VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Whether it is a relaxing stroll along miles of deserted beaches, bird watching, or just sampling delicious local produce and enjoying a drink in a traditional public house overlooking the sea, Northumberland has something for everyone. Our heritage coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Award winning beaches studded with castles stretch to the north and south of Seahouses. St Aidan's, Bamburgh, Beadnell Bay and Low Newton have all passed rigorous tests for water cleanliness and safe bathing.
CASTLES
Northumberland has more genuine castles than any other county in England . Splendid restorations and haunting ruins are just on our doorstep, including Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Warkworth, Lindisfarne and Alnwick. Popular with Film and TV directors world wide, our castles and the surrounding countryside have been the location for films including Harry Potter, Elizabeth, Distant Shores and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
- Bamburgh Castle - www.bamburghcastle.com
- Dunstanburgh Castle - www.english-heritage.org.uk
- Etal Castle - www.fordetal.co.uk/etal.asp
- Alnwick Castle - www.alnwickcastle.com
- Lindisfarne Castle - www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Ros Castle - www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Warkworth Castle - www.english-heritage.org.uk
FARNE ISLANDS
We are minutes away from boats departing to the Farne Islands . Home to over 100,000 nesting birds and their chicks, visiting these guano-splashed islands is rated as one of Britain 's ultimate wildlife experiences. Grey seal colonies inhabit the islands, as do puffins, shags and dive-bombing terns. It is also possible to visit Longstone Lighthouse, famous for being the home of Grace Darling, a young Victorian heroine who with her father rowed across stormy seas to rescue passengers from the stricken Forfarshire. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse and see Grace's tiny bedroom from where she spotted the wreck and saw survivors clinging to the rock. Visit the Golden Gate party boat stand on the harbour for more information.
NATIONAL PARKS
Just a few miles inland is Northumberland's wild hill country and National Park which covers over 405 square miles. Ideal for walkers and cyclists of all abilities, the parks are also home to an abundance of wildlife. Within the National Park are Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, the Cheviot Hills and Scottish Border.
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
Northumberland has its roots steeped in Christian heritage and has many sites of great religious importance. An island at High Tide, Lindisfarne has remained a place of pilgrimage for 1300 years, since the corpse of St Cuthbert was found un-decayed here in AD698. Known as the “Cradle of Christianity,” its priory was plundered and ransacked by Viking raiders.
- Lindisfarne Priory - www.english-heritage.org.uk
- St Cuthbert's Cave - www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Brinkburn Priory - www.english-heritage.org.uk
- Lindisfarne - www.lindisfarne-heritage-centre.org
GARDENS AND COUNTRY HOUSES
We are just a short drive away from a treasure trove of country houses, stately homes and gardens. The famous Alnwick Garden , home to the world's largest wooden Treehouse is just 20 minutes away, and the National Trust properties Cragside and Wallington are within easy reach.
- Paxton House - www.paxtonhouse.com
- Wallington, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Cragside, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Alnwick Garden - www.alnwickgarden.com
- Howick Hall Gardens - www.howickhallgardens.org.uk
WILDLIFE
Northumberland is a haven for English wildlife including red squirrels, badgers, otters, roe deer, seals, feral goats, and the wild white cattle of Chillingham. It also has an extraordinary wide range of coastal, upland and lowland birds.
LOCAL DELICACIES
Northumberland is a food lover's paradise. Make the most of superb sea food, the freshest local produce, slow-reared meat and quirky local dishes.
