With its romantically ruinous castles, dazzlingly starry skies, awe-inspiringly alluring landscapes and peacefully pristine beaches, it’s hard not to feel the love in Northumberland. Whether you’re looking for a picture-perfect location to enjoy with your loved one or self-love is more your style, there’s no better backdrop to your romantic getaway than Northumberland. Of course, romance is subjective; it might be sea and sunsets, a candle-lit table for two, a relaxed holiday doing nothing or a jam-packed trip filled with absolutely everything.
For the dewy eyed duos who are romantic in the traditional sense of the word, you’ll find the county’s coastline full of castles irresistible. Wander along the beach to breath-taking Bamburgh Castle that stands dominantly behind wild dunes. Cross the causeway (always check safe crossing times beforehand!) to the mysterious Holy Island of Lindisfarne where Lindisfarne Castle teeters on a rocky plateau. Or, visit Warkworth Castle and sail across to its hidden hermitage that can only be accessed by boat.
Pack a deck chair, a flask and some binoculars, stay out after sunset and let Northumberland’s star-studded sky take your breath away. The skies above the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park are the darkest in England, where the Milky Way and other constellations can be seen with the naked eye and the county’s coast and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of the best places to spot the Aurora Borealis.
Maybe you’re an active couple that are up and out of the door hours before most of us have even contemplated getting out of bed. Early risers can hike to one of Northumberland’s viewpoints to watch the sky emblazoned with pinks and oranges as the sun rises. Then, mountain bike along Kielder Water & Forest Park’s challenging trails, trail run in the rugged Cheviots, hike along Hadrian’s Wall and canoe along the River Coquet.
As George Bernard Shaw once said, ‘There is no love sincerer than the love of food’ and Northumberland’s culinary world is perfect for a foodie love affair. Taste exquisite seafood along the coast, try the most hearty pub food there is in the county’s countryside or have that Lady-and-the Tramp-spaghetti-moment with a romantic dinner in one of the best restaurants in Northumberland.
If your idea of a romantic break is being busy doing nothing, accommodation will be your top priority. Northumberland’s glamping cabins, snug B&Bs and luxury hotels are perfect for snuggling up under the duvet with a book and a hot chocolate. Cosy up together by a warming open fire, stargaze from a private hot tub or ogle at awe-inspiring views from the comfort of an outdoor bath tub. Go off the grid together in a rustic cabin, stay by the beach in a beautiful hotel that’s perfect for returning from windswept walks or pick a spa hotel where you can wander up the hallway to a relaxing haven of hot tubs, saunas and massage treatments.
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