Luxury hotel in Alnwick to open this summer

The Baillifgate Hotel, a modern five-story building in Alnwick, is set to open in Summer 2024.

Bailiffgate Hotel is located in the historic former premises of Duchess High School, overlooking the Barbican entrance to Alnwick Castle. The hotel features 48 bedrooms, suites, and apartments, as well as a bar, restaurant, and private dining room.

The first Duke acquired Derwentwater House from the Commissioners and Governors of Greenwich Hospital in 1780. He demolished the existing structure and built Bailiffgate House in its place for James Dormer, the Duke’s commissioner. The house then continued to be used as the home of the Estate Commissioners until the death of the third Duke in 1847.

In 1888 the house was taken over by the Duchess’s School, a school founded by Duchess Julia in 1808. It was a private school until 1903 when it was recognised by Northumberland County Council as a County Secondary School. The school continued to expand and Bailiffgate House remained part of the school until 2016.

This hotel represents a “significant” investment by Northumberland Estates in Alnwick’s tourist economy, which, alongside existing shops and attractions, will entice a new generation of tourists to Northumberland and have a positive impact on the town. In addition, the hotel hopes to appeal to locals with an amazing new bar and restaurant.

Bernard Bloodworth, a former pupil at the school, has been appointed general manager.

He said: “While the delays to the hotel have been frustrating, we are absolutely determined to get this right. Bailiffgate House holds a lot of memories for the people of Alnwick, and we want to make sure that everything from the décor and architecture to the menus and service exceeds expectations.

“As we approach opening, we will be recruiting for staff and running some special offers for former pupils who we hope will be intrigued to see what their former classrooms have become.”