In 1388, when the English army led by Sir Henry Percy, nicknamed 'Hotspur', suffered a bloody defeat by the Scots, Otterburn was the place of impact. The Battle of Otterburn took place on the outskirts of Otterburn village, with the serene, rolling countryside of Northumberland hiding the distant carnage of many a battle. You can visit the battlefield site on the outskirts of Otterburn where The Percy Cross marks the site of the battle.
This small village is home tothe Otterburn Mill. The Mill contains a museum outlining the history of weaving and wool-milling in the area. The Otterburn Rug has even been endorsed by the Royal Family, with Queen Elizabeth II owning one when she was a baby.
Lying on the banks of the River Rede near to where it joins the Otter Burn this small, quiet community is at the heart of the picturesque Redesdale Valley.
Otterburn village has a local shops for picking up those essential items, a couple of pubs and there is a great selection of accommodation including luxury hotels, B&Bs and cottages.
If you enjoy walking Otterburn is perfectly situated to get your walking boots on and head out on a walk. There are also several cycling routes nearby if you prefer pedal power.
When visiting Otterburn a trip to Kielder Water & Forest Park is a must. Kielder is a haven for wildlife, offers stunning dark skies, award-winning art & architecture and fun for all the family.
The Otterburn Ranges where birds and animals including squirrels thrive is a remote area covering nearly a quarter of Northumberland National Park, and offering spectacular, unspoilt landscapes.
Twenty three per cent of Northumberland National Park is owned by the Ministry of Defence and used as a military training area. It is the shared aim of the Northumberland National Park and the MoD to encourage as much access to the area as possible.
A series of trenches were dug in 1912 by the War Office on newly acquired land and are probably the best preserved in the country. Although they are now partially silted up, some trenches remain over 2m deep in places and the dog-leg and diamond shape can still be traced.
Find out more about
firing times and public access, if you have a more specific request please contact the Range Liaison Office on 0191 239 4201 for the most up to date information.