time to

explore

EXPLORE

Whatever you desire from a holiday or short break, Northumberland has it all. Immerse yourself in our rich History at Roman sites and museums, experience the rugged beauty of the landscapes with countless outdoor activities and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of our pristine dark skies at a star-gazing event. Taste locally brewed beers, gins and local produce in nearby pubs, bars and restaurants or cook for yourself with ingredients from our many varied independent shops and producers.

With only an hour’s drive East, you can spend the day enjoying one of our many award winning immaculate sandy beaches, peppered with impressive castles along the stunning coastline and wildlife havens for migratory birds such as Puffins, Guillemots and Arctic terns as well as seals. Heading West, with just over an hour’s drive, you will reach the North Lakes and Keswick with its beautiful Lakeland fells, distinctive Herdwick sheep and pure fresh-water lakes.

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LANERCOST PRIORY

The beautiful setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian’s Wall, there is still much to see of this well preserved monastery.

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STARGAZING

Experience the incredible starry skies above Northumberland with astronomers from the Stargazing team at the Twice Brewed Inn. Located within the protected Dark Sky park.

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VINDOLANDA

Vindolanda is set in stunning landscape and includes the excavation site together with a  modern world class museum, housing a rare collection of finds.    

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HADRIANS WALL

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most important monuments built by the Romans in Britain.   

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HEXHAM ABBEY

Visit Hexham Abbey and step back in time! Take in the peaceful atmosphere, ancient architectural treasures.

The Beach at Bamburgh Castle

BAMBURGH CASTLE

Bamburgh Castle has stood guard above the Northumberland coast for thousands of years. It is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. 

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ALNWICK CASTLE

Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of history to  discover and is home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family.  The castle has been used as a set for numerous films including the Harry Potter series.

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HOLY ISLAND

Holy Island is a stunning tidal island off Northumberland’s coast.  It was one of the most important centres of early Christianity.  Visitors need to check the tidal crossing times to visit the priory and castle.

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Housesteads

Housesteads Roman Fort is situated on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage  Site.  There is a visitor centre on site and during holidays there are often tours from the volunteer guides.

Hadrians Wall in Northumberland

THE SILL

The Sill is the perfect place to start exploring Northumberland National Park, and a fantastic location to connect with nature and the National Park’s unique and special landscapes.  

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ALLEN BANKS & STEWARD GORGE

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge is National Trust property in Northumberland.  There are various woodland walks and plenty of wildlife to spot.  

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CRAGSIDE

Cragside is a pioneering Victorian country house filled with inventions and gadgets, near the town of Rothbury in Northumberland.  The house is set in beautiful grounds including a rock garden, formal garden and pinetum.  

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