Cyclists and hiking enthusiasts alike will find more than enough trails and paths to satisfy them and can head in any direction they like in order to see a whole host of impressive sites and sounds. Hadrian’s wall is worth a visit to the south even though not much of the wall still actually exists but the forts and museums in the area are equally as educational as they are impressive. You can also see for miles and walk along the volcanic rock that is known as the Whin Sill and enjoy views that you would be hard pressed to match anywhere else in the UK.

The valleys that surround the park form a wonderful landscape nowadays even though that was not always the case. The national park used to be a bed of chaos and violence and was home to a number of historic battles between clans from both sides of the border. You can still see remnants of the bloody clashes thanks to the ruins and spots such as the Bastles and Peel Towers that can be found in the area. In fact, the entire area of Northumberland is home to more castles than any other area within all of England, which is a historic sign of the conflict that took place here.

The most beautiful spot in Northumberland National Park is often thought to be Harthope Valley which is a location where the stream runs along the valley and where circular trails to higher ground offer unforgettable views.

Visitors to the area will also want to take a stroll towards Beamish Valley where you can find picnic spots, parking, and an information centre that can lead you in the right direction depending upon where you want to go and what you want to see.
The northern area of the park is known as High Hills Country and the main attraction here is the Cheviot Hills that offers a look out spot that is 2,674 feet high. The hills used to be flowing volcanoes but are now extinct as the area has made way for dazzling views and unforgettable memories.

If you happen to be in the Northumberland area or are planning a little getaway, then you will definitely want to take the time to get yourself acquainted with Northumberland National Park. There is so much to do and so much beauty to see that you simply must come take a look for yourself. The stories and pictures of the area simply do not do the beauty any justice at all.

All the way back in 1080 Newcastle was created as the Romans built a bridge over the River Tyne and built wooden forts in the area. The wood was later turned into stone in order to create more structure and to this day the area becomes the prime example of Norman architecture for military purposes. The town walls themselves were built throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.

Thanks to the military fortification, Newcastle become a very important part of the trading community and was known as one of the top provincial centres in all of the UK. Newcastle’s main export was coal and the tax from all of their trade helped to bring exponential wealth to the entire area. All of that new wealth led to rebuilding in the area and the emergence of an impressive and functional city centre that can be seen to this day. A lot of architectural work went into the buildings and streets that make up Newcastle and most of those locations have become theatres, department stores, shops, cafes, and other hot spots.

Newcastle Upon Tyne is an area that is ripe for tourists and filled with old and new attractions alike. Some of the most impressive sights include the St. Nicholas Cathedral, Castle Keep, Bessie Surtees’ House, Blackfriars and the Earl Grey’s Monument. If you have had enough of the sightseeing attractions then you can take a much deserved break with a walk through the Jesmond Dean park which is located in the middle of the city.

The area is also a hot spot for shopping as it boasts 3 unique shopping centres as well as a number of local shops and art districts. There are also a number of entertainment options including leisure centres, clubs, theatres, cinemas, bistros, pubs, and coffee shops that are sure to meet the needs of anyone’s style or budget.

On top of all of that, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is known for its wide range of accommodations that are sure to meet you and your family’s needs. Just be sure that you take the time to sit back and unwind with some local Newcastle Brown Ale.

This fascinating city is sure to mesmerize you and offer everything that you dream of when trying to plan that perfect vacation getaway. So be sure to stop in and see all that is has to offer for yourself, instead of just relying on articles and pictures online.

St. Aidan was responsibly for creating the monastery of Lindisfarne after he was sent to Northumbria by King Oswald in 635 AD. Monks were the first to settle on the island and it then became a Christian base for their mission.

One of the most famous things to come out of Linsifarne is the Lindisfarne Gospels that were created in the early 700s. The gospels were originally in Latin and then were turned into one for the first English versions of the Gospels in the 900s. A lot of the work that was put into the Gospels was destroyed thanks to a Viking attack in 793 that ransacked the monastery and killed off most of the community. The monks scattered from the area after the attack and took the body of St. Cuthbert with them. St, Cuthbert is now buried at the famous Durham Cathedral and is one sight that people usually stop in and see when touring around Northumberland.

The entire priory was reestablished soon after but was then suppressed by Henry VIII in 1536. In modern times, the monastery has become a part of English Heritage and the government still runs a visitor centre which a parish church in the area is still used to this day. More recently, Lindisfarne has become a hub for the recreation of Celtic Christianity and also a very popular area of retreat for people looking to get away on a much needed holiday.

For many years Lindisfarne was a main fishing community but tourism has sprouted in the area over the years and main it mainly a centre for tourists to visit and be amazed by. If you plan to take a trip to Holy Island then you will want to stay on the island when the tide leaves in order to experience the quiet nature and cozy atmosphere that it offers. If you are lucky then it is even possible to walk across the sand during low tide in order to access Pilgrams Way which still has remnants of yester years.

One of the most popular dishes on Holy Island is the crab sandwiches that can be found all around local cafes and shops. One of the must sees on the island is Lindisfarne Castle which has been renovated to include a very eclectic and arts and crafts style and a garden that has to be seen to be believed. The lime kilns that are nearby are also open to the public as well as the garden and castle.
The limeburning industry is extensive on Holy Island and the kilns that you will come across are some of the most complex in all of the UK.

No matter when you decide to visit, or how long you decide to say, the history that is entrenched on Lindisfarne on Holy Island is something that everyone should experience for themselves when traveling or visiting Northumberland.

One place that you are going to want to visit for sure when coming to Hadrian’s Wall is the World Heritage Site. You can tour this area on bicycle or on foot and go through it as fast or as slow as you wish. There are a number of pre-created itineraries that you can choose from or you can create your own depending on what it is that you want to see and do. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere that you will find in this spot thanks to the quaint villages, market towns, and busting cities that you will come across.

You are going to love the food and drink that are produced locally in Hadrin’s Wall County and you can indulge in them while enjoying fantastic views and the type of excitement that only this area can offer.

Many walking and hiking enthusiasts flock to this area thanks to the trails and paths that have been in existence for thousands of years. The footpath that runs directly through the Heritage Site is all of 84 miles long and offers everything from easy walking trails to rugged moorland to urban landscape to rolling hills. Every step you take in this dazzling trail is a site for sore eyes to say the least. You can enjoy shorter trails or circular paths that have been created for those looking to quickly get around and see what the area has to offer. Your best bet is to download maps and different walk itineraries before you get to the area to ensure that you make the most of your journey.

It is important to remember that walkers are encouraged to stick to other paths during the winter as many parts of the trail near the wall tend to erode thanks to the cold weather. Walks at this time should stick to cities, forts, museums, and the countryside in order to be safe.

Many tourists are surprised by just how many options they have when it comes to accommodation in Hadrian’s Wall County. There are also many companies that will help with such things as baggage transfers and a lot of inns that offer drying rooms for guests to the area.

If you are looking for a unique vacation that is filled with history, culture, and attractions then Hadrian’s Wall is a place that you will definitely want to come see for yourself. Even if you decide to tour the entire area of Northumberland, this spot is somewhere that you need to at least spend a couple of days in order to realize how special it is.

Any visit to Durham is one that can be packed with attractions and things to do, and all kinds of new experiences that you have never been a part of before. If you enjoy culture and historical sights then you are going to love the collection of galleries and museums that can be found throughout Durham. Historic homes, castles, and cathedrals adorn Durham and there are also many fun sights for kids to enjoy where they can learn about history and even connect with some local animals. Most museums and historical sites offer children’s areas to keep everyone in the family entertained and exciting about what they are seeing and partaking in. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Another thing that draws people to Durham is the wide collection of restaurants and culinary delights that are offered in the area. You can choose between traditional restaurants, unique eateries, or stylish cafes depending on what you are looking for and how much you are looking to spend. You can find anything to please your palette and satisfy your appetite on a Durham menu. Better yet, when you have had enough of all the cuisine offered in the restaurants you can tour local butcher shops and markets in order to see what other local food you could prepare on your own and enjoy. The options truly are endless when it comes to a vacation in Durham, and that is something that you will not fully understand until you see it for yourself.

Whether you make the decision to visit Durham Dales, the Vale of Durham, Durham Coast, or Durham City or each and every spot, you are going to mesmerized by what you come across. There is a number of accommodation options that are sure to please any visitor on any kind of budget. You can opt for a friendly bed and breakfast or guesthouse or take the high road and treat yourself to a stay in a luxury hotel or even a self catering cottage.

Durham is best described as a friendly, warm, and memorable town that you will never forget visiting. One thing is for sure, once you visit Durham once you are going to want to keep coming back time and time again. The friendly people, exciting attractions, mesmerizing architecture, and array of accommodations create the perfect recipe for anyone backpacking through the UK or a family looking to enjoy a getaway together.

The turbulent past that exudes from the area and the spectacular architecture ensure that all visitors to Berwick-upon-Tweed fall in love at first sight.

One look around and you will notice signs of the historic past, such as remnants of the battles that took place considering the county was captured a total of 13 times until it fell under control of England in 1432. The walls that can be seen in the Elizabethan Town were built to keep the Scottish out of town and are known as the most expensive project throughout the entire Golden Age of England.

If you are lucky enough to scale to the top of the walls you can enjoy some of the most mesmerizing views in the country, including views of the viaduct bridge and the River Tweed.

Once you have had enough of the views you can head inside and enjoy all of the offerings of the eclectic town including all kinds of shops, attractions, and places to stay. When it comes to accommodations you have a vast array of options that range from cottages to hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts depending upon which type of vacation you are looking for.

Berwick-upon-Tweed has become known as a vibrant center for arts and culture thanks to attractions such as the Maltings Theatre and a number of impressive museums such as the Main Guard and the Berwick Barracks. There are also a number of unique events that take place in the area that celebrate the history of the town and all that it has gone through.

Tourists to the area also enjoy how easy it is to get to Berwick and how easy it is for tourists to get around when they arrive here. The town itself is located just off of the A1 and runs its own railway station that makes it easy to tour around all of Northumberland using Berwick as your starting point.

A trip to Northumberland is not complete without spending at least a few days enjoying what Berwick-upon-Tweed has to offer. The antique shops, impressive museums, spectacular views, and host of accommodations make this a spot that all members of the family can enjoy. Whether you are passing through Northumberland or are planning a vacation to the area on its own, you are going to love it in Berwick-upon-Tweed and will surely never want to leave. This is one place that you simply have to come and enjoy for yourself.

Visitors to Bamburgh often usually take advantage of checking out St. Aidans church which is a stunning sight dating back all the way to 635 AD, and it is now as mesmerizing as after thanks to a 13th century restoration. The church is also the final resting place for Grace Darling who is one of the most famous inhabitants to ever live in Bamburgh.

Directly across from the Church one can find the Grace Darling Museum that recognizes all of her accomplishments in saving people from the wreck of the SS Forfarshire. The museum is a new development that was recently opened for the public in 2007, and new projects are underway all the time to improve the access and the appearance of the historical venue.

What many people do not know about Bamburgh is that it actually is home to one of the finest beaches in all of the UK. The beach is located on the Northumberland Coast and has won a number of awards for its impressive golden sand and miles of pristine water.
Once you are finished enjoying all that the beach has to offer, you will definitely want to head over to the Bamburgh village and take in all of the shops, cafés, and restaurants that adorn the area. Everything is within walking distance and you will find practically anything you need in order to have a good time.

For those that seek a little more adventure, there is a 21 mile bicycle that begins in Bamburgh and can take you southwest and south through areas such as Swinhoe, Elford, Fleetham, and then ending in Embleton village. After that the path heads north again through the coastal areas and brings you back to Bamburgh after you enjoy Seahouses and Low Newton by the Sea.

What many guests love about Bamburgh is the cozy and quiet feeling that they get when visiting the area, and the stunning amount of inns and hotels that they can choose from. You can opt to enjoy the freedom of a self catering spot, indulge at a bed and breakfast, nestle in at a guest house or settle into a camping site.

Be sure to check out Bamburgh for yourself and understand all that it has to offer tourists and vacationers from around the world. Whether you choose to stay for a day, a week, or even a month, there is more than enough to see and do in this lovely little county, and in fact many vacationers to the area struggle to make themselves leave when it is time to go home.

Alnwick is known as a market town that is filled with history. Historically it prospered as a post for trade seeing as it was only one day away from spots such as Newcastle, Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Tyne. Even though a lot has changed since those days the county still holds onto its narrow alleys, classic stone buildings and cobbled streets. Many of the traditional and eclectic buildings are now home to specialty shops and more than 50 inns that visitors can opt to stay in when touring the area.

Thanks to the preservation that was put into the county, visitors can still enjoy the historic atmosphere that thrives throughout all of Alnwick and the popular Market Place that hosts all kinds of events. There are farmers markets held on the last Friday of every month and the area is also home to a popular International Music Festival.

Aside from the market, another popular spot in Alnwick is Northumberland Hall which is the venue for all kinds of shows, attractions, craft fairs, and even theatre performances. For those that love to shop and pick up souvenirs this spot is a must see, and so are the Barter Books, Bondgate Gallery and the Emroidery Centre.

Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle are two of the other popular attractions in the area. The castle is the home of the Northumberland Duke and is a fascinating and breathtaking place to spend the day with family. The grounds feature a mesmerizing dungeon, incredible state rooms, towers, and design and architecture that will amaze even the biggest lovers of architecture.

The spectacular Alnwick Garden is located right next door and allows visitors to gaze at all kinds of flowers, sculptures, and plants. The popular Rose Garden features a breathtaking amount of shrubbery and beauty and there are always major projects underway to entice visitors to keep coming back to the spot time and time again.

If you are planning a vacation to the UK and cant decide where to go, then Alnwick should definitely be at the top of your list. No matter which sights you are excited to see or who you are bringing with you, there is more than enough in Alnwick to keep any traveler satisfied. Tour the magnificent castle, walk through the never ending garden, or simply walk through town and enjoy the friendliness of the people and the local shops that will entice you with flavors, unique crafts, and excitement. This is one county that is rich with history and culture and that can be enjoyed by people of all ages from all over the world.

In historic times, Northumbria was one of the biggest and most powerful kingdoms that existed within England. However, constant invasion from the Scottish and the Danish weakened the Kingdom as the North part of the Cheviots and Yorkshire were taken over. These earliers how become known as Northumberland and Durham respectively. Norman conquerors were responsible for dividing the Kingdom by taking over the southern parts of the earldom and leaving the northern parts in tact, which later became what we call Northumberland to this day.

Both Durham and Northumberland took very different roles after that even though they both helped to create an English border. Northumbria become isolated and became even more vulnerable to attacks from other nations while Durham became an independent state of its own. Durham was then left exempt from a number of Scottish attacks while districts of Northumbria were divided and shared after they were taken over.

As the border country it is not surprising that the area of Northumbria saw a number of battles throughout history. The major battles that are remembered to this day include the battle of Otterburn and the battle of Flodden Field. Aside from those battles, there were a number of other battles that took place here before the Union of 1603 between the Scottish and English Crowns.

After 1603 a lot of stability was brought into the area and from then on many of the border battles came to an end. In modern times the violence has left the area and Northumbria has become a county filled to the brim with folklore, heritage, a rich history, and lots of culture.

One of the more notable things about Northumbria’s past is all of the castles that were put up in the area when it was known as a Border region. Due to some of the battles that took place a lot of these castles are now ruins, but are still very memorable and exciting places for tourists and locals to visit. However, outside of Northumberland a lot of the castles are not known and that is why many people miss out on a visit to this eclectic and unforgettable county.

On top of all of the castles that one can visit, one of the other main attractions that speaks of the history of Northumbria is Hadrian’s wall. While the wall itself was never a boundary between England and Scotland it does have a lot of history behind it and is an attraction that tourists to the area should not miss out on.