The dramatic sight of 30 cavalrymen performing intricate manoeuvres and showcasing their skills with javelins and other weapons can be seen in Carlisle on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July in ‘Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle’.Tickets to attend this unique event celebrating the accession of Hadrian to the Imperial Roman throne 1,900 years ago go on sale from Friday 3 March.Taking place at Bitts Park, Carlisle on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July, Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle will showcase some of the exercises the Roman cavalry would have performed at sites across the Wall, many described by Hadrian himself.Bill Griffiths, head of programmes for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and chair of the Hadrian’s Cavalry steering group, said: “This is a rare chance to see the Roman Cavalry in action. “Roman cavalry were famous for their lavishly decorated helmets and body armour. The Cavalry would regularly perform exercises to illustrate their skill and prowess. We are really looking forward to bringing this Roman display back to life!”Bitts Park in Carlisle will be transformed into a Roman Cavalry pageant, complete with mini Hadrian’s Wall visitor village. After passing through the recruitment house, audiences will enter a Roman infantry encampment where they will be invited to join separate teams to cheer on the Roman cavalrymen as they compete with each other in the parade ground. Audiences will also be able to meet some of the cavalrymen and their horses to see close-up the ornate armour and dress.Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle will feature Roman re-enactors, exhibitions from across the wall, crafts and food and drink concessions.Zoe Bottrell, producer of Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle, said: “It is a privilege to be working alongside Alan Larsen and his fabulously skilled horses and riders to create the Turma. It is unique and special event to be able to re-create a bit of history, whilst adding a bit of theatre along the way. We hope that audiences will enjoy this remarkable show of skill and pageantry.”Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle takes place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July at Bitts Park, Carlisle. Performance times are 2pm and 6pm on Saturday 1 July and 4pm on Sunday 2 July 2017. Early bird tickets, available until Monday 1 May, cost £6.50 for children and £9.50 for adults. Full price tickets cost £8:00 for children and £12.50 for adults. A special family ticket (two adults, three children) cost £35.Tickets go on sale at 10:00 on Friday 3 March from www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk/tickets. Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle tickets can also be bought in person at Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle ticket holders can also benefit from discounted entry into some Hadrian’s Cavalry exhibition venues and the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Country bus. For full details visit www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk. Other cavalry-themed re-enactment events will take place throughout August as part of Hadrian’s Cavalry. Venues include Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum (5 & 6 August), Great North Museum: Hancock (19 & 20 August) and Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum (27 & 28 August). Additional Roman-themed re-enactment events can be seen at various English Heritage sites too. For details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle is part of Hadrian’s Cavalry, which opens on Saturday 8 April at 10 museums and heritage attractions along the full 150mile length of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site area. The exhibition brings together a unique group of Roman cavalry objects including ornate helmets, armour and weapons on loan from national and international museums; all shown alongside objects from museums across the Wall. Hadrian’s Cavalry runs until Sunday 10 September 2017. For more information visit www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk

Northumberland National Park has granted planning permission to Brown Rigg Lodges in Bellingham to increase its holiday-let accommodation and recreational facilities.The plans include converting three existing buildings into a bunkhouse with six ensuite rooms, the renovation of a former function hall into a café with kitchen and bar facilities, a new on-site shop and an outdoor seating and children’s play area.Planning has also been approved to create eight new glamping units in the form of static tents, yurts, tipis and geodesic domes which will be supported by a new bathing block and parking area.The business currently provides holiday-let accommodation through four lodges which can sleep up to six people. The new scheme is set to complement and extend its accommodation offering in an area of the National Park popular with visitors.Located just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Bellingham, the site formerly known as Brown Rigg School, covers ten hectares. It was constructed by the National Camps Corporation in 1938 and later used as WWII evacuee accommodation and then as a County Council boarding school for outdoor education until its closure in the 1980s.Tony Gates, chief executive at the Northumberland National Park Authority, explains: “This is an exciting sustainable tourism development which will make a positive contribution to the rural economy.“The plans submitted by Brown Rigg Lodges provide new and varied accommodation opportunities for visitors to stay and enjoy the special qualities of our National Park.“The new glamping units will complement existing accommodation in the local area and the scheme also plays an important role in protecting the history and legacy of the site by giving redundant school buildings a new lease of life.“The conversion is set to ensure their preservation and enable an established rural business to expand which will also benefit the trade of other businesses in the area.“During 2016 Northumberland National Park Authority has approved 96% of all planning applications. We are committed to supporting the sustainable growth of rural communities within the National Park, whilst safeguarding the environment and historic character of the landscape.”

Voting opens from 8am Tuesday 7 February to decide the winner of VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar 2017.The competition, run by VisitEngland and supported by The Daily Mirror, features 10 shortlisted candidates who need your votes to win and be crowned Tourism Superstar 2017. Visit mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar to watch a short film featuring the Superstar finalists and have your say on who takes the title by casting your vote online from 8am Tuesday 7 February.http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/british-breaks/vote-now-decide-who-your-9736671 The voting will open on Tuesday 7 February and the winning Tourism Superstar will be announced during English Tourism Week 2017 (25 March - 2 April). VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said: “The sheer calibre of this years’ entrants is testament to the outstanding customer service that is the foundation of England’s tourism industry. I really encourage you to join in and vote as we celebrate our Tourism Superstars who consistently go above and beyond customers’ expectations, and who contribute so much to ensure visitors have a great time.”VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar initiative is in its sixth year and recognises the heroes within the industry who far exceed the call of duty to ensure visitors have the most amazing experience.Kevin Robson, Tour Guide and Owner of Wild Dog Outdoors is the Northumberland nomination.Kevin set up Wild Dog Outdoors in 2013 and is primarily a tour guide of Hadrian’s Wall, providing insightful and passionate tours on the Wall’s Roman and ancient history. He delights in regaling visitors with tales of Northumberland’s place in Britain’s history and exploring the iconic sites within the county. Anyone who goes on a tour with Kevin is treated to secret stories and anecdotes, usually the reserve of archaeologists and historians, which bring the locations to life. Most of all Kevin loves to enchant all those around him, using his skills to bring the magic of Northumberland to life. Other shortlisted candidates are:Gemma Garwood, Falmouth Town Crier, CornwallGemma, 32, is currently the youngest Town Crier in the UK. She has been in the role since March 2016 and quite literally shouts Falmouth’s praises whilst walking round the town making people smile. Gemma is very active in the local community and eagerly spreads the message of Falmouth as a premier tourism destination far and wide. She is a trained performer and took on the role with the aim of breathing new life into an old tradition. Gemma does more than just shout about her town, she helps improve it, for example she coordinated spring cleaning efforts with local businesses in March 2015 and will be getting stuck in again this year. Most recently she was involved in the GB High Street of the Year Awards and is currently organising a competition to elect a young Town Crier for Falmouth from local primary schools.Peter Jay, Volunteer, Cotswold Water Park Trust, WiltshirePeter has been a volunteer for the Cotswold Water Park Trust for more than five years during which time he has had a significant impact on the visitor experience. As the Water Park is spread over three counties, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and a bit of Oxfordshire and has 150 lakes, it can be a confusing place for the first time visitor. Peter helps tourists navigate the area and all its activities by manning an information desk at the busy Gateway centre, which sees more than 250,000 visitors annually. Every Saturday and on many Bank holidays and school holidays Peter, and often his wife Jenny, can be found helping visitors with advice, leaflets, maps, local information and much more and always with a friendly smile and an enthusiastic disposition. Peter is known for ‘going the extra mile’ with visitors whether by helping a Japanese tourist whose hire car had a puncture or locating the owners of lost car keys. In addition to manning the desk, Peter manages 12 volunteers on the information desk, drawing up the rota and training new volunteers.Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, Co-founders of Accessible Derbyshire, DerbyshireGillian and Jane set up the registered charity Accessible Derbyshire 2014 to raise awareness of the wide-ranging challenges faced by disabled people, their families and carers as both visitors and residents. Drawing on and inspired by their experiences of raising three children with a range of physical and mental disabilities, they work tirelessly to improve access to accommodation, attractions and activities across the Peak District and Derbyshire area. They do this by sharing information offering practical help and investing in equipment and support services. They also offer training and advice to a broad range of businesses, organisations, groups and individuals. The charity’s motto is: “one life, live it”.Karl Gibson, Pub Landlord, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, NottinghamKarl has been running Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem since 2012. The pub, which is said to be one of the oldest pubs in England, dates back to 1189, and the cellars, where the beer for the castle was once brewed, are set in the caves of the adjacent Nottingham Castle and date back to 1070. In addition to his landlord duties, Karl also provides tours of the infamous pub cellars free of charge and acts as an unofficial tourist information centre. He is very knowledgeable about the city of Nottingham and its attractions as well as its history and enjoys enlightening visitors with tales of medieval brewing techniques and revealing the cellars gory history which saw prisoners chained to the walls.Duane Dibartolomeo, Owner, Grosvenor Fish bar, NorwichDuane has owned the Grosvenor Fish Bar since 2012 shortly after he first landed on England’s shores. Originally from Miami, he spent much of his later life in New York before selecting Norwich as his home. Duane has brought his own American brand of customer service to Norwich and meets and greets every customer. He entertains the queue with his humour and banter and speeds up the process with his knack for remembering regular customers’ usual orders. Duane has a larger than life personality and is a warm and welcoming host who goes out of his way for his hungry customers. He is not just a fish and chip shop owner but acts as a tourism advisor helping visitors decide what to visit in Norwich, where to shop and what to look out for.Alan Anderson, Park Ranger, Auckland Castle, DurhamAlan has been a Park Ranger at Auckland Castle for more than 17 years and still works tirelessly to maintain its deer park and gardens to the highest possible standards. Alan unlocks the park daily at 5am – even on Christmas Day – and is out come rain, snow or shine maintaining 200 acres of ancient parkland and woodland and enhancing the natural habitat of the local wildlife. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities Alan works with students from local schools who are at risk of being expelled, mentoring them and teaching them about the park and its wildlife. This work has been so successful that one of the students is now hoping to become an apprentice at Auckland Castle. Alan is a truly warm and engaging person and is a real treasure of the Castle. Full of knowledge, passion, enthusiasm and dedication, he is always happy to lend a hand and has become a firm favourite for many visitors. Liz Hill, Founder, Rural Concierge, HerefordshireLiz started her own business in 2013 providing travel itineraries and tours to visitors and residents for groups and individuals. Liz is passionate about Herefordshire and making it accessible for all to visit the attractions and gems of the county. Rural Concierge is primarily online, but Liz can also be found at her kiosk in Hereford’s Butter Market. Along with her team, where they come face to face with visitors providing them with a wealth of information and advice about how to get ‘off the beaten track’ within the area. And this is how Liz delivers above and beyond what would be expected of a tourism professional and why she won the Best Rural Tourism Business Award at the National Rural Business Awards in 2016. Paul Schofield, City Tour Guide, Hull & East YorkshirePaul is a freelance English Heritage Accredited tour guide mainly focusing on the city of Hull and the East Yorkshire market town of Beverley. Paul is an unassuming, dedicated local hero and ambassador for Hull and East Yorkshire. For the last 28 years, rain or shine, Paul can be found at the head of a group of visitors uncovering the hidden treasures of Hull to tourists. Paul’s depth of knowledge of the area, its history and its people truly enhance the experience for all those who tour the city with him. He talks about everything from the architecture, to its ties to the abolition of slavery and the historic importance of Hull in England’s history. His welcoming and friendly nature combined with his enthusiasm and passion for the region are what made Paul the only double winner of the Remarkable Yorkshire Passion Award at the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Tourism Awards in 2010 and 2016.Leye D Johns, Host & Compere, Viva Blackpool, LancashireLeye started his working life in the NHS but, as a natural showman, what had been a second job as a live entertainer took a more serious turn when he and a co-investor set up Viva Blackpool. In 2012, Viva Blackpool transformed a large empty Mecca Bingo Hall into a one room entertainment and events complex, dedicated to providing quality entertainment to Blackpool’s residents and visitors. Despite a tough start Leye has persevered with his demanding role putting a smile on the faces of more than 50,000 visitors. In the process he has brought much needed jobs to the local community whilst supporting numerous charities. Viva is a year round venue ensuring visitors are entertained and leave Blackpool with happy memories.

Eighties music icons Heaven 17 will be one of the many attractions at a new look North East Chilli Fest next year. Organisers have confirmed that the ever-popular celebration of food, drink, music and entertainment will be bigger, longer and take place in a new spectacular location."After five amazing years at Seaton Delaval Hall we want to take the Chilli Fest to a new level and for that we need a far bigger space,” said Mark Deakin.But the festival, which each year has attracted thousands of visitors over a weekend, will not be moving far. Its numerous stalls, bars, marquees and stages will be set up on a 27 acre event site in Seaton Sluice overlooking the sea.“We had lots of offers to go elsewhere,” said Mark, “and it might have made sense, but we live nearby and know that so many people from around here really love popping along.”The 2017 Chilli Fest – which for the first time is taking place on three days: 30 June, 1 and 2 July – also attracts people from all over the UK. A camping area will be set up next to the main site and festival goers are being offered early bird tickets to help them maximise their experience at a reasonable price.“Given all the uncertainty about going on holiday abroad, I think 2017 will definitely be the year of the staycation,” said Mark. “So we want to make it a festival to remember, with something for everybody.”There will be tents devoted to comedy, cabaret and dance. There is going to be a Kids Zone, an Alternate Zone and – in addition to Heaven 17 who headline on Friday night – numerous musical acts, including Smoove and Turrell, Nick Pride and The Pimptones, Dennis, SoShe and the Monster Ceilidh Band. Although the Chilli Fest celebrates everything to do with our fiery favourite, the vast range of food available is designed to suit all tastes. “I love Christmas as much as anybody, but at this time of the year when it’s cold and dark you also need something to look forward to and note in your diary,” said Mark. “That’s why we’re announcing it now.”Tickets for the event are on sale through the 2017 Chilli Fest website:A pass for all three days costs £20. There are a limited number of early bird tickets available for £15. A weekend pass plus camping costs £30 person and there are a range of tickets available for each day from £8 - or £5 for an early bird discount. Tickets for children under five are free and it is £3 for children aged between five and 15.

Lindisfarne Festival, which is held at Beal Farm overlooking Holy Island, has been shortlisted for best Grass Roots Festival at the UK Festival Awards 2016, following a phenomenal second year in September 2016. The over 18’s event which has enjoyed year on year growth of 30% in revenue and footfall are also releasing their first wave of early bird tickets for the 2017 event on Monday 28th November, the same day they will find out if they have won the coveted award. The annual UK Festival Awards, sees the cream of British festivals being recognised for hard work, vision and creativity in what has been an exceptionally challenging year for the industry.The Grass Roots Festival Award recognises the courage, commitment and often personal sacrifice invested by their organisers, but also celebrates their dedication to retain the authenticity of their festival brand keeping them close to their original roots, supporting local communities and new music whilst maintaining an independent spirit and resisting commercial saturation.Conleth Maenpaa, Founder of Lindisfarne Festival said;“As a young, independent festival, it is an honour to be shortlisted alongside some of UK’s most established events. In just two years, we have come a long way from a concept to now being recognised as not only the number one music festival in the North East but also a well-regarded player on the UK festival scene.I won’t sugar-coat it; it’s been a hell of a tough ride to get here. Last year was a struggle for both ourselves and the festival industry on the whole. The industry is changing, as we see many festivals unfortunately pulling the plug (eg: Wickerman, Down to the Woods) and others such as T in the Park forced to take a year or so off. We almost had no choice but to sell-out in order to push ahead but on deep reflection we feel our team, our festival-goers and our region deserves better than a corporate driven, money-hungry, festival monster. That’s not what Lindisfarne Festival is about.Lindisfarne Festival is all about creating community and providing a safe & fun place where people can get together, escape the day-to-day, and immerse themselves in new experiences and great music (across 6 stages) in an area of outstanding natural beauty. We have turned down big investment from corporates so that we can maintain our much loved grass-roots vibe and hope to continue to grow organically year-on-year, by listening and learning from our customers and getting bigger and better as we go.”Conleth added;“The first batch of early bird tickets for the 2017 event go on sale on Monday 28th November and we are encouraging people to buy early- not only to save money, but to enable us to secure the best acts and deliver the best line up possible.”Lindisfarne Festival 2017 takes place 31st August – 3rd September. A limited number of Early Bird tickets are available at only £65 for the weekend (Fri – Sun) and £75 for the full festival (Thurs – Sun), saving up to £25 on face-value tickets which will be priced at £99 for (Thurs- Sun) tickets and £89 for (Fri- Sun) tickets, which will go on sale in the New Year.

NORTHUMBERLAND has been announced as the winner of the Silver award in the Best UK Holiday Destination/County at the prestigious 2016 British Travel Awards.The announcement was made on 23 November at a glamorous Gala Awards ceremony, held in London and attended by close to a thousand travel industry people.For a team with just six full-time members of staff, it is a great achievement for Northumberland Tourism. Still seen as a relatively ‘hidden gem’ within the tourism industry, this is the third consecutive time Northumberland has claimed a Silver at the awards, surpassed only by long-standing tourism giant Cornwall.Just a day after a successful night for Northumbrian businesses at the North East England Tourism Awards, Northumberland Tourism director Jude Leitch is thrilled with the result:“Once again, this is a great result for Northumberland, showing the county is consistently within an elite handful of counties much-loved by tourists around the UK.“Whilst we didn’t achieve the top spot, we placed higher than Yorkshire and Devon – two very popular destinations. This is something of which we can be extremely proud.“This year’s social media voting campaign “Share the Northumberland Spirit” highlighted the locations and landmarks around the county which make Northumberland so special and unique, encouraging visitors and residents alike to vote for Northumberland. In a time where staycations are becoming increasingly popular, we hope our Silver award recognition will encourage an even bigger portion of the general public to come and see our beautiful county for themselves.“We want to thank voters, supporters and everyone involved for their overwhelming support throughout the campaign.”British Travel Awards’ chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said:“Northumberland is to be congratulated on winning Silver for Best UK Holiday Destination/County. Competition was fierce this year with more companies entering the competition than ever before - but ultimately it is the travelling public who decide the winners by voting for the travel companies they consider the best in the business. The British Travel Awards is the largest awards programme in the UK and to win is truly an accolade and testament to the great products and services travel companies offer to their customers.”

Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Wark, Northumberland, is celebrating after winning a record three Gold awards at the 2016 North East Tourism Awards.The sustainable hotel, restaurant and observatory achieved the Gold Awards for Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Pub and the Taste Award, as well as winning a Bronze in the Hotel of the Year category and a Highly Commended Award for Dog Friendly Business.This is the first time in the history of the awards that a business has won three Gold Awards in the same year.Katie Meyrick-Scott, general manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have won not just one but three North East Tourism Gold Awards. To also receive Bronze and Highly Commended awards in two further categories is a huge achievement for us and is fantastic recognition for the hard work of all the team. We’re now looking forward to representing the North East at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2017”.Organised and delivered by the NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance, the North East England Tourism Awards showcase the high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors to the region. The winner of each category is automatically entered into the annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which will take place in April 2017.Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said “A huge congratulations to Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant for winning three golds at this year’s North East England Tourism Awards. As always the businesses shortlisted were of an extremely high standard so to not only win one gold award but three is a great achievement. The North East of England has a fantastic tourism offer, and Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant are one of many businesses playing a key role in welcoming visitors to the region.”More information about the awards can be found at www.NorthEastTourismAwards.com.

The shortlist for the North East England Tourism Awards has been announced today (21 October 2016), following another record breaking year for entries. (Full shortlist detailed below)Playing a major role in showcasing the range of high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors across the North East, the awards have continued to grow year on year. Of the 143 entries this year, over 60 businesses entered the awards for the first time – 20 of which have made this year’s shortlist.Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said “It’s fantastic to have another record breaking year for entries and I’m delighted to see so many new businesses enter the awards.“The tourism sector continues to thrive as the quality and variety of tourism businesses in the North East of England maintain such a high standard. I’m always impressed to see the outstanding work the finalists have delivered and I look forward to celebrating their achievements with them at the awards ceremony in November.”This year sees the addition of three new categories; ‘Guided Tour of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Property of the Year’ and ‘Dog Friendly Business’.55 applications made this year’s shortlist from a wide range of tourism businesses across Country Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.The 2016 ShortlistBoutique Accommodation / Small Hotel of the Year Carraw Bed and BreakfastThe CliftonThe Lindisfarne InnThe Commissioners Quay InnBed and Breakfast Guest Accommodation Greycroft B&BThe Grange B&BSt Cuthbert’s HouseThe Old Manse @ ChattonBusiness Tourism Award Seaham HallCrown Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson QuarterEvent Durham, Durham UniversityRockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & SpaDog Friendly – New category Northumberland Self Catering Cottages Ltd (Mains Cottages)Bracken Hill Farm CottageBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantSouth Causey InnGuided Tour Victoria TunnelSerenity Farne Island Boat ToursIles ToursCullercoats Bike & KayakHoliday Park of the Year Northumbrian Water - Kielder WatersideHeathergate Country ParkSpringhouse Country ParkHotel of the year Ramside Hall HotelLangley Castle HotelRockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & SpaBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantInclusive Tourism The Hog’s Head InnGo North EastNational Glass CentreTyneside CinemaLarge Visitor Attraction Life Science CentreSage Gateshead / North Music TrustBeamish, The Living Museum of the NorthSelf-Catering Holiday Provider The Old Stables KnitsleyEllingham HallNorthumberland Self Catering Cottages Ltd (Mains Cottages)Mill Granary CottagesSelf-Catering Property Woodside LodgeBracken Hill Farm CottageSmall Visitor Attraction South Tynedale RailwayBowlees Visitor CentreCullercoats Bike & KayakRSPB SaltholmeSustainable Tourism Durham UniversitySt Cuthbert’s HouseBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantTaste Award Durham University CateringColmans of South ShieldsMartineau Guest HouseBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantTourism Pub The Angel of CorbridgeThe Tankerville ArmsThe Lindisfarne InnBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantKatie Meyrick-Scott, General Manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant (pictured), said: “On behalf of all the team at Battlesteads, we are delighted to have been shortlisted in five categories for this year’s North East England Tourism Awards. The North East is home to so many fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses and so it is an honour to be recognised by the leading tourism awards in the region. We are looking forward to celebrating with all of the other shortlisted businesses at the awards ceremony.”Northumbrian Water are supporting the awards for the fifth consecutive year, joined by Gateshead College as the headlines sponsors for 2016.David Hall, Head of Leisure, Strategy & Transformation at NWG said: “We are delighted to support these awards for the fifth year in a row, they showcase the very best the North East has to offer those visiting, living and working in the region. From spectacular coastlines, vibrant cities and fantastic heritage sites to our own breath taking Kielder Waterside there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Tourism is a vital part of our economy and it’s great to celebrate success.“All nominees should be rightly proud of the valuable contribution they play in strengthening the economy of the region and regenerating the area for local communities.”Ivan Jepson, director of business development at Gateshead College, said: “The North East Tourism Awards is a fantastic celebration of all the amazing experiences that our region has to offer. We are thrilled to have been part of the judging once again and can’t wait to recognise those organisations that really go the extra mile for their guests. We’re also very proud to have some of our talented students working with NewcastleGateshead Initiative this year to help make the event a huge success.” The results will be announced at the glittering celebration on 22 November at Newcastle Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall, hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle breakfast show presenter, Alfie Joey.

The leaves are changing colour, and the nights are drawing in but we’re determined, before winter arrives, to have one last week of autumnal fun here at South Tynedale Railway. After that we close until we start our Santa’s Toyland Railway events in December, so we don’t have much time left!Our ‘All About Autumn’ week during half term (24th – 29th October) will be full of seasonal fun and activities for kids of all ages, with trains running every day until 30th October, culminating in our Halloween Spooktacular.Join us in our Activity Hub during the week for traditional games such as conker-duelling, corn dolly making, and leaf rubbings; or why not indulge in a henna tattoo, or a spot of face painting? We’ll have a treasure hunt around the station to keep you on your toes, and as we love quizzes, we’ve planned a special Autumn Quiz to ensure that every brain cell is kept busy while you’re visiting us.Our Halloween Spooktacular on 30th October will make a fabulously scary finale to our main operational season. Visit our witch’s cave and see if you can identify the mysterious body parts! Pick your wound or disease and have the Carlisle College students make you up with their theatrical make-up. And show off your best fancy dress costume (we’ll be wearing ours).

Northumberland has triumphed in the 2016 Family Traveller Awards, winning ‘Best UK Region for Families’ at the awards ceremony at The White Company’s flagship store in London last night. From over 1600 nominations across the 25 award categories, a shortlist of just over 300 was drawn up by the Family Traveller team before going to a public vote and expert judging from a panel including the Family Traveller editor Jane Anderson, broadcaster and writer Mariella Frostrup, BBC's Simon Reeve, travel editor of The Times Jane Knight, and Elle magazine’s travel & lifestyle director Sue Ward Davies.There was also joy for accommodation providers Coastal Retreats, who came runner-up in the ‘Best UK Accommodation - Group’.It is a good omen for the 2016 British Travel Awards next month, in which Northumberland is the only North East county in England to be nominated for ‘Best UK Holiday County/Destination’. Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “We are thrilled with this award. We were up against strong competition in the category so to be recognised as the best by both the judges and the public shows Northumberland has something really great to offer visitors of all ages, including families.From the wilds of Northumberland National Park, Kielder Water & Forest Park and the North Pennines, to the beautiful sandy beaches and seaside towns on our coast, there is something for everyone. We hope this will inspire travellers young and old to discover Northumberland for themselves.”

Opportunities for visitors to live the wild life at Kielder Water & Forest Park will be created with the support of new funding of more than £330,000 made possible by National Lottery players.At the end of 2015, an initial Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £17,700 was handed to the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust to develop its ‘Living Wild at Kielder’ project. This has now been followed with an additional £336,300 from HLF.The project will help create “nature hubs” to allow people to experience and learn about the area’s special animals and plants. This will be complemented by a year-round events and activity programme.The Trust will create wildlife trails from Stonehaugh, Falstone and Greenhaugh villages with support from the local community. It will also work with businesses to increase take-up of the events and activities, while wildlife ambassadors and volunteers will inspire and engage with visitors.Lynn Turner, Director of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “The wildlife that lives within Kielder Water & Forest Park is incredibly diverse and impressive, so the creation of an increasing array of opportunities for people to experience and learn about the species and habitats is fantastic.“The awarding of this new support from the Heritage Lottery Fund is wonderful news for the ‘Living Wild At Kielder’ project. With this enhanced offering for nature lovers, alongside the largest man made lake in northern Europe and England’s largest working forest, the attraction of Kielder as a destination for visitors goes from strength to strength.“The park is already well known for walking and cycling, as well as its Dark Skies status. This funding adds even more, with different experiences to be had throughout the year.”As part of ‘Living Wild at Kielder’, there are plans to improve visitor interpretation boards and support the long-term protection of the Park’s wildlife, particularly at Bakethin Nature Reserve which provides an important sanctuary for local plants, birds and other wildlife. The Trust will be working alongside Newcastle University School of Architecture students to create a new wildlife hide and visitor welcome point at Bakethin.New nature trails are planned around Kielder Castle, linking to Kielder Salmon Centre and there will be a new wildlife themed exhibiton at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre.The award-winning Park is home to England’s largest red squirrel population and in 2009, ospreys returned to the area following an absence of more than 200 years in Northumberland.Nick Mason, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Development Manager said “We are delighted that money raised by National Lottery players is going to help us bring nature and people closer together at Kielder, adding to the significant attractions of the Forest Park.”Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “Kielder Water and Forest Park is already a popular attraction in Northumberland and this project provides a fantastic opportunity for thousands of visitors to venture further into the park and experience the incredible natural heritage it has to offer.“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, ‘Living Wild at Kielder’ will have a transformational and lasting legacy for Kielder’s visitors and wildlife.”Northumbrian Water, Forestry Commission, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency will help deliver the project with the Trust, with the support of Northumberland National Park Authority and Newcastle University.

iBikeRide have announced today the start of the campaign to find the top UK trails and bike parks of 2016. Now in it's 4th year the Trail of the Year campaign will decide the top trails through rider ratings and reviews on the iBikeRide site.Kielder Mountain Bike Trail at Kielder Water & Forest Park is representing Northumberland. You can vote for them by leaving your review here.Daniel Mintz, Director of iBikeRide.com said "The Trail of the Year campaign exists to give credit and publicity back to the most deserving trails and bike parks in the UK and more importantly give recognition to the local trail communities, organisations and businesses that make them the successes they are. We invite all riders to come share your experiences."This year the Trail of the Year campaign is sponsored by some great brands like BikePark Wales (last years winner), East Coast Adventure, Dirt Factory, One Planet Adventure and many more. Thanks to these sponsors, iBikeRide are offering riders the opportunity to win some amazing prizes. Every rating and review written enters a prize raffle that will will drawn on New Years day and the more trails you rate and review the more chance you have of winning.Dan Makin, Dirt Factory Director, said: "We are delighted to support the iBikeRide Trail of the Year 2016. The UK has some fantastic trails in all regions and the quality of riding on offer seems to get better year on year. With the iBikeRide Trail of the Year award, the mountain bike community can vote on and celebrate their favorite riding destinations. Get riding and then get voting!"Martin Astley, Director, BikePark Wales is quoted as saying "The iBikeride.com trail of the year awards mean a lot to us at BikePark Wales as the winner is chosen by the riding public. We've been thrilled to win categories the last couple of years."Jennifer Cumming, Director East Coast Adventure in Northern Ireland said "East Coast Adventure is delighted to be involved with iBikeRide. Our Mountain Bike Centre in Rostrevor offers xc and downhill trails to all levels of riders. With the addition of our Glamping Pods it gives our customers a seamless mountain bike/Glamping holiday experience. Rostrevor MTB trails are the home training grounds for Irish DH champs in both Juvenile, Youth, junior women & womens' categories. We're keen to see more visitors to the area and do everything we can to assist our visitors and ensure they want to come back again and again."