The Pastures are a rolling stretch of parkland north of Alnwick Castle, landscaped in the 1700s by Capability Brown to frame sweeping views of the castle and its reflection in the River Aln. The open meadows, bordered by mature trees and the Lion Bridge, were designed as a picturesque foreground for the castle’s silhouette and have hosted everything from World War I training camps to the Olympic torch relay and Alnwick’s annual Shrove Tuesday football match. Today they offer visitors a peaceful spot for picnics, walks and photography, with the castle’s towers rising beyond the river. The Pastures form part of the wider North Demesne of the Percy family estate and remain a tranquil contrast to the busy courtyards inside the castle walls. Their natural beauty and strategic landscaping make them a favourite viewpoint for capturing the castle in its landscape setting.