There were celebrations all round today following Northumberland National Park’s nomination as National Park of The Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.Northumberland National Park has been nominated for the prestigious National Park of the Year Award by BBC presenter Ellie Harrison after BBC Countryfile Magazine asked experts to draw up a shortlist of nominees for each Award category.Glen Sanderson, Chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “We are hugely delighted to be nominated for the National Park of the Year Award. I am sure that this national recognition will really help put Northumberland National Park even more on the map and attract lots more visitors, allowing them to enjoy our stunning destination. Being nominated is largely down to the fantastic dedicated staff that we have working within the National Park Authority, of whom I am very proud.“The choice we have on offer in our National Park is unique. You can go from walking in the footsteps of the Romans, to stepping further back in time at Iron Age Hillforts, and from taking in the panoramic views into Scotland from the Border Ridge to sampling the local produce and crafts of the Park’s many skilled artisans. Whatever you’re looking for – whether flora, fauna, countryside activities, history, culture including the distinctive Northumbrian music and dialect or simply just somewhere to escape from it all – we have it in abundance.”The BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015-16, now in their fifth year, are a celebration of Britain’s countryside and its people from great heritage attractions and favourite holiday destinations, to the best nature reserves and the finest rural pubs. The 2015-16 Awards launch in the January 2016 issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine, on sale 18 December 2015, and feature 11 categories.Fergus Collins, editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, commented: “With increasing pressures on the countryside and wider natural environment, it’s even more vital to shout about what makes rural Britain so special. Our annual awards help champion our landscapes, our wildlife and our country heroes. This year’s nominees represent the best of rural Britain and are exceptional examples of what the UK’s countryside has to offer.”Help ensure Northumberland National Park wins the National Park of the Year Award by voting online via the BBC Countryfile Magazine website: http://www.countryfile.com/awards2015-16Voting closes on 31 January. The winners will be announced in an online ceremony in March and will appear in the May issue of the magazine (on sale 8 April). Postal votes are also accepted: Write to: BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards, BBC Countryfile Magazine, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN

The National Trust has come up with seven great days out to ensure you avoid spending all of your Christmas time off indoors. From stargazing to family days out and great winter walks, here are some top suggestions for things to do over the holidays… Twximas at Seaton Delaval Hall Don your festive jumpers and bobble hats and bring the whole family, including the dog, and explore Seaton Delaval Hall over the twixmas period. They’ll be open from 11am to 3pm from 27th - 31st December 2023, welcoming visitors who want to walk off their Christmas dinner, try out their new bike or scooter and meander around the gardens. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seatondelavalhall Festive Christmas Decoration Making Enjoy making a Christmas decoration at Cragside. Families can make their own unique decoration made from wood, taking a piece of Cragside home with you and a memory you can treasure always. To find out more visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside  Visit a castle Lindisfarne Castle opens every year on certain days between Christmas and New Year so that you can escape to the tranquillity of Holy Island and enjoy a relaxing post-Christmas day out. After a bracing walk along the coast, warm up inside the castle and discover a holiday home by the sea like no other. For more information and opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarnecastle Enjoy a Christmas Craft This year enjoy making something for a loved one or for yourself at one of Wallington’s Christmas craft workshops, from book folding to wreath making, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information and to book one of their workshop events visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington  Go for a walk Heading out for a Boxing Day or New Year's Day walk is a tradition for many families. If you fancy trying a new route this year, you can take inspiration from National Trust rangers who work in the countryside all year round. They’ve suggested their favourite winter walks at places like Hadrian’s Wall, the Northumberland Coast, Wallington and Cragside. You can find the list and download a route at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northeast You can find out more about attractions and activities you and your loved ones can enjoy this winter by exploring our blog, including the best winter walks, the most delicious winter food, including Sunday lunches, Christmas markets to visit in the region, as well as the best things to do on the lead up to the big day.

Friends of the North Pole will be making the trip to the Arcade on December 12th from 10am till 4pm.The reindeers will be bringing the magic of Christmas to the centre with the chance for young shoppers to meet and feed them throughout the day.The reindeers are owned by Richardson Garden Centre of County Durham who started rearing them several years ago. The reindeer can be found by the Arcade’s festive display in the piazza area.On the same date the ‘Garden of Remembrance’ will be officially opened next to The Tree of Light by the Duchess of Northumberland.Morpeth First School will be performing Christmas carols at 3pm with the garden being officially opened at 3:30pm by the Duchess of Northumberland who will unveil a plaque at the garden and place the first light.Messages for loved ones can be left on the Tree of Light and children can also place a light in the garden of remembrance which will be lit for 72 hours.The proceeds from the project will go to the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Cancer Research North East and Barnabas Safe and Sound – the Arcade’s chosen charity for the year.Centre Manager Medi Parry said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the reindeers back to The Arcade; they’re always so popular with the children in the run up to Christmas.“It is also an extremely special day for us here and we cannot wait to welcome the Duchess of Northumberland to the Arcade to open the Garden of Remembrance.”Sanderson Arcade will also have free mince pies and mulled wine with live music every Sunday throughout December.Other entertainment in December includes the ever popular Tom Wylie, New Dickensians and the Vieux Carre Jazzmen.

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.”