Northumberland

Some of the most spectacular castles are located on the Heritage Coastline which has miles of uncrowded beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and nature reserves such as the Farne Islands.

From Berwick upon Tweed in the north, down the coast via the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, famous as the cradle of Christianity, to the beautiful village of Bamburgh with its magnificent castle dominating the coastline and those coastal views plus a history of heroism at the Grace Darling Memorial museum and the beautiful parish church of St Aidan.

Enjoy friendly little market towns and villages and spectacular countryside with history and culture. The stunning landscapes of Northumberland National Park form 20% of the County.

Northumberland is among the best gardening destinations in the country, with two of the most influential gardeners in history, Capability Brown the landscape architect and William Turner the first botanist to write a book on plants. The county is also home to the Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.

The vast majority of the remains of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site are in Northumberland, with seemingly endless stretches of the frontier system rising and falling over the dramatic landscape.

A few itinerary ideas

  • Northumberland Coast and Castles

    Inc. the Holy Island of Lindisfarne for its Christian Heritage. Island visits are tide dependent. You may visit the Priory, Castle, Heritage Centre and St Mary’s Parish Church. Then down the beautiful heritage coast to Bamburgh and options of the famous Castle, St Aidan’s Parish Church, The Grace Darling Memorial museum. The fishing port of Seahouses is where boat trips may be taken to The Farne Islands Nature Reserves to views the seals and the varieties of birdlife.

  • South Northumberland Coast and Castles

    Travelling from Morpeth via the Coastal Heritage Route through villages such as Amble, Warkworth, Alnmouth, Boulmer. Longhoughton and Craster. Then inland to visit Alnwick Castle and the Alnwick Garden.

  • Berwick on Tweed, The Cheviot Hills, Ford and Etal

    The award-winning villages of Ford and Etal in the valley of the River Till are now one estate. Both are rich in history and the estate includes the site of the battle of Flodden Field. Berwick on Tweed, the most Northerly town in England, has historic Elizabethan Town Walls, amazing military history and beautiful riverside and coastal walks.

  • Northumberland National Park Rothbury

    Enjoy England’s most peaceful and tranquil place. From Morpeth and the story of gardener William Turner, into Rothbury in the Northumberland National Park to visit Cragside House and Estate. The house, former home of Lord Armstrong, the 19th Century Industrial genius, was the first in the world lit by hydro-electricity. The landscapes are a gardener’s delight. Then continue to Wallington Hall a beautiful Country House and Estate of the Blackett and Trevelyan families.

  • Kielder Water, Forest and Redesdale

    Northern Europe’s largest manmade forest and Britain’s largest stretch of artificial lake form the Kielder Water and Forest Park. A range of activities can include a trip round Kielder Water, Birds of Prey centre, Lakeland walks, water activities and visitor centres showing the diversity of this amazing location. Kielder Castle is the site for art exhibitions, galleries and shops and other outdoor activities. Public works of art are numerous to provide interest on any visit. Historic Otterburn village is a few miles from Kielder. Otterburn Mill is the major attraction with original 18th Century machinery still on display. Visitor facilities include the extensive Mill Shop and “The Weaver” restaurant, famous for its home cooking. (Try the sausage rolls!!)

  • Hadrian’s Wall, Hexham and the Tyne Valley

    The spectacular scenery of the rugged countryside of Hadrian’s Wall forms a strong background to this World Heritage Site. Which formed Rome’s Northern Frontier almost two thousand years ago. Its towns and villages with their character and charm hide a history of troubled times in the past. Hexham, was recently voted the best market town in Britain and the town grew around the Abbey first built in 674ad.

  • The North Pennines and Blanchland

    Travel into the hills by the Derwent Reservoir and through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recognised as a European Geopark for its Geology, Landscapes and Wildlife. Hidden away here is the historic village of Blanchland with the former 12th Century Abbey now restored as its parish Church. Used many times as a film location the village is a real gem. The White Monk Tea Room is beautiful and welcoming.

  • Walking tours of Hexham and Morpeth

    As requested in these and other locations, walks can be undertaken to suit the visitor requirements, including Hadrian’s Wall Path, the National Walking Trail.

Northumberland
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