Tag: visit 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.

alt="alnwick castle gate"
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 know more about visiting the 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
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.

Visit Alnwick

Posted on February 19, 2024 by - North East Attractions, Northumberland

Northumberland has some of loveliest market towns and each one has it’s own distinctive character, history and charm and each one with it’s own unique offering for a perfect day out. A visit to North Northumberland and to the market town of Alnwick will not disappoint and although most famously known for it’s grand castle and wonderful gardens there is much more to enjoy when you visit this lovely medieval market town.

Take a saunter through Alnwick town centre and you will find cobbled streets, narrow alleys and old traditional stone buildings many of which many are home to independent shops and you will find a few high street names dotted about too as well as pubs and cafes in which you can sit and soak up the atmosphere of this thriving market town. The historic Market Square hosts a weekly market on Thursday and Saturday from end of March onwards and the Farmers’ Market is held on the last Friday of each month is you fancy picking up some local produce.

alt="Alnwick Market Square in sun"
Alnwick Market Square

Also in the centre of Alnwick is the Bailiffgate Museum which is an award winning independent museum and gallery with exhibitions and displays showcasing 10,000 years of rich local history and culture. The museum is located in a Grade 2 listed former church and this would make a perfect starting point for if you wish to take in the rich history of Alnwick.

If you love books then a visit to Barter Books is a must, it is one of the largest second hand book shops in England with over 350,000 books to choose from. This huge bookshop is located in part of an old Victorian railway station and is made up of several rooms all with features from bygone days but all now fitting a very different purpose. The entrance is in fact the old Station Parcel Room, which still has the open window through which passengers would have bought railway tickets and further rooms mark the beginning of the outbound platform, with the buffers still remaining at one end. The old waiting room however is still just a place to sit, a place to read and in the colder months you will find yourself in front of an open fire. There is a whole room dedicated to antiquarian books and you will find the walls of this room lined with over forty glass cases full of these old gems. Of course an old railway station wouldn’t be complete without a train, which you will find running in miniature overhead and if you’re in need of refuelling then the station buffet will do just that. Top tip….the breakfast butties come highly recommended!

alt="bater books reading room in Alnwick"
Barter Books

Alnwick lies in the midst of some of the beautiful Northumberland countryside and none more so than the historic parkland which was landscaped by Capability Brown and which surrounds Alnwick Castle itself. The park was once part of Hulne Priory and is one of two parks that was once associated with Alnwick Castle and was once the hunting ground of the Percy family. Today Hulne Park is open to the public from 11am-4pm each day and is great for a walk and includes extensive parkland, the impressive Priory remains, the gatehouse to Alnwick Abbey and two bridges. There are three clearly marked circular walking routes and each is between 4 and 6 miles and a map of the walks can be found here.

Hulne Priory
Hulne Priory

Although not in the very centre of Alnwick The Aln Valley Railway at the Lionheart Station is lovely way to combine a trip to Alnwick with a breath of sea air. The railway has a small shop and cafe and holds events throughout the year but gives the perfect opportunity to take a train ride to the charming village of Alnmouth on the stunning North East coast.

Of course we couldn’t write about Alnwick without including the monumental Alnwick Castle and the wonderful brainchild of the Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Garden.

Alnwick Castle dates back 950 years and is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK and is often dubbed as the Windsor of the North. As you would imagine there is a wealth of history to be discovered within it’s 2m thick walls and the setting and the features of this medieval stronghold are nothing short of magnificent and many of which you may recognise from the castle’s numerous stints as a film set.

alt="Alnwick castle with blue skies behind"
Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Garden is a wonderful combination of spaces, themes, quirkiness and play. From the tranquility of the Cherry Orchard and garden swings, the excitement of the Grand Cascade and the mysteries of the Bamboo Labyrinth, to the Serpent Garden’s spell-binding water sculptures, the intrigue of the Poison Garden, the delight of the Rose Garden and one of the world’s largest tree houses – there is lots to admire and plenty to enjoy and delight!

When visiting the castle or garden please check the respective websites for opening seasons and times as these do vary.

alt="grand cascade at Alnwick Garden"
Alnwick Garden

Alnwick is just one of the lovely towns you will find in Northumberland and if you’d like to discover more of these historic market towns then remember to check out Hexham, Amble, Rothbury or Morpeth to name just a few. We hope you have a great day out whichever town you choose to visit.

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!