How it rates Alnwick — pronounce it to rhyme with “panic” — is one of the most desirable locations in the North East. Once declared the best place to live in the UK by Country Life, it is at the heart of the Northumbrian renaissance. The medieval castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland, is famous as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. The Alnwick Garden, transformed by the Duchess of Northumberland, is regarded as one of the best of its kind.

Architectural gems Alnwick Castle, of course. Plus notable monuments to the Duke of Northumberland, and lots of medieval gems around the marketplace. You even drive into town through an ancient fortification, Bondgate Tower. Holy Island is close by, as are the Farne Islands, once home to St Cuthbert, possibly the only saint to have a duck — the “Cuddy” or Eider duck — named after him. Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh castles dominate the coastline.

What’s new Wandylaw Farm, eight miles north, has various conversions for sale: the five-bed Coach House, £575,000; Old Stone, a four-bed home, £455,000; and the Stables, a single-storey four-bed home with an internal courtyard, £595,000. All via Turvey Westgarth, 01665 606898, wwwurveywestgarth.co.uk

Travel The A1 gives good road links north and south. Newcastle is 50 minutes’ drive, Durham about an hour. Fast trains to London (just under four hours) and Edinburgh (an hour) from nearby Alnmouth on the East Coast Main Line.

Quality of life Enviable. Alnwick is between the spectacular coastline and the Northumberland National Park. Lots of walking, golf, birdlife and fresh air.

Smartest streets Alnmouth Road has grand period houses for about £700,000, bungalows and 1930s semis from £250,000. Allerburn Lea is a smart modern estate, with three-bed homes from £200,000. Bamburgh is one of the most popular coastal villages, from £270,000 for a three-bed semi. Period terraced houses in Alnwick itself are popular as holiday homes and hence are in short supply; they cost from £100,000.

Restaurants Blackmore’s, for its comfortable bistro vibe and reputation for fine food using local produce. The Art House has modern art on display and Mediterranean cuisine, and the Dalchini is a popular Indian.

Nightlife Quiet. The Playhouse has films, theatre and music. Quaint pubs include The Dirty Bottles and the White Swan — the latter is full of memorabilia from the Olympic, sister ship to the Titanic.

Education With a population of 8,000, there is only one secondary, the Duchess’s Community High School. St John’s RC and St Michael’s C of E, The Duke’s Middle School and Lindisfarne Middle School are good primaries. Rock Hall is the nearest prep.

Working life Many locals commute to Newcastle and Durham. Alnwick is predominately a service town, with jobs in banks, shops, and tourism. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with lots of small businesses, from financial services to brewing mead.

Upside A very attractive town with a fascinating history, surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Downside The lack of affordable housing. Alnwick is fairly isolated, and it’s still pretty feudal around here.

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