Category: North East Attractions

Remarkable Romans – Chesters Roman Fort

Posted on January 10, 2025 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, North East Attractions, Northumberland, Visitor Attractions

alt="Chesters roman fort ruins in grassed area"

No trip to Northumberland would be complete without a visit to at least one of the amazing Roman sites along Hadrian’s Wall and just a 5 minute drive from St Oswald’s Farm lies the impressive Chesters Roman Fort which gives a remarkable window into Britain’s Roman past. As one of the best-preserved Roman cavalry forts in the country, Chesters offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to step back nearly 2000 years and explore life at the edge of the Roman Empire.

Chesters Roman Fort, originally known as Cilurnum, was built around AD123 to guard a strategic crossing over the River North Tyne. This fort was home to a garrison of around 500 Roman soldiers who were tasked with defending this frontier of the Roman Empire. Today, Chesters stands as a testament to what can only be described as amazing Roman engineering and its well-preserved ruins invite visitors to imagine the daily lives of the soldiers who once patrolled these grounds.

One of the highlights of the Chesters site is the remarkable bathhouse area where you can explore the various rooms used for cold, warm and hot baths, and marvel at the advanced underfloor heating system, a sophistication that truly showcases Roman engineering!

alt="Chesters bath house changing area"
Bath House changing rooms! Image credit: Peter C Angus

As you explore this picturesque riverside location the remains of the commandant’s house provides a glimpse into the accommodation of the fort’s commanding officer and the size and layout of this structure highlights the status and importance of the fort’s leadership. Take a walk through the ruins of the soldiers’ barracks and stables where the Roman cavalry and their horses lived and trained which paints a vivid picture of life in this once bustling Roman military base. As you walk among its ancient stones and imagine the lives of the Roman soldiers who once called it home, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the legacy of the Roman Empire in Britain.

Chesters museum and collections are housed in a Victorian building on-site and is a treasure trove of Roman artefacts from intricately carved altars and inscriptions to tools and personal items, the collection provides deeper insight into the lives of the Romans stationed at Cilurnum. The collection at Chesters contains 53 centurial stones which give the names of the centurions who, together with their men built Hadrian’s Wall. When you stay with us be sure to try to spot our Centurion stone that is built into the front of the farmhouse here together with a second engraved stone in one of our farm buildings.

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Roman Centurion stones at St Oswald’s Farm

When visiting Chesters you will undoubtedly spot the remains on the eastern river bank of a bridge and in fact the remains are not of one but two successive bridges, an early one that carried Hadrian’s Wall and a second, much larger one, that carried the Military Way, the road that serviced the Wall. This site is free to visit and can be accessed by a short walk either from Chesters or from nearby Chollerford and details can be found here.

alt="Chesters bridge abutment with clube skies and grassed riverbank"

Chesters Roman Fort isn’t just a historical site it’s a really lovely place to visit, so whether you’re a true history buff or just someone who wants to take in a little history in a pretty spot this timeless treasure in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country won’t disappoint. For more Roman sites to enjoy see our posts on Vindolanda, Housesteads and The Roman Army Museum.

The Charming Village of Wylam

Posted on October 7, 2024 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, North East Attractions, Northumberland

The village of Wylam is an unassuming little place, quiet, friendly and with a village shop, a pub and a small restaurant together with the usual village amenities including the pretty St Oswin’s Church. However there’s so much more to this village than meets the eye as Wylam has a rich industrial heritage and played a significant role in the development of the coal and railway industries in the 19th century and was the birthplace of none other, than George Stephenson, the main inventor of the railroad locomotive and of course the iconic Stephenson’s Rocket.

white washed cottage and red tiled roof George Stephensons cottage at Wylam
The Birthplace of George Stephenson

Visiting Wylam is easy and there is parking both in the village and at Wylam Riverside Park and from there it is ideal to find the route of the old Waggonway to enjoy the riverside walk that passes George Stephenson’s cottage. The cottage can only be accessed on foot and this humble little birthplace and once home to ‘the Father of Railways’ now sits quietly amongst nature on the historic Waggonway on the banks of the River Tyne. It’s hard to imagine that this idyllic little spot was once a hive of industry that saw coal transported from Wylam Colliery to the staiths at Lemington for shipping down the Tyne. The cottage is maintained by The National Trust but it is only open to the public for special events however Wylam has a small railway museum which is packed with interesting artefacts and exhibits. The museum is free to enter and is located in the village library but is only open on certain days so please check beforehand.

For a little more railway heritage head west of Wylam on the same pathway and you will come across Hagg Bank bridge which is a single span arch bridge that was originally built in 1876 as a railway bridge. The railway closed in 1968 and the rails were lifted in 1972 and it is now only enjoyed by pedestrians, joggers and cyclists and if you’re a ‘Vera’ fan you may just have spotted this impressive structure in one the episodes!

Hagg Bank single arch bridge over the river tyne near Wylam
Hagg Bank Bridge

If you’re up for a longer walk then there’s a linear route which takes you from Wylam station to Prudhoe and if you wish, a change of history with a visit to Prudhoe Castle before then catching the train back to Wylam. Even Wylam railway station itself holds it’s own place in the history books, it was constructed in 1835 and is Grade II Listed and is one of the earliest train stations that is still in use in the world today.

Northumberland has some of the most lovely villages and many are steeped in history, some have a fascinating heritage, some have weird and wonderful local traditions but without doubt they will all greet you with the friendliest of welcomes. When you visit Northumberland be sure to take in some of our charming villages, you never know what hidden treasures await!

Spotlight on Bamburgh Castle

Posted on September 9, 2024 by - North East Attractions, Northumberland, Visitor Attractions

Bamburgh Castle has stood guard above the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1400 years, a royal fortress, a Norman stronghold and today a coastal home. This national treasure is an imposing and dominant structure that sits 150ft up on a rocky plateau and spans across nine acres of land and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country.

alt="Bamburgh Castle with sand dunes below"

The castle and grounds are simply magnificent and there is so much to admire and enjoy, wander around the superbly kept grounds which include the ruins of St Peter’s Chapel, Windmill cannons and of course the opportunity to take in the striking views of the north east coast looking over as far as The Farne Islands and Lindisfarne, and you’ll see almost a bird’s eye view of the village of Bamburgh itself. Visit The Battery Terrace, The Inner Ward, Neville Tower, the Victorian stables and The West Ward which contains the Armstrong & Aviation Museum, the castle’s windmill and the original entrance to the medieval fortress called St Oswald’s Gate. The 12th century Keep is the oldest surviving part of the castle and the walls, in parts, are an incredible eleven feet thick and this massive block like structure sits on a huge plinth which was to stop attackers digging underneath to collapse the walls. Today it houses an impressive Armoury, a collection of weapons that includes muskets, pikes, halberds, composite bow and crossbow.

alt="cannon terrace looking out over the North Sea with blue skies"

Inside the castle itself is even more impressive and there are fourteen state rooms to discover that are packed with heirlooms and artefacts and stories covering the hundreds of years of history, including the medieval kitchen, The Cross Hall, The Library, The Faire Chamber and the magnificent Victorian masterpiece, The King’s Hall with its incredible teak ceiling. Bamburgh Castle is one of the most important Anglo-Saxon sites in the world and the Archaeology Museum housed within the castle is home to some of the most extraordinary collections and finds such as the gold Bamburgh Beast and a rare pattern welded sword.

Amongst the historic collections you may also spot mementos from guests including items from members of The Royal Family, authors, politicians and actors. Bamburgh Castle has featured in countless films and small screen productions, from Transformers The Last Knight, to Netflix hit Frontier and of course, The Last Kingdom.

alt="King's Hall in Bamburgh Castle"
alt="armoury in Bamburgh Castle"

If all those views and history have you left you peckish then the Clock Tower Café and Tack Room Takeaway offer a great selection of hot and cold food to choose from including freshly made sandwiches, hearty soups and homemade cakes. Sit indoors or there’s plenty of outdoor seating around the grounds where you can take in the views while enjoying something to eat.

Bamburgh Castle is a definite must see whilst visiting Northumberland, once you’ve enjoyed the castle be sure to take in the ambience of the pretty village with it’s church and of course the beautiful beach. It’s such a lovely day out and if you’d like to know more about visiting the castle then please go to their website.

Beautiful Beaches

Posted on August 19, 2024 by - North East Attractions, Northumberland

Every holiday in Northumberland should include a day taking in the stunning North East coast and enjoying at least one of our beautiful beaches. With over 30 miles of golden sands to choose from you can be certain that whichever beach you choose to visit you won’t be vying for space to enjoy a stroll or to sit and take in the sea views. We’re often asked which is the best beach to go to and we genuinely struggle to answer as there are so many gorgeous beaches but this is our top pick of where to go when a day at the seaside beckons.

If you’re heading to north Northumberland then Budle Bay is a hidden gem that boasts peace and tranquillity along it’s pristine sands and offers the most gorgeous walk around the bay. The bay is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve and therefore popular with birdwatchers all year round and particularly in winter when the mud flats attract thousands of wildfowl and waders. The walk from Waren Mill to Bamburgh is one of the most spectacular in the whole of the UK and is probably at its most attractive at low tide when the wide golden sands are at their best, but it is truly beautiful at any time. As far as beaches go, you probably can’t get better!

Budle Bay

The picturesque village of Bamburgh is a popular destination and the beach is simply breathtaking, it’s the perfect place to sit and take in the sea views over to The Farne Islands and there’s always the chance of spotting dolphins or even whales (top tip – take your binoculars). The wide and expansive sands are backed with dunes that are filled with grasses, flowers and wildlife and with the almighty Bamburgh Castle towering above this part of the coastline it is the most iconic sight and whether you choose to visit the castle and admire the sands or walk the beach and look up at the castle, either is equally impressive. If you wish to give your legs a good stretch then you can head south on the sand and walk the 3 miles to the livelier village of Seahouses where you can enjoy the harbour area and of course no trip to the coast would be complete without indulging in some fish and chips. Local buses run between Bamburgh and Seahouses so you can always catch the return bus if you don’t wish to walk the return journey.

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View from Bamburgh Castle

A little further down the coast you will find the pretty little village of Alnmouth. The beach here is a wide sandy bay that sits at the mouth of the River Aln and is backed by a clutch of elegant red-roofed houses that almost appear that they spill down to the sand and they look a real postcard picture, and when the tide is out the vast expanse of sand is nothing short of magnificent. Alongside the same stretch of coastline and just 7 miles further south lies Warkworth with a beautiful beach that is often missed by visitors as it sits about a mile from the village itself that attracts visitors to the castle, hermitage, quaint shops and riverside. The short drive or 20 minute walk to the beach at Warkworth will reward you with golden sands as far as the eye can see.

alt="Alnmouth estuary and golden sands and driftwood"
Alnmouth

Druridge Bay is another favourite and runs from Amble to Cresswell and is a beautiful beach stretching out for a whole seven miles. Druridge Bay Country Park has a large car park and a visitor centre and cafe as there is so much to explore with sand dunes and pools and the 100 acre Ladyburn Lake which is surrounded by pretty woodlands and countryside and together with the sand dunes it’s a paradise for wildlife and birdlife and you may spot wildfowl, teal or even an otter. At Druridge Bay you will also see remnants of history, and you’ll spot the anti-tank blocks and pill boxes that were installed there to protect our shores from enemy advances during World War II, although now they are particularly handy for drying wet swimwear!

alt="Beautiful beach at Druridge bay with golden sands and blue skies and grassy dunes"
Druridge Bay

From Blyth beach in the south of the County to Spittal Beach in the north, there are 35 beautiful beaches to choose from in Northumberland and whichever one you choose and whenever you choose to visit you’ll be delighted at the sheer beauty of the vast, sweeping unspoilt coastline and the peaceful golden sands you will find there.

A National Trust Beauty – Gibside

Posted on July 14, 2024 by - North East Attractions, Visitor Attractions

If you’re planning to visit some National Trust properties during your stay then Gibside in Tyne & Wear is just part of the fantastic National Trust offer across the North East of England.

Set amid the backdrop of the Derwent Valley, close to Newcastle, Gibside boasts both historic ruins and the space for walking, enjoying wildlife and with some spectacular and perhaps unexpected views. It is one of the few surviving 18th Century landscapes and was designed to make the most of the surrounding vistas and create some real ‘wow’ moments.

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There are 600 acres of gardens, woodland and countryside to explore with four marked walks to choose from, The Liberty Trail, The Nature Trail, The Explorer Trail and Valley Views Trail with each one taking you on a different route around the landscape. The many miles of pathways are perfect for peaceful walks where you can enjoy wildlife spotting and with plenty of places to stop and pause, or you might choose to venture off into the wider Estate to enjoy a hike over more varied terrain.

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The Column to Liberty in the distance

There are many highlights and landmarks across the site including a restored stable block, ruins of the Grand Hall, the walled garden and garden cottage, the orangery and overlooking it all, The Column to Liberty. However perhaps the centrepiece of the Bowes’ Georgian landscape garden is the neo-classical chapel which was designed by renowned Palladian architect James Paine which sits framed by trees at the end of the half mile-long avenue.

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Gibside’s neo-classical chapel
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The avenue at Gibside

If you would prefer to enjoy Gibside with the guidance of an expert tour guide then there are both landscape garden tours and history tours, although days and times vary so please do check in advance. There are all the usual facilities you would expect to find at a large NT property, with cafe, loos, shop and second hand book shop and with a varied programme of seasonal events.

National Trust properties are always a superb way to spend a day out during your holiday here and we’re lucky to have some real beauties in this part of the UK. For more NT inspiration take a look at our recent blog post about one of our own favourites, the magnificent Cragside House and Estate.

Gorgeous Gardens North East

Posted on May 15, 2024 by - North East Attractions

Northumberland has many gorgeous gardens to enjoy but if you’re travelling a little further afield and find yourself stepping over the the border into Durham, Cumbria or Tyne & Wear you’ll discover there are many more North Eastern gardens to indulge in.

alt="Ushaw formal gardens taken from above of huge rhododendrons"
Ushaw Gardens

Just 4 miles from the historic City of Durham lies Ushaw Chapel, House & Gardens which with more than 20 acres of formal gardens is a gem to visit. Expect the unexpected at Ushaw as you lose yourself in the lovely grounds, where you’ll find playful surprises, inspirational art, wildlife carvings amongst the woodland trails, wide-open spaces and vibrant floral gardens. As well as the gardens and parkland you will discover a long and rich history amongst the Victorian Gothic architecture of the house and chapel which is tied to the development and growth of Christianity in the region and that began over a millennium ago with St Aiden in Lindisfarne. You will encounter the most beautiful buildings and find yourself marvelling at centuries of art and heritage. 

Whilst in Durham and for a very different type of garden experience visit Eggleston Hall Gardens & Nursery which is described as ‘the secret garden of the north’. There have been gardens at Eggleston Hall since the late 16th century and it is very much a nursery garden that is both peaceful and relaxing with an unhurried atmosphere and a place that they dub as a ‘jewel amongst the hills’.

Eggleston Hall gardens are a bit of a plantsman`s paradise and are in no way a formal garden but are a wonderful place to visit where you can enjoy the garden trail and then pick up some new plants to take back home with you.

alt="pink and purple flowers in a deep border at Eggleston gardens"

A short 15 minute drive away from Eggleston takes you to The Bowes Museum near Barnard Castle, a superb destination which is a cultural gem that combines art, history and architecture with gorgeous gardens and although on a much bigger and grander scale is a superb place to visit and a day out that is always well enjoyed by our guests. The garden design at The Bowes Museum is in a renaissance revival style and you will find a grand terrace and parterre which then give way to less formal grassy mounds, winding paths and mature shrubs and woodland which are maintained as a public park. There are almost 20 acres of garden to enjoy alongside the wonderful chateau and more information on visiting can be found here.

alt="Front view of The Bowes Museum with blue skies and formal garden to the front"
Image credit – The Bowes Museum
alt="Lowther gardens and castle ruins and pathways and green planting"

Lowther Castle & Gardens are a great day out and one of our own favourite places to visit. Located near Penrith in Cumbria the 130 acre site comprises of castle ruins, extensive gardens, woodlands and ponds, and sits in the Lake District National Park, enjoying far-reaching views over the Lowther valley. The castle and grounds have a wonderful story to tell and in 2008, after many years of neglect, there began a 20 year plan to bring the gardens back to life. You will find ancient borders jostling with modern design with weird and wonderful summerhouses, roman pillars, rose and iris gardens, a lovely parterre, wild flowers, clipped yews and the unique garden-in-the-ruins. For more information on Lowther Castle and details on visiting these gorgeous gardens please go to their website.

Whatever type of garden you enjoy and whatever time of year you visit the North East of England you will find some of the loveliest gardens scattered across Northumberland and the whole of the north east region and all offering a very different and wonderful garden experience.