The centrepiece is the Grand Cascade, a modern update on the idea of a tumbling fountain. Curving sensuously, with changing jets spurting across an accessible walkway to the delighted shrieks of children and adults alike, the Cascade is as exciting close up, somehow thundering and cool at the same time, as it is at a distance. Adjoining, the Serpent Garden contained many beautiful and interactive water features. The faces of the visitors here universally reflected the delight that interaction with water seems to generate.
The Tree House, the biggest in Europe, is a complex of fairy-tale construction, housing a cafe, restaurant and two rope bridges that the children and adults in our party gleefully bounced across. The restaurant fittings were all made from wood, and the menu was delightful - good value and great quality. The locked Poison Garden, accessible only on a guided tour, was memorable and added a little frisson to our day, especially when we realised that we grow quite a few of the plants it features.... And of course the Ornamental Garden, with its mix of fruit, veg and flowers, gladdened my heart.
Lastly, as a new garden Alnwick was superbly laid out, with the needs of the disabled visitor firmly in mind. Most parts of the garden, including the Treehouse, were fully accessible, and what's more, a motorised scooter was made available for free, enabling our whole family party to join in with most of the day's activities. Thoughtful and lovely shelters, seats, nooks and crannies were provided throughout for resting, contemplating, waiting, and just taking in the lovely space.
The only fly in the ointment was that the new Vegetable Garden, Roots and Shoots, was closed on the day we visited.
A wonderful day most highly recommended.
SB
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