Northumberland Tourist Guide For Breaks To This Fantastic Region
The county of Northumberland is the most northern of the English counties bordering County Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne in the south, Cumbria and The Lake District to the west and, of course, Hadrians Wall and the Scottish Border country to the north.
Much of the area is unpopulated, tranquil, with mile-after-mile of clean and safe award-winning golden sandy beaches, quiet country lanes and an unequalled sense of freedom. Explore mile upon mile of gloriously uncrowded golden sandy beaches and stunning countryside set amongst two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged Northumberland National Park. Discover more castles than anywhere else in England, the birthplace of English Christianity on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the historic World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall, picturesque towns and villages and, at the end of it all. Historic Houses and Heritage Sites abound in Northumberland and include:- Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Chillingham Castle, Belsay Hall Castle, Chesters Roman Fort, Lindisfarne Priory, Seaton Delaval Hall, Warkworth Castle and many many more.
Northumberland's
Heritage Coast is a popular holiday area, both for day visits and as a main
holiday, being easily accessible by both private and public transport. from
the rugged Heritage Coast that stretches to the Scottish border,
to the wooded hills of Northumberland National Park and the dramatic grandeur
of the North Peninnes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For walkers who
like a challenge, the long distance Pennine Way runs through the National
Park on its way from Scotland to the Peak District. The Farne Islands are
a noted nature reserve, home to puffins, kittiwakes, guillimots, and a wide
variety of other sea birds.
Northumberland Park lies entirely within Northumberland, covering about a quarter of the county. In the North are the Cheviots, a range of hills that mark the border between England and Scotland. Further South, the hills give way to areas of rolling moorland some of which have been covered by forestry to form Kielder Forest, the largest forest in the U.K. The Southernmost part of the park covers the dramatic central section of Hadrian's Wall. There are many archaeological sites in this region, ranging from prehistoric monuments and Roman remains to Pele towers constructed as a defence against Border Reivers in the late 13th century. Peel towers are characteristic of this area and period. The Park is a unique region where you get a real sense of history.
The Islands off the Northumberland Coast
The
Farne Islands, are a group of some 30 islands, they are midway between the
fishing villages of Seahouses and Bamburgh. They're one of Europe's most
important seabird sanctuaries and are home to nesting puffins, guillemots
and kittiwakes in addition to a colony of Atlantic grey seals. Boat trips
leave from Seahouses to visit the Farne Islands. Only Inner Farne and Staple
are open to visitors from April to September.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is linked to the mainland by a causeway which is submerged by high tides twice a day. St. Aiden founded Lindisfarne Monastery in 635. It was here that the Lindisfarne Gospels were written. While these gospels are now in the British Library visitors can view a computerised version in the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre. Lindisfarne Castle is also to be found here. It was built with stones from the priory and is a landmark for miles along the coast.
The Northumbrian shore has a rich natural and cultural heritage. St Mary's Island lies just off the coast a little north of Whitley Bay. It is well signposted from most major routes. Lighthouse, bird-watching hide and visitor centre are all open to the public. Permanent and changing exhibitions, gift shop and educational facilities.