It’s official! Northumberland has England’s Best B&B and Holiday Village! Two Northumberland businesses have been awarded Gold as winners of their categories at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014 ceremony.The Gold award is the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism in England which VisitEngland can bestow, the awards being presented at a glittering awards ceremony held on 12th May 2014 at The Jockey Club at Cheltenham Racecourse. Both winners are from the seaside town of Seahouses, making it the new must-visit destination in England. St Cuthbert’s House won the B&B/Guest House of the Year category and Seafield Park won the Holiday Village of the Year category, meaning visitors to Northumberland are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality accommodation.Also recognised in the awards was Leaplish Waterside Park at Kielder, who received the Bronze award in the Holiday Village of the Year category. Commenting on the Awards, James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said “We received hundreds of applications of an exceptionally high quality making the competition for a Gold Award extremely tough. It is therefore a tremendous achievement for two Northumberland businesses to win a Gold Award, the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism which VisitEngland can bestow. They have raised the bar for excellence for others to aspire to and I warmly congratulate them both on their exemplary contribution to tourism in this country." Jude Leitch, general manager of Northumberland Tourism added “I’m delighted that three of Northumberland’s accommodation providers have been recognised as the best in England, and congratulate all of them on their hard work and dedication to providing the highest levels of quality and service. Their success in the Visit England Awards for Excellence proves that visitors to Northumberland can expect a welcome that is second to none!”

Windsurfing at Kielder Water Sailing Club (KWSC) was given a boost earlier this week in the form of a £9000 grant from Sport England.Over the past few years, windsurfing at Kielder has been on the crest of a wave, as Windsurf Instructor Brian Coates explains: "In just a few short years Kielder Water Sailing Club has gone from no windsurfing to a successful Team15 youth racing team and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre recognised for all levels, from Start Windsurfing through to freestyle, racing, intermediate and advanced skills.""The £9000 Sport England grant is for our windsurfing project "More Families Afloat More Often," said KWSC Chief Instructor, Julie Gibbon. "This builds on our "Families Afloat" project which began in 2012.""The new grant will allow us to buy a number of intermediate windsurfing boards and rigs and a trailer to transport up to 10 boards and rigs to windsurfing events, both in the north east and country wide."One windsurfer at Kielder who also loves competing around the country is Jane Vallance, Captain of the KWSC RYA Team15 youth racing squad:"I love windsurfing because it's an exciting sport that anyone can do. Kielder is a great place to windsurf and, because the lake is shared with other water sports, it gives you the chance to try new things. There's a lot of equipment available that anyone of any age can use; there are opportunities to become an instructor and/or race in a team and everyone is very supportive.""Kielder Water Sailing Club is also a friendly and family orientated club with an active social calendar," continued Brian Coates. "New members, whatever their experience, are always welcome. So if you are a windsurfer already, or just fancy having a go, please come along to the club and see it for yourself."May 2014 is National Watersports Month and Kielder Water Sailing Club is one of many clubs around the region taking part in the RYA Push The Boat Out weekend on 17/18 May 2014. The club will be open to visitors from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 17th May. Visitors can take a trial sail on the lake with an experienced club member and afterwards enjoy food and drinks from the club galley and soak up the friendly, family atmosphere. Anyone wanting to sail, please bring some old clothes and a wet or drysuit, if you have one. Buoyancy aids will be provided.For more information about Kielder Water Sailing Club visit www.kielderwatersc.organd to find out more about Push The Boat Out and your nearest RYA sailing club or training centre visit:http://www.rya.org.uk/programmes/pushtheboatout/map/Pages/NorthEast.aspx

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership is holding a photography competition this summer to find a cover-shot for their 2015 Northumberland Coast Visitor Guide.The image on the front cover of current Visitor Guide, of an Arctic Tern on Inner Farne, was taken by last year’s winner, Robert Birnie from Suffolk. Robert said “It's great to think that forty-thousand copies of my shot have now been reproduced on the cover of the Visitor Guide and that it will encourage people to explore more of the Northumberland coast”Cllr John Woodman, Chair of the AONB Partnership, who helped to judge last year’s competition said “It was really interesting to look through the entries and such a difficult job to choose a winner. First impressions count, so it is really important to have a stunning front cover that will encourage visitors to pick up a copy and read it.”The winner will not only have their photograph on the front of forty-thousand Visitor Guides but will also receive a half-day photographic experience with local photographer Andy Craig.Photos submitted can be of virtually anything, but to be eligible, the photo must have been taken within the Northumberland Coast AONB in 2014.Images need to be submitted in an electronic format and be of a high enough resolution to be used on the cover of the guide. More advice, previous visitor guide covers and the full set of rules are on the AONB website www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org. The closing date for entries is the 1st October 2014.

St Cuthbert’s House has been named as a finalist in the Guest Accommodation category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014.As a finalist St Cuthbert’s House now goes forward to the glittering Awards Ceremony which is being held on Monday 12 May 2014 at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire.Owners Jeff & Jill Sutheran will have to wait until the Awards Ceremony to find out which award they will receive – but as finalists are guaranteed to receive either a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award.James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said “We receive hundreds of applications each year, of an extremely high standard, so it is a tremendous achievement for St Cuthbert’s House to be named as a finalist and to represent the top five in their category in England.”After a long and painstaking restoration and conversion of the disused church - which carefully integrated many original features like the pulpit and communion table - the business opened seven years ago, providing high-quality guest accommodation in six ensuite bedrooms. It has built a strong reputation, bolstered by its 5-star grading from VisitBritain and recommendations on peer-review websites like Tripadvisor.Owner Jill Sutheran said: “It’s a real honour for us to be selected as a finalist for the National Award. There are some fantastic tourism businesses from around the whole country in the mix, and to be named amongst the top five is just wonderful. It’s good for our business of course, but we’re also pleased to be talking about the Northumberland coast as a wonderful place to visit!”

Former British Olympian and world record holder Steve Cram has unveiled plans today for the fifth Kielder marathon.This year, Britain’s most beautiful marathon, will take place on Sunday October 5 2014, and will once again follow an off-road route around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water in Northumberland.Hugely successful and popular with outdoor adventure enthusiasts around the UK and further afield, Kielder marathon returns with new headline sponsors, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.Popular athletics commentator and event director, Steve Cram, said: “I’m delighted that we’re back for a fifth time, maintaining our long running title as ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’.“This year I’m pleased to welcome on board our new partners, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council. We very much look forward to working with them to continue developing the Kielder Marathon weekend as a real destination event for all active people across the UK.“The star of the show continues to be Kielder Water, a perfect stage for the most beautiful running and cycling event in the UK.”Councillor Val Tyler, policy board member for community infrastructure and culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “I can’t think of a more beautiful or inspiring place than Kielder to walk, run or cycle as part of a day out or holiday with the family.“Kielder Marathon is going from strength to strength each year and I am very proud that Northumberland County Council is supporting Active Northumberland to sponsor this year’s event. We want to encourage more people to get active and experience the brilliant outdoors offer we have on our doorstep.”The marathon has become a firm favourite in the racing calendar thanks to its spectacular setting and unique course. At approximately 26 miles long it is the ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge. Event organisers are expecting up to 3,000 runners to take part in the gruelling event.The event will start and finish at Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park and be part of a whole weekend of activities for all ages and abilities, including the Kielder 10K which takes place on Saturday October 4. The other events are Kielder Run Bike Run relay and the Kielder Junior Races for children.Last year a record breaking number of entrants took part in the Run Bike Run, which saw more than 200 bikes in use at the transition stations!Maxine Mayhew, Commercial Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to host this hugely successful event year on year, and in such a spectacular rural environment.“Held over two days, the events of the whole weekend can give a boost to the local economy and showcase all that the region has to offer.”Marathon places will be allocated on a first come first served basis – there is no ballot this year. Runners who deferred their place last year will be contacted separately. To book a place log on to the event website atwww.kieldermarathon.com. For enquiries telephone 01434 689040 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).Last year’s winner was champion Ceri Rees, who retained his title from 2012 with a winning time of 2hr 43min 55sec. The first female to cross the finish line was Victoria Nealon from Warwickshire with a winning time of 3hr 22min 41 sec.The Kielder Marathon team is delighted to be working with Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.Bruce Ledger, Head of Leisure Services, from Active Northumberland, said: “Active Northumberland is proud and delighted to sponsor the 5th Kielder Marathon. “We are keen to support and encourage the success of this great event as we are passionate about inspiring local people to live healthier and physically active lives.”Northumbrian Water is once again hosting the event in Kielder Water & Forest Park which will be jointly organised by DS Media & Events.THE EVENTSKielder 10K on Saturday 4 October 2014 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £20 for affiliated/ £22 unaffiliated runners General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £23 for affiliated/ £25 unaffiliated runnersKielder Run-Bike-Run on Saturday 4 October 2014 For individuals or teams of three – the marathon route in three stages. First, an 11k run, second a 26km cycle ride and finally 5km sprint. Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £50 for individuals/ £70 for teams General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £60 for individuals/ £80 for teamsActive Northumberland Kielder Marathon on Sunday 5 October 2014 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £30 for affiliated/ £32 unaffiliated runners General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £35 for affiliated/ £37 unaffiliated runnersKielder Junior Runs on Sunday 5 October 2014 £8 for all age groups The Osprey (880m race for children aged seven to nine) The Roman Mile (1.48km race for children aged ten to twelve) The Centurion (2.5km race for children ages thirteen to fifteen)

Relaxing in style in one of the newly refurbished lodges at Leaplish Waterside Park. Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park has been named as a finalist in the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014.The lodges and caravan park at Kielder Water, Northumberland is set to go head to head with top tourism destinations nationally, at a glittering awards ceremony held at Cheltenham Racecourse on Monday 12 May 2014.The holiday destination has been recognised in the Holiday Park of the Year category, meaning it is guaranteed to receive Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended.Leaplish was awarded Gold in its category at the North East England Tourism Awards in November last year and in addition has been selected to represent the North East at the upcoming national awards.This award continues the roll of honour for the whole destination, Kielder Water & Forest Park, which scooped Gold in the Tourism Experience of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013.The VisitEngland Awards attracted 368 national applications for the 2014 Awards – an increase of 15% on 2013.Maxine Mayhew, Commercial Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “Leaplish has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, and to be ranked among the best holiday parks that England has to offer is a fantastic achievement.“Everyone involved has worked really hard to come this far and we are very proud to fly the tourism flag for the North East.”James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, said: “I would like to congratulate all those nominated as finalists for this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. “We receive hundreds of applications each year of an extremely high standard, so it is a tremendous achievement for Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park to become a finalist and to represent the top five in their category in England. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck for the Awards Ceremony in May”The shoreline of the largest man-made lake in northern Europe is the spectacular setting for 32 luxury Scandinavian lodges and 99 touring pitches, each one boasting a panoramic view stretching over the vast lake and forest.Since the build of the giant Kielder reservoir over thirty years ago, Northumbrian Water has led the development of Kielder Water & Forest Park as a tourist destination and in the last year, overnight stays at Leaplish Waterside Park have increased from 72% to 80%.The lodges at Leaplish have recently been renovated to five star standard and offer a stargazing heaven, located within Northumberland International Dark Sky Park - the largest Dark Sky Park in Europe.‘Like’ Kielder Water & Forest Park on Facebook – www.facebook.com/kielderFollow Kielder Water & Forest Park on Twitter - @visitkielderFor more information contact Janine Scott, Communications Advisor (Kielder Water & Forest Park) on 0191 301 5538 or [email protected].

Work has commenced on the £76,000 makeover of Kielder Water & Forest Park Forest mountain bike trail network. The Forestry Commission is putting a call out for local people to help complete part of the work.The date for the next trail build is Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April.Over the next few months volunteers are needed to help build new sections of bike trail. Work has already commenced on sections of the vast mountain bike trail network with help from the Kielder Trail Reavers (local volunteer mountain bike club) but more volunteers are needed.Partnership funding has been achieved through Northern Lands Project, which is supported by the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007-13 through Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. In-kind support comes from Kielder Trail Reavers and Northern Downhill, who have both used the network for events have contributed to maintenance of the trails over recent years. Forestry Commission project funding comes from monies raised from visitor parking within the park.Alex MacLennan, Recreation and Public Affairs Manager for the North East Forestry Commission explains,“It’s a very exciting time for Kielder Water & Forest Park 2013 was one of the busiest years for the park and on the mountain bike trail network since they were built- the great thing is mountain biking is popular all round and this is key to rural tourism businesses. In 2014 we are seeing a number of repeat events and also some new for the North of England such as an all night bike ride taking place on Lakeside Way raising funds for charity. We now need mountain bikers who love and use the largest forest in England to join the volunteer teams and help push the projects through to completion. A lot of mountain bikers love the forest, but don’t realise how important it to support the trail building locally.“If people can spare us a few hours or even a day or two it would be great – and a terrific opportunity to meet like-minded people and contribute to the ongoing popularity of Kielder Water & Forest Park.”To get involved in the trail building, visit www. kieldertrailreavers.co.uk or contact the Kielder Forest Recreation Ranger Team on 01434 250209For more information please contact [email protected] or call 07966 378 968

Former British Olympian and world record holder Steve Cram has unveiled plans for the fifth Kielder marathon.This year, Britain’s most beautiful marathon, will take place on Sunday October 5 2014, and will once again follow an off-road route around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water in Northumberland.Hugely successful and popular with outdoor adventure enthusiasts around the UK and further afield, Kielder marathon returns with new headline sponsors, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.Popular athletics commentator and event director, Steve Cram, said: “I’m delighted that we’re back for a fifth time, maintaining our long running title as ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’.“This year I’m pleased to welcome on board our new partners, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council. We very much look forward to working with them to continue developing the Kielder Marathon weekend as a real destination event for all active people across the UK.“The star of the show continues to be Kielder Water, a perfect stage for the most beautiful running and cycling event in the UK.”Councillor Val Tyler, policy board member for community infrastructure and culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “I can’t think of a more beautiful or inspiring place than Kielder to walk, run or cycle as part of a day out or holiday with the family.“Kielder Marathon is going from strength to strength each year and I am very proud that Northumberland County Council is supporting Active Northumberland to sponsor this year’s event. We want to encourage more people to get active and experience the brilliant outdoors offer we have on our doorstep.”The marathon has become a firm favourite in the racing calendar thanks to its spectacular setting and unique course. At approximately 26 miles long it is the ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge. Event organisers are expecting up to 3,000 runners to take part in the gruelling event.The event will start and finish at Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park and be part of a whole weekend of activities for all ages and abilities, including the Kielder 10K which takes place on Saturday October 4. The other events are Kielder Run Bike Run relay and the Kielder Junior Races for children.Last year a record breaking number of entrants took part in the Run Bike Run, which saw more than 200 bikes in use at the transition stations!Maxine Mayhew, Commercial Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to host this hugely successful event year on year, and in such a spectacular rural environment.“Held over two days, the events of the whole weekend can give a boost to the local economy and showcase all that the region has to offer.”Marathon places will be allocated on a first come first served basis – there is no ballot this year. Cost of entry is £37. Runners who deferred their place last year will be contacted separately. To book a place log on to the event website at www.kieldermarathon.com. For enquiries telephone 0845 155 0236 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm). Last year’s winner was champion Ceri Rees, who retained his title from 2012 with a winning time of 2hr 43min 55sec. The first female to cross the finish line was Victoria Nealon from Warwickshire with a winning time of 3hr 22min 41 sec.The Kielder Marathon team is delighted to be working with Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.Bruce Ledger, Head of Leisure Services, from Active Northumberland, said: “Active Northumberland is proud and delighted to sponsor the 5th Kielder Marathon. “We are keen to support and encourage the success of this great event as we are passionate about inspiring local people to live healthier and physically active lives.”Northumbrian Water is once again hosting the event in Kielder Water & Forest Park which will be jointly organised by DS Media & Events.THE EVENTSKielder 10K on Saturday 4 October 2014 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £20 for affiliated/ £22 unaffiliated runners General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £23 for affiliated/ £25 unaffiliated runnersKielder Run-Bike-Run on Saturday 4 October 2014 For individuals or teams of three – the marathon route in three stages. First, an 11k run, second a 26km cycle ride and finally 5km sprint. Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £50 for individuals/ £70 for teams General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £60 for individuals/ £80 for teamsActive Northumberland Kielder Marathon on Sunday 5 October 2014 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £30 for affiliated/ £32 unaffiliated runners General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £35 for affiliated/ £37 unaffiliated runnersKielder Junior Runs on Sunday 5 October 2014 £8 for all age groups The Osprey (880m race for children aged seven to nine) The Roman Mile (1.48km race for children aged ten to twelve) The Centurion (2.5km race for children ages thirteen to fifteen)

OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) has announced that it’s new event “OMM Bike Spring” will take place in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, the headquarters will be based at Hawkhope, Kielder Dam, Falstone, NE48 1BB. This is part of OMM's commitment to get more people active outdoors using both their physical and mental muscles.After the 2012 Olympics there was an upsurge in cycling across all categories. In 2013, in spite of increased government funding the numbers fell. The charity CTC report that those who cycle to work have a 39% chance of living longer than non-cyclists. Non-cyclists take up to 18% more time off sick than regular commuting cyclist. The message is simple, cycle your way to good health. The Government's recent ‘Moving More, Living More' initiative aims to create a more active nation as part of the ongoing effort to build a 'legacy' from the London 2012 Games. It will be promoted as a team approach across government and all sectors.The choice of Kielder for this new event was obvious. Northumberland has a growing reputation for year round mountain biking with some excellent specialist trails for all abilities such as Kielder Water and Forest Park which has an extensive network of off-road trails, as well as the family friendly Lakeside Way – a 26 mile trail that encircles the shoreline of Kielder Water. These facilities were one of the reasons Kielder Water and Forest Park was voted 'best tourism experience' at the 2013 Visit England awards.Stuart Hamilton, OMM Events Director says: "Putting all the above together can anyone afford not to take part in OMM Bike Spring. Northumberland is host to superb classic mountain bike routes. Whichever route or route combination you choose, you will find an amazing mix of varied and continually changing landscapes and countryside which will set the scene for a truly memorable two wheeled journey of discovery. Added to this is the “OMM” dimension, the challenge of navigation using a map and compass."The OMM Bike Spring is a two day mountain bike endurance race requiring teams to navigate around the area collecting as many points as possible. The event offers two different courses, both returning to the HQ overnight, and is for individuals or teams of two from the age of 14. Steve Willis has returned this year to plan the courses for both the spring and autumn events so expect some seriously challenging riding! Book through the OMM website. www.theomm.com/events.

Wildlife lovers in Northumberland are being urged to look to the sky for signs of incoming ospreys. The iconic species – which was extinct in England for over 150 years – has bred successfully in Kielder Water & Forest Park every season since it returned to the North East in 2009. Last year, the rare birds even produced four bouncy chicks from two nests – a record number since their return. Now the clock is ticking down on the much anticipated return of the adult birds, with the male hopefully arriving back this week and the female following soon after for a romantic reunion. Kelly Hollings, Estates Officer from Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s very exciting and we’re looking forward to our birds returning again this year. “According to a birding website there has already been an osprey sighting reported at Kielder on 25 February. This was the first sighting of an osprey in the UK but local staff and enthusiasts have yet to spot one. Let’s hope 2014 is a successful breeding year for these magnificent birds.” At over 250 square miles, the mix of forest and water is perfect for the species. The ospreys feast on trout from the largest man-made lake in northern Europe, Kielder Water, and nest among England’s largest working forest. Cameras installed by the Forestry Commission in two out of four of the nesting platforms, will beam footage into Kielder Castle and Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park for visitors to enjoy. Elisabeth Rowark, Director of Kielder Water & Forest Park, added: “The ospreys and the Kielder Osprey Watch are a huge hit with visitors to the area. “It’s fantastic that we had a record number of birds fledge the nest last year and even more exciting, in December, a chick which fledged from Kielder in 2012 was spotted in its wintering grounds in Senegal, Africa. Fingers crossed their success story will continue.” Kielder Osprey Watch is organised by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, with support from the RSPB. The partners are working hard to ensure that the ospreys are here to stay by maintaining a high quality habitat in Kielder Water & Forest Park and safeguarding and monitoring the nest site. To find out more, go to www.visitkielder.com. To post osprey sightings go to the VisitKielder Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kielder or the Visitkielder twitter feed at www.twitter.com/visitkielder. You can also keep up to date with the ospreys at www.kielderospreys.wordpress.com.

Hosted by Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and Saddle SkedaddleRide to the Stars will include a guided 40-mile road ride that will be based around the Hadrian's Wall cycle route, a three course dinner at the Twice Brewed Inn, an informative talk on astronomy, star gazing opportunities and at the end we'll drive you and your bike back to Newcastle's Cycle Hub cafe.The ride will be run at a gentle pace and will have vehicle support, but you need to be confident of your ability of ride 40 miles, some of which will be hilly.Places on the ride are £70 per person and are strictly limited in number, in order to keep the group to a small size. A smaller group size will mean a more enjoyable event for everyone – you'll be well looked after by our guides and staff and will get the best opportunities to talk to the astronomers and to ask questions.The ride will start from The Cycle Hub at 12pm (noon) and we should be back at The Cycle Hub in the evening at approximately 11pm to 11.30pm. To book, e-mail [email protected]: 26th Apr 2014 12:00pm-11:30pmLocation: The Cycle Hub, Newcastle

Fancy going where no-one has gone before on your mountain bike? Navigate using map and compass in a beautiful area of Northumberland. Exact location will be revealed on 24th March. Conceived in 1987 to bring Mountain Marathons to Mountain Biking. The event combines great trails with navigational challenge in very impressive scenery. Families are welcome and 14yr olds are welcome to enter with a suitable adult. A two day event including free camping, an end of event meal, maps and parking. Designed for teams of two or individuals. Entry age 14 (riding with responsible adult). For more details - www.theomm.com/events.