Northumberland is the northernmost county of England where the northernmost point of England, Marshall Meadows Bay, could be found. Alnwick is the county town of Northumberland. The county is famous for its raw countryside of high moorland which is a largely protected area as the Northumberland National Park. With only 62 people occupying a square kilometre, Northumberland is considered the most sparsely populated county in the UK. It is a county with a wide expanse of landscape waiting to be explored. The remarkable wildlife and historic sites complete with castles with portcullises and battlements, and ruins said to be inhabited by ghosts will take the county’s visitors back through time. Men and women famous all over the world in their fields such as poet Williams Wordsworth, poet JMW Turner, writer Beatrix Potter, German artist Kurt Schwitters among others, have found inspiration in the moorlands of Northumberland.
Food and shopping
Northumberland’s excellent food and drink are worth travelling to. This diverse county of countryside and coast has dedicated local producers and talented chefs that make dining out in Northumberland’s cafes, inns and restaurants an adventure in itself. One of the county’s prized delicacy is smoked kipper usually served with wedges of buttered brown bread. There is also the Lindisfarne Oyster, believed to be a favourite of famous lover Casanova, served by most eateries across the county. The Northumberland ice cream and cheeses are to die for. Local delicacies are not only served in eateries but are also available for taking home in country shows, farm shops, and farmer’s markets where home-baked goodies, and the best farm-produced meat products are also on offer.
Shopping in Northumberland is a pleasurable experience. The county is home to a broad range of markets, outlet galleries and shops. It lays claim to unique book shops and antique stores, an eclectic collection of arts and photography galleries, and a large selection of markets for local products. The historic market towns of Hexham, Alnwick Morpeth and Berwick-upon-Tweed with well-known high street names, old-fashioned stores, clothing boutiques, art galleries and craft shops huddled together, offer an incredible shopping adventure
Where to stay
Northumberland has a dazzling array of places to stay on offer, from grand hotels, boutique spa hotels, beautiful cottages, lively pubs, family-owned beds & breakfasts, self-catering options as well as bunkhouses and campsites. A warm welcome and a lovely location and surrounding await visitors whatever their choice of accommodation is. For first-time visitors, or frequent guests, couples on their honeymoon, families and groups on a short break or solos wanting some peace and quiet, there are places to choose from that will suit both their preference and budget. There are also places to stay for people who dream of a holiday in a forest refuge, a seaside hideaway or a quaint market town. There are even wigwams in holiday parks for kids.
Things to do
There is an overabundance of stuff to do and see in Northumberland for mountain bikers, hikers, history buffs and romantics alike and the best way to enjoy them all is on board a self-drive rental van. There will never be a shortage of spectacular sights and memorable days out in Northumberland. The Hadrian’s Wall also known as the Roman Wall, a World Heritage site that dominates the countryside for almost 2,000 years, is just waiting to be explored. For lovers of stately homes and gardens, there is the Alnwick Garden, the best contemporary garden in England, as well as the Cragside Estate and Howick Gardens and Arboretum. For the history buffs, there is the Woodhorn Museum & Northumberland Archives to be discovered. It has a compelling exhibition of the county’s mining heritage. And of course, there is the countryside with its charming landscape ideal for outdoor activities such as wildlife watching, fishing, cycling and hiking.
