Bailiffgate Hotel Opens in the Heart of Alnwick
Perched on the historic cobbled streets of Alnwick, with majestic views of the castle that made the town famous, a grand Georgian building is about to begin its most elegant chapter yet.
At the end of May, 2025, the long-anticipated Bailiffgate Hotel will welcome its first guests, marking a milestone moment not just for the building itself, but for the whole of Northumberland.
This five-star luxury retreat is the result of years of careful restoration and ambitious vision. Formerly the Duke of Northumberland’s Commissioner’s House, and later the Duchess’s School, the property now stands reborn as a destination where heritage meets contemporary comfort.
At the helm of the transformation is General Manager, Bernard Bloodworth, a man whose connection to the building is as personal as it is professional. “Opening the Bailiffgate Hotel feels like welcoming guests into a beautifully restored chapter of my own past,” he reflects. “To see it reborn as a five-star retreat is incredibly special—not just for me, but for Alnwick.”
For Bernard, who once walked these halls as a pupil of the former school, the journey has come full circle. “This building has always held stories—from commissioners to schoolchildren—and now it tells a new one: of quiet luxury, local pride, and a true sense of place. It’s where history and hospitality meet.”
Owned by Northumberland Estates, the Bailiffgate Hotel has been reimagined with sensitivity and style. The original Georgian building has been lovingly restored, while a striking new five storey wing has been added to create 48 beautifully appointed rooms, including 14 luxurious suites.
Each space has been individually designed, marrying the charm of the past with the needs of modern travellers. Guests can choose from courtyard-view doubles, dog-friendly rooms, or premium suites like the Grand Commissioner Suite, Terrace Suite, and Castle View Doubles—all offering immersive comfort and sweeping views of Alnwick Castle or the Northumbrian countryside.
“Whether you’re waking up to a view of Alnwick Castle or enjoying afternoon tea in the garden room,” Bernard says, “we’ve designed every detail to make our guests feel completely relaxed and looked after.”
Despite its opulence, Bailiffgate Hotel is proudly grounded in its community. From sourcing local produce to collaborating with nearby businesses, the hotel has committed to becoming an integral part of Alnwick’s growing tourism economy.
Already, the project has created 70 permanent jobs, with over 250 local tradespeople contributing during construction and more than 200 weeks of apprenticeships offered throughout the build.
“We’re not just opening a hotel—we’re opening doors to careers, partnerships, and possibilities for the region,” Bernard says. “Bailiffgate is a love letter to Northumberland, and we’re proud to share it with the world.”
That sentiment extends to the hotel’s ethos of warm, attentive service—something Bernard says begins with the team itself. “What excites me most is the team we’re building. From the front desk to the kitchen, every role is vital in creating an atmosphere that’s warm, thoughtful and deeply rooted in Northumbrian hospitality.”
At the heart of the guest experience is food, and Bailiffgate takes its culinary offering seriously. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Motte & Bailey, is a celebration of modern British cuisine, showcasing the very best local ingredients. Overseen by Executive Head Chef, Paul Blakey, the kitchen serves everything from hearty Northumbrian breakfasts and indulgent brunches to refined evening fare and picture-perfect afternoon teas.
“With Motte & Bailey, we’ve created more than a restaurant—we’ve created a celebration of Northumberland’s flavours,” says Bernard. “It’s framed by local produce and the creativity of our head chef, Paul Blakey.”
Guests can also unwind in the Commissioner’s Bar, where local spirits, bespoke cocktails and a crackling fireplace make it the perfect spot after a day exploring the nearby castle or coastline. For private gatherings, Mrs Bowmaker’s Room—named after the school’s famously stern first headmistress—offers an intimate space for up to 10 guests.
Set just steps from Alnwick Castle and within easy reach of the dramatic Northumberland coastline, Bailiffgate Hotel is ideally located for visitors eager to explore England’s northern treasures. Whether it’s wandering the market town’s cobbled streets, venturing to nearby beaches, or discovering the area’s many historic sites and attractions, the hotel serves as a luxurious base for unforgettable adventures.
For families, couples, and solo travellers alike, the hotel promises the same thing: peace, comfort, and a deep sense of place.
“Bailiffgate Hotel is about more than elegance—it’s about experience,” Bernard concludes. “We want every guest to feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem, rich in stories and full of comfort.”
In a town already rich with history, the Bailiffgate Hotel writes its own unique chapter—one that draws from the past but looks firmly to the future. With timeless design, heartfelt hospitality, and an unmistakable Northumbrian spirit, this new hotel is not only raising the bar for regional tourism but restoring a piece of local heritage in spectacular fashion.
As the grand opening approaches, the message from the Bailiffgate team is clear: this is more than a hotel—it’s an experience. One shaped by history, delivered with care, and destined to become a beloved fixture in the story of Alnwick.
For more information and bookings, visit bailiffgatehotel.com