...when you can go up north...
Going abroad has been tricky for the last couple of years, and now many of us have the staycation bug, re-discovering home soil and looking to the UK for an unforgettable staycation. Who needs to go overseas anyway, when you have staggering beaches, fascinating history, incredible
wildlife, diverse landscapes and a whole host of
summer events on your doorstep?
We are celebrating English Tourism Week by rounding up things to do in Northumberland that will make you forget all about going abroad. Switch the following for a staycation in Northumberland this year and discover our endless experiences…
Croatia’s waterfalls
If you were hoping to head to Croatia this year, wander from waterfall to waterfall in
Northumberland National Park instead. Nestled away in the idyllic
Breamish Valley is Linhope Spout, a 60 foot chute of water that rushes into a 16ft deep plunge pool. Hareshaw Linn sits just a stone’s throw away from
Bellingham, where secrets of St Cuthbert, an abundance of walking routes, and stone cottages adorned with ivy are all closeby. Seemingly secret Roughtin Linn, where you could almost miss the narrow path that leads down to it, tumbles in a secluded spot in Ingram Valley in
The Cheviots.
Where to stay: The Holly Bush Inn
Idyllic islands
For an idyllic
island escape, simply venture across Lindisfarne causeway and visit
Holy Island. This tidal island holds an ancient priory, an enchanting castle and Gertrude Jekyll Garden, and of course shimmering sea views fit to soothe the soul. Sip on Lindisarne Mead at St Aidan’s Winery and stop for a coffee at Pilgrim’s Coffee House. *Always check
safe crossing times before visiting Holy Island.
Where to stay: The Lindisfarne Inn
Rome’s history
When in Northumberland, do as the Romans do… from
Hadrian’s Wall that plunges across Northumberland’s rugged landscapes, to the Roman auxiliary fort
Vindolanda where ancient artefacts are uncovered during excavations every summer, Northumberland boasts a host of Roman history. Secrets of the Roman Empire are scattered across our countryside in our Roman Baths,
Corbridge Roman Old Town and numerous
forts.
Where to stay: The Barrasford Arms
The Azores’ dolphins
It’s not just foreign seas that boast dazzling dolphin displays. Bottlenose dolphins are regulars on the Northumberland
coast, and they have a habit of showing off to visitors. They can be seen from many points along our coast, but to heighten your chances, take a boat trip with
Berwick Boat Trips. Heading out to the mouth of the River Tweed, regular sightings take place along with grey seal spotting. Venture over to The Farne Islands on a boat trip from Seahouses harbour and keep an eye out for dolphins while you’re admiring the puffins, as they love to race the boats in this area too.
Where to stay: The Walls B&B
Canada’s log cabins
Craving a cosy, Canadian-style log cabin getaway in the heart of nature? Northumberland’s remote treehouses, huts and cabins are the perfect fix for a
rustic retreat.
Woodland Chase’s glamping cabins and treehouse with hot tubs and wooden terraces,
Huts in the Hills’ huts with spectacular views and outdoor copper bath tub, and Alnmouth Shoreside Huts that teeter on our staggering coastline are just a few options. Not to mention
Hesleyside Huts’ cabins and brand new treehouse accommodation nestled away in Hesleyside Estate, or
Kielder’s glass-roofed Sky Den that’s perfect for stargazing.
Iceland’s sealife
Iceland’s marine life is one of its highlights, but you don’t have to travel there to see adorable puffins and incredible whales. Visit
The Farne Islands from Seahouses harbour with
Serenity or
Billy Shiels boat tours and you can see thousands of colourful puffins and lazing grey seals. Humpback and killer whales are also known to have been spotted off Northumberland’s coastline.
Where to stay: Seahouses Holiday Homes
Japan’s cherry blossoms
If you’ve always wanted to walk beneath Japan’s famous Taihaku cherry blossom trees, you don’t have to travel as far as you think. Every spring, from the end of April to the beginning of May,
The Alnwick Garden boasts the largest collection of ‘Taihaku’ cherry blossoms in the world. Comprising of 329 trees, they all bloom for a short-but-sweet two week period, when you can watch them fluttering above you while you wander through the orchard and relax on the swinging benches.
Where to stay: Village Farm Cottages
Norway’s Northern Lights
Beautiful Norway is known for its dazzling Northern Lights displays and star-studded night skies, but did you know you can see the Northern Lights in Northumberland? We’re fortunate enough to have extremely low levels of light pollution, making Northumberland one of the best places in the country to go
stargazing. The Northern Lights have been known to dance over our coastline, and the whole of
Northumberland National Park and most of
Kielder Water & Forest Park make up our International Dark Sky Park. Both
Kielder Observatory and
Battlesteads Observatory host awe-inspiring stargazing events, where you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye.
Where to stay: Kielder Waterside
Mediterranean beaches
Crystal clear water, pristine sand and exquisite
seafood aren’t specific to overseas. Northumberland’s coast is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning it has been recognised for its distinctive character, striking beauty and outstanding wildlife. Endless beaches, quiet bays and countless
castles sit along the stretch from
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Seaton Sluice, just waiting to be discovered.
Where to stay: Cherry Tree & Almond Apartments
Show us your staycation adventures by tagging us on social media and using the hashtag #visitnorthumberland.
Author: Jenni Meikle