In the words of Matt Baker, Northumberland is home to “world class wonders, right on our doorstep.” In his latest Channel 4 documentary entitled “Matt Baker: Travels with Mum & Dad”, Baker and his parents venture across Northumberland to visit the charming landmarks the county has to offer.
Northumberland has a wide range of breathtaking destinations to explore, from its hidden gems in North Northumberland, a wealth of rich history to discover along Hadrian’s Wall, to renowned stretches of pristine sands to enjoy along the Northumberland Coast.
The Northumberland County Show
Throughout the mini series, Matt and co venture to Northumberland and get stuck into exciting projects like The Northumberland County Show, which is one of the largest agricultural events in the region. The annual event plays host to hundreds of breeds of animals and thousands of visitors, uniting both local farmers and visitors from far afield. The show celebrates farming, food, agriculture and heritage in Northumberland. Alongside visitors, Matt and his parents immersed themselves in the music, shopping and entertainment the show offers. When it comes to a family day out, The Northumberland County Show is not to be missed!
The Quaint Village of Corbridge
The village of Corbridge is home to some of the oldest finds in Britain, including rare Roman armour and the Corbridge Lion. Aside from its rich history, Corbridge is also known for its large number of independent businesses, from indie coffee shops and historic pubs, to delis and butchers. Matt and his parents venture through Corbridge to visit Corbridge Roman Town, a former Roman fort. During their visit, they learn all there is to know about Roman life and the history of this 2000 year old site. The Baker’s also gain access to the English Heritage collections store where precious Roman artefacts are stored, proving once again that when it comes to ancestry, Northumberland remains unrivalled.
Cragside and Cragend Farm
A tour of Northumberland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Cragside and Cragend Farm, which is where Matt and his parents head to in episode 3. With man-made lakes and swathes of rhododendron, Cragside is oozing with history, picturesque views and charm. It’s also the world’s first hydroelectric powered house, and is filled with Victorian gadgets for efficient and modern living.
Just beyond Cragside’s 1,000 acre grounds sits Cragend Farm, a former part of the Cragside Estate where Lord William Armstrong tested his inventions. Inside one of the homes sits a turbine that was installed by Armstrong in the 1880s, as well as his Silo which was created to feed cattle. The 38-foot hydraulic Silo features a turbine which once powered a belt to chop up grass. The mix was then compressed by 18 giant weights and left to pickle, creating a revolutionary new way to create silage. This impressive site took Matthew and his parents’ breath away as they marvelled at this unforgettable experience - and you can book tours directly with Cragend if you would like to experience this for yourself.
Discover the Rich History of Northumberland
When it comes to rich history and mesmerising landmarks, Northumberland is hard to beat. From bustling agricultural events like The Northumberland County Show, to the innovative landmark that is Cragside, there’s no shortage of things to do in Northumberland.
Discover the wealth of history and charm Northumberland has to offer today for an adventure like Matt Baker’s.