Northumberland has won Silver in the Best UK Holiday Destination/County in the prestigious 2015 British Travel awards last night. Rising above well-loved tourist destinations Devon and the Pembrokeshire Coast, the county was just pipped to the post by tourism giants Cornwall, who took Gold for the seventh time in a row. It has been a long wait since voting closed at the end of September. Hot on the heels of a hugely successful night at the 2015 North East England Tourism Awards earlier this week, the team at Northumberland Tourism couldn’t be happier with the result.Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “This is a great result for Northumberland, showing the county is considered amongst the top visitor destinations in the UK.Far from being disappointed, for a county sometimes known as England’s last ‘hidden gem’ to place second to an established brand such as Cornwall for the second time in a row is hugely encouraging. It shows a consistent popularity with the general public and that we’re a real contender in terms of staycation destinations. To place ahead of destinations Devon and the Pembrokeshire Coast is something of which we can be very proud.We want to thank voters, supporters and everyone involved for their overwhelming support throughout the campaign.”The voting campaign aimed to encourage visitors and residents alike to vote for Northumberland and “Share the Northumberland Spirit”. This year, local businesses and attractions have been key to the push for success by consistently encouraging their social media followers to vote, as well as great support from local media.Also giving their support were a range of famous Northumbrians and others with links to the county including Sting, Robson Green, Jack Charlton, and Ann Cleeves, author of the ‘Vera’ crime novels on which the hit ITV series is based.Ann Cleeves said: “The Vera of my books captures the spirit of Northumberland. She’s rugged, individual, but worth getting to know. However, the country is much more beautiful.”Spearheaded by Northumberland Tourism in partnership with Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council, all organisations have been thrilled with the level of support throughout the campaign.Councillor Valerie Tyler, Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “Our rise in recent years to become one of England’s most loved destinations is down to the excellent people and spirit we now have in place to deliver Northumberland as a great place to visit.“Northumberland County Council and our delivery partner, Active Northumberland see tourism as being absolutely critical in growing the economy of the county and we are working tirelessly both directly and through our partnerships to achieve sustained growth.“Businesses now see the value in the visitor economy and spurred on by the national profile we have achieved through our collaboration on the Tales From Northumberland TV series, they are feeling confident about their offer and are investing in superb facilities and quality experiences for our visitors.”

It was a fantastic night for Northumberland businesses at the 2015 North East England Tourism Awards last night.In her welcome speech at the event, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative Sarah Stewart said this year’s awards were “the biggest yet” which saw a record-breaking 120 businesses submitting entries into the awards. From there, 58 businesses were shortlisted across 15 awards categories showcasing the wide variety of quality tourism businesses throughout the North East region.Northumberland businesses were shortlisted in eleven categories. From that, they scooped seven Gold awards, along with a further five Silver, five Bronze and four Highly Commended awards.It was a particularly successful night for St Cuthbert’s House B&B, who won Gold for both ‘Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Tourism’. Other Gold award winners were Bamburgh Castle Inn, Leaplish Waterside Park, Morpeth Tourist Information and Craft Centre, Blacksmith’s Cottage, and Kielder Observatory. All winners now have the opportunity to compete nationally at VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence in 2016. In last year’s awards, Northumberland business Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa won Gold in Large Hotel of the Year and went on to win Gold nationally, meaning they were officially recognised as the best in the country.Jude Leitch, Director of Northumberland Tourism, is thrilled with the result: “This is a fantastic achievement for Northumberland businesses. Our tourism offering is growing year on year, so it is great to see all efforts rewarded with such regional recognition.With this year seeing the largest volume of applicants into the awards, every category is highly contested. However, special recognition has to be made to St Cuthbert’s House, winning two Gold awards. As past winners of VisitEngland’s Best B&B of the Year, their consistently excellent offering to guests really must be admired. Along with all of the Gold award winners, we wish them every success in the 2016 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.”The full list of Northumbrian winners:Tourism Pub of the YearBamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses - GoldThe Angel of Corbridge - SilverHoliday Park/Village of the Year Leaplish Waterside Park, Kielder - GoldSpringhouse Country Park, Slaley – BronzeVisitor Information Provider of the YearMorpeth Tourist Information and Craft Centre - GoldBerwick-upon-Tweed Tourist Information Centre - BronzeAccess for All TourismThe Hog’s Head Inn, Alnwick – SilverCalvert Trust Kielder – Highly CommendedTourism Event of the YearNorthumberland County Show – Highly CommendedTaste of England Northumberland Cheese Company – SilverSelf-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year Blacksmith’s Cottage, Alnham – GoldHesleyside Huts - SilverSpringhill Farm Holiday Accommodation, Seahouses - BronzeCalvert Trust Kielder – Highly CommendedSmall Hotel of the YearNewton Hall – SilverDoxford Hall Hotel & Spa – BronzeSmall Visitor Attraction of the Year Kielder Observatory – GoldBed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the YearSt Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses – GoldThe Old Manse, Chatton – BronzeSustainable TourismSt Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses – GoldSlate & Nature, West Woodburn – Highly Commended Image: Morpeth Tourist Information and Craft Centre, Gail Johnson

The historic colliery site at Woodhorn Museum will be transformed into a magical landscape for Woodhorn’s Weekend of Wonder on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December.The two days will be filled with music, light and fun for the whole family; including the popular Christmas craft fayre with its fabulous selection of gifts, food and treats from some of the best makers and crafters from across the region.During each day artist Bethan Maddocks will be welcome families to take part in free art workshops. Glass jars will be turned into kaleidoscopes of colour and images inspired by fire, light, nature and industry. Visitors will then see their own mini works of art incorporated into a beautiful and dazzling sculpture as darkness falls.The Woodhorn site itself will receive a magical make over as renowned outdoor art performance company, Walk the Plank, transform the grounds into a magical Fire Garden. Accompanied by a unique soundscape, the stunning and inspirational sculptural garden will gradually shimmer and glow as the daylight begins to fade. As dusk falls, flame and foliage combine, trees flicker and crackle and extraordinary flowers belch great plumes of fire as visitors explore the captivating landscape. Rachel Adam, Director of bait who has co-commissioned the Weekend of Wonder said, “We’re really excited about welcoming families to see the site transformed using fire, light and sound”“As dusk falls the Fire Garden will illuminate. Visitors will be invited to explore flame lined paths among copper flowers that breathe fire, carefully carved flaming flower boxes and scorching sculptural trees. Musical Director Mariam Rezaei will lead local bands and choirs in live performances through the garden, with the opportunity for visitors to join in!”Woodhorn’s Director Keith Merrin believes this fantastic weekend will be a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to get into the seasonal spirit.“With everything that’s going on, including Father Christmas checking out who’s been naughty and nice in his stable grotto, a pop-up photo moon-booth and, for the very first time at Woodhorn, the opportunity to go skating on a huge rink in the historic Pit Yard, the Weekend of Wonder really does have something to thrill all ages.”The Weekend of Wonder is open 11am – 6pm on both days. Admission is free, with all day parking just £3.50. Arriva will be operating a bus service direct to Woodhorn from Ashington bus station on both days from 1.30pm (last bus returns 6.15pm).Charges apply for Father Christmas and the WonderIce rink (scientifically engineered surface and structure that lets skaters glide just as smoothly as on real ice).Skating and Father Christmas will also be available every weekend from 28 November up to Christmas plus Monday 21 – Wednesday 23 December.After school skating sessions will also be available on Thursdays and Fridays 3.30pm – 5pm between 3 and 18 December.

Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was probably England’s greatest landscape designer. His life and times will be celebrated in 2016 with a kaleidoscope of events centred round his Northumbrian birthplace at Kirkharle, just off the A696.Starting at Easter time with an evening fireworks display and torchlight procession round Capability’s serpentine lake beside Kirkharle Courtyard, volunteers dressed in period costume will be on hand to offer information and guidance, helping visitors to enjoy the whole ‘CB’ experience, with refreshments provided.Two book signings will take place at Kirkharle during the year. John Phibbs, principal of Debois Landscape Survey Group, is a renowned garden historian and author with more than 30 years’ experience of planning and management of historic landscapes, conser­vation and restoration planning. He has written eloquently about Capability and his work. His landmark book on Brown, often described as ‘England’s greatest gardener’ and titled “Place-making, the art of Capability Brown” was published by Rizzoli this year. Artist Tim Scott Bolton has been painting Capability Brown landscapes across the UK, and will be signing his book, titled “Capability Captured” illustrating these paintings. He explained: “We are seeing the Brown landscapes in their late maturity and certainly in a more magnificent state than he ever saw them in. The now lofty trees were then only then in his imagination.” Details on the website when dates are confirmed.A timetable of events will be available for visitors from Easter onwards and will include an invitation to families to plant new trees into Capability’s landscape. There will also be trips to nearby Rothley Low Lake, another Capability gem.Events will climax with a birthday Flower Festival starting on August Bank Holiday Friday in Kirkharle’s St Wilfrid’s Church, where the great man was baptised on 30 August 1716. Also on Friday evening Alexander Armstrong will be in concert – another local boy made good and now internationally renowned. On Saturday historian and broadcaster John Grundy will deliver a talk about Brown, his Kirkharle life and the extent of his influence on English landscapes.A service of thanksgiving for the life and work of Capability will take place in St Wilfrid’s on Bank Holiday Sunday and on Monday there will be a traditional fete, including displays of traditional crafts. Guided walks to St Wilfrid’s Church and round the Lake will be a regular feature of the ongoing celebrations. Brown himself walked to school from Kirkharle to Cambo every day, a distance of five miles, and the landscape through which he walked stimulated his imagination. He began his gardening career under Sir William Loraine at Kirkharle, but his dreams of limitless landscapes in ‘an image of heaven’ had to wait until he moved south some 23 years later, establishing his considerable reputation and making his fortune.Join the celebrations at Kirkharle through 2016 and share in the 300th birthday party for a very unique man.Admission is free to Kirkharle Courtyard: www.kirkharlecourtyard.co.uk Some events will be free and others by ticket only. Check the website for more details as they become available.

One of the biggest and brightest annual meteor showers will be happening again in December and Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant’s newly opened observatory is offering the perfect viewpoint to see all the action.Taking place every December, the Geminids meteor shower is one of the most prolific that can be seen from the UK, with hundreds of meteors lighting up the sky throughout the night.Sitting at the edge of the Northumberland National Park, Battlesteads observatory has some of the clearest views of the night skies and is an official Dark Sky Discovery Site – meaning on a good night you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.With the best chance to see an earthgrazer (a slow-moving, long-lasting meteor) in the early evening, guests can enjoy the stargazing before retreating to the Battlesteads restaurant for a three-course dinner featuring fresh, local produce, home-grown vegetables, a choice of local ales and carefully chosen wine list.To celebrate the meteor shower, Battlesteads is offering a special one-night hotel, dinner and stargazing package on Sunday 13 December, for just £80 per person based on two people sharing a room. An optional upgrade to one of the hotel’s new eco lodges is also available, for £40 per room supplement.Battlesteads is the only hotel in the UK to have an on-site observatory, which can accommodate up to 25 budding or seasoned astronomers and is equipped with the latest telescopes chosen for their technical prowess and ease of use.The observatory runs courses targeted at all levels of stargazer, from introductory ‘Get to know your telescope’ sessions to sessions focusing on identifying and tracking some of the night-sky’s star performers.To book the Geminids meteor shower package, email [email protected], call 01434 230 209 or visit www.battlesteads.com

Opening on the 7 November at Gallery 45, the residents artists, designers and makers that make up studios@gallery45 have been down into the woods....Using their wide variety of media they have taken the theme, and explored the textures, colours and forms of the woods that make up part of the rich diversity of the Northumbrian countryside. Offering a feast for all the senses, this exhibition of all new work includes unique pieces that showcase the talents of these creatives.As we move through November into December, the work on show will change to reflect the passage of the season.The work on show will include glass, leather, print making, collage, painting and drawing, edible art, and textiles.There will be an event to meet the artists on Saturday 5 December from 2 - 4 pm to which everyone is welcome. This will provide an opportunity to talk to the artists and learn more about their work.In conjunction with this exhibition there will be an evening of acoustic roots and country music with a modern twist with guest musicians Jinski. This is a ticketed event and details can be found at www.studios45.co.uk

World-famous botanist and TV personality, Professor David Bellamy has a golden endorsement for a green North East holiday destination.His conservation award has been won by Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park for the 12th consecutive year.David Bellamy said the tourist hub in Kielder Water & Forest Park is: “a very special place that is one of the jewels of Northumberland.”And the park at Leaplish, which has been awarded the David Bellamy Gold Award for conservation since 2004, is one of his favourite places to visit.The former Durham University professor, said: “Kielder is, without doubt, one of my favourite places to visit and, as it’s close to where I live, it’s somewhere I’ve often gone for a day trip.“Both the forest and Kielder water itself are beautifully peaceful and full of wonderful wildlife-from adders to osprey. It’s a special place that is one of the jewels of Northumberland.“I am delighted to be able to say that Leaplish Waterside Park works incredibly hard to do its best to conserve the wildlife around it and to help people get the most out of their visits to this special place.“The site is managed in as environmentally sensitive a way as possible and every opportunity is taken to help guests get a sight of the many beautiful species that make Kielder their home. It’s a true haven for wildlife and for that I say ‘thank you’.”The award is presented by David Bellamy's Conservation Foundation to businesses that are committed to environmental excellence.The Park is judged on four main factors - wildlife management, reducing use of energy, water and other resources, recycling and supporting local communities.David Hall, Head of Leisure Strategy & Transformation at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re delighted that this is the 12th year we’ve been recognised at gold standard for our effort in maintaining the surrounding natural environment, and personally by Professor David Bellamy.“We work very hard to make significant improvements that protect and enhance the natural world, improving it for the benefit of all, and encourage our visitors to ‘think green’ on site.“We’ve adopted many green technologies and initiatives and over the last few years we have installed energy efficient equipment in all of our lodges and onsite facilities, we work with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to help us manage our dedicated wildlife areas and use a range of Northumberland produce in our menus.”Set on the shore of Kielder Water, the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe, Leaplish Waterside Park provides 32 luxury four and five star lodges, and has facilities for touring caravans.Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is also home to the largest forest in England.It was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England and awarded Gold tier designation by the International Dark Sky Association due to its unspoiled skies and minimal light pollution.

If you go to the Morpeth Wednesday Market on October 28th you’re in for a spooky Halloween treat! The market will be decorated on the day with skeletons, pumpkins and cobwebs to get everyone in the spirit! If you really want to get in the mood for Halloween this year there will also be a free face painter on the market place from 11 am till 2 pm where youngster can be transformed into something spooky from a scary ghoul to a creepy spider!There will also be live music with a whole set of spooky tunes to get shoppers in the mood for the seasonal Halloween activities.The market will feature twenty stalls full of fantastic goods and local produce ranging from those all-important pumpkins to apples ripe for apple bobbing. Julian from Julian’s Fruit and Veg will have GIANT pumpkins on hand for those preparing for the big day on Saturday for only £3.50! And there will be no shortage of delicious treats either at next week’s market – among the mouth-watering seasonal treats will be Benny’s Macaroons as well as ginger-snaps and a delicious range of tempting pies.Geordie Bangers will also be bringing back his famous toffee apple sausages for a real seasonal treat - but don’t miss out as these are on for a limited time only. Morpeth Market is managed by Northumberland County Council and Sanderson Arcade, working in partnership with Morpeth Town Council, Morpeth and District Chamber of Trade and other local organisations through the Morpeth market working group.

The inaugural Lindisfarne Festival which saw around 2000 attendees flock to Beal Farm, Northumberland on 4th-6th September 2015 has been shortlisted in 3 prestigious categories at the UK Festival Awards 2015. The first time festival which proved to be a big hit, has been shortlisted for Best New Festival, Best Small Festival and The Grass Roots Festival award. With winners being decided through a voting system, organisers are asking for the North East to get behind them, to register their votes and help put Lindisfarne Festival firmly on the UK map. The grass roots award in particular resonates with the journey of Lindisfarne Festival. A small festival born from an organic labour of love and a long term dream. With an independent spirit and resisting commercial saturation, it is fair to say that it took a combination of courage, vision and commitment to bring it to the fields of Beal Farm in Northumberland. Conleth Maenpaa, Owner of Nokomis and Bor Events and Founder of Lindisfarne Festival commented: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for 3 national awards so soon after our first festival. We have been thrilled with the positive feedback we have received so far and are currently looking into dates for 2016. Our aim was always to create something the North East could own and be proud of and we feel we have taken our first steps in achieving that and want to build on that success for years to come and make it even better. Winning an award would simply be the icing on the cake but to make this happen, we need everyone to get behind us. Even if people weren’t at the festival itself, they can still register their vote. We thank everyone so far who have got behind us to make this a memorable first time festival and for helping put us on the map.” To vote for Lindisfarne Festival in the UK Festival Awards 2015, visit http://www.festivalawards.com/vote-now/ , select vote now and choose the 3 categories, Best New Festival, Best Small Festival and The Grass Roots Festival award. A drop down box will then appear with an option to select Lindisfarne Festival. Everyone that enters are also given an option to be entered in a draw to win free festival tickets and an ipad mini. Winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on 26th November 2015. Conleth Maenpaa, added “We are hoping to launch dates for 2016’s festival in the next few months, alongside an early bird discounted ticket release. We have had a lot of queries already for 2016 so anticipate interest will be high for our first wave release. Our website and social media channels, will have all the latest information so be sure to watch this space.”

Rugby fans are being urged by English Heritage to explore more than just Newcastle during the Rugby World Cup 2015.Those who have tickets to the three matches taking place at St James’ Park will no doubt have a packed schedule of things to see and do during their time in North East England. As a sweetener, English Heritage has two attractive offers for reduced price entry to two historical visitor attractions specifically for Newcastle Rugby World Cup ticket holders. Julie Ozbek, North Territory Marketing Manager said: “We’re hoping international and domestic Rugby fans will tick off the World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall from their bucket list this October. To encourage visits to English Heritage attractions along the Wall, we’re offering free entry at Corbridge Roman Town, the home of one of Britain’s most influential Roman finds, the ‘Corbridge Hoard’. If Newcastle rugby ticket holders visit both Housesteads and Chesters Roman Forts, they’ll receive free admission to Corbridge Roman Town.“We’re also encouraging Rugby visitors to step into the world of Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens. Belsay’s the perfect day out for the family and we’re offering free entry to anyone wearing an official England rugby shirt. After the thrill of the match, head up to Belsay to enjoy a true Northumberland experience. Stretch your legs in the exotic Quarry Gardens, discover a medieval castle and a grand Grecian Hall with a story like no other.”To support this offer, English Heritage will also be situated at Grey’s Monument on Sunday 4th and 11th October 2015, handing out crowns and chatting to the public about North East England’s historic properties. Families can also pick up a kids-go-free voucher from the team and enter into a prize draw to win a luxury English Heritage hamper. English Heritage’s Rugby World Cup offers apply between 1 and 13 October 2015. Rugby World Cup tickets must be shown. Free entry to Corbridge Roman Town will only be granted on presentation of tickets to both Chesters and Housesteads Roman Fort. Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens’ offer applies to those wearing an official England rugby shirt.More details on opening and ticket prices can be found on www.english-heritage.org.uk

A London-based sculptor has been chosen to create a new piece of artwork for an historic castle in Northumberland. Artist Fiona Curran has been selected by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust to develop a temporary art commission at Kielder Castle visitor centre in Kielder Water & Forest Park.The Trust asked artists and architects across the country to send in proposals for the new piece of art, which will be located in the castle’s grounds and respond to the past, present and possible future uses of the Forestry Commission’s Grade II historic building.Fiona’s proposal will refer to the historic enclosure of the English countryside and she expects it to take the form of a series of sculptural ‘fences’ that enclose an area of the forest close to the castle.The dynamic young artist said: “I am delighted to have been selected for the commission at Kielder Castle and to be able to contribute to the art and architecture commissions that exist, or have previously taken place at Kielder.“The area holds rich and diverse histories that encompass human tales as well as those of the landscape, the flora and fauna. I look forward to encountering these histories in the coming months and to contributing another layer to the ongoing stories of Kielder Castle and its surroundings.”Kielder Art & Architecture Curator, Peter Sharpe, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Fiona on this new commission for Kielder Castle.“The opportunity to bring new creative thinking to Kielder Water & Forest Park’s award winning Art & Architecture programme is always an exciting prospect and I’m sure this new commission will be no exception.”Fiona will begin work on the sculpture over the next few months and it is expected to be unveiled to visitors in spring next year.The new commission is part of a larger strategic project by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust and Forestry Commission England, involving artists Heather & Ivan Morison and Mosedale Gillatt Architects.The project is currently exploring options for the long term future usage and identity of Kielder Castle and the wider western end of Kielder Water & Forest Park.Since 1999, more than 30 permanent and temporary works have been commissioned in the Park with several winning national architectural awards including the Stephen Lawrence Prize, four RIBA awards, three Civic Trust awards and the Northern Culture Award.Kielder Water & Forest Park has become the largest open air space in the UK to experience artworks, thanks to the award-winning Kielder Art & Architecture programme.A series of curator led arts tours, funded by the Arts Council England, mean visitors can now also venture by minibus off the beaten track to a selection of Kielder’s most iconic artworks.The next expedition will take place on Sunday October 25 from Kielder Castle at 1.00pm. For more information see www.kielderartandarchitecture.com.

The Aviva Tour of Britain professional cycle race will receive a warm, and bright, welcome to Wooler when the riders reach the town on Wednesday 9 September.Wooler Cycle Hub organised a Decorate Wooler for the Tour of Britain Party at Wooler Auction Mart on Thursday 20 August which was attended by a number of local residents.Old bikes were among the items being decorated in the Tour of Britain colours, and which will go on display around the town for the arrival of some of the world's top cyclists next month.Beth Mills from Wooler Cycle Hub said: "It was great to see so many local people at the event, and we now have lots of bikes and bunting to decorate the town with in the lead up to the Aviva Tour of Britain."It is fantastic for us to be on the route for the event, which has an international profile, and it will help to further help to establish Glendale as the leading cycling destination in Northumberland."The final Wooler Wheel event of the year, the 'Classic' on Saturday 3 October, has routes of 50 and 100km and is the perfect introduction to cycle sportives but is still demanding enough for more experienced cyclists and can also be a great season wind down for elite riders.Entries for this event close on Sunday 20 September.