Set amid the unspoilt landscapes of Northumberland, the Aln Valley Railway offers a scenic and memorable journey through a lesser-known corner of England. Departing from Lionheart station on the edge of Alnwick, trains take visitors on a tranquil ride through rolling countryside and woodland, with ongoing work extending the line toward the historic town centre. The railway forms part of a wider visitor experience in Alnwick, a town rich in heritage and culture. Alnwick Castle, instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter films, towers over the town and offers a wealth of history to explore. Nearby, the award-winning Alnwick Garden features the striking Poison Garden and a peaceful Cherry Orchard, while Barter Books – housed in the grand Victorian railway station – is one of the largest and most atmospheric second-hand bookshops in the UK. Together, the railway and its surroundings make for a varied and rewarding day out, combining heritage transport with some of Northumberland’s most iconic attractions.