Local Area

Northumberland Coast is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is steeped in cultural heritage. Northumberland has some of the best coastlines in the UK with beautiful, unspoilt sandy beaches and magnificent castles.  The magical serenity of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a 15-minute drive and accessible only by low tide, Causeway crossings timetable here  Whether on a walking or cycling holiday, outdoor activity holiday or for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, there is something for everyone in our beautiful county.  Northumberland National Park and the Scottish Borders are within half an hours’ drive. The Northumberland Coast and surrounding countryside is also very popular with photographers’, birdwatchers’, walkers’ and cyclists. There is also comprehensive and useful information at Northumberland Coast AONB

The much-awaited and newly opened Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery, Ad Gefrin, is Northumberland’s latest tourist attraction and is an amazing addition for the North Northumberland and local economy. Tickets can be purchased online at their website as in the link above.

Farne Islands Boat Trips: There are several boat trips to choose from and durations including puffin and sunset cruises. Golden Gate Boat Trips  run by skipper, George Shiel, is the only licenced boat to land on Longstone Island. Trips can be booked online via their website link as shown. Longstone Lighthouse is the former home of the famous Victorian heroine, Grace Darling and is open to visitors. The RNLI Grace Darling Museum located in Bamburgh is free of charge.

Towns: Visit the lovely town of Alnwick; explore Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Gardens and the amazing Barter Books set in Alnwick’s former railway Victorian railway station. This wonderful second-hand bookshop is one of the largest in the UK and is home to the original Keep Calm and Carry On poster. On the subject of railways and trains, why not take a ride on a real steam train at Aln Valley Railway located just outside Alnwick.

Further north is England’s most northerly town, Berwick-upon-Tweed, with its’ stunning river aspect, fascinating history and three bridges spanning across the River Tweed. Take a stroll around the historical Elizabethan Walls, Military Barracks, Art Galleries and a range of independent shops and cafes.  Berwick-upon-Tweed was a favourite place of the famous 20th Century painter, Lawrence Stephen Lowry, where he gained inspiration for his paintings.

Outdoor Activities: For golfers;  Goswick Golf Club is ranked in the top 50 courses in the UK and set in a beautiful coastal location. Ingram Valley Wildlife Safari Tours; Rockpooling (Ranger Jane’s Beach School); Horse Riding/Trekking (Swinhoe Riding School); Canoeing and Kayaking (Active4Seasons); Landscape/Wildlife Photography Courses (Emma Rothera Photography).  For something unusual; see Northumberland from a different perspective – from the air! Eshott Airfield, based north of Morpeth offer a range of different micro-flights including Coast and Castles (30 min and 60 min flights available).

  Photo © Copyright B.Stubbs 2021

  Photo © Copyright D. Dyer 2021

`Scran’ is Northern English slang for food. The expression has been widely used for centuries by the fishing/seafaring fraternity and the Merchant and Royal Navy. We have an excellent, diverse range of local ‘scran’ establishments to appeal to all tastes, from the humble fish supper to fine dining. You will find delicious, locally-caught fish and seafood served in many of our pubs and restaurants.

We advise reserving tables for evening meals, especially in high season.  Opening times can vary at different establishments so please contact them directly, by telephone or some have their own on-line table reservation system.  If you wish to leave the car behind, Croft Taxis in Belford offers a prompt, reasonable and reliable service. Gordon can be contacted on 07803 496278. Taxi services are limited in our rural area and can be difficult to hail on the night, so we advise advance booking.

Alnwick Castle: The second largest inhabited castle in England and has been home of the Percy Family for 700 years. A must-see, along with the beautiful Alnwick Gardens, with it’s magnificent water cascade; the construction of which was personally overseen by the Duchess of Northumberland.

Bamburgh Castle: This beautiful, majestic castle has the real `wow’ factor travelling in from the west and dropping down into the village of Bamburgh. One of the largest inhabited castles in the country and was owned by the first Lord Armstrong, the famous Victorian engineer.

Cragside, Rothbury: Another icon of Northumberland is the remarkable and stunning country residence of Victorian pioneer, Lord Armstrong. Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity. Lord Armstrong designed and built all the hydro-electric power at Cragside and the house was totally `self-sufficient’ for electric.

Dunstanburgh Castle: Erected in 1313 by Earl Thomas of Lancaster, the haunting, dramatic ruins are one of North Northumberland’s most iconic landmarks. The mile long walk from the delightful fishing village of Craster, famous for its kippers, is one of the most beautiful along this coastline. There is a longer walk from Craster to the gorgeous sandy bays of Howick, Low Stead Links and Seaton Point near Boulmer.

Howick Hall Arboretum & Gardens: Home of the Grey Family, famous for Earl Grey Tea where it was founded. These beautiful gardens and arboretum are open mostly all year round – visit the Snowdrop Trail in February and of course, the Earl Grey Tearoom for cream tea!

Lindisfarne and Holy Island: Holy Island is steeped in history and famous for its Christianity and medieval heritage. Lindisfarne Castle, is majestically perched on top of an outcrop and the interior was remodelled by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll in the early 20th Century. Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle are only accessible by the road causeway at LOW TIDE.

Ross Back Sands:  One of our favourite beaches, stunning miles of glorious, golden sands overlooking Holy Island and Bamburgh.  Quite often you will not see another soul or very few! Walk to Guile Point where you will see hundreds of basking Grey Seals and beautiful views across to Lindisfarne Castle.

St Abbs and Eyemouth, Berwickshire Coast: The Berwickshire Coastline with its rugged cliffs is simply breathtaking and one of our favourite places to walk.  Here, you can take the Coastal Path along from the gorgeous fishing village of St Abbs and along to St Abbs Lighthouse.  The Smugglers Trail takes in Eyemouth, this friendly fishing town has a bustling working harbour where you can feed the Grey Seals and see them close up.  This stretch of coastline is only half an hour from Post Office House.

Warkworth Castle and The Hermitage: Another Percy family seat and its great Tower or cross-shaped keep was built over 600 years ago by the first Earl of Northumberland.  Experience first hand the Percy’s lavish lifestyle by visiting the Duke’s Rooms in the Keep which is almost complete. It is one of Northumberland’s most popular attractions along with the Hermitage and Warkworth village is well worth a visit.  Here you will find unique independent shops, tea rooms and pubs.