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Head for Northumberland
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‘The most consistently beautiful of all English counties’, that's one of the descriptions of Northumberland, with more ‘large unspoilt areas of such varying character’ than arguably any other county in England.
From a tourist point of view, Northumberland certainly has a great deal to offer, not least its glorious Heritage Coast and surrounding ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. This captivating forty-mile stretch of Northumberland Heritage Coast extends from Amble, north of Newcastle, to the sand dunes of Druridge Bay and Berwick-upon-Tweed, just south of the Scottish Border. The entire coastline offers many sweeping, sandy beaches, which are surprisingly un-crowded, even at the height of the summer season.
Apart from its superb Heritage Coast and peaceful open countryside, Northumberland also has more than its fair share of dramatic castles and strongholds, places of historic interest and numerous other tourist attractions. Independent travellers are well catered for throughout the area with a network of well-stocked visitor information centres, all geared towards ensuring tourists make the most of their stay. Northumberland also has a wide range of welcoming B&Bs, both along the Heritage Coast, as well as inland.
Northumberland’s many attractions include:
Amble: This small seaside town, on the Northumberland coast, with its ancient harbour and appealing marina, is located at the mouth of the River Coquet, 1 mile south east of Warkworth and 9 miles south east of Alnwick. Amble has been dubbed the ‘friendliest port’ in Northumberland. Coquet Island with its fascinating bird-life is just a short boat ride away.
Warkworth: Near Amble, Warkworth is a picturesque village, dwarfed by the imposing ruins of twelfth century Warkworth Castle, located at the top of the main street. Most of the present day castle remains date from the fourteenth century. Walk upstream from the castle, along the River Coquet, where a ferryman will row you across to the Hermitage, a fourteenth century chapel, carved out of the cliff.
Alnwick and Alnwick Castle: Located approximately 31 miles north of Newcastle the attractive town of Alnwick with its Georgian houses and gateways makes an ideal base for touring the area. Alnwick Castle, furnished in sumptuous Renaissance style and inhabited by the Percy family (whose former home was Warkworth Castle) since 1309, is now the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Alnwick Castle stands above the river banks, on the outskirts of Alnwick.
Berwick-upon-Tweed: Close to the Scottish Border, Berwick-upon-Tweed boasts Britain’s only complete set of sixteenth century ramparts, which you can walk around in its entirety. Walking the wall is one of the best ways to take in the sights of Berwick-upon-Tweed, including the three famous bridges that span the River Tweed.
Lindisfarne Priory: South of Berwick-upon Tweed, a causeway which separates Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, from the Northumberland coast, leads to the ruined castle and Priory on Lindisfarne. The Island of Lindisfarne was first made famous by St Aidan, St Cuthbert and the Lindisfarne gospels. Although nothing remains of the Celtic monks’ original monastery, the amazing arches of the eleventh century Lindisfarne Priory are still visible.
Bamburgh Castle: Northumbria’s history of hostility with the Scots is legend, as its numerous castles and strongholds bear testimony. Bamburgh’s red sandstone castle is a prime example. Although the present location of Bamburgh Castle has been fortified since prehistoric times, Bamburgh’s first real stronghold was constructed in 550 by the great Saxon chieftain, Ida the Flamebearer. Today, the Great Hall at Bamburgh Castle contains fascinating displays of mediaeval artefacts and impressive suits of armour.
Northumberland National Park: Two spectacular inland routes, the A696 and the A68 merge near Otterburn and then skirt the Northumberland National Park. The quietest of England’s national parks, this scenic park stretches from Hadrian’s Wall, in the south to the Scottish Border, with the high moors of the Cheviot Hills, marking the end of the Pennines, to the north.
All in all, the county of Northumberland is perfect for tourists who prefer something different – something less predictable than the typical package to many other UK destinations. Where Northumberland really scores is that its tourist infrastructure is gratifyingly small-scale compared with many other English counties. The pace of life remains defiantly unhurried, particularly in the small traditional seaside resorts and fishing villages, dotted along the coastline.
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