Read on to discover some of the attractions you can explore and enjoy while staying in one of our Northumbria cottages.
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The ideal location for a break in one of our holiday cottages Northumberland possesses historic sites aplenty, documenting the history of England. Roman remains abound along the World Heritage site of Hadrian's Wall, while lying just off the coast to which it is linked by tidal causeway is Lindisfarne (Holy Island), cradle of English Christianity. The county boasts several impressive medieval castles some, like Bamburgh, occupied others, such as Dunstanburgh, now hauntingly ruined. If you are looking for holiday cottages Northumberland is a great location for a get-together with family or friends, as it offers plenty to do for people of all ages. Mile upon mile of empty sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated by picturesque coastal villages such as Craster - famed for its kippers - and Alnmouth. From Seahouses, tourist boats leave for the Farne Islands. This group of low-lying, uninhabited rocks is home to millions of seabirds including puffins, shags and guillemots, as well as colonies of seals.
If you are staying at any of our Northumbria cottages a visit to Alnwick is recommended. Its castle, 'the Windsor of the North', boasts one of the most impressive and imaginative gardens in the country. A short country drive away is Chillingham with its fascinating castle. The grounds are home to the only remaining herd of truly wild cattle in the country. These magnificent white beasts of ancient bloodline roam the parkland at will, free from interference by man. To the north, and not to be missed whilst staying at one of our Northumbria cottages, are the lonely Cheviot Hills, their bare summits forming a natural barrier between England and Scotland and offering fantastic opportunities for walkers and mountain bikers. Another popular destination for those staying at one of Northumberland cottages is Berwick-upon-Tweed, England's most dramatic walled town. Its border location meant it changed hands many times, often violently, a valued asset fought over by English and Scots. Inside the formidable walls is a charming and eclectic Georgian market.
Northumberland's western reaches consist of empty Pennine countryside, a wilderness landscape which forms the Northumbria National Park with Kielder Water at its heart. This is Europe's largest man-made lake, the perfect location for water sports which range from water-skiing to fishing. If you are thinking of holidaying in Northumberland cottages offer the perfect base from which to discover the natural beauty and dramatic history of this county. So why not browse our selection of Northumbria cottages to find something that catches your eye?
Places to visit in Northumberland
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed is England's most dramatic walled town. Situated on the north bank of the River Tweed right on the northern edge of Northumberland it is a town with a rich and turbulent past. Its border location meant it changed hands many times, often violently, and its town walls are testament to its past as a valued asset fought over by the English and the Scots. From the top of those walls you can see the wide estuary of the River Tweed and a Robert Stevenson-designed railway viaduct hailed as one of the finest in the world. It is these views that have enchanted many, including Lancashire artist L.S. Lowry who painted and holidayed in the town. Venturing inside the formidable walls, you'll find a charming and eclectic Georgian market town with a huge range of things to do and enjoy, including some great museums.
One of our Northumberland cottages in Berwick-upon-Tweed The Blue House
Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is the country's cradle of Christianity and even in these more secular times it is still a place of pilgrimage. Lying just off the coast to which it is linked by tidal causeway, it was recognised as one of the principal centres of Christianity during the Dark Ages when the life and teaching of the influential St Cuthbert was a magnet for pilgrims. Lindisfarne Priory was the home of St Cuthbert and the birthplace of a true national treasure - the Lindisfarne Gospels, a unique illuminated Latin manuscript of the gospels of Mark, Luke and John. The Heritage Centre next to the ruins of the Priory contains a copy of the book (the origional version is kept in London's British Library). The stones from the Priory were used to build the impressive Lindisfarne Castle, which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the island and today is in the ownership of the National Trust.
One of our Lindisfarne holiday cottages Northumberland Lee Cottage
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is one of the most iconic sights of Northumberland. This magnificent fortress, with the picturesque village of Bamburgh below, is the crowning glory of the long, golden beach and its rolling dunes. Once home to the kings of ancient Northumbria, the castle we see today is a relatively recent structure, built at vast cost in late Victorian times. But the castle boasts a much longer history. There have been settlements on the site since prehistoric times and regular archaeological digs have unearthed some spectacular finds. During July and August there is live archaeology, complete with children's dig pit.
One of our Northumbria cottages near Bamburgh Moor View
Seahouses
Seahouses is a small but bustling harbour town just south of Bamburgh and therefore an ideal base for exploring the coast. Famous for its fantastic fish and chips and as the launching point for boat trips to the Farne Islands, it has a busy main street and a colourful harbour with spectacular views of the Northumberland coast and, in the distance, the magnificent sight of Bamburgh Castle.
One of our Northumberland cottages near Seahouses Bluebell
Farne Islands
The Farne Islands are one of the finest seabird breeding colonies in Europe. They are just a short boat ride away from Seahouses and an experience not to be missed. In summer the Farne Islands are home to over 100,000 pairs of breeding seabirds, including puffins, terns, guillemots, eider ducks, fulmar, cormorant and kittiwake. When the birds leave in late summer the Farne Isles become the pupping grounds for the second largest colony of grey seals in England. The Farne Islands are open from 1 April - 30 September with the best time to visit, for the breeding seabirds, being mid-April through to late July, when landing is possible on Inner Farne, Staple Island, and Longstone. The seal pups can be viewed from visitor boats from late October until mid-December. However when planning your visit keep an eye on the weather as the small boats will not put to sea in poor conditions, even in the summer.
One of our Northumbria cottages near the Farne Islands Rose
Beadnell
Beadnell is one of the most popular holiday areas on the north east coast. The main attraction is its magnificent golden sandy beach, small harbour, beautiful coastline, and views to the distant Cheviot Hills. During holiday times the beach is very popular for watersports including, diving, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, sea canoeing and waterskiing.
One of our Beadnell holiday cottages Northumberland Clematis
Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle lies at the southern end of the wide expanse of Embleton Bay. The fortress was built on a magnificent scale and rivalled castles of its day, standing on a remote headland. The ruins have an eerie feel and were a favourite subject of the painter Turner.
One of our Northumbria cottages near Dunstanburgh Castle Periwinkle Cottage
Craster
Craster is an interesting fishing village and harbour with a reputation for the most delicious oak-smoked kippers in the country, with a recommended restaurant right next to the smoke house.
One of our Northumberland cottages near Craster The Warren
Warkworth
The ancient and picturesque village of Warkworth is built on a rocky spur within a tight loop of the River Coquet near the mouth of the river. It is dominated by the magnificent Warkworth Castle, home to an impressive 15th-century keep and courtyard - one of the finest preserved in the country. Below the castle there is a beautiful riverside walk where in summer you can hire a rowing boat or even a canoe. One stopping off point on the river is Warkworth Hermitage, a chapel carved in stone that is only reachable from the river. Just a mile from the village is its spectacular sandy beach, which overlooks the RSPB reserve of Coquet Island.
One of our Warkworth holiday cottages Northumberland Shemamour
Amble
Amble is a small fishing town at the mouth of the River Coquet. The town itself is of no great distinction, but does have sandy beaches, an estuary popular for sailing and bird watching. There are boat trips from Amble to Coquet Island, just a mile offshore, a popular RSPB reserve used by many native and visiting birds including terns and puffins.
One of our Northumberland cottages near Amble The Beeches
Tynemouth
Tynemouth village is an old Tyneside resort with an interesting mix of antique shops, fashion boutiques and village pubs. Tynemouth is steeped in history. The pier is overlooked by the ruins of a Benedictine priory and a castle which have stood guard over the River Tyne and formed a major part of England's coastal defences for several centuries. Tynemouth Longsands is a golden sandy beach, popular as a place to enjoy the sun, have a relaxing walk or take part in watersports - especially surfing.
One of our Tynemouth holiday cottages Northumberland Neptune Cottage
Alnwick
Alnwick Castle is one of the most stunning fortified buildings in Europe and one of the largest inhabited castles in England. Not surprisingly it is known as The Windsor of the North. The castle has dominated the town since medieval times and you may recognise it from its recent starring role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films. Beyond the castle is the fabulous Alnwick Garden which is a joy not just for keen gardeners but also families and warrants a full day's visit itself. Cleverly designed with lots of opportunities for the kids to get wet and play, the gardens are of great interest horticulturaly. Children can collect water in the mini tractors, paddle in the rills, see the many ways water can move in the Serpent Garden and dodge the Grand Cascade's jets. Plus, there's also one of the world's largest wooden tree houses to explore.
One of our Alnwick holiday cottages Northumberland Weldun House
Rothbury
The small market town of Rothbury lies in the picturesque Coquet Valley. The High Street boasts a number of traditional independent shops and the town has a pleasant mix of old stone and newer brick-built properties clustered along the sloping banks of the river at the foot of the Cheviots. Just outside Rothbury is Cragside House, set in gardens that are a rocky wonderland interspersed by trees through which run miles of footpaths, cycleways and a rhododendron maze. However what makes this place unique is the wealth of ingenious gadgetry in the house - installed by the Victorian inventor whose family home it was - including fire alarm buttons, telephones, a passenger lift and a Turkish bath suite.
One of our Northumbria cottages near Rothbury Poppy
Northumberland National Park
This is the heart of Northumbria, a protected landscape of spectacular natural beauty and tranquillity with rolling hills, clean air and open spaces. Here you can participate in almost every activity imaginable including mountain biking, rock climbing, walking and horse-riding. Despite its remoteness it is less than an hour from Newcastle and just 20 miles from Hadrian's Wall and Hexham.
One of our holiday cottages in the Northumberland National Park Ravenshill House
Kielder Water
Northumberland's western edges contain some of its most spectacular sites. Kielder Water is northern Europe's largest man-made lake. While the countryside is remote, and all the more beautiful for that, there is a wealth of activities on offer for everyone. Purpose-built walking trails create perfect forest walks for all the family and with the new Lakeside Way, the opportunity to spot a wide range of rare wildlife including native red squirrels, deer, otters and badgers. For the keen mountain biker there are dedicated mountain bike tracks, including a bike skills area. Water sports enthusiasts can take to Kielder Water from Easter to October and the lake offers a great challenge to keen trout anglers between March and October. The remoteness of the area, and more particularly the absence of light pollution, makes Kielder ideal for star gazing. At nearby Kielder Castle you can view the night sky as you have never seen it before with powerful telescopes under the guidance of expert astronomers from Sunderland Astronomy Club.
One of our Northumberland cottages near Kielder WaterStable Cottage
Chillingham
The Chillingham cattle are a unique herd of wild cattle, said to be the sole survivors of herds that once roamed the forests of Britain. Now there are less than 100 of them in parkland on the edge of the Cheviots. The cattle are truly wild - you are able to see them only when accompanied by the warden who will ensure your safety as well as talking with great passion about the remarkable cattle and the herd's history.
One of our Northumbria cottages near Chillingham Croft Cottage
Cheviots
The beautiful and distinctive Cheviot hills are a wild, romantic landscape of rounded hills and valleys marking the border with Scotland and are the northernmost point of the Pennines. Indeed the Pennine Way, which starts in the Peak District 270 miles to the south, finishes just over the border at the small village of Kirk Yetholm. The hills are criss-crossed with bridleways allowing mountain bikers to follow the routes of ancient cattle drovers. The dramatic waterfall of Linhope Spout is worth a visit for walkers, as is the ascent to the highest point in Northumberland, The Cheviot, from where the Pennine Way snakes along the border ridge.
One of our Northumbria cottages near the Cheviots Reivers Yett
Ford and Etal
Centred around two picturesque villages, the Ford and Etel estate has a number of attractions including a castle, a world famous battlefield and even a steam light railway. The estate is in the heart of border country with magnificent views across northern Northumberland and nearby lies Flodden Battlefield, site of a particularly bloody conflict between the English and Scottish armies in 1513. For walkers there are many footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes criss-crossing the estate. Natural history enthusiasts will find nearby Ford Moss Nature Reserve a fascinating visit.
One of our Northumbria cottages near Ford and Etel Brandies BarnCottages close to Northumberland
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Opening Hours: Mon, Tues 9am-7pm, Wed-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
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