.
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I think it’s only in the title sequence – he rides across the grass.
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This has been on my list of places to visit for a long time. The poison garden looks particularly appealing!
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The whole place is fab, Jane. I would go back 🙂
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Poison Garden sounds so intriguing. absolutely loved the post and the pictures.
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Thank you! I was a wonderful place to visit. I hope you enjoy my other Pictures of History posts, too 🙂
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Thank you for your post and pictures…I especially liked the picture looking through the cross!
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That’s my favourite 😀 it used to be the logo on this site.
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