Welcome to Northumberland

Northumberland is officially the most tranquil county in England and it certainly lives up to its billing. What people do not expect are the contrasts of coast, countryside, market towns and villages, nor its ancient history and distinctive culture.

You can see ancient Iron Age hill forts in the Cheviots, grand houses, castles and gardens, wildlife, deserted beaches and vast open spaces like Kielder - home to 75% of England’s native red squirrel population and with an air that is so clear, an Observatory was opened here in 2008.

In Berwick at the northern end of the County, there is a fascinating walk around the immense fortified Elizabethan walls. The town is not only full of a long military history but also of the life of LS Lowry who was tremendously inspired by the town. The Lowry trail is now an established visitor attraction in its own rite.

Following the coastline south experience golden sands, Marine Conservation award-winning beaches, former fishing villages snuggling into the coast and a maritime tradition epitomised in the newly refurbished and extended Grace Darling Museum. Bamburgh Castle, featured in Britain’s Best View, makes a breathtaking snapshot and dominates the coastline here, fully justifying its status as the former royal fortress of the Kings of Northumbria.

Holy Island is like entering a secret world as it is only accessible twice a day over its causeway. After a visit to the Priory visit the electronic version of the famous and stunning Lindisfarne Gospels at the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre. Holy Island is also the home of Lindisfarne Mead which can be sampled at St Aidan’s Winery. They like to welcome Groups on the island!

Inland the awesome Alnwick Castle is known as the Windsor of the North. It was built as a medieval fortress in the 1300s and it is still the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and their family today - but it is open to the public and should not be missed! It is the second largest inhabited Castle in England. Try a visit to Barter Books in the old railway station, then The Alnwick Garden, an evolving water garden, open all year which really does appeal to all. Its Grand Cascade is the largest water feature of its
kind in the UK and a spot of lunch in the Pavilion is the perfect way to view it. In fact, Northumberland is full of stunningly beautiful gardens, a perfect theme for group visits.

Evidence of Roman occupation and later Christianity, as on Holy Island, can be found throughout this county. Hadrian’s Wall Country to the south encompasses not only the World Heritage Site but also 14 major Roman forts and museums - you could spend a week here on this subject alone. It is best approached through the “gateway towns” of either Hexham or Haltwhistle and viewed from the Military Road.

With market towns, a national park and stunning coastline Northumberland truly fulfils its tranquil status and offers a myriad of themes for group travellers.