On one of Alnwick's principal streets, Bondgate Without, the wide and handsome road that enters the town from the south and continues to the marketplace, the property has a prime position being central yet not in the busiest heart of the town. There are no views, other than to neighbouring buildings, but all of the town is walkable. It's a couple of minutes from the A1 and a ten-minute taxi ride from Alnmouth station on the main east coast line. Both Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Garden, the star attractions and including the popular Treehouse Restaurant, are a ten-minute walk while Barter Books, a vast second-hand bookstore, is 200 metres away.
By car: under 3 hours from York, 4 hours from Manchester and 6 hours 30 minutes from London. Free parking on-site.
By train: London Kings Cross to Alnmouth is under 4 hours. The hotel is an 8-minute drive from the station. Book trains to Alnmouth.
The tiny sandstone building with its three gabled windows and perfect Georgian symmetry is one of the oldest houses in Alnwick. Very much of boutique proportions, the decorative style has been chosen to make the most of the small spaces with pale and light-reflecting colours, honey-coloured solid wood doors, pared-down furniture and large mirrors.
The whole point of this place is to provide a pared-down service at a pared-down price. There is no guest lounge or bar, though there is a small terrace at the front. Owners Charlotte and Leo, who live around the corner, are on hand to welcome guests and are only a phone call away. Guests can use the free car park of the next-door Plough Inn.
- Adults-only
- Terrace
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
All seven rooms share the same neat and contemporary style of pale walls and oatmeal carpets, modern button-back armchairs and stools, and splashes of colour in throws, curtains and cushions. Clever use of fitted wardrobes and mirrors make the most of small spaces, sufficient to allow king or super king beds. Shower-only bathrooms are bright and well-designed.
Room types: Classic Room, Standard Room, Superior Room
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, dressing table, TV, free Wi-Fi
Other than tea and coffee, plus fresh milk and welcoming chocolates, no food is provided. Guests can pop next door to The Plough Inn for breakfast but a cheaper and more flexible - and, arguably, more fun - option is the Station Buffet at Barter Books (the second-hand bookstore in the former station) with bacon and sausage butties, porridge and a full grill amongst the options.
The Bondgate Boutique is room-only accommodation, but The Plough Inn is next door. All rooms have a list of recommended eating places from family Italian to fine dining.
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