Tag: history

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.

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.

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.

alt="puffin on the water"
A Puffin at the Farne Islands
alt="shags on the Farne Islands"
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.

alt="white fluffy seal pup"
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!

Discovering The Roman Army Museum

Posted on March 21, 2024 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, North East Attractions, Northumberland

When you visit Northumberland you’ll find history tucked around every corner in our villages, towns and even throughout our lovely Northumbrian countryside with castles, bastles, forts and of course the most impressive piece of history of all, Hadrian’s Wall. The museums you will find along the wall corridor are as you would expect devoted to the Romans and Hadrian’s Wall and are packed with stories, treasures, finds and none more so than The Roman Army Museum which is the perfect place to start your Roman adventure as you discover life as a Roman soldier.

alt="Roman Army Museum display of roman helmets"

Set in magnificent countryside next to the highest standing and most complete and picturesque section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Army Museum is owned and managed by the Vindolanda Charitable Trust and it brings to life wonderfully what it meant to live in this time of blood and brutality from both in and outside the Roman Empire.

alt="Hadrian's Wall near the Roman Army Museum"
Hadrian’s Wall near the Roman Army Museum

Start your journey in gallery 1 and walk straight into the role the army played within the Roman Empire, discover about the strength and variety of the different types of soldiers and admire real Roman artefacts brought over from the sister site of Vindolanda including the only Roman helmet crest ever to be discovered.

As you move through the museum and into Gallery 2 you will find the space devoted to Hadrian’s Wall and to the man himself, Hadrian. Learn about the successful invasion and occupation of Britain by the Romans and take the time to immerse yourself for 20 minutes as you watch the award winning 3D film ‘Edge of Empire’ which takes you flying over the Northumberland landscape and over Hadrian’s Wall and through a thousand years of history. See for yourself in incredible detail what life was like for the soldiers tasked with defending Hadrian’s honour, find out what it took to rise through the ranks, discover how the soldiers dealt with battle and boredom and what could happen if they dared to fall asleep, and why many just didn’t make it!

alt="Roman Army Museum model horse and horseman"

When you arrive in gallery 3 you’ll explore daily life on the frontier at the Roman fort of Magna. Find out about the training, food, religion, and what they did for leisure. Learn about the fort’s Syrian archers and even have a go at perfecting your archery skills.

In 2023 a five year research project started at the Roman Fort of Magna which sits behind the Roman Army Museum and during the summer months you can join one of the guided tours of the fort which lies hidden beneath the Northumberland landscape.

We highly recommend that you also visit the museum’s sister site Vindolanda Fort and just ask when you visit either and you’ll save on a joint ticket for both museums. If you have time don’t forget to take a walk up through Walltown Country Park just opposite the Roman Army Museum and take in this wonderful stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. The Roman Army Museum is fully interactive and immersive and a visit here together with a walk on the Wall and a trip to Vindolanda and you will be left in awe of what the Romans really did for us.

Do you have a Northumberland bucket list?

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

If you’ve never visited Northumberland before you might be wondering why you’d want to have a Northumberland bucket list, or if you’re lucky enough to have visited before then you will already know just how much Northumberland has to offer.

A bucket list should be filled with things to enjoy, great places to visit and experiences you won’t forget and Northumberland is packed with places and experiences that are definitely bucket list worthy.

  • If you love castles then we’re the County for you with over 70 castles to discover and admire, from castle ruins in the countryside to castles towering above towns and coastline and from haunted castles to castles you will recognise from films and books, Northumberland is king of the castles.
  • Our unspoilt coastline is quite simply breath taking with it’s vast sweeping beaches, undulating pathways and dunes, hidden rock-pools and coves, there is no better place to enjoy the beauty, peace and the tranquility that you will find on the Northumberland coast. Time it right and you may find you have the whole beach to yourself, there’s no fighting for beach space here.
alt="alnwick castle with blue skies behind"
Alnwick Castle
alt="Alnmouth beach with blue skies above"
Alnmouth Beach
  • Our history is everywhere you look and you’ll spot it around every corner, this County is quite literally a history buff’s dream destination. Northumberland’s geographic location bordering Scotland has shaped a history of violence and conflict and this can be seen across the region through it’s ancient sites, museums, homes of grandeur, churches, battle sites and in the villages and towns.
  • The culture and arts across the North East are second to none with extensive galleries, architectural pieces, exhibitions and events and with music and festivals thrown in to ensure there is always something for everyone.
  • The Northumbrian countryside is more than impressive at every time of the year, it’s wild, it’s rugged, there are hills, crags, woodlands, waterfalls, forests and rivers but most of all it’s unspoilt and with stunning views that will leave you in awe.
  • The diverse landscape means that the wildlife offer here is out of this world with the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins, puffins and birdlife aplenty, red squirrels, osprey, deer and even wild cattle and goats. There are designated sites for watching bird and wildlife or take a trip to one of the superb nature reserves or you may just spot our wilder residents going about their business when you’re out and about in the Northumbrian countryside.
alt="old gaol in Hexham"
Old Gaol Hexham
alt="Simonside hills with purple heather and far stretching view"
Simonside Hills
alt="red squirrel in woodland bucket list to spot one"
Red Squirrel
  • Northumberland offers every type of garden imaginable, from grand estates to hidden retreats and from naturally wild to neat and manicured. Visit some of the well known gardens that are bold and spectacular or if you delve a little deeper you’ll find some small but perfectly formed gardens all beautifully doing their thing to ensure every inch of Northumberland is glorious.
  • We couldn’t write about a Northumberland bucket list without mentioning the famous and epic World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast Northumberland is home to the most famous and spectacular sites along this Roman masterpiece. The sheer scale of the monument is impressive in itself and a visit to any of the Roman sites Housesteads, Vindolanda, Chesters or Corstopitum will leave you in awe of what the Romans did for us!
alt="Hadrian's wall bucket list destination"
Hadrian’s Wall
alt="rhododendrons in full bloom of pink and purple"
Cragside Gardens
  • The walking and cycling opportunities are second to none, Hadrian’s Wall National Trail, Northumberland National Park, Northumberland Coast National Landscape and the huge network of paths, trails and routes mean you will never be short of places to enjoy on foot or on two wheels.
  • Northumberland has an International Dark Sky Park status and that means we have some of the most pristine dark skies in England making it one of the best places to go stargazing. Our skies are quite literally out of this world with over 2000 stars to admire and there’s the possibility of seeing an aurora. Even for us the wonder of our night sky is staggering and it’s easy to forget that not everyone has had the privilege of witnessing a truly dark and starry sky. Will our stars be on your bucket list?
  • Northumberland has some of the best food producers in the UK and with such a huge natural larder to choose from it’s no surprise. Across the whole of the County we are spoilt for choice with pubs and restaurants that boast menus carefully chosen from an array of local produce. Fish and seafood including the famous Craster kippers, beef, game and poultry, fruit and vegetables, award winning cheeses and dairy produce, jams, chutneys, bread, eggs, confectionary, soft drinks, real ale and of course Northumbrian lamb reared here on our own farm that is available to buy and take home.
alt="Northumberland coast with signage of the coastal path"
Northumberland Coastal path
alt="locally grown fruit and veg on a dining table"
Restaurants showcase local produce
alt="dark starry sky and aurora over Heavenfield bucket list worthy"
Heavenfield with aurora and starry skies

This Northern and sparsely populated County boasts so much and we hope we’ve given you a taste of what a trip here could hold and why everyone should have a Northumberland bucket list. Book your stay at St Oswald’s Farm and start your Northumberland adventure.