Category: Visitor 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.

alt="roman centurion stone in wall"
alt="roman centurion stone in old building"
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.

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 find out more about visiting this iconic castle then please go to their website.

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.

alt="Gibside garden ruin"

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.

alt="Column to liberty in the distance with trees leading to it"
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.

alt="Gibside chapel"
Gibside’s neo-classical chapel
alt="avenue of trees at Gibside with chapel in the distance"
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.

Discovering Morpeth

Posted on May 4, 2021 by - North East Attractions, Northumberland, Visitor Attractions

Northumberland is home to a number of market towns, each one boasting it’s own unique charm, character and many steeped in Northumbrian history. The town of Morpeth sits on the river Wansbeck and is only a half hour’s drive from St Oswald’s Farm. Morpeth is a bustling market town where history and traditional market town charm and independent retail meets with modern shopping centres and trendy wine bars. The cobbled streets, the markets, the walks and the park area together with a unique heritage all give the town an irresistible beauty.

A visit to any market town must include a spot of retail therapy and Morpeth doesn’t disappoint. You will find the Farmers’ Market in town on the first Saturday every month and the weekly charter market in the Market Place each Wednesday. As well the markets the town is packed with retail offerings, the Sanderson Arcade and the charming precinct together with Rutherford’s department store are perfect for browsing and picking up lovely gifts. There is a superb mix of independent shops together with some of your high street favourites.

River walk
Carlisle Park

If you’re seeking a green space Carlisle Park is centrally located in the town and is open every day so it’s always a great time to visit. It includes the William Turner Garden, tennis courts, bowling green, aviary and is home to one of only four working Floral Clocks in the country.

Take a walk up to the castle or there is mature deciduous woodland with lovely, but also very hilly woodland walks, there are even rowing boats if you fancy taking to the water and testing your rowing skills. Or of course Carlisle Park is the perfect spot for a picnic and to sit and watch the world go by!

If you visit in Spring Morpeth’s Bluebell Woods are beautiful when the woodland floor becomes carpeted with bluebells. Properly known as Howburun Woods are names for the How Burn which flows through them into the River Wansbeck. As well as the bluebells, expect to see an array of woodland plants, red squirrels, birds – and the occasional deer.

alt="bluebell carpeted woodland in Morpeth"
Bluebell Woods

As with all Northumbrian Market Towns there is a unique offering of history to enjoy and Morpeth is no different. Northumberland is the only county in England with its own dedicated musical instrument and Morpeth is home to a museum that celebrates and plays homage to our Northumbrian Pipes – a unique part of the heritage of Northumberland. Tucked away in a stunning 13th Century Grade 1 listed building is The Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum which boasts a treasure trove of instruments and along with the fascinating displays, the museum often comes to life with regular live musical performances and ‘meet the piper’ sessions. The Chantry is also home to the Northern Poetry Library and Craft Centre and even the building itself has a story to tell, with townspeople once over having to pay a toll to the local priest to cross the river! You can still see the foundations of the town’s Medieval bridge in the river today.

alt="northumbrian pipes in museum in Morpeth"
The Chantry Museum – Home of the Northumberland Pipes

The town has plenty of free parking and with a great choice of places to eat or grab a coffee it’s the perfect destination for a day out. For more information on visiting this lovely Market Town please go to the More in Morpeth website.

If you enjoy the buzz of a market town just take your pick, as whichever one you choose you’ll be sure of a warm Northumbrian welcome.