Alnwick - Village and Market Square

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Alnwick Village & Market Square, with Explorers sent by Explorer HQ to track down the legendary Magic Compass before it gets into the wrong hands.

The quest covers 1.7 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin outside The Alnwick Playhouse at the corner of Greenhill Road and Bondgate Without, then hunt through Alnwick's streets, Market Square, Pottergate Tower and Bailiffgate before looping back to finish near the start.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. There are some steps, but these can be detoured, and there is a short steep incline near the start.

Busy roads are crossed several times, including near traffic islands and the main road, so keep Mini Explorers close and take care as you cross. There is also a caution to check for stray cattle in a small circular stone yard.

Getting There

By car: Start your adventure at The Alnwick Playhouse at the corner of Greenhill Road and Bondgate Without (NE66 1PQ), using ///asterisk.chief.sits.

Use the main car parks on Greenwell Road (NE66 1SF). Pick up a disc locally for short stay options.

By public transport: Make your way to The Alnwick Playhouse at the corner of Greenhill Road and Bondgate Without to begin the quest. The Trail loops back around and finishes near the start.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available near the start, at the main car parks on Greenwell Road, and in Barter Books, giving Explorers a few handy chances to plan a comfort stop around the hunt.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the hunt for the Magic Compass. 🐾

The route includes busy road crossings, a short steep incline near the start and some steps, which can be detoured. Keep canine companions close around traffic, traffic islands and the main road, and take care in the small circular stone yard where there is a caution to check for stray cattle.

Food & Drink Stops

Compass-chasing is thirsty work. Barter Books has a cafe, with further places to refuel around the Market Square and also after Clue 16. The White Swan is passed on the route too, so your expedition has several chances to pause and recharge.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Barter Books

An optional detour up to Barter Books is highly recommended. The building was originally a train station designed to impress visiting royalty, and its oak window frames are the original ones after 140 years. The fireplaces and Station Buffet are also original, and there is a cafe and toilets here too.

Market Square

Alnwick's Market Square has served the people of Alnwick for over 1,000 years, so it is well worth lingering here once the treasure clues stop demanding attention. Northumberland Hall faces the clock tower and is a Grade I listed building built in 1826, with an octagonal extension added four years later.

Pottergate Tower

Pottergate Tower stands on the site of the original town gate and was rebuilt in 1768. It once had a spire similar to St Nicholas' Cathedral in Newcastle, but this was destroyed in a storm - a suitably dramatic landmark for Adventurers hunting a Magic Compass.

Bailiffgate

Bailiffgate is the oldest street in Alnwick and has its own museum at the end of the street. It makes a great extra wander for Explorers who want to squeeze a little more Alnwick history out of the day.