Free things to do in the North East of England
Northumberland has a wide range of free things to do when your or holiday or even just visiting, If you're on a budget this summer, a visit to North East England may be just what you're looking for.
Walk the Berwick Walls
Berwick has had two sets of protecting walls and the remains of the later
ones give visitors their most interesting circuit of the town. The first
walls were completed in the reign of Edward II and little is left of them.
The town was then fortified by Elizabeth I, starting in 1558, on the new
Italian design with great emphasis on effective use of artillery. The walls
cost a staggering £128,648 and were the most expensive undertaking of the
Elizabethan period. The Berwick walls are the only example of this style
in Britain and among the earliest of the type in Europe. Three of the projecting
bastions, shaped like flat arrowheads, remain. Cowport is the only surviving
original gate. The high ramparts of earth and stone include Meg's Mount
with its superb view of the town, the river and the sea
berwick.org.uk
The Northumberland National Park and Great Outdoors
This great outdoors of open spaces and beautiful scenery stretches 60 miles
from the Cheviot Hills bordering Scotland in the north to Hadrian's Wall
Country in the south, with pretty towns and villages to explore in between.
Whilst the beautiful cycling trails through Rothbury and Coquetdale and
the long distance routes of the Pennine Cycleway and Reivers Cycle Route
provide cycling experiences for all. northumberland-national-park.org.uk
The Holy Island Lindisfarne
A trip to Holy Island - about 25 mins drive to causeway. CHECK TIMETABLE
AS EVERY WEEK A TOURIST GETS CAUGHT OUT!!. Try to time it so you are just
coming off the island as the time comes in. Great watching the tide turn,
remember to take your camera! lindisfarne.org.uk
Battle of Flodden
The Battle of Flodden Field, was undoubtedly the most famous battle ever
fought on Northumbrian soil. It took place eight miles north west of Wooler
near the village of Branxton on the 9th September 1513 during the reign
of Henry VIII. northeastengland.talktalk.net
Cycling and Mountain Biking
If you have a bike Northumberland is fast becoming one of Europe's most
popular cycling destinations, with the cleanest air and the lowest population
density in England, Northumberland boasts a large number of safe, signed
routes through some truly beautiful landscapes. visitnorthumberland.com
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
If Durham's got the best Cathedral on planet earth, then Bamburgh may well
have the best beach. Walk down through the picturesque village, past the
historic Castle that looks out over the North Sea and enjoy the miles of
golden sands that sprawl out in front of you. For more information go to
ukattraction.com
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The North Pennines offer a variety of walking experiences in a nationally-designated
landscape full of character and features to enrich your journey. From the
challenges of the open moor land landscape of the fells to the more intimate
feel of the dales, if you're into walking you can't afford to miss it. For
more information go to northpennines.org.uk
Northumberland Coast Villages
Visit some of the fantastic villages on the coast such as Bamburgh, Seahouses,
Craster, Alnmouth. These ancient unspoilt villages are fantastic tourist
attractions. With a wide range of shops and things to do.
Coastal Route
Northumberland Coastal Route is one of the most stunning drives or cycle
rides in the County. Taking in some of the finest views. From bustling villages
such as Seahouses it is still home to smoke houses producing kippers the
old fashioned way.
Hadrian's Walls
Standing high on Northumberland's hills is the eastern stretch of Hadrian's
Wall The remains of this ancient frontier of the Roman Empire include forts,
mile-castle garrisons and temples. Visitor centres, museums and reconstructions
bring the frontier to life and the route of the wall can be walked or cycled;
the Hadrian's Wall National Trail is an unbroken 84-mile signposted path
stretching from coast to coast, and the Hadrian's Cycleway is a 160-mile
cycle route. hadrians-wall.org
Edinburgh Festivals
Edinburgh is Scotland's beautiful capital, known the world over as the Festival
City. Visitors flock to Edinburgh in August to experience a feast of summer
festivals offering a diverse variety of artists and events. There is something
for everyone eif.co.uk
Kielder Water
Is the largest man made lake in the United kingdom and serves as a reservoir
for a large area in the North East of England, the banks of the lake are
surrounded by a lush grove of trees called Kielder Forest which is also
the largest man made forest in Europe. The main focus of the lake is now
on tourism where you can enjoy sailing, fishing, walking, cycling, artworks
& even a birds of prey centre.
Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland
Woodhorn's fantastic entrance has to be seen to be believed. The recently-opened
museum tells the story of Northumberland and its coal-mining heritage. But,
as well as re-living life down the pit, there's also the chance to dress
up in the unique 'shoe lounge'. For more information go to experiencewoodhorn.com
Red Kites, Newcastle
Follow the track of the old Derwent Valley Railway and you are sure to come
across these spectacular birds of prey that have been reintroduced to the
area. With a six-foot wingspan they are easy to see as they soar overhead
performing aerobatic displays. For more information go to dvlr.org.uk
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland, is a landmark building in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.
It cover life, the universe and everything in it. Some exhibits are millions of years old, others less
than a decade. For information on nms.ac.uk
MetroCentre, Gateshead
While only the window shopping is free of charge, with over 300 shops and
stores, making it the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe, you
are guaranteed to find a bargain. There are plenty of events throughout
the summer to keep the kids entertained. Find out more at metrocentre-gateshead.co.uk
Discovery Museum, Newcastle
Discover all about life in Newcastle and Tyneside, from the area's renowned
maritime history and world-changing science and technology to fashion through
the eras and military history. The museum is bursting with interactive displays,
which makes it the perfect place to learn and have fun. Find out more at
twmuseums.org.uk
Angel of the North, Newcastle
One of the most visible symbols of North East pride, the celebrated 'Angel',
built from 200 tonnes of steel, was created by Antony Gormley OBE. It stands
20 metres high, which is taller than four double-decker buses, and is seen
by 33 million people every year. This magnificent icon was named as one
of the Seven Wonders of Britain by the Sunday Times. For more information
go to gateshead.gov.uk
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle
One of the most visible symbols of North East pride, the celebrated 'Angel',
built from 200 tonnes of steel, was created by Antony Gormley OBE. It stands
20 metres high, which is taller than four double-decker buses, and is seen
by 33 million people every year. This magnificent icon was named as one
of the Seven Wonders of Britain by the Sunday Times. For more information
go to gateshead.gov.uk
The Pennine Way
The Pennine Way is a 270-mile pathway through some of the UK's most iconic
landscapes - from the Peak District, through the Yorkshire Dales, into Northumberland,
over the Cheviot Hills and finally to the Scottish Borders. There are many
stopping off places along the route, with breathtaking scenery and historic
landmarks to see along the way.