Sema & Matthew
Things To Do
Bamburgh Castle
The historic capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. Bamburgh Castle is the king of Castles - it isn't just a pile of rocks! You can explore inside the castle which is stunning. There is also Bamburgh beach which is beautiful. Believed to have been occupied for over 10,000 years the castle has evolved from a wooden palisade to the formidable fortress it is today. The first castle in England to fall to canon fire as the Wars of Roses drew to a close. It was also one of the world's first 'coastguard' stations and the site for the development and testing of the World's first 'lifeboat'. Under the ownership of the Crewe Trustees it housed a school, hospital and was the centre of its own mini 'welfare state'. Bought by the First Lord Armstrong in 1894 it is still owned by the Armstrong family who play an active part in its operation and maintenance.
The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden is a Garden for everyone. The vision of The Duchess of Northumberland, The Alnwick Garden is a multi-award-winning visitor attraction based north of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in Alnwick, Northumberland. Explore 12 acres of meandering and magnificent Gardens which are home to the worlds largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard (approximately 329 trees which bloom in late-April to May each year), a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets and the world's largest Treehouse Restaurant. There is also a poison garden (with a cannabis plant!)
Alnwick Castle
Dubbed the Windsor of the North, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the country and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years. Combining magnificent medieval architecture with sumptuous Italianate State Rooms, Alnwick Castle is one of the UK's most significant heritage destinations and best days out in Northumberland. Parts of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey have been filmed here.
Holy Island
Surely needs no introduction ... there's even a song named after it! This one is a bit further away, around a 40 minute drive. One of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, Lindisfarne Castle was converted by famed architect Sir Edwin Lutyens into a private holiday home for Edward Hudson, founder of Country Life magazine. Outside, discover the summer-flowering garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll, the unexpected grandeur of the 19th-century industrial lime kilns, shoreline walks and a National Trust shop in the village. Access depends on tides - be sure to look beforehand!
Beadnell Bay
Beadnell Bay isn't too far from Newton Hall and is great for those who love beaches. Northumberland has some of the best beaches in the UK so make sure to explore them but maybe bring wetsuits and some whisky if you fancy swimming as the North Sea is never warm.