We spent a nice day In Hulne Park a couple of weeks back. The Park is the private estate of the Duke of Northumberland. I suppose you could say it is the back garden of Alnwick Castle! We had volunteered to help with a pleasure ride held in the park with the Duke’s permission. Well over 100 horses and ponies and their riders were able to enjoy spending time in this beautifully landscaped park which is over 3000 acres in size . They followed a marked route across fields and moorland, through woods and along the banks of the River Aln. Not only is the scenery stunning, but there is no traffic to speak of, apart from the occasional farm vehicle. That is quite a luxury for many riders who can’t access safe places to ride without crossing or riding along the highway.
The park is also the location of several ancient monuments, including Hulne Priory. Originally the home of Carmelite monks in the 13th Century, the Priory is now in ruins, though much remains of what is still an imposing and atmospheric building , perched on a hill within the park.
Our riders were curious about the pale circles and rectangles in the grass near the abbey.
The site had not however been visited by aliens! This was the location of a celebrity wedding the previous weekend and the grass had not yet recovered. DJ Calvin Harris had married BBC Radio 1 presenter Vic Hope in a lavish Glastonbury-themed wedding. Huge marquees had been erected by the Priory and a large village of luxurious tents and tepees had been set up nearby to accommodate wedding guests overnight.
Security had been strict but local residents were made aware that something very special was happening when they witnessed (and heard) a massive firework display on the night of the wedding. The local and tabloid press reported several celebrities at the local train station as they left the area the following day. Aerial photos of the site have also been published, presumably drone footage.
It must have taken an army of staff to set up and staff the event….and another army to clear up afterwards. No trace of what had happened could be seen apart from those tell-tale patches on the grass. In a few more days these will have turned green again.
Hulne Park is open to walkers 11am until 4pm daily, though it is advisable to check the website before visiting as it does close occasionally for special events, such as this wedding. No cyclists or dogs are allowed. This is to safeguard livestock and game.
Stitches by the Sea 