As it approaches its 25th anniversary, The Alnwick Garden is celebrating a major achievement, with new research highlighting the attraction’s substantial impact on the North East economy.
An independent study by Newcastle University Business School has found that The Alnwick Garden has contributed £400 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) since opening, demonstrating its significant role in driving tourism, supporting employment and strengthening local supply chains across the region.
Established by the Duchess of Northumberland in 2001, the venue has since welcomed over nine million visitors, 80 percent of whom have travelled to Northumberland from outside the region. With tourism now worth an estimated £1.443bn to the local economy, this demonstrates The Garden’s significant impact as a leading destination.
Speaking on the findings, Mark Brassell, CEO of The Alnwick Garden, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our Silver Anniversary, a milestone that means a great deal to us, and to the people of Northumberland.
“The Alnwick Garden is a charity, meaning all of our profits are proudly reinvested into the venue and our community programmes. The significant economic and social value captured in this report is therefore a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, who are deeply committed to giving back.”
The report highlights The Garden’s growing role in supporting destination-led tourism, with its economic impact totalling £24.5 million for 2023 alone. The venue’s launch of the magical play village Lilidorei in 2024 further accelerated visitor growth, contributing an additional £18.3 million in GVA between 2024 and 2026.
Mr Brassell continued:
“What began as an ambitious regeneration project has become a major driver of regional growth, attracting millions of visitors to Northumberland and supporting many education programmes and community initiatives.
“Over the past two decades, we have diversified significantly, but there is a great deal of progress still to be made.
“The third phase of our development is only halfway complete, with plenty more to be delivered. We are ambitious about investing in experiences and programmes that excite and inspire our visitors, while remaining true to the charitable and nature-positive values that underpin The Garden and all we do here.”
Andrew Fox, Chair of Visit Northumberland, added:
“Tourism is one of Northumberland’s great success stories, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting over 10 million visitors annually.
“The Alnwick Garden’s £400 million contribution to the regional economy underlines its importance not just to the county, but as a flagship asset within England’s wider visitor economy.
“As one of our most distinctive and internationally recognised attractions, it draws visitors in, encouraging longer stays and wider exploration across Northumberland, strengthening our reputation as a high-quality, world-class destination.
“Reaching this 25-year milestone is a testament to its impact, and as we head into a year of celebrations across Northumberland in 2026, The Alnwick Garden will be central to our campaign, helping bring that story to life and inspire visits across the county.”
The Alnwick Garden is marking its 25th anniversary with a year of celebration, including a varied programme of events and activities for visitors old and new to enjoy.
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