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Guided Walk Exploring Alnwick's Sporting Heritage

Alnwick Market Place, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HS

  • 17 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking required

Three-hour walk visiting the sites of Alnwick's pre 1918 sporting heritage.

Nationally from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century, popular sports were in decline, mainly due to a lack of space to play. Modern sport as we know it was rationalised during the nineteenth century and Alnwick kept up with this sporting evolution, in some cases leading the way in Northumberland. From possibly the nation's first Sporting Superstar - Harry Hotspur - to the very modern sport of Quidditch, the town has a rich sporting heritage. Led by a local sports historian, the sites of early pastimes - bull baiting, archery, cock fighting, curling and horse racing will be visited as well as those of the early rationalised - athletics, bowling, cricket, football, golf, rugby, swimming and tennis. Included is the venue of Alnwick Shrovetide Football, one of only five festival games still played in England on Shrove Tuesday.

Timings & Tours

Wednesday 17 September:
1000-1200

Location & directions

Alnwick Market Place, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HS

Contact on day:
Archie Jenkins
Telephone number:
+447702322815

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking required
Booking conditions:
Book through Eventbrite. Search for Alnwick sporting walk
Booking website:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-walk-exploring-alnwicks-sporting-heritage-tickets-1393091567379?aff=oddtdtcreator

Accessibility details

The walk is mostly on pavements with safe crossing points. Approximately 15% off tarmac but on suitable paths. Wheelchairs not recommended. Middle section approximately three quarters of a mile gradual uphill. Depending on temperature on the day, carrying a bottle of water is advisable.

Additional information

This is approximately a 3 mile walk. The opportunity to stop after 1 hour with a quick return to the Market Place is possible. Several town centre car parks available. Northumberland County Council Parking Disc required. Toilets in Northumberland Hall and Greenwell Road. Refreshments available before and after the walk at numerous town centre locations.

Est. tour duration:
2 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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