Dark Tourism in Nature: Alnwick Poison Garden, Northumberland, UK
One of the only dark tourism sites in the world that is, literally, alive, the Poison Gardens is a small section of Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, UK. The plants in the garden can kill visitors, making it, literally, one of the most dangerous of the dark tourism sites. The garden features 100 deadly plants, including laurel hedge, cannabis, cocaine, and South American Brugmansia, a killer aphrodisiac.
Behind the heavy iron gate with its clear warning, its carefully curated specimens, and guided tours, straying from the path could cost your life. The garden keepers strictly prohibit touching, smelling, or tasting plants. Even so, toxic fumes have made visitors faint. Duchess of Northumberland Jane Percy, who developed the garden as a unique educational tool, says “People think we’re being over-dramatic when we talk about not smelling the plants, but I’ve seen the health and safety reports.”
