Tag: days out

Visit Amble

Posted on March 10, 2025 by - 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!

alt="Amble harbour with lobster pots"

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 - 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.

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 find out more about visiting this iconic 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.

alt="beautiful beaches at Bamburgh with canons at the castle in the foreground"
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.

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.

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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.