Alnwick Garden

It's easy to do superlatives at the world's most extraordinary contemporary garden. The planet's deadliest plants in a pioneering Poison Garden? One of the world's largest treehouses, complete with walkways and restaurant? Three hundred cherry trees in an orchard underpanted with half a million tulips? The biggest water feature in Britain, with spectacular displays every half an hour? All this and more awaits at the Duchess of Northumberland's amazing gardens, an adjunct to the visitor experience that is neighbouring Alnwick Castle – there's separate entry and admission to castle and garden, though combination tickets are available and it's hard to see anyone wanting to miss either on a visit to Alnwick. All sorts of seasonal tours and events take place – the Cherry Blossom Festival each May is a firm favourite, with drop-in artist and craft sessions and appearances by traditional Japanese singers and musicians. The Grand Cascade does its stuff on the hour and half-hour, while the Treehouse is an attraction within an attraction, featuring exciting rope-bridges and walkways, a quirky 'Potting Shed' cafe-bar and a rather fabulous tree-top restaurant for a special lunch or dinner.