Beautiful Northumberland
Northumberland is a county for all seasons. It's a land with real air and real sky, where you
can stretch yourself and breathe deep. Uncrowded in summer months, many visitors are drawn back
to enjoy the changing colours of autumn, savour the freshness of springtime, or the invigorating
pleasures of a winter break.
Northumberland National Park
The Breamish Valley is the perfect holiday base whatever the time of year. At nearby Ingram,
just a few miles west of Branton, a visitor centre for the Northumberland National Park - the
least populated of all English national parks - offers a year-round programme of guided walks
and outdoor nature-based activities, and can provide details of country events ranging from
agricultural shows and sheepdog trials to musical gatherings and festivals.
Northumberland's Heritage Coastline
To the east of Branton lies the broad rolling countryside and rich arable farmland of
Glendale, interspersed with the mature woods and parkland of old country estates and mansions.
And lying only a short drive along quiet country roads is Northumberland's magnificent Heritage
Coastline, which offers clean, uncrowded beaches, safe swimming, rock pools and water sports.
Here, interspersed between small fishing harbours, are the impressive medieval castles of
Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth, the internationally renowned bird and seal colonies of the
Farne Islands, and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the birthplace of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon
England.
Places to Visit
Travelling around Northumberland is a pleasure, with uncongested roads, fine views and quiet
villages around almost every corner. Among many locations worth a visit are :
- Alnwick (20 minutes' drive)
The castle, which has featured in many films including Harry Potter, is the home of the Duke of
Northumberland. Its new garden has quickly become a popular attraction.
- Berwick-Upon-Tweed (35 minutes)
An historic border town with unique Elizabethan town walls.
- Chillingham Castle (25 minutes)
Home of the famous herd of wild white cattle, pure bred for the past 700 years.
- Farne Islands (35 minutes, boats depart from Seahouses)
The internationally famous bird and seal sanctuary.
- Hadrian's Wall (1 hour)
World Heritage Site, with many fine walking trails.
- Kielder Water and Kielder Forest (1 hour)
The largest man-made lake and forest in Western Europe.
- Walter Scott Country (30 minutes)
The beautiful countryside and Scottish border towns made famous by the author of Rob Roy.
- City Shopping (45 minutes)
Newcastle (45 minutes) and Edinburgh (90 minutes).
We provide extensive information in the cottage files on many more attractions, including
National Trust properties at Cragside, Wallington and Lindisfarne. We will do our best to answer
any questions you may have and offer advice on good pubs and restaurants.
