Places to Visit in Northumberland
Sweeping from the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north, to the village of Tynemouth with its lovely golden sandy beaches, in the south. Northumberland, also called Northumbria is often referred to as 'The best kept secret' in England. It is some 1935 square miles, adjacent with the Scottish Borders to the North and running 100 miles down the East coast, Northumberland has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Northumberland is a tranquil unpopulated area spoilt with mile upon mile of safe and clean award winning beaches. Each town or village has a variety of attractions to occupy everyone in the family. Planning your days out before you arrive is a good idea to maximise the time you have, and you will soon find you dont have enough days to see everything you want.
I would recommend visiting the Northumberland tourist website as a good place to start. Below is a brief list of each town and what they have to offer.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Historic Berwick upon Tweed is the most northerly town on the Northumberland Coast and has been a thriving trading centre and international port from as early as the 12th and 13th centuries. Berwick was a Royal Burgh of Scotland in 1120 and during the many centuries of border warfare changed hands no fewer than 14 times,
the last being in 1482. Three bridges span the River Tweed at Berwick, the Old Bridge, the Royal Border Railway Bridge and the Royal Tweed 'New Bridge'.
Berwick is considered one of the most picturesque towns on the region's coast, mainly because of its attractive red roofed houses, pinkish grey elegant and attractive Georgian buildings and location at the mouth of the River Tweed.
Berwick upon Tweed has much to offer all visitors, including...
- An army museum, theatre and arts centre
- Interesting shops and a twice-weekly market
- Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops (including Caffè Nero), fish and chip shops
- The Lowry Trail for visitors interested in art and the artist
- Swan Centre for Leisure, complete with 25m swimming pool and excellent sports facilities
- Walks around the Elizabethan Walls with views to the River Tweed and North Sea beyond
Holy Island
Also known by its Celtic name as Lindisfarne, Holy Island is accessible only at low tide, twice daily by a three mile long causeway, built in 1954.
Holy Island was one of the principle centres of Christianity during the Dark Ages and was given to St Aidan in AD635 by the King of Northumbria.
Even more famous and influential was St Cuthbert, whose life and teaching was a magnet for pilgrims.
He died in AD 687 and was initially buried in the church, but later his remains were moved to Durham Cathedral.
Sitting atop Beblowe Crag is the most prominent feature on the island, Holy Island Castle, built as a defence in Tudor times. Purchased in 1901 by Edward Hudson, the founder of Country Life magazine, Hudson commissioned the architect Edward Lutyens to transform the castle into a home, with much of the original fabric of the castle remaining to this day.
A very popular day visit offering.....
- Lindisfarne Centre
- Lindisfarne Castle
- Lindisfarne Priory with daily tours
- Pubs, gift shops and cafes
- St Aidans Winery - the home of Lidisfarne Mead
Bamburgh
Visible for miles around, Bamburgh is dominated by its imposing castle. Having been extensively restored, first by Lord Crewe in the 1750's and more recently by the first Lord Armstrong at the end of the 19th century. It is open to members of the public throughout the year.
St Aidan's Church dates back to the 13th Century, replacing the previous wooden building. The origins date from 635 AD when St Aidan came to Lindisfarne from Iona.
Grace Darling is one of the most famous inhabitants of Bamburgh. With her father she saved many lives from the wreck of the SS Forfarshire in 1838. She died from Tuberculosis in 1842, at early age of 26 and lies at peace in the grounds of St Aidan's Church.
This beautiful village offers.....
- The historic Bamburgh Castle
- The Grace Darling Museum
- Bamburgh Castle Golf Club
- St Aidans Church
- Village pubs, restaurants, cafes, butchers, grocers and gift shops
Seahouses
Throughout the year Seahouses, known as 'The Gateway to the Farne Islands', is popular with visitors, with many using it as an access point to the nearby Farne Islands. Seahouses Harbour also known as 'North Sunderland Harbour' is busy with fishing boats, diving boats and pleasure craft taking visitors to the Farne Islands. The town is also well known for its excellent fish and chips, which are widely available from a variety of restaurants.
An exellent day out offering.......
- Farne Island boat trips
- Fishing trips
- Ocean Club leisure centre
- Working Harbour
- Pubs, restaurants, cafes, supermarket and many gift shops
- Riding Stables
- Great Fish and Chip restaurants
Beadnell
One of the most popular holiday areas on the north east coast, present-day Beadnell consists of three places in one, Beadnell Harbour, the old Beadnell Village and Beadnell Haven.
The harbour is of considerable age and was probably constructed in the eighteenth century, as were the limekilns, which are now under the protection of the National Trust.
The village has probably been inhabited for several thousand years, Bronze-Age burial chambers have been discovered along the shore.
Just east of the harbour, at Ebb's Neuk Point, lie the ruins of a 13th century chapel. Legend has it that Oswald, King of Northumbria, built the original for his sister, St Ebba, in the 7th century.
The main attraction Beadnell has is its magnificent golden sandy beach, limekilns, small harbour, beautiful coastline and views to the distant Cheviot Hills.
Low-Newton-by-the-Sea
Considered by many to be one of the most picturesque villages on The Northumberland Coast, the small isolated 18th century fishing village of Low Newton by the Sea is popular with visitors all year round.
Owned by The National Trust, the village consists of an open-ended square of cream-washed cottages set around a green and looking out to sea across the beach of Newton Haven.
The hub of the village is The Ship Inn (originally known as the Smack Inn), a popular and friendly pub serving an excellent range of bar meals.
A micro-brewery has recently been installed, with real ales brewed on the premises, among which include, Sand Castles at Dawn, Dolly Day Dream and Ship Hot Ale.
Embleton
The village of Embleton dates back to beyond medieval times. During the Wars of the Roses Embleton suffered much from the ravages of Scottish invaders.
For many years local farmers paid an annual fee of sixpence for permission to drive their stock into Dunstanburgh Castle for safety.
The Church of Holy Trinity is a late Norman church dating from the 12th century, and was later restored in Victorian times.
Viewed from the sea, the undulating whinstone ridge that shelters much of the village from east winds, resembles a caterpillar, hence the old name 'Emeldune', meaning the hill of the caterpillar. The village hall, the Creighton Memorial Hall, is the centre of social life in the village. Golfers can enjoy a good 18 hole links golf course overlooking the beautiful Embleton Bay.
Alnmouth
A picturesque coastal village, Alnmouth was originally founded as a medieval borough or new town in 1150. Becoming established as a grain port and shipbuilding centre between the years of 1207 and 1208.
Today Alnmouth remains a beautiful and interesting village and is worth exploring. There are a variety of restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and gift shops for the discerning visitor to enjoy.
The famous Schooner Hotel, a listed 17th century coaching inn only 100 yards from the beach and golf course, has been the hub of Alnmouth village since its first customer back in the 1600's, and remains one of the most well known and respected hotels in the area. The Schooner Hotel is also famous or should it be infamous as the 'The Most Haunted Hotel' in Great Britain North East of England, and was featured in the television series 'Most Haunted'.
Visitors are welcome to visit The Friary of Saint Francis and are allowed to walk around the grounds close to the sea. Alnmouth is the most northerly community in England (but the friars have one in Scotland). The house offers a place of pastoral care in the northeast, welcomes guests and has a constant stream of visitors.
The annual Alnmouth Arts Festival is being held on Saturday 28th June (10am-6pm) and Sunday 29th June (10am-4pm), with an admission charge of £1 (Admits Two).
The event supports the North of England Children's Cancer Research. This is the only Art Trail in Northumberland where you can walk easily to every venue,
follow the Village Art Trail and see local artists and craftspeople exhibiting their work at this popular event, held in the beautiful coastal village of Alnmouth, Northumberland.
Warkworth
The ancient fortified village of Warkworth has a long history, built on a rocky spur within a tight loop of the River Coquet, close to the river mouth. The settlement is situated in a classic defensive position. Anglo-Saxons who would have protected their settlement with a wooden stockade undoubtedly occupied the present site of the castle.
Four things stand out at Warkworth above all others, the Castle, the Norman bridge, the Church and the Hermitage. Warkworth is one of the jewels in the Northumberland crown, a pretty village that is unspoilt by both modern development and tourism.
Dominated by the massive medieval keep, the view along Main Street is one of the finest in the country. A stroll down the main street reveals interesting shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, its worth spending some time wandering along the quiet main street, visiting some of the interesting craft shops and enjoying time spent in a café or pub.
The award-winning beach is a good twenty minutes walk from the village centre, however the visitor can drive and there is a car park alongside the picnic area.
The Hermitage is located half a mile upstream of the castle on the north bank of the river. You can reach it by following a path along the south bank until you reach a boat landing. You can hire a boat to cross to the hermitage. Hidden by trees and carved into the rock the hermitage includes a chapel, confessional and dormitory.
Amble
The story of Amble goes back to the very early days of Northumberland's history. There is evidence of prehistoric burial grounds on the links, and at Gloster Hill there are signs that the Romans once lived there.
Picturesquely sited at the mouth of the river Coquet, Amble was little more than a hamlet before the construction of its harbour (originally known as Warkworth Harbour) between 1838 and 1839, although a harbour has probably existed as far back as the 14th century.
The town owes its growth and prosperity to the 19th century coalfields from which it used to ship coal to southern England and the Continent, but as this declined so did the fortunes of the town.
The development of an award-winning marina on the site of the former staithes has brought new life to the town, and it is once again a busy harbour town.
Today, Amble is Northumberland's most important fishing centre north of the Tyne, and leisure sailing has also become important, the town has many good shops, pubs and ideal fast food and restaurants.
Newbiggin by the Sea
Newbiggin, also being referred to by its full name of Newbiggin by the Sea, has a long and varied history dating back over a thousand years.
The town was originally called South Wallerick. After the Danish invasion in AD875 the town was renamed Neubegang or Newbegining, with several different spellings until we have the present Newbiggin.
In the 14th century, Newbiggin was a very important maritime centre, called upon to support Edward III in his campaigns against the Scots.
At one time Newbiggin was a major port for the shipping of grain. It is said that it was third only in importance after London and Hull.
The main summer attractions are the 'Newbiggin by the Sea Summer Fair' taking place during the month of July and later in August,
'The Medieval Fayre of St Bartholomew' takes place.
Blyth
Once a major port, shipbuilding and industrial centre, Blyth was built on the export of coal.
The history as a port can be traced back to the 12th century, when the monks of Newminster Abbey near Morpeth owned and exported salt from the pans north of the river Blyth, by 1819 both salt and coal were being exported.
In the 17th century wooden shipbuilding began and achieved considerable prosperity by the middle of the 18th century.
During the month of July, the annual Blyth Town Summer Fair takes place. This event includes live performances by local groups and clubs performing in an arena on the Market Square, an art exhibition, local artists and craftspeople exhibiting their work, pavement artists, fairground, children’s entertainment area and musical entertainment for all the family.
The annual Christmas Fayre takes place on the Market Square and features entertainment, bands, market stalls and much more for all members of the family to enjoy and get into the festive spirit.
Whitley Bay
A popular seaside resort, Whitley Bay is an extension of the adjacent town of Cullercoats.
Whitley Bay is of Victorian origin with its roots firmly established as a holiday resort. Over 200 years ago Cullercoats had become a small bathing town, which gradually expanded north forming the larger town of Whitley Bay.
Built in 1910, Spanish City funfair soon became one of Tyneside's most famous landmarks. After years of neglect the impressive dome is now getting a much-needed facelift. Under new plans the building will be transformed into a centre for leisure and tourism. Whitley Bay Library could be re-housed in the dome while a family swimming pool will also be included on the site.
Famous for its miles of clean golden sands, the sea is safe for bathing and there are plenty of the usual seaside amusements to keep the visitors entertained.
There is something for everyone at the Whitley Bay Playhouse, including many exciting shows ranging from hot traditional jazz and folk music to hot flamenco dancing.
Whether it is comedy, films, music, drama, ballet, jazz or dance, the theatre offers a wide range of entertainment to suit all the family.
The Whitley Bay Jazz Festival continues to grow and is recognised as one of the best events of its kind in the UK.
Tynemouth
There are ruins of an ancient priory founded AD 617-633, later the monks of Tynemouth priory were working Tyneside coal seams as early as the 13th century.
Occupying the site of an earlier Saxon church built first in wood, Tynemouth priory dates back to 1090 and was built over the remains of a 7th century monastery which was the burial place of the early Northumbrian kings.
The castle was added in the 14th century to defend the priory, and later became important as a river and harbour fortification. More recently gun batteries were housed here in World War One. There are dramatic views over the river from these well preserved ruins.
The town has two beaches boasting excellent long stretches of golden sands that are popular all year round. King Edwards Bay and Longsands are regular seaside award winners.
The Blue Reef Aquarium boasts a magical display of fish from our native species, to exotic visitors like the nautilus, sea horses, sharks and rays. The Aquarium is a great all weather attraction, it also has a cafe, available for functions and children's parties.
Guarding the mouth of the River Tyne, the historic Tynemouth Priory and Castle are open to the visitor throughout the year, and are a great attraction for those interested in the past.
A flea market takes place every Saturday on Tynemouth station platform, including antiques, jewellery, plants books etc. A general market every Sunday with arts, crafts, books, CD’s and so much more.
Tynemouth Farmers Market is held on the third Saturday in each month. A first-class selection of local produce and other goods are available from a wide variety of stallholders.