Tag: days out

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.

The Fabulous Farne Islands

Posted on April 15, 2024 by - North East Attractions, Northumberland

The Farne Islands lie just off the North Northumberland coast and they are the perfect way to spend a day enjoying the very best bird and wildlife. The islands are home to literally thousands of seabirds and to one of Europe’s largest grey seal colonies and are internationally known as a breeding site of high importance. The Farnes are a must for anyone who enjoys seeing wildlife and birdlife and to see them in this, their most natural and wild habitat is a truly special experience.

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A Puffin at the Farne Islands
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Shags at the Farne Islands

The Farnes consist of around 25 islands with some visible at high tide and some only visible at low tide, they boast wonderful names such as Megstone, Elbow, The Bush, Glororum Shad, Gun Rock, Staple Island, Brownsman, Fang, North and South Wamses, Big and Little Harcar, Nameless Rock, Blue Caps and Longstone to name but a few. The Farne Islands can be broken into two main groups, the first is dominated by Inner Farne, the second a mile away includes Staple Island and the well known Longstone Island, which will be forever associated with the story of Northumberland’s greatest heroine, Grace Darling. In fact if you’re in up in North Northumberland for the day then The Grace Darling museum in the nearby and very gorgeous Bamburgh is definitely worth visiting too!

The Farne Islands are formed from the rocks of the Whin Sill Complex and this can be traced from Upper Teesdale in Durham where it forms the High Force waterfall all the way up to North Northumberland to the Farne Islands and the rocks upon Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles all sit. The dolerite rock gives the Farne Islands their distinctive blackened appearance.

alt="Farne Islands black cliff face and lighthouse on Inner Farne"
The blackened rocks of Inner Farne (image credit Serenity Boats)

As well as birdlife the islands are also home to one of the largest colonies of grey seals and as you take your trip you’ll see them lazing on the rocks or bobbing inquisitively in the sea. The Farnes are in fact the top grey seal pupping site in England with more than 2000 pups born on the islands each year and to see these fluffy white seal pups visit the islands from late October.

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Seal pup – image Serenity Boats

To enjoy the Farne Islands take a boat trip from the fishing village of Seahouses and enjoy either a cruise or a landing trip, boat operators such as Billy Shiel’s and Serenity Boats offer trips to Inner Farne and Staple Island and landing trips to Inner Farne. Choose from their Puffin Cruises, a Birdwatch Cruise, Sunset Cruises and cruises where you can enjoy grey seals as well as the seabirds, and some trips follow the route Grace Darling and her father took during their heroic rescue in 1838. Both operators are renowned for their cruises and their skippers and staff are hugely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and the history of the Islands and give a full commentary during their trips. (do please always check their websites for any current restrictions and up to date sailings)

alt="Sunset cruise with sun low in the sky over the sea"
Sunset Cruise (image credit Serenity Boats)

The Farne Islands are undoubtedly a seabird spectacle with over 23 species of birds including razorbills, guillemots, common & arctic terns, cormorants, shags, eider duck and around 43,000 pairs of puffins and for the best chance of seeing the largest number of birds then ideally plan your visit between late April and late July. If you wish to enjoy a landing visit to Inner Farne, famed for providing sanctuary to St Cuthbert in the 7th century, and the half mile wildlife walk then later in the season may be preferable for a more tranquil visit.

If you love nature and birdlife and don’t mind putting on your sea legs then The Farne Islands offer a great day out in North Northumberland and our top tip for your trip ….take a hat!

Wonderful Walks

Posted on January 15, 2024 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

Walks, we’ve got so many it’s hard to know which ones to tell you about. Northumberland has everything from circular walks to gentle river walks, from coastal walks to woodland walks, a walk along a very long and famous wall and everything in between. In fact it’s estimated that in the Northumberland National Park alone there are over 600 miles of waymarked footpaths and bridleways and that’s without the 4608 square miles of Northumberland that the National park doesn’t include.

The Dilston Trail is one of the three Corbridge Heritage Trails and if you take this walk you will find yourself following the River Tyne and then onto Devil’s Water and with the opportunity to visit the very lovely Dilston Physic Garden (depending on open hours). The walk is around 4 miles long but there are a couple of shortcuts shown in the trail leaflet if you don’t have time for the whole route. You will find the leaflets for all three of the Heritage Trails in the cottage.

alt="Historic Dilston Trail walks signage"
Historic Dilston Trail signage

Cawfields Quarry Circular lies within the Northumberland National Park and begins and ends in the Cawfields Quarry car park. The route takes you through stunning countryside, firstly you’ll head North of Hadrian’s Wall which offers a wonderful view of Cawfields Crags before looping around and then enjoying a stretch on the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. This is classed as a moderately difficult walk and has steep parts and can be muddy in places, it covers a distance of around 3.5 miles and takes in great examples of a Roman milecastle and Turret en route.

alt="Cawfield Quarry with blue skies above"
Cawfields (c) Geoffrey Braun

The Falstone Circular Walk is a lovely 2 mile walk around dramatic riverbanks, an old railway line and taking in the delights in and around the village of Falstone. The walk follows the now retired Border Countries Railway which transported steam trains in the late 1800s to mid 1900s and as you walk you’ll be able to see the top of Kielder Dam, enjoy fields of open pasture, a hump back bridge and you’ll spot the Stell, a sculpture that was inspired by this Northumbrian village and it’s land. A short walk that allows plenty of time to visit Falstone Tearooms for a well deserved cuppa and cake.

alt="Falstone stell on circular walk"
Falstone Stell – credit and with permission from Andrew Forster

If you’re heading to North Northumberland then a walk that takes in the magnificent coastline is ideal and none more so than the short walk that starts in the fishing village of Craster and takes you to the ruins of the the 14th century Dunstanburgh Castle. The walk allow you to take in the lovely sea views and offers plenty of flora and fauna along the way, it is a flat walk and just under 1.5 miles long. Enjoy time at the castle before either turning around and heading back to Craster or you could choose to carry on further along Embleton Sands to Low Newton and enjoy even more of the wonderful Northumbrian coast.

Fishing village of Craster with Dunstanburgh in the background

If you love being out and about enjoying walks, hikes, rambles or even just a gentle saunter, then St Oswald’s Farm is where you need to be for your next UK staycation, look out for future blog posts with more wonderful walks for you to enjoy!

Highlighting Hexham Abbey

Posted on November 8, 2023 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, North East Attractions, Northumberland

Hexham Abbey sits proudly at the heart of the historic market town of Hexham and with a long history and so much to see and so much to admire it’s definitely a must for places to visit during your stay.

Hexham Abbey is one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in the country and was founded back in AD674 as a Benedictine Abbey by St Wilfred and through it’s long history has seen periods of immense turmoil, destruction and change and this is reflected in the fascinating and wonderful church we see today.

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Hexham Abbey overlooking the lovely bowling green

There is a wealth of treasures to discover and admire when you visit the Abbey, the bright and colourful stained glass windows that adorn the North and South Transept, the Great East window situated behind the High Altar and the windows in the Nave that feature a variety of themes from the Northern saints to the armed forces. The Phelps Organ is magnificent with it’s beautiful polished oak and is quite a dominating sight and as you would expect plays a huge part in Abbey life. One of our favourite parts of the Abbey is the night stair and you can almost feel the history and the stories they could tell as you climb the 35 worn steps. At the bottom of the night stair is Flavinus’ Tombstone, a memorial slab which stands nearly nine feet high that was found in 1881 under part of the floor of the Abbey and is the largest example of its kind to have been found in England. A visit to the Saxon Crypt is a highlight for many visitors and takes you down to the earliest days of Christianity in England. The Crypt is open to visitors daily and although there is small charge one of the wonderful Abbey stewards will talk you through the history.

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At the heart of Hexham (image D Taylor)
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Cloister area at Hexham Abbey and information board

As you wander the wonders of this majestic building admire artifacts such as the Frith Stool and Acca’s Cross, discover what the banners mean and look out for the 7th century ‘Hexham Lion’. In the chancel you’ll find a fascinating collection of 15th century painted wood panels which are made up of three distinct series and in the choir you’ll encounter the rood screen which dates from the late 15th or early 16th century and features paintings of saints, including St Oswald, St Etheldreda and St Andrew.

In 2014 restoration of the medieval monastery complex, the Priory Buildings, was completed and this work reunited all the buildings on the Abbey site for the first time since the Reformation, and gave the opportunity to create a new permanent and interactive exhibition, The Big Story which tells 1300 years of history. The restoration also allowed for a new cafe within the Abbey buildings and you will find the Refectory Cafe perfect for coffee, light lunch or a delicious afternoon tea.

The Abbey is just as beautiful outside as inside and it stands within it’s own grounds which includes a pretty park area and recently restored bandstand. The grounds are lovely for a stroll and make sure you walk as far as the beautifully manicured bowling green and gardens of Hexham House.

The Abbey isn’t just about it’s fascinating history, the Abbey plays a huge part in the local community today and offers a wonderful programme of events and exhibitions alongside it’s regular services and to find out more about visiting the Abbey or about the events please check their website.

A visit to the Hexham Abbey is a wonderful experience with its’s peaceful atmosphere and ancient architectural treasures, and of course gives the opportunity to enjoy the lovely and historic town of Hexham.

Exploring Housesteads

Posted on October 11, 2023 by - Uncategorised

If you’re visiting Northumberland you will undoubtedly want to take in some of Hadrian’s Wall and there is nowhere better to appreciate this epic UNESCO World Heritage Site than at Housesteads Roman Fort.

Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads was one of the16 permanent bases along Hadrian’s Wall and is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain. The fort is the most well known in the whole of the Roman Empire and is home to some of the most outstanding original features of a Roman fortress.

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Housesteads Roman Fort

Although owned by The National Trust the site is run by English Heritage and their interactive museum showcases a great display of objects that once belonged to the Roman soldiers, and the short film that shows in the mini-cinema takes you on a journey through time as you watch the fort brought to life with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings. You’ll get a real insight into Roman military life and discover the past behind the archaeological remains as you stroll around the barrack blocks, the Commander’s House, the granaries, the hospital and as you peer into the communal and undoubtedly the oldest toilets you’re ever likely to see.

alt="Housesteads remains and panoramic views"
Housesteads enjoys superb panoramic views

A visit to Housesteads also gives the opportunity to enjoy a 5 mile circular walk which will take you past the site of Sycamore Gap following the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail before circling back to take you along the Roman Military Way.

Due to the nature of the site a visit to Housesteads involves a steep and uneven 750m walk from the car park, however the history of this ancient fortress together with the stunning panoramic views makes the walk worthwhile. A visit to Housesteads will leave you in awe of what the Romans achieved and gives real insight into the life of the soldiers based there and perhaps makes us realise just how tough and resilient they really were!

A Walk Around Walltown Country Park

Posted on September 13, 2023 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

Walltown Country Park lies on the line of Hadrian’s Wall and within the stunning Northumberland National Park.

Up until 45 years ago Walltown was still a working quarry where the whinstone (that forms the crag along which Hadrian’s Wall runs) was blasted with dynamite to provide road stone for the expanding road network of the early 20th Century. After it closed in 1976 the quarry was filled in and landscaped, planted with trees and flowers, and today is a haven for wildlife.

alt="Walltown Country Park info boards"
Walltown Country Park

Walltown is just a mile from Greenhead and around 6 miles from The Sill Discovery Centre and Vindolanda and only a stone’s throw from The Roman Army Museum making it really accessible if you’re exploring other parts of Hadrian’s Wall. There’s plenty parking, EV charge points, loos, a visitor centre and there’s really handy information boards making it easy to decide which walk or route you might like to take once you get there. Choose from short 10 minute or 25 minute walks or a longer 40 minute nature trail where you will discover the park’s wildlife, birdlife, ponds and a peace labyrinth which was planted in 2011 with 2000 willow trees which once fully grown will form a giant labyrinth.

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A walk at Walltown for us
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Walltown Country Park

The car park at Walltown also gives access to the Thirlwall Castle Walk which is an easy 2 mile circular route which takes you along the Tipalt Burn and past the ruins of Thirlwall Castle. This relic of troubled times dates back to the 12th Century to when John Thirlwall built this defensive home to protect his family and of course it was a well chosen spot as he had a plentiful supply of dressed stone from a nearby very large wall.

From Walltown Country Park you can walk along Hadrian’s Wall to Walltown Crags to see one of the most dramatic views of Hadrian’s Wall. The wall is so well preserved at this site and the sheer volcanic rock edge plunges into the landscape along the crags of the Whin Sill creating a spectacular viewpoint.

alt="a stretch of Hadrian's Wall at Walltown Country Park with moody skies behind"
Stretch of Hadrian’s Wall at Walltown

A day time visit to Walltown Country Park is all about woodlands, walking and wildlife, you’ll find it perfectly peaceful and wonderfully scenic and yet as night falls it is also the perfect place to see the amazing dark and starlit skies of Northumberland. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.