Otterburn is a sort-of rural crossroads for exploring lots of the wider area, with the Cheviots and Upper Coquetdale to its northeast, and Kielder and Hadrians Wall to its southwest. Theyre both pilgrimage routes, making them sort-of Northumbrian alternatives to the Spanish Camino de Santiago. Callaly, Cambo, Cambois, Capheaton, Carr Shield, Carter Bar, Carterway Heads, Cartington, Catton, Causey Park Bridge, Charlton, Chathill, Chatton, Chesterwood, Cheswick, Cheswick Buildings, Chillingham, Chollerford, Chollerton, Choppington, Christon Bank, Clennell, Clifton, Coalcleugh, Coanwood, Cottonshopeburnfoot, Collingwood, Colpitts Grange,. Hugely underrated, not enough tourists come to Northumberland, but the place is a playground for anyone who likes hiking, cycling, beaches, castles and remote adventures in rural regions. Top 10 places to live in the North and North East From bustling cities to picture perfect rural villages and seaside towns - the North East has it all. Hiking is my favorite thing to do in Northumberland (well, its my favorite thing to do anywhere). Hit up the islands tranquil beaches to soak up some rays away from the crowds and spot an abundance of interesting nature in the dunes and around Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Just like Morpeth and Alnwick, if you want a little more comfort and convenience, if you like the bustle of bigger towns, or if youre traveling with kids, Hexham is great. The English Heritage centre has astounding Celtic religious carvings, and recounts the violent Viking raids that wrecked the island in the 800s. 1. Berwick - best for town lovers, cyclists & history Hexham - best for Hadrian's Wall Rothbury - best for outdoor activities & dark skies Best places to stay in Northumberland Amble Located at the mouth of the River Coquet, Amble is a charming harbour town along Northumberland's coastline. Marvel at Cragside, a grand rural mansion operated by the National Trust and filled with interesting gadgets and gizmos. And slicing across the south is the bulk of Hadrians Wall, with fragments of the forts that were stationed every few miles along the route. Or whether this lifestyle really is for you. One of the most striking coastal fortresses in all of England, Bamburgh Castle looks over the village from its 150-foot vantage point and has a history that goes back some 1,400 years. Seahouses 4. Young ones can make some animal friends at Eshott Heugh Animal Park and the Whitehouse Farm Centre, while theres culture too at Belsay Hall and Wallington, two acclaimed country piles minutes outside the town. According to new research, the beautiful regions of Seahouses, Craster and Warkworth are among the most picturesque spots that will make you yearn for village life. This category has the following 31 subcategories, out of 31 total. You can even descend into the gloomy depths of the original spooky crypt. If you want conveniences, dont stay in Otterburn, but if views and location are your priorities, you wont find any better. Three miles east of Otterburn is Elsdon, one of the most underrated villages in all of Northumberland. The Berwick Barracks date to the early-1700s, at the time of the Jacobite risings and have enthralling exhibits about the last conflict fought on British soil. You can also look back towards the mainland to admire spectacular views of the coastline. Consistently voted one of the best women's walking boots you can buy, Salomon's Quest utilises the latest technology to protect and care for your feet while exploring. There are tons of things to do for people of all ages. Blanchland is arguably one of the prettiest villages in North England. Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. Admire art in the Victorian-era Queens Hall Arts Centre, pause to smell the roses in Sele Park, play a round or two at Tynedale or Hexham Golf Clubs, stroll alongside the River Tyne, and peruse the diverse goods at the Tuesday Shambles Market. You can also arrange scuba diving trips to explore the underwater world. If you prefer slightly gentler rides, Kielders Lakeside Way is incredible its a 26-mile (40km) circuit that runs around the entire perimeter of the reservoir, and its the best way to get acquainted with the entirety of the region. In this article, you will find answers to all these questions. Speaking of Seahouses, its lovely, and offers varied attractions including mini golf, fish and chips, boat trips, day trips and nearby nesting puffins on the remote and unpopulated Farne Islands. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Beautiful 3 bedroom cottage with sea views and seconds from the harbour, Beautifully furnished and decorated cottage in a central location. All Rights Reserved. There are sand dunes and enormous sandy beaches both up and down the coast, and if youve ever fancied horseback riding you can saddle up for a ride here by the water in the most romantic setting imaginable. Fully waterproof, as lightweight as your favourite trainers and available in two standout colourways, they're a no brainer. While youre in Corbridge, you should also visit Aydon Castle and Corbridge Roman Town, and venture to Hexham (but more on Hexham later). We are delighted with our top 10 and welcome anyone to come and experience them for themselves.". By Coley1969. Bamburgh. Stroll around the harbour and marina to see boats of all sizes bobbing on the gentle waves. The major highlight here is obviously the castle, but Bamburghs beaches are brilliant too. Being a Digital Nomad: Tips, Tricks and Places. Is Gillian Burke presenting Springwatch 2023? Its genuinely one of the most underrated regions in the UK, and its full of remote, rural, beautiful places. Visit the Bailiffgate Museum, housed in a former Gothic church, for more insights into the town. Imagine a remote, rugged, ancient, sacred place that you can only access depending on the flow of the tides, and youre imagining Lindisfarne. The place has colorful, orange-topped houses, golden beaches, two great golf courses, a charming harbour and lots of great small places to eat. The town of Alnwick is also a great place to explore, with its labyrinthine web of narrow lanes and cobbled streets. Ford & Etal 5. You should use one of these four as a base if you want somewhere close to rurality but with all the amenities and conveniences you need on a longer trip. Im originally from Northumberland, and Ive spent loads of my life in the place. Otterburn (and Elsdon) 7. Here are some of the places you can find the the best hikes in Northumberland: Simonside is probably the most well-known casual hiking spot among Northumberland locals, because the views here far outweigh the effort required to get them. "However, we looked at which ones had great views of the sea, beaches nearby, historic castles or attractions on site, and we also looked at things like harbours, traditional architecture and the general aesthetic of the villages in terms of layouts and colour palettes. Bamburgh Castle No matter what kind of place you want to. Stroll through the gardens of Howick Hall, admire coastal-inspired works in the Mike Oxley Gallery, let kids cut loose in the play areas, and spot diverse flora and fauna in the Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve. Read more in our guide to things to do in Alnwick, Pet-friendly accommodation in a great location good Bistro. Recommended accommodation and hotels in Harbottle: Ford & Etal are actually two places but for some reason that I cant really work out, theyre always grouped together. Some of the best include Wallington Hall, Cragside, Howick Hall, Matfen Hall and Belsay Hall. Seahouses Seahouses is best known as the gateway to the Farne Islands but there is more to this Northumberland village than simply seabirds and puffins. Im also a remote-working digital nomad (yeah, I hate that stupid phrase too). Recommended accommodation and hotels in Ford & Etal: Right on the banks of the River Tyne before it deepens, broadens and churns towards Newcastle, Corbridge is well-located for exploring the southwestern stretches of Northumberland, and its a great place to stay if you want to throw yourself into Hadrians Wall or the North Pennines. For smaller castles, try Mitford Castle (the walk from here to Morpeth is great), Prudhoe Castle, Etal Castle and Aydon Castle. Best place to stay in Northumberland for getting away from it all in the most remote region The northern end of the Northumberland Coast is the perfect place to get away from it all. I know this sounds like a horrendous clich, but Lindisfarne is like something from a fairy tale. In the north are the Fleck Towers, small fortresses standing as watchtowers and beacons in the Scottish Marches in the middle ages. We have more guides to the various regions of England below (plus for Scotland too! Its also well-situated for exploring other nearby towns and villages along the Tyne, including Corbridge, Halthwhistle, Wylam and more. Hadrian's Wall - And Other Long-Distance Adventures 3. Meanwhile, walkers, horse-riders, mountain bikers and anyone else aching for peaceful open spaces can fill their boots in this far-off land. If youre looking for bigger places to explore from Ford & Etal, the border towns of Coldstream and Berwick are great choices. Estuary birds, saltmarsh and dunes, all surrounding a historic golf course and village. The 20 Prettiest Northumberland Villages: Raw Beauty In North East England May 8, 2020 Northumberland Villages including Bamburgh, Seahouses and Alnmouth The rural North-East English county of Northumberland is best known for its historic castles, miles of stunning coastline and spectacular scenery. Great for early morning dog walks. Recommended accommodation and hotels in Warkworth: There isnt much to do in Bamburgh, but its the home of my favorite castle in Northumberland, which looms over the tiny town it calls its home, and the (around) 400 people who live here. When youre checking out Alnwick Castle, make sure you go to the nearby Barter Books, one of the best second-hand book shops in the UK. Here is a list of what we consider to be the 10 prettiest and best villages by the sea in Northumberland. Privacy PolicyTerms of Use & CopyrightDisclosure & Disclaimer, Directory Top 10 prettiest villages in Northumberland. And thats only a few of them. Travelness is reader-supported: When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Up to the 1840s Ashington was little more than a hamlet, but the areas coal seams were soon exploited and the town grew to become one of the largest settlements in Northumberland. If youre interested in visiting historic sites from the famous Hadrians Wall, youre in luck! Warkworth 11. Craster 10. With over 35 years experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. Hadrians Wall Walk is massively popular because it combines lots of excellent perks into one attractive little package you get great towns and villages, barren stretches of wilderness, walks both long and short, excellent landscapes and some of the most historically-significant sites in the whole of the UK. The waterfall of Hareshaw Linn isnt mind-blowing, but its a great gentle jaunt for families, couples and people who cant be bothered with anything intense. In second and third spots came Craster and Warkworth, respectively, both of which are incredibly popular with holidaymakers. Learn more. Its a tiny stone-built market town, its friendly, and its one of the best hiking bases in the whole of Northumberland. Known officially as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, you may hear the Northumbrian island also referred to as either Holy Island or Lindisfarne; theyre all the same place. Now, its the location of many of Northumberlands best walks. Or how to make friends in the scary sprawl of a brand-new city. While youre near Scots Gap, consider the Wannie Line Walk, an easy but excellent circular route which takes hikers along two now-unused railway lines. You can check into all types of accommodation, from hotels and guesthouses to vacation lets and campsites. The Cheviots 4. Choose from our hand-picked accommodation for your stay, from the beautiful village of Bamburgh, one of the best places to stay in Northumberland, to the coastal town of Amble and the historic market towns of Alnwick and Hexham. Some like Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle are family-friendly days out with quirky re-enactors, while many others are spectral ruins that complement the untamed countryside perfectly. The best boot for walking the dog, running errands and weekend walks, Keen's Terradora boots are stylish without skimping on technical features. If you come here on a clear night, youll see more stars than youve probably ever seen. And if youre willing to go the extra mile you can go on a quest to discover Warkworth Hermitage, a medieval chapel that is cut from the cliffs on the Coquet and can only be reached by boat. Its one of the bigger villages in the area. Its also less than an hours drive to reach the Cheviot Hills (also sometimes referred to as simply the Cheviots), which straddle the border between England and Scotland. Its always quiet here, and even on a busy day, theres plenty of space to find solitude. The most popular of these are South Shields near Newcastle upon Tyne and . Top Things to Do in Northumberland, England Places to Visit in Northumberland Popular things to do Cultural Tours Day Trips Scenic Walking Areas Historical Tours Top Picks Hiking Trails Tours & Sightseeing Likely to Sell Out Architectural Buildings Walking & Biking Tours Private & Custom Tours Historic Sites Outdoor Activities Ports of Call Tours I could have written about loads more, but you were probably already wondering when on earth this big long boring article was gonna end. Fewer people live in Northumberland than in many London Boroughs, and yet its the sixth-largest county by area. Theres an on-site restaurant too if you just cant wait to sink your teeth in. Recommended accommodation and hotels in Rothbury: If you want quick, easy access to The Cheviots (and why wouldnt you? Northumberland is a rural county in North East England, on the England-Scotland border. EVA cushioning moulds to your foot to provide ultimate support and porous fabric allow for complete breathability. Hadrian's Wall And Other Long-Distance Adventures, 4. The entire area is barren, boggy and packed with moors, with lots of excellent trails to explore. West of Corbridge, youll find Haltwhistle and Haydon Bridge, which arent quite as pretty or big as Corbridge, but theyre both excellent bases for hikes and bike rides. If you prefer traveling by bike, consider Hadrians Cycleway, probably the most easy and accessible coast to coast cycle route in the whole of the UK. These boots are completely waterproof, tough and durable and they look stylish, too. Once a mighty fortress that played an active role during the War of the Roses, today it stands as a brooding and dramatic ruin on the craggy coastline. Recommended accommodation and hotels in Alnmouth: I absolutely love this place. Find out more Seahouses Again, make sure you check out Dunstanburgh Castle, close to Craster. Youre free to poke around in the summer, and theres extra incentive for Harry Potter fans as the property was Hogwarts in the movies. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It's known as the site of a 5 th-century Roman garrison town, part of the famous Hadrian's Wall. Seafood lovers will be delighted with the many eateries focusing on delectable fresh catches. You can go and see whats left of this garrison, which is still one of the most complete archaeological sites on Hadrians wall, and furnished with information boards to bring the foundations to life. Other good options include Blyth Beach, Seaton Sluice (which has a beautiful little harbour), Bamburgh Beach, Low Newton Beach and the incredible fishing village of Alnmouth (which has some excellent walks). Also very close to Rothbury is Cragside, one of the best country houses in the UK. Country Living, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network. BLANCHLAND. Despite its size, Morpeth is cute and quaint, its close to lots of lovely outdoor areas, and it has great proximity to Northumberland Zoo and Whitehouse Farm. Outside, the sublime Alnwick Gardens are filled with even more beauty, including lovely landscaped grounds, tinkling water features, sculptures, flower beds, a labyrinth, a deadly poison garden, and one of the biggest treehouses around the globe. When is the best time to visit Northumberland? About TravelnessContact usBrand AssetsRecent Posts, HotelsFlightsTours & ActivitiesTours in EuropeDigital SecurityDepositphotos, I was born and raised in the lovely city of Newcastle, so Ive spent loads of my life exploring the place. Its also one of the worlds most action-packed castles, with a massive program of daily events and attractions, including interactive exhibitions, guided tours, a poison garden, Harry Potter-themed events, craft demonstrations, live performances and much more. Northumberland is also packed with manor houses and other ancient buildings. Englands northernmost town and Northumberlands last stop before Scotland, Berwick Upon Tweed has been ruled by both England and Scotland throughout history. Around 1,500 people live in Warkworth, but it has a welcoming buzz which belies its size. The Northumberland Coastal Path is without doubt the best way to see loads of the highlights along the Northumberland Coast. And they're almost identical to the ones the Duchess of Cambridge has been seen sporting. There's nothing we love more than a picturesque village, and Bamburgh is one of the prettiest in Northumberland (the standard is very high here, by the way). than you think. @trekkingandcity @jimnightingale1983 @rynstlkr Roger Clegg Some highlights along the way include the lone tree of Sycamore Gap (probably the most photographed site in Northumberland), the Roman Fort of Housesteads and endless milecastles, wall fragments and historical sites. Before we get to all the juicy details, heres a map of where youll find all the towns and villages in our guide, If youre looking for small inland towns and villages for exploring the fields, farmland, hills, hikes, moors and mountains of Northumberland, choose one of the places from this section. Its not the prettiest, its not the most charming, its not the best-located, and its not the most interesting. Its one of the best beaches in Northumberland. Anyway, if its close to Alwinton, Harbottle and Barrowburn, and if its east of Kielder and southwest of The Cheviots, its probably in Upper Coquetdale. 5. Seaton Sluice Beach. Take time to wander through the medieval ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and explore the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle. This mighty landmark stands on a volcanic plateau and was the throne of the Norse Kings of Northumbria, boasting medieval Norman architecture, but with a tale that begins as far back as the 400s. This entire area is also massively popular with rock climbers, offering lots of accessible but challenging routes. Check out the elegant Battlesteads Hotel if youre looking for a luxurious stay. Whether youre looking for a fantastic destination for a fun-filled family vacation or the perfect place for a romantic getaway, youll find plenty to make you smile in Berwick. Revealed: The 10 prettiest villages in Northumberland Northumberland is a popular holiday destination. Step back in time with a stroll around the town walls. Home Europe The United Kingdom England. This hidden gem, Im from Newcastle, and Ive spent a lot of my life in the place. Home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, the castle has been in the same family since the 1200s. Built right into the foothills of Northumberland National Park, it has a beautiful church, some castle ruins, a small few homes, and endless farmland. Located on the eastern fringes of Northumberland National Park, Rothbury is in the wiper Morpeth (county town) area. For family fun, Seahouses is the best coastal destination in Northumberland, with a great combination of adventurous excitement and handy conveniences. Highlights near Ford & Etal include Etal Castle, the steam-powered (and kid-friendly) Heatherslaw Light Railway, and the nearby traditional corn mill. It contains one of the most picturesque and untouched stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom and contains rolling hills and low mountains in the sparsely populated interior. You can drive across or walk along the ancient route known as the Pilgrims Way. Behind Harthope Valley, the most popular part of the Cheviots, is College Valley, which I havent explored myself, but Ive heard its amazing. There are a huge number of hiking highlights in Upper Coquetdale, including the Drake Stone Walk, The Barrowburn Circuit and some excellent trails right along the silent and serene Scottish border. The hotel features an indoor pool, restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and garden. Or Im sure you get the idea. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. By far the best walking boots for wide feet on a budget, the Regatta Clydebank will take you from fields to fells, trail to track, whatever the weather. If youre traveling with kids, check out Carlisle Park, Whitehouse Farm and Northumberland County Zoo, all of which are in and around the town. Newer but no less enthralling is Hexham Abbey, with Early English Gothic architecture from the 12th century. If you like quiet villages, stay in Harbottle its home to around just 300 people, and its a proper old-school tiny village. It has seen many changes over the years, and visitors can explore most parts of the magnificent building. Soak up the views and ambience as you explore the ruins of Berwick Castle, which overlooks the swirling waters of the North Sea. Northumberland is famed for its glorious coastland, unspoilt beaches and magnificent surrounding settings, but which villages are the prettiest? The air cushioned heel and weatherproof Gore-Tex membrane provide added comfort on long hikes. Another pair that look far more expensive than the price tag. Or whether you need a visa. The least-inhabited national park in England encompasses 400 square miles of remote uplands littered with abandoned historic sites. On the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Seahouses is an uncommonly pretty fishing village with a working port. Morpeth is my favorite of them all, as its the best compromise between pretty and convenient.
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best villages in northumberland
