The local auction house in Alnwick. Railtons has regular sales of household items and antiques sales as well as occasional specialist sales including jewellery and books. The salerooms are quite large and every sale sees a wealth of items packed into them. Viewing is available on the days preceding the auction and is the best way of viewing items, but the catalogue is essential if you're not to miss anything. In the past year, online catalogues have been added and it's possible to leave bids online and manage them from home. The system is simple and works pretty well. Sales themselves are quite lengthy, but Jim Railton goes through the lots surprisingly quickly, but without the process ever feeling rushed. Some auction houses can be quite formal and off-putting, but the atmosphere at Railtons is friendly and welcoming to those new to live auctions. read more