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.

As tour fever grows, people are being encouraged to use social media to share their experiences of the Aviva Tour of Britain as it journeys through Northumberland.Residents, visitors and cycling fanatics alike can use the hashtag #NlandTOB on Twitter to share photos and comment on the country’s biggest cycle race.The tour's route includes Wooler, Alnwick and Warkworth on Wednesday 9th September, before finishing the stage in Blyth. The following day will see the cyclists starting in Prudhoe, journeying along the Tyne Valley to Hadrian’s Wall and into Cumbria. Northumberland County Councillor Val Tyler, Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “It’s great to get as many people involved as we can in the Tour of Britain.“A sporting event of this scale passing through Northumberland is fantastic for the area, and social media is a way for spectators to share this stage of the race with people from all over the world.”For more information on the Aviva Tour of Britain visit www.nlandtob.com

Some of Northumberland’s most iconic castles and monuments will be showcased to the world when the Aviva Tour of Britain rides through the County in three weeks’ time (Wed 9-Thur 10 September).When stages four and five of British Cycling’s premier road race pass by iconic tourist attractions like Hadrian’s Wall and Warkworth Castle, the aerial broadcast cameras will showcase the region’s stunning landscapes and buildings live to hundreds of thousands of ITV4 viewers.On the ground, thousands of spectators are also expected to line the route to catch a glimpse of the most successful cycling race teams in the world including ‘Team Wiggins’ and the Great Britain Cycle Team also known as ‘Team Sky’. But it will be a case of blink and you miss them, as the teams speed through the towns and villages of Northumberland at around 35mph.With this in mind, English Heritage is offering all Tour of Britain spectators the opportunity to visit historic properties on or close to the route at a discounted entry on 9-10 September. Visitors can benefit from two for one entry* at Housesteads Roman Fort, Prudhoe Castle, Etal Castle and Warkworth Castle, meaning they can watch the race and then enjoy a daytrip within the county too.Warkworth Castle is expected to be a popular location to watch the race. Built because of its strategic location on the river Coquet high up on a mound, the imposing stronghold of Warkworth Castle will offer the perfect vantage point for spectators to watch as the race passes right by during stage four which is from Edinburgh to Blyth on Wednesday 9 September. The route also goes close to the villages of Ford and Etal.On Thursday 10 September, stage five starts in the town of Prudhoe. Beginning not far from the castle, the race then runs alongside the River Tyne and up to Hadrian’s Wall before crossing over the Cumbrian border and onto the Lake District. Anyone following the race can enjoy a visit to Prudhoe Castle and Housesteads Roman Fort and get two for one admission. Cycle enthusiasts stopping at Housesteads can also visit the ‘re-fuelling’ station in the car park and enjoy a free cup of tea / coffee on offer if you arrive on a bike.**Two for one entry only applies to the named English Heritage sites on or close to the route on Wednesday 9-Thursday 10 September. Free entry valid when a full price ticket is purchased. Tea and coffee at Housesteads is only free if you arrive at Housesteads Roman Fort by bike on Thurs 10 Sep. The re-fuelling station will be situated in the car park.Full route information, parking, road closures and spectator point details visit the Official Northumberland Tour of Britain website

In celebration of The Tour of Britain heading to Northumberland, the team at Sanderson Arcade have been decorating the gallery with vintage bikes this week. The bikes which are on loan from Beamish Museum in County Durham date from the 19th and early 20th century. Some of the bikes are for display only, however some of the bikes are used on a day to day basis around the museum for staff to get around! A selection of the bikes on display were also used in the Emily Wilding Davison bike ride in 2013. Which saw ladies ride from Longhorsley to Morpeth in memory of Emily. The bikes will be on display for a month in the Arcade to mark the Tour of Britain coming to Northumberland on the 9th and 10th of September. Continuing with the bike theme, Sanderson Arcade will also be holding a 10 hour spinathon cycling just under 500 miles with the help from stores at the Arcade and those from the Morpeth Rotary and the charity itself. Stores getting involved in the spinning action are Marks and Spencer, Vodafone, 02, Crew Clothing and more! All of the money raised will go towards Barnabas Safe and Sound, the Arcades chosen charity for the year. Medi Parry, Sanderson Arcade Centre Manager said 'We are really looking forward to having the bikes hanging in our gallery and would like to say thank you to Beamish Museum for loaning us their special bikes. It is certainly something different that we hope people will enjoy when they visit us'. For more information on the latest news and events from Sanderson Arcade go to www.sandersonarcade.co.uk or search for Sanderson Arcade on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This news story was sourced from Sanderson Arcade's website

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark, near Hexham, has been awarded a 2015 TripAdvisor Service Excellence Award for consistently high visitor reviews.The award, announced on Friday 14 August, puts the Northumberland hotel among the top 10 per cent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor.Only outstanding hospitality businesses which maintain an overall rating of four or higher, from a high volume of traveller reviews, are eligible for the Service Excellence Award.This award follows Battlesteads achieving a Platinum level rating in TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Programme in 2014, for reaching the highest standard of environmental friendliness and sustainability.Recent reviews of Battlesteads on TripAdvisor have included comments such as “I am so pleased we chose Battlesteads Hotel, it was lovely. I wish we could have stayed longer, and definitely would return when we get the chance”; “Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant was an absolute delight” and “I thoroughly recommend a stay at Battlesteads. Excellent value, great food, comfortable rooms, lovely welcoming staff and in a pretty village surrounded by stunning countryside.”High praise has also been given for Battlesteads Restaurant, with one reviewer saying “the standard of food is excellent, and portrays the professionalism of the chef in the kitchen” and another adding that “dinner in the restaurant was delicious, and good value for money, the choice at breakfast was also very good and the full Northumbrian breakfast was very tasty indeed”.Richard Slade, owner of Battlesteads said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the TripAdvisor Service Excellence Award and to be rated one of the top hotels in the area. We strive to provide a fantastic experience for everyone who stays in our hotel and eco lodges or eats in our restaurant, and we love receiving such positive feedback through TripAdvisor reviews. TripAdvisor is incredibly influential among travellers and receiving this award will help assure guests booking a stay here that they are making the right choice.”For more information on Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant visit www.battlesteads.com

Local bus company Arriva North East has recently invested in a fleet of new buses for the X18 route along the Northumberland coast. The X18 connects Newcastle and Morpeth with Alnwick and Berwick passing through some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the country.The bus company and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership are asking photographers to capture shots of the new buses against the stunning backdrop of the Northumberland coast and will be offering prizes for the best photographs.The AONB Partnership has worked with Arriva to encourage visitors to the area to use the bus instead of their car as part of their ‘car-free coast’ campaign. They think images of the new buses passing the ancient castles, fishing villages and the beautiful beaches of the Northumberland coast will encourage more visitors to use the bus.Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East said: “The X18 route is one of the most beautiful journeys in the country. The bus passes Warkworth and Bamburgh Castles, visits Craster harbour and skirts the beautiful Budle Bay on its way to Berwick. The buses are easy to spot with their new MAX liveries, we are really looking forward to seeing some great shots!”Iain Robson from the AONB Partnership said “Getting visitors to use their cars less by walking, cycling or using the bus is one of our main aims. Using stunning images is one of the ways we can encourage more people to use the bus. Most of the major attractions now offer 20% discount to bus passengers and great-value ticket deals make bus-travel affordable”The new buses have the MAX livery, comfortable e-leather seats, free wi-fi and are all low-floor, making them easily accessible. Most of the buses on the route are double-deckers, giving passengers fantastic views across of the coastline.Photographers should submit their best photos by email to [email protected] by the 31st October 2015. Arriva have offered £150 prize for the winner as well as weekly bus passes for runners-up. Full details and terms and conditions can be found at www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org

BBC Two at 7.30pm - Mon 27 July to Thurs 30 July inclusiveThis new four part documentary series celebrates the 50th anniversary of the stunning Pennine Way, presented by polar adventurer and ocean diver Paul Rose.Paul and the team from BBC Yorkshire pulled on their hiking boots last summer to explore the 268 mile trail, which was officially opened in 1965. It stretches from Edale in the Derbyshire Peak District to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border.Paul Rose says: “I've spent my life leading science expeditions to the most remote and challenging places on earth. I've skied across the Greenland Icecap, made first ascents of Arctic mountains and run an Antarctic Research Station. Yet right here on my doorstep is the Pennine Way - a world class challenge! Exploring the Pennine Way has been surprising, a privilege and huge amounts of fun.”From the highest pub in England to the Roman excavations at Hadrian’s Wall and the red squirrels of Northumberland to the blustery Helm Wind of Cumbria, Paul Rose discovers the wildlife, geographical features and people that make the Pennine Way so distinctive and challenging.In the first episode Paul travels from Edale to Calderdale. He tells the story of Tom Stephenson, the man who fought landowners and governments to win public access to the full length of the route. Stephenson’s friend Sylvia Franks talks about his battle.Paul also meets author and director Barrie Rutter who recalls some of the literary greats who have lived near the route including Ted Hughes and the Brontës. And Paul visits Heptonstall to ask why the South Pennines have never had the full recognition they deserve.

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark, near Hexham, has added to its growing awards collection by scooping the Considerate Special Commendation Award at the 2015 Considerate Hotel of the Year Awards for their continuing efforts to develop a sustainable, successful business.Announced at a gala lunch at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London on Friday 3 July, the awards, held by Considerate Hoteliers, celebrate the hotels around the world leading in environmental, sustainable and socially responsible practice.This is the third time that Battlesteads has picked up a Considerate Hotel Award – owner Richard Slade received the ‘Good Egg’ award for his relentless hard work and innovative approach to eco-tourism in 2013, and the hotel was also crowned Considerate Hotelier of the Year in 2011.The award was presented to owners Richard and Dee Slade by John Firrell, Chairman of Considerate Hoteliers, who said: “I have been fortunate to have witnessed Battlesteads emergence as trailblazer and mould breaker over the years, and they represent the perfect example of what a Considerate Hotel should be - welcoming, friendly and inviting with a responsible consideration for taking care of the planet and its precious finite resources and a social responsibility towards guests, staff and the local community.“This situation didn't magically appear. It was the dedication, innovation, hard work and sheer bloody-mindedness of the Slades that saw a dilapidated and run-down village pub emerge into the triumph that it is today. They work tirelessly and continue to seek ways to introduce new eco and marketing initiatives, always developing the business, and it is this approach and attitude that has earned them their latest accolade - the Considerate Hoteliers Special Commendation Award.”The award adds to the catalogue of accolades Battlesteads has received to support their green credentials, having previously achieved a Platinum level rating in TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Programme in 2014, won Green Hotel of the Year at the Hotel Cateys in 2011 and a Gold Star Award at the 2011 Green Tourism Awards. The hotel and restaurant also has Three Star Sustainability Champion status, awarded by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).Richard Slade, owner of Battlesteads said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by the Considerate Hoteliers with the Special Commendation Award as eco-friendliness, sustainability and social responsibility are all things we pride ourselves on. These awards recognise the hotels around the world which are setting the examples for the rest of the industry to follow, including acclaimed institutions such as Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons, and it is an honour to be named among them.”For more information on Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant and to book one of the new luxury eco-lodges visit www.battlesteads.com.

Live music lovers are in for a real treat the weekend of July 25th and 26th, when Alston’s toes will be tapping to the sounds of a wide range of musical talent. “Alston Live” festival kicks off its second year on Saturday 25th July at Tyne Willows field, and to complement this event South Tynedale Railway are host to a number of musicians on Sunday 26thJuly.Passengers on the trains running at 10.45; 12.15; 2.15 and 3.45 will be able to enjoy music around Alston station; on the platform and on the trains. Visitors attending “Alston Live” just need to present their event wrist band here on the Sunday, and they will get a 10% discount off ticket prices, remembering that all CA9 postcode residents already qualify for a 50% discount all year round.Our ‘wandering minstrels’ include:Happy jazz from Lazy River Jazz Band who play vintage jazz and hot dance numbers from the 20s and 30s.Last Night's Rain perform a mix of folk and acoustic music on fiddle, vocals and guitar. This sister duo recently made their debut performance at the Folkworks Hexham Gathering. Both are members of the Sage Gateshead's youth group, Folkestra.Mount Hooley Band include acoustic banjo, fiddle, guitar and sax. They enjoy performing a mix of country and banjo based music and promise a train theme!Lazy River Jazz Band will also be entertaining the families with musical fun including activities like “Spot the pocket trumpet” and “Guess what’s in the case”.There will be a range of home cooked food and drinks available in the Buffer Stop café and, as always on operating days, the station shop offers souvenirs, local & railway books and, of course, ice-cream!Heather Palmer, General Manager, “We are delighted to support Alston and the Alston Live music event with our own Steam Live event. I know that the music on the platform and on and around our heritage steam locomotives will provide a great atmosphere on the Sunday which I am sure our visitors will enjoy”.

This year Music at Paxton celebrates its 10th anniversary, and will be working with local caterers and produce for their buffet suppers, which take place prior to the concerts at the weekend in the Hayloft Gallery at Paxton House.With performances from internationally acclaimed cellist Natalie Clein, winner of 2004 Young Musician of the Year pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, prizewinning young Quartet from Germany Notos Piano Quartet and former BBC New Generation artists from Germany Signum Quartet, the buffet suppers are a perfect way to enjoy the Music at Paxton’s ‘experience’. MUSIC AT PAXTON BUFFET SUPPER MENUS Menu 1: Friday 17 and Saturday 25 July 2015Pork, pistachio and apricot terrine, wrapped in Parma ham, with gooseberry relishTomato, spinach and goat’s cheese lasagneSeared peppered tuna with samphire, olive oil and lemonGrilled chicken Caesar salad***Free-range egg salad with toasted sesame butterCarrot, orange and sunflower saladSummer herb leaf saladBaby new potatoes***Chocolate truffle torteHazelnut meringue roulade with strawberries and creamRaspberry cranachanCoffee and teaPrice: £24Wine available by the glass or bottle MUSIC AT PAXTON BUFFET SUPPER MENUS Menu 2: Saturday 18 and Friday 24 July 2015Indian chicken and mango salad with mint yoghurtSweet pickled herring and gazpacho saladPenne with asparagus, prosciutto, feta and pestoPea, mint and ricotta frittata***Spiced beetroot saladBaby new potatoesMoroccan couscous saladSummer herb leaf salad***Vanilla white chocolate mousse with syruped kumquatsZesty lemon tart with raspberry compôteSummer berry pud with Chantilly creamCoffee and teaPrice: £24Wine available by the glass or bottle Find more information about the festival on our website at Music at Paxton