Category: Visitor Attractions

Souter Lighthouse – A National Trust Beauty

Posted on September 3, 2025 by St Oswald's Farm - North East Attractions, Visitor Attractions

The North East of England has some great National Trust properties to enjoy and Souter Lighthouse in South Tyneside is no exception, not only is it a beacon of history, its dramatic red and white hoops ensure it is an instantly recognisable landmark on the stunning North East coastline. So if you’re looking for a delightful day out filled with stunning coastal views and a dash of history then a visit to Souter is simply perfect.

alt="Souter Lighthouse with its red and white strips and blue skies and sea beyond" — Souter Lighthouse

A Historical Landmark

Constructed in 1871, Souter Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the world to be powered by electricity. As you step inside, you’ll be taken back in time as the friendly staff share fascinating stories of its operational days, helping you appreciate the vital role it played in guiding ships to safety. The lighthouse stands proudly on its rocky outcrop offering unparalleled views of the surrounding coastline, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking to soak in the scenery of this dramatic shoreline.

alt="Souter lighthouse with rocks and sea below and sunset skies" — Souter Lighthouse

Climb to New Heights at Souter Lighthouse

One of the highlights of any visit to Souter Lighthouse is the opportunity to climb the 76 steps of the spiral staircase to reach the top. The ascent is a great experience, albeit a little hard on the legs, and once you reach the lantern room, the panoramic views of the North Sea and coastline below are simply breathtaking. Don’t forget to take your camera – you’ll want to capture these stunning vistas!

Explore the Surrounding Area of The Leas

Lying to the north of the lighthouse The Leas is a two and a half mile stretch of magnesian limestone cliffs, rocky bays and coastal grassland. These cliffs and rock stacks of Marsden Bay are home to nesting Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Guillemots with the path South of the lighthouse taking you through Whitburn Coastal Park and Nature Reserve, reclaimed colliery land, now also a haven for wildlife.

Your Visit to Souter Lighthouse

If all that history and sea air has left you hungry then The Lighthouse Cafe at Souter offers a snack and light lunch menu or if you’re hankering after a crab sandwich or a tasty fish supper then head to nearby Whitburn and treat yourself to the freshest catch of the day at Latimer’s Seafood Deli & Takeaway.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a lovely coastal day out, Souter Lighthouse has something to offer everyone, please be sure to check out the opening times and any special events that may be happening.

Whilst in the Area

If you want to make the most of your visit to South Tyneside then Washington Old Hall is another superb National Trust property which is less than a 30 minute drive away from Souter or alternatively take the short journey to Sunderland and enjoy The National Glass Centre or head north to soak up some Roman history at Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort.

Book your stay with us today and get ready to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of North East England. From its breathtaking coastlines and countryside to its rich heritage and culture, every moment here offers something extraordinary. With our gorgeous cottage as your base, you can indulge in the very best the region has to offer and always have the perfect place to relax after each adventure.

Heritage Railways

Posted on June 25, 2025 by St Oswald's Farm - North East Attractions, Visitor Attractions

If you’re a steam train enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a nostalgic day out, the North East of England’s heritage railways offer the perfect experience. Ride historic steam locomotives through beautiful countryside, explore vintage stations and discover the fascinating railway history across our region.

The Aln Valley Railway in North Northumberland sits on the outskirts of the market town of Alnwick and is Northumberland’s only Standard Gauge Heritage Railway. The railway, which is run entirely by volunteers is a restoration project of the old line that runs from the Lionheart station near Alnwick to the coastal village of Alnmouth, currently the temporary terminus is at Greenrigg Halt, 2km from Lionheart station but will eventually, as the restoration continues, terminate in Alnmouth. The Aln Valley Railway boasts a varied fleet of heritage locomotives, including working steam engines like Richboro and Jennifer, classic diesel shunters such as Drax and Shirley, and two preserved Class 144 “Pacer” DMUs. The railway is open at weekends from Easter to September and the full timetable for steam and diesel operating days, as well as Pacer operating days can be found on their website.

alt= Steam train and carriages at Aln Valley Railways" — Aln Valley Railway

A trip down the north east coast to North Shields offers the opportunity to visit the Stephenson Steam Railway and enjoy a trip on a 2 mile industrial railway passing the factories and businesses that the line once served. You’ll ride in style in a 1950s British Railways carriage and experience the locomotives working to hard climb the steep gradients away from the River Tyne towards the old coal fields of Northumberland. The station yard offers the chance to see a large variety of wagons and rail vehicles that were once a common sight on the railways of the North East. The attraction also boasts a museum which includes Steam, Diesel and Electric locomotives from collieries, steelworks and power stations in Tyneside and beyond from as early as the 1880’s. Of course, a museum in Tyneside would not be complete without displays detailing the story of railway pioneers George and Robert Stephenson and the museum includes the early locomotive ‘Billy’ which was built in nearby Newcastle and is the world’s third oldest surviving steam locomotive.

alt="Stephenson Steam railway dark red steam engine tyne and wear railways " — Stephenson Steam Railway

If you’re looking for a nostalgic journey through some of the most picturesque countryside then South Tynedale Railway is a charming heritage railway located in the scenic North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This narrow-gauge railway which was originally part of a standard-gauge line closed in the 1970’s but has now been restored as a narrow-gauge heritage line.

The line runs for around 5 miles between the towns of Alston and Slaggyford and follows the South Tyne River through a gorgeous landscape of rolling hills. The railway features restored vintage steam and diesel locomotives, some of which date back to mid-20th century, steam engines such as Green Dragon, Barber and Naklo, each one lovingly restored by volunteers and each with its own story to tell. Visiting South Tynedale Railway is like taking a step into a pretty picture postcard and for more details please head to their website.

alt="Bright green engine at South Tynedale Railways" — South Tynedale Railway – ‘Barber’

Nestled in Causey Valley in County Durham, the Tanfield Railway boasts unrivalled history as it is the oldest operational stretch of railway in the world, dating back to 1725. This remarkable heritage line runs for three miles through wooded gorges and rolling countryside, offering visitors a nostalgic journey aboard steam-hauled trains in authentic Victorian carriages with the trip including a stop at Causey Arch, the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge which was built in 1726. This lovely little railway has a full timetable with various train rides to enjoy as well as some driving experience sessions for those who fancy ‘having a go’. Tanfield Railway also holds events throughout the year including ‘Tea on the train’, Tanfield is run entirely by volunteers who are not only knowledgeable but highly entertaining!

alt="Steam train front under bridge on railways" — Tanfield Railway

alt="afternoon tea on railways three tier plate on Tanfield Railway" — Tanfield Railway

For something a little less industrial take a trip to North Northumberland to the Heatherslaw Light Railway which is a delightful heritage narrow‑gauge line that lies in the ever so pretty landscapes of the villages Ford and Etal. This 15‑inch gauge railway runs a scenic return trip of around four miles along the banks of the River Till between Heatherslaw station and Etal Castle village. Miniature steam engines such as Bunty, Lady Augusta or Binky will take you on a steam train journey that offers picturesque views of rolling countryside, river wildlife and with the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful part of Northumberland.

alt="Light railway engine at Heatherslaw with bridge and grass" — ‘Bunty’ at Heatherslaw Light Railway

If you’re hoping to go full steam ahead and explore every inch of our heritage railways then take a look at our blog post on the Charming Village of Wylam, and discover why this quiet little village should be on your North East to-do list.

Whether you’re a steam buff, a train buff or a history buff, steam railways offer a nostalgic escape into the golden age of travel, where the chug of the engines and billowing steam bring history to life and with a backdrop of rolling hills, rugged coastline and historic market towns these heritage lines provide a unique way to explore the region’s industrial past as well as enjoying our stunning North East landscape.

Discovering Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum

Posted on April 14, 2025 by St Oswald's Farm - North East Attractions, Northumberland, Visitor Attractions

Tucked away in the heart of Morpeth, the Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum is a hidden gem that celebrates the rich heritage of both Northumbrian and traditional bagpipes from across Europe and beyond. Housed in a beautifully restored medieval chapel, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history, craftsmanship, and the music of these unique instruments.

alt="image of bagpipes with Northumberland tartan" — Credit and Copyright ©: Colin Davison

Northumberland is the only county in England with its very own musical instrument, the Northumbrian small pipes, and the Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum is the first bagpipe museum in the UK. The Northumbrian small pipes are bellows-blown bagpipes and they produce a sweet mellow sound and although they date back to the 17th century they are still played today and have become more well known through musicians such at Kathryn Tickell who is the most famous contemporary player of these traditional pipes.

This little museum not only tells the history of these remarkable pipes but also delves into piping traditions and of course the bagpipe museum would not be complete without allowing you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the iconic sound of the Northumbrian small pipes during your visit.

alt="close up image of bagpipes at Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe museum" — Credit and Copyright ©: Colin Davison

Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe museum houses over 120 sets of pipes in its collection and includes pipes from across Europe, including decorative sets from Scotland, Spain, Italy, France, Estonia and beyond. It showcases an extensive collection from master clock maker and pipe enthusiastic, William Alfred Cocks, a set of bagpipes said to have belonged to King Louis XIV of France, a miniature set made for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and pipes from the Jacobite Rising.

alt="Inside of museum area at Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum"

Alongside these amazing displays, visitors can also watch the museum space come to life with regular live musical performances, ‘Learn to Play in a Day’ and ‘Meet the Piper’ sessions. It’s a hive of creative activity, with the Northern Poetry Library and Craft Centre also located in this historic building.

Whether you’re a seasoned piper, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the pipes, this little museum provides an immersive experience that brings some traditions of the past to life.

Morpeth Chantry, also known as All Saints Chantry, is a Grade I listed building situated adjacent to the site of the ancient bridge across the River Wansbeck in Morpeth. It was built in the 13th century and served as a chapel dedicated to All Saints and was also a toll house where local townspeople had to pay the priest a toll to cross the river, and in fact you can still see the foundations of the town’s Medieval bridge in the river below. Keep your eyes peeled as you admire the Chantry building and see if you can spot the oldest window in Morpeth.

alt="Front aspect of Morpeth Chantry bagpipe museum"

Through the centuries the Chantry building has been many things, the town grammar school from the 1550s up until 1846, as council offices and concert venue in Victorian times, and as a mineral water factory in the 20^th century and more latterly The Chantry was finally restored in the 1980s to be used as the museum and craft centre that you see today.

Morpeth is not only home to this unique little museum but it is also a lovely town to visit so be sure to enjoy all this thriving market town has to offer, the parks, gardens, shops, weekly market and the old Morpeth Castle gatehouse. For more information on what Morpeth has to offer head to our recent blog post.

alt="Morpeth river wansbackw ith rowing boats" — Rowing boats on the River Wansbeck in Morpeth

Rowing boats on the River Wansbeck in Morpeth

Visit Amble

Posted on March 10, 2025 by St Oswald's Farm - North East Attractions, Northumberland, Visitor Attractions

Northumberland is blessed with some of the loveliest towns and you will find each one with its own distinct character and appeal, and each one with a unique offering for a perfect day out. The town of Amble sits on the stunning Northumberland coast and is somewhat of a hidden gem that perfectly blends seaside charm with a vibrant local culture. Amble prides itself as being “The Friendliest Port,” and this picturesque harbour town offers visitors a bustling marina, an abundance of fresh seafood, and breathtaking coastal walks.

alt="Looking out to sea from Amble with red and white lighthouse"

The Harbour Village in Amble is a charming waterfront destination that perfectly captures the town’s maritime spirit. Located along the picturesque harbour, this collection of wooden retail pods is home to a variety of independent traders, offering everything from handcrafted jewellery and artisan gifts to locally produced food and drink. It’s the perfect place for some light retail browsing or sampling some freshly caught seafood, or just simply enjoying a coffee while taking in the views of the marina.

alt="Amble harbour village with retail pods" — Harbour Village in Amble

The town is also home to The Northumberland Seafood Centre that gives visitors a unique insight into the region’s fishing heritage and sustainable seafood practices. Here, you can see a variety of locally caught fish and seafood, learn about responsible fishing methods and it’s the perfect opportunity to buy the very freshest catch of the day and get some top tips on how to create the tastiest fish dish!

Amble offers many great dining options and as you would expect have a fabulous choice of seafood. Among the many fishy options is The Fish Shack, a rustic harbourside retreat that provides a relaxed atmosphere with harbour views and outdoor seating. Their menu not only includes the obligatory fish and chips but a fantastic choice of the freshest daily catch including smoked seafood, freshly steamed mussels, delicious seasonal specials with the menu also including Lindisfarne oysters and divine sharing platters. This modest little restaurant has also featured on The Hairy Bikers TV series and is hugely popular and therefore booking is advisable.

Amble has plenty of walking opportunities too and is the perfect place for a coastal stroll or a walk to take in some of the local wildlife. Enjoy a 3 mile stretch of the Northumberland Coastal Path that joins Amble to the village of Warkworth which gives you the perfect opportunity to explore this picturesque little village with and the impressive Warkworth Castle.

alt="Warkworth Castle framed in an arch shape" — Warkworth Castle

Amble is also home to the ‘Bord Waalk‘, a name derived of local dialect, and is an art trail set in and around this pretty coastal town which takes in a fantastic array of physical sculptures, poetry, and music and with each piece of art inspired by birdlife and the beautiful surrounding coastline. The 15 art installations have been produced by artists from all over Europe and from Amble itself. The trail can be done in part or in sections and stretches from Hauxley Nature Reserve up to Amble braid which offers wonderful views of the estuary and coastline.

alt="large pale blue sculpture in shape of duck egg with blue skies behind"

alt=sphere sculpture of birds in silver"

Just a mile offshore from Amble is Coquet Island with its distinctive lighthouse, the island is a vibrant RSPB Seabird Reserve and is home to 40,000 nesting seabirds including Puffin, Common Sandwich and Arctic Terns, and the rare Roseate Tern. Coquet Island is home to 90% of the UK’s Roseate Tern population and is the only place where they bred and therefore visiting the island is prohibited by law to protect the wildlife, however if you would like to get a little closer to this seabird haven there are ‘Puffin Cruises’ from Amble harbour that run from late March.

alt="island in the distance off the the coast of amble with pink sunset sky and flat sea" — Coquet Island off the the coast of Amble

In May each year Amble becomes awash with all things puffin with their annual Puffin Festival which of course celebrates the Coquet Island puffins! The event includes guided nature walks, bird watching, local history talks, exhibitions, arts and crafts, watersports and live music throughout the town and of course boat trips to see the wonderful birds themselves.

alt="close up of puffin with fish in mouth"

This friendly little port is a great destination for visitors and whether you’re delving into the life of a lobster, exploring the nearby historic Warkworth Castle, indulging in delicious local cuisine at the Harbour Village, or simply soaking up the tranquil seaside atmosphere, the town of Amble offers a lovely day out in Northumberland.

Remarkable Romans – Chesters Roman Fort

Posted on January 10, 2025 by St Oswald's Farm - 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" — Roman Centurion stones at St Oswald’s Farm

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 St Oswald's Farm - 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.

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.

St Oswalds Farm Cottages, Wall, Northumberland