For all its current peaceful nature, Northumberland has a turbulent past evidenced by its flush of castles; more are found here than anywhere else in Britain. Romans, Vikings, the Scots and border reivers have all wanted a piece of this beautiful county. A testament to Roman construction is Hadrian’s wall, a World Heritage Site.
There are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the North Pennines and Northumberland Coast including a 40-mile stretch of Heritage Coast between Berwick and Amble.
Visit Holy Island and explore the Castle, Priory and Heritage Centre. In the Heritage Centre, you can ‘turn the pages’ (via a computer screen) of the brilliantly illuminated 7th Century Lindisfarne Gospels, which have been described as the most beautiful illuminated manuscript in the world.
Don’t forget to leave time to go puffin and seal spotting around the Farne Islands. For a truly inspirational mix of peace and fresh air, you can’t beat the coastal retreats of Beadnell, Alnmouth and Druridge Bay.
Ford and Etal are delightful villages to visit while Blanchland is one of England’s oldest and prettiest villages. If you want a bit more bustle, Hexham has a lively market as well as an Abbey.
Must see and do
- The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick
- Alnwick Castle Alnwick
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh - Warkworth Castle Warkworth
- Vindolanda (Chesterholm) Hadrian’s Wall, Hexham
- Druridge Links, Druridge Bay
- Cragside House, Gardens & Estate, Morpeth
- Wallington House, Walled Gardens and Grounds, Morpeth
- Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Belsay
- Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island