Tag: visit northumberland

Discovering Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum

Posted on April 14, 2025 by - 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 20th 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
Morpeth Clock Tower

Let’s Talk Breakfast

Posted on February 10, 2025 by - Dining Out, Northumberland, St Oswald's Farm

There’s something special about eating out for breakfast and one of the joys of a self-catering holiday is the freedom to dine in or dine out whenever you choose. While having a kitchen gives you the option to whip up your own meals, there’s something undeniably appealing about stepping out in the morning and letting someone else do the cooking while you enjoy a relaxed start to your day. Whether you’re having a lazy day or fuelling up for a busy day sightseeing, dining out for breakfast in a local café or restaurant is always a treat.

alt="eggs benedict with a garnish of basil"

Whether it’s a full English, freshly baked pastries or a stack of fluffy pancakes our local offer of cafes and restaurants have it covered. The nearby village of Corbridge is packed with small independent cafes with many offering a breakfast menu, for a light bite breakfast head to Massey’s or the The Watling Coffee House or for a more substantial start to your day then The Heron Cafe in The Corbridge Larder offers options such as a full English Breakfast or French Toast Bacon and Maple Syrup or Smashed Avocado Toast. The popular and award winning Grant’s Bakery now also offer a breakfast menu alongside their tempting bakery selection which could be ideal if you’re hoping to take away some sweet or savoury treats to enjoy during your day out.

Our local market town of Hexham has plenty of options too, head to The Shire Gate or The Small World Cafe, or if you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian option then Hextol Tans offer a superb menu and caters for gluten free diets too. If coffee and a scone is more to your liking then try The Queen’s Hall cafe, we highly recommend their Cheese and Bacon scones!

Nearer to home and just two miles down the road at Chollerford, The Riverside Kitchen does exceedingly good bacon and sausage sandwiches or perhaps you’d opt for eggs on toast, all freshly prepared using thick cut crusty bloomer bread so all you need to do is decide to have either red or brown sauce! The Riverside Kitchen also has an great selection of cakes, traybakes, scones and the most amazing pies and quiches.

A little further afield but perhaps ideal for a later brunch en route to your chosen day out we have two lovely coffee shops. If you’re heading north east then The Running Fox at Kirkharle has a fabulous ‘Foxy Breakfast’ menu and is ideal if you’re visiting Wallington Hall, or if you’re travelling east from us the very lovely Bywell Coffee Barn, both of which have lovely outdoor seating if the weather allows an al fresco breakfast. Top tip – If you head to Bywell Coffee Barn call in at North Acomb Farm shop for some lovely farm fresh produce.

Of course the beauty of self catering means if you really do just prefer to stay in your PJ’s then our local farm shops and bakeries provide a wonderful choice of tempting goodies to enable you to rustle up your own leisurely breakfast. We also offer the option to pre-order a breakfast pack when you stay with us which includes sausage, bacon, black pudding, fresh orange juice and our own farm eggs.

alt="breakfast table set with orange juice, croissants and a jam jar of daffodils"

Enjoying breakfast out while on holiday is not only a lovely way to start the day but an opportunity to savor some of our local produce, to relax in a different setting and it means you’ll be well fuelled for enjoying a full day of sightseeing around the beautiful County of Northumberland.

Why Northumberland is the perfect UK staycation destination

Posted on November 7, 2024 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

When it comes to UK staycations, there are so many appealing options in the UK, from the rugged coasts of Cornwall to the charming villages of the Cotswolds, the choices are vast. However there is one county that stands out more than any other when it comes to the perfect staycation destination and of course it’s our stunning Northumberland. It may be the most northern county but Northumberland offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, history and a tranquility that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Northumberland boasts miles and miles of unspoilt coastline, much of it protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and unlike the crowded shores you might find elsewhere, Northumberland’s beaches are very often quiet, allowing for peaceful walks along vast stretches of golden sands. There are dunes, rockpools, coves and some of the beaches have nature reserves where you can see first hand an array of wildlife just doing it’s thing! Bamburgh, Druridge, Alnmouth, Warkworth, Embleton, Beadnell to name a few and they are all perfect destinations for taking in the beauty of the Northumberland coastline.

alt="wide sweeping beach Northumberland"
Embleton Bay

Northumberland has a vast and rich history and offers a journey back in time unlike any other county in the UK. Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches across the county and in fact St Oswald’s Farm sits on top of the wall itself and within just a stone’s throw there are fantastic roman sites such as Housesteads, Vindolanda and Corstopitum where you can take in all our Roman history. Northumberland also boasts more castles than any other in England – Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, and Warkworth are up there with the large and impressive but there are over 70 castles and bastles across Northumberland and each of these fortresses with their own stories of battles, royalty and legends, making Northumberland an absolute haven for history buffs.

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Alnwick Castle

For those who enjoy getting their walking boots on Northumberland’s landscapes are nothing short of stunning. Northumberland National Park boasts 405 square miles of rolling hills, picturesque valleys and serene rivers and is perfect for walking, hiking, mountain biking or simply soaking up the natural beauty. The National Park is also home to The Cheviot Hills, a range that offers more challenging hikes but will reward you with the most incredible panoramic views.

If you love sitting under a starry sky then Northumberland offers one of the darkest skies in Europe, Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is one of the largest in the UK and allows visitors to see a dazzling display of stars, planets, and meteor showers on clear nights. It’s one of the best places in the UK to see the Milky Way and more and more often the Northern Lights when conditions are just right. For a truly unique experience you can book a stargazing event at one of our fantastic observatories.

alt="dark starry skies and milky way perfect for a staycation"

Across the county will find lovely market towns such as Morpeth, Hexham & Alnwick and villages such as Corbridge, Alnmouth and Rothbury and each one with it’s own character and charm and where you will find history hidden around every corner. Northumberland is unrivalled when it comes to friendliness and you will receive the warmest of welcomes and perhaps unlike the busier tourist hotspots you’ll find that we’ll always have time for a friendly chat. If you’re a National Trust or English Heritage member then you’ll be in awe of the impressive and very beautiful properties and gardens such as Cragside, Belsay Hall and Wallington, all of which are an absolute must.

alt="Cragside house and gardens staycation in northumberland"
Cragside House & Gardens

Northumberland has a fantastic reputation for excellent local food, from fresh seafood at our coastal towns to locally brewed ales and unique Northumbrian cheeses, the region offers plenty to delight all you foodies. Our choice of restaurants is second to none and will suit all tastes and budgets from Michelin Star cuisine to barista coffee, homemade cakes and everything in between and you will find our businesses proud to use the freshest local ingredients. The county boasts an array of local markets, craft shops, art galleries and wonderful independent shops that sit alongside some high street names so there’s plenty of opportunity to pick up some wonderful souvenirs.

Northumberland is renowned for it’s peace and quiet and while other counties are often bustling with tourists during peak seasons, Northumberland remains a haven of tranquility so whether you’re hoping to enjoy a quiet beach walk, hike the remote hills, saunter around our lovely gardens or explore some of the historic castles, a Northumberland staycation offers an unmatched sense of calm and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

alt="open countryside and sunset with clear skies over Northumberland, perfect staycation destination"
Peace and tranquility guaranteed

Choosing Northumberland for your next UK staycation means choosing stunning landscapes, a rich history and a sense of calm that is often hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re after a a country escape, a historical journey or an adventure under the stars, Northumberland has it all but without the crowds. So make that booking, pack your bags, bring your walking boots, and prepare to fall in love with our enchanting northern county. A Northumberland staycation isn’t just a holiday; it’s an unforgettable experience.

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.

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!

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.