OUT AND ABOUT
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
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.