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670 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn,
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OUT AND ABOUT

Harbourside is located on the heritage coastline in The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are simply so many things to see and do. Whether you’re just looking for a relaxing break on the beach, you’re a walker, birdwatcher or a foodie, or you’re looking for fun activities to do with the kids, here’s our pick of the best:

Castles, castles, castles

We’re justifiably proud of our castles – Northumberland has more than any other English county, some are ruined and romantic, others are hives of activity with plenty of events. Our nearest is Bamburgh Castle and you can also see Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island from the harbour at Seahouses.

Alnwick Castle is famous for appearing on screen in dozens of films, including Harry Potter, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Elizabeth, and on the small screen in Downton Abbey. Dunstanburgh is a majestic ruin where you can let your imagination run wild. Etal Castle to the north is worth a visit, as is Warkworth to the south.

The Farne Islands

Home to grey seals, puffins and a huge number of nesting seabirds, a visit to the Farne Islands is a must if you’re staying at Harbourside. You can book boat trips leaving every day from the harbour during the spring and summer months. If you’re lucky you might spot some dolphins too.
You can also book a boat trip and climb the spiral staircase of the Longstone Lighthouse that you can see flashing from the cottage, where Victorian heroine Grace Darling set out with her father to rescue the crew of the wrecked Forfarshire. Grace’s story is told at a museum dedicated to her life in Bamburgh.

Northumberland National Park

Head inland to experience Northumberland’s famous wild scenery and rugged hills in Northumberland National Park. Covering more than 400 square miles – about a quarter of the county – you’ll find plenty of events, walking and cycling trails and an abundance of wildlife. The Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site is also part of the park.

Wildlife

Northumberland is full of wildlife and birds, from the rare red squirrel and otters, to deer, foxes, badgers and even feral goats roaming the Cheviot Hills. A great way to see them is on a wildlife safari. And don’t forget the famous wild white cattle at Chillingham. They’re the only ones of their kind in the world.

History and Heritage

Northumberland’s known as the cradle of Christianity, and a trip to Holy Island – crossing the causeway from the mainland at low tide – is essential.

Check out some of the fantastic stately homes nearby too. Cragside House was the first to be lit by electric light and also boasts a stunning garden, or head north to Paxton House near Berwick. If you love gardens, don’t miss the famous Alnwick Garden complete with fountains and the world’s biggest wooden treehouse. And the superb gardens at Howick Hall are also worth a trip.

Food, glorious food …

If you’re a foodie, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Seahouses has some great pubs and cafes, and we also have some of the best seafood around. Swallow Fish smokes its own kippers and the little shop is a seafood lover’s delight. 

Up the road in Wooler, you’ll find Doddington Dairy, which makes its own range of ice cream and Northumbrian cheeses, and the Chainbridge Honey Farm sells honey and a huge variety of products made from it.