The Bamburgh Holiday Blog

Celebrating Northumberland’s Snowdrops

2012-02-01T09:45:00.002Z

We all need cheering up at this time of the year, with Christmas a memory and cold weather seeming to stretch away forever. In Northumberland we keep our spirits up by enjoying stunning snowdrop displays. The annual Snowdrop Festival at Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum is well known, with carpets of white tumbling though the gardens and woodlands. Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens also boasts an impressive display whilst new to the club this year is the Alnwick Garden. They’ve planted around 600,000 bulbs around their newly refurbished pond which we’re expecting to look spectacular. Why not join us to enjoy one of February’s greatest sights?

2011-12-09T11:51:00.001Z

If you're feeling a little chilly in Northumberland this December and January. English Heritage has plenty to warm your spirit with seven stunning historic properties open every weekend in the county. Enjoy a season of festive events, blow away the cobwebs with bracing winter walks, stock up on Christmas gifts and goodies and marvel at gorgeous winter gardens.

2011-09-26T11:37:00.001+01:00

According to travel writer Edoardo Albert, if hell is other people, then vast, empty Northumberland could be the entrance to the pearly gates. We think there’s plenty of exciting things to do in Northumberland, but if its tranquillity you crave – we can offer that too. Head for the Cheviot Hills – the least-visited part of the least-visited national park in England. But the Cheviots have more than just splendid isolation to recommend it. There’s geology (worn-down volcanoes and built-up silt), archaeological significance (hunters, gatherers, hill-forts), and history (the Romans came, looked around and went back behind the wall.) But mostly, says Edoardo, it’s a land of impressions, of cloud shapes cast upon hills of green and brown, the brief blaze of heather and the fleeting glory of hill meadows. Come stand on a cloud flecked hill and hear the voice of the wind – you’ll be the only one listening!

Things to do in September

2011-08-30T10:51:00.003+01:00

Exciting things to do in September in Northumberland

Brass Band Sundays at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Every Sunday in September from 3pm
Adults £7.50 / Conc £6.80 / Child £4.50/ Family £19.50 / Members Free

Vintage Car Show at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
On Sun 12 Sep from 11am
Adults £7.50 / Conc £6.80 / Child £4.50/ Family £19.50 / Members Free

Northumberland National Park's Heritage Open Days: Free visits to the special historic buildings of North Tyne and Redesdale on September 10 – 11

For 2011’s Heritage Open Days, Northumberland National Park Authority has organised a weekend of free guided visits to five historical sites that are difficult to find or not normally open to the public.

The five historical sites are:

Elsdon Tower

Bellingham Heritage Centre and the Stannersburn Forge

Otterburn Ranges - Bastles

Mitford Family Church, Horsley

Catcleugh Black House and Byrness Church

Alnwick Garden
2nd September 2011
Guided tour of The Alnwick Garden
Every week The Garden changes, join a member of the gardening team for a tour to share their love of the garden and all it…

2nd September 2011
Dance for Fun
This activity explores dance genres of the 20th century. The sessions are light-hearted and focus on the participants exploring their creativity and performance skills.

2nd September 2011
Garden Baby Boogie
Music and dancing, laughter and love. All part of Lynn Campbell’s wonderful Baby Boogie classes here in The Alnwick Garden. 11.15am in the Pavilion.

Its Summer Time in Northumberland

2011-08-02T10:05:00.001+01:00

It’s summer time in Northumberland and we’re ready to welcome you to our beautiful county in the North East of England.

We have more than 150 attractions for you to visit, ranging from castles and historic sites including Hadrian's Wall, gardens and stately homes, museums, and plenty of places to visit along the coast and in the countryside.

Fans of the great outdoors will love our walking and cycling routes. If you love nature be sure to come birdwatching and wildlife watching with us. We also have plenty of adventure activities for the thrill-seekers among you.

Why not book a local tour guide? With their in-depth knowledge of what to see and where to go you’ll be sure to have an action-packed break.

With so many events and festivals taking place across the county during these summer months you’ll be sure to find something for the whole family.

Fun for all the family in Northumberland

2011-05-24T08:49:00.002+01:00

Northumberland has some of the most iconic historic sites in England, including internationally famous sites such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Whilst you stay at one of our cottages in Bamburgh, English Heritage has some of the most beautiful and captivating historic sites here, as well as an action packed programme of living history events.

There’s something for everyone at English Heritage properties, from the tranquil settings of Lindisfarne Priory and sweeping views at Warkworth Castle and dramatic coastal views at Dunstanburgh Castle to a fantastic family day out exploring Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. Discover exciting Roman history at some of the best preserved sites on Hadrian’s Wall at Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman Town.

So whether you want to be king or queen of the castle, find a knight in shining armour or just simply enjoy a picnic in a secluded spot, there are enough historical happenings on tap at many English Heritage locations across the county. Remember to take a visit to Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard which was one of the first in England to be purpose built.

Events run all year long, with trails for children, Roman soldier training, gallant gladiators and noble knights battling against each other, as well as dramatic open air theatre there’s never a dull moment!

Alnwick Castle and Garden

2011-04-18T08:43:00.003+01:00

While staying at one of our Bamburgh Holiday Cottages why not visit the Alnwick Garden. Thanks to some lovely spring sunshine, the cherry blossom has arrivied early, and it’s almost MAD HATTER WEEK. From Monday 18th - Friday 22nd April, discover fancy hats, tiny cakes and family songs and games as The Garden becomes Wonderland. In a workshop to make a hat the Mad Hatter would be proud of, use buttons, feathers and your imagination. The Mad Hatter’s tea party wouldn’t be complete without cupcakes; everyone loves them. Decorate your own with icing and glitter.

Saturday 23rd April is ST GEORGE’S DAY. Come along to The Garden to meet bearded and frilled dragons, including a new baby! They'll also be St George’s Day crafts.

Then it’s on to EASTER, on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th April. Join Storytelling Laureate and world-renowned storyteller Taffy Thomas, as he gathers you round for heartwarming traditional Easter stories. After stories, decorate a pace egg and carry it to the top of Egg Hill to recreate the ancient art of egg-rolling.

OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM – 6PM Don’t miss new ranges of local produce in the Gift Shop, including delicious fudge in all kinds of wonderful flavours.

At Alnwick Castle, broomstick-riding lessons on the very spot where Harry and his friends took their first class. and workshops to make wands and charms, are followed by a whole weekend of fun inspired by George and the dragon. A combined ticket to Garden and Castle lasts two whole days, so you can enjoy it all.

The Farne Islands

2011-04-04T11:42:00.005+01:00

Rocky islands once home to saints, soldiers and lighthouse keepers, now a sanctuary for seabirds and seals.

Our cotages in Bamburgh are the ideal place to stay to visit The Farne Islands. We would recommend going to The Farnes with Billy Shiel from Seahouses, only 3 miles away from Bamburgh and Bamburgh Holiday Cottages.

The Farne Islands are a haven for over 100,000 pairs of nesting seabirds such a sthe Puffin and Gulliemot. It also has one of Europe's largest grey seal colonies.

So there is no time to waste - we still have a few weeks left for the peak viewing period

Spring into action at Bamburgh

2011-02-23T09:15:00.003Z

While staying in Bamburgh at one of our holiday homes in the village of Bamburgh, Spring is the perfect time to visist the gardens at Howick Hall, with their extensive grounds offering a stunning variety of plants throughout the year.

This variety was recognised by the BBC Gardener's World Magazine when it named Howick Hall & Gardens one of the top five coastal gardens in the country. The gardens were also rated by The Independent as one of the best ten gardens to visit during the Spring.

Howick Hall's year starts with Snowdrop Walks every February before the gardens are carpeted in vibrant yellow daffodils between March and May. Late spring also sees the woodland garden flourish with varieties including camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.

The more formal borders and terraces are best seen in June and the bog garden, with its unusual herbaceous plants grown from seed collected in the wild, is at its best in July, August and September. Howick Hall & Gardens is also worth a visit in Autumn, when the fading leaves produce a spectacular display of colour across the estate.

There is also an Arboretum covering 65 acres of woodland walks and containing 1,800 different species of trees and shrubs , most of which are labelled.

Families can take the Howick Family Challenge, a nature trail through the woodland walks which gets you looking for red squirrels, ducks and even herons.

There's also The Earl Grey Tea Room which serves light lunches, snacks and afternoon teas. Howick was the Grey family seat and was home to Charles, Second Earl Grey, who introduced the Great Reform Bill of 1832, although he is perhaps better known today for having "invented" Earl Grey Tea.

Extensive grounds opening with 'Snowdrops Walks' in February, a spectacular display of daffodils in late March to May, the woodland garden (Silverwood) contains lovely azaleas, camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons which flourish from late March to end May. Eucryphias, hydrangeas and viburnums bloom in summer and the formal gardens, borders and terraces in front of Howick Hall come on from June - the agapanthus on the 2nd terrace are a special feature.

A pond and bog garden have been developed and planted with herbaceous material grown from seed collected in the wild on plant hunting expeditions abroad and is at its best in July, August and September.

The Arboretum opened in 2006 and covers about 65 acres of woodland walks and is planted with about 1,800 different species of trees and shrubs. The new 'Howick Family Challenge' opened in 2008 - a nature trail through the arboretum which poses about 12 questions - look out for red squirrels, swans, ducks and herons! Howick is well worth a visit in the late season when the autumn colour can be brilliant.

The gardens at Howick are deliberately aimed at garden lovers and we intend to keep them free from commercial exploitation. The Earl Grey Tea House is open to visitors to the Garden and serves light lunches, snacks and afternoon tea - Earl Grey of course since Howick was his home!

Calling all Love Birds

2011-01-31T09:53:00.004Z

Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic interlude in North East England, with its idyllic places to hide away, beautiful accommodation and fine restaurants.

Stay at one of our delightful seaside cottages in Bamburgh, with romantic walks on the beach and evening by the fire in a cosy pub, theer is no better way to spoil your loved one this Valentine's Day.

Set the scene with an enchanting walk along Durham’s tranquil riverside or stroll hand in hand along one of our peaceful golden beaches. Or why not pack a picnic and escape to the magical Holy Island to savour real quality time surrounded by the breathtaking views?

Wander the woodland paths of Gibside, Belsay or Howick Hall and Gardens and see the nodding white heads of the snowdrops announcing that spring is on its way. Indulge your love of the finer things in life at Rockcliffe House or Jesmopnd Dene House, or make a romantic gesture with a difference: a hot air balloon over Durham or star gazing at Keilder Forest and Country Park.

Alnwick Food Festival

2010-08-30T09:20:00.002+01:00

The Alnwick Food Festival 2010 is set to be just as spectacular as the previous five.
Alnwick Beer Festival will again be held on food festival weekend and the two festival committees are working together to cook up a weekend of family fun. Don't miss the large selection of local ales in the Town Hall in an event which is very popular and well-attending.
Since the launch of the Alnwick Food Festival, the town has been named as the sixth best place for gastronomic activity in the country by a new guide to British food. The BMW 1 Series Good Food Ride said Alnwick’s restaurants, food festival and farmers’ markets have contributed to a thriving ‘gastrohub’. To be placed in the book’s top 20, each destination had to reach certain criteria which the panel of judges felt were necessary to be defined as a gastrohub. Each place had to hold a farmers’ market, have a traditional dish or destination ingredient, hold a food festival, have a food hero who is passionate about local sourcing and a Michelin-starred restaurant, the only category in which Alnwick failed.
Alnwick is set to be the culinary capital of Northumberland again when the sixth food festival hits the town on September 18/19, 2010. Organisers have packed this festival with more food fun and gastronomical games.

Kielder FootFest

2010-08-30T09:17:00.002+01:00

What better way to end the summer holidays than taking part in the first Footfest event. A festival to celebrate all the wonderful things you can do on your feet at Kielder and Northumberland National Park! Keep the whole family entertained with a week full of taster sessions, family events and adventure activities for all such as bush tucker trail, action heroes, king of the jungle, tyre treasure hunt, monster machines, a walk through time and much much more.
Special ticket offer - 3 for the price of 2! Buy 2 tickets for pre-bookable Footfest activities now and get a third of equal or lesser value for free. Subject to conditions and availability, see terms and conditions or call 01434 250209 for details. Quote 'Visitkielder' at time of booking.

Top 10 For Bamburgh Beach

2010-07-22T08:59:00.002+01:00

Bamburgh finished sixth out of twentyfour nominated beaches in the 2010 Cadbury Beach Awards. Beating some of the countries most popular holiday beaches. So maybe quantity does count, as long as it's miles of unspoilt sands and dunes in one of britains most beautiful locations!

Northumberland - come and stay

2010-07-15T09:19:00.004+01:00

Welcome to Northumberland, a magical place filled with ancient castles, rolling hills and fabulous coastline, rugged moorland and friendly little market towns like Alnwick, Berwick, Hexham, Rothbury, Morpeth and Corbridge.

Northumberland is home to England’s most tranquil and inspiring National Park and England's largest resevor at Keilder Water and Forest Park. There are also two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty waiting to be discovered, the Northumberland Coast and the North Pennines AONB.

The vast majority of the remaining sections of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site can be found in Northumberland, with five of the eight excavated forts and endless stretches of unbroken wall rising and falling over dramatic landscapes.

Our holiday cottages at Bamburgh are ideally placed to take advantage of all Northumberland has to offer.

Lindisfarne Castle Garden Tour

2010-06-21T12:21:00.003+01:00

For a great day out while staying at Bamburgh Holdiay Cottages, on the 15th July there is a talk by the Gardener at Lindisfarne Castle about The Gertrude Jekyll garden clsoe to the Castle. Jekyll was an influential British garden designer, writer, and artist. She created over 400 gardens in the UK including the walled garden at Lindisfarne Castle.

For more information head to the National Trust website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-lindisfarnecastle/

St Cuthbert's Land Bamburgh Castle

2010-06-14T13:03:00.003+01:00

As part of Archaeology week the Anglo-Saxons return bringing to life one of the country's top archaeological setting. Living History returns to Bamburgh Castle as part of Archaeology week. Experience the past brought to the present with displays, demonstartions and re-enactments. The weekend will also feature guided talks by the Bamburgh Research Project.

Ticket Type and Ticket Tariff
Child £4.00
Family £20.00
Adult£8.00
Concession £7.00

Opening Times
2010 (31/07/2010 - 01/08/2010)

Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

Barter Books a short drive from our Bamburgh Holdiay Cottages

2010-06-01T10:20:00.003+01:00

Close to Bamburgh in the market town of Alnwick only 20 minutes drive from both The Haven and Sandham, our holiday cottages, is Barter Books, a second-hand bookshop with a difference. It has over 200,000 visitors a year, and is one of the largest second-hand bookstores in Europe.It has been described as "the British Libarary of second-hand bookshops." The bookshop is located within the Victorian station designed by William Bell and opened in 1887.Customers can exchange their books for credit against future purchases. Standard cash purchases are also available.Keep Calm and Carry On poster (1939)Barter Books hit the headlines when the owner discovered a second world war poster from 1939, introduced in case the Nazis ever succeeded in invading Great Britain. The slogan, "Keep Calm and Carry On", and the simple design has turned it into an international phenomenon, and is currently on the walls at places as diverse as Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street.

Sweet Taste of Success

2010-04-20T08:22:00.002+01:00

Bamburgh Castle kitchen is buzzing with the sweet smell of success. Two enterprising ladies have started making Bamburgh Castle Fudge in the Castle kitchens.

It’s not only made in the castle by people who live in the castle but sold in the castle shop too.
The sweet and sugary moreish concoction is made in a section of the castle’s former Victorian scullery in what is thought to be the old buttery by castle residents Rosanne Sprot, 31, and Grazia Calvert, 47.

Rosanne lives in the castle lodge with husband Robert, castle groundsman, and their son, Alex, aged eight. Grazia, the Italian wife of castle director Chris Calvert, lives with him and their sons Wallace, 13, and Otello, 14, in an apartment within the castle.

Rosanne and Grazia have been making the fudge on site for the last month and it proved so popular they sold 15 kilos in the first week.

And while it might not quite make the history books just yet, the sweet treat is already making a name for itself, selling out within a week.

It’s good timing too for the sweet venture as the castle recently announced that it will be opening all year round.

The castle, which draws around 150,000 visitors a year, traditionally closes between November and March, but will now stay open during the winter months following a successful half-term trial.

Easter Eggstravaganza

2010-03-30T10:07:00.003+01:00

Things to do in the area over Easter
National Trust Properties - www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wallington Hall
Enjoy Easter fun at Wallington with a fantastic children's trail, craft activities, games and races. Krafty Kidz will also be here on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April, giving you the chance to make lovely Easter items - small charge for items made.

Join one of the expert Wallington Gardeners on a guided walk through the beautiful Walled Garden and discover the art of spring planting.

Holy Island
Track down the Easter Bunnies hidden inside Lindisfarne Castle and win a Cadbury's Easter egg

Cragside
Celebrate Easter with with a family trail. Find all the wooden eggs and you'll get your chocolate reward. Suitable for children of all ages.

Hobbies and experiments - discover how the family's time at Cragside was well spent. An illustrated talk by Andrew Sawyer. Enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake afterwards.

Alnwick Garden
www.alnwickgarden.com
Easter Egg Hunt
Friday 2nd – Monday 5th April
Collect a card from the information desk and follow the clues the Easter bunny has left around The Garden to see how many egg shapes you can find.

Egg decorating workshop
Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd April
Join a workshop to decorate hard boiled eggs or make a traditional Easter card.

Egg-rolling and Easter Stories
Sunday 4th and Monday 5th April
Decorate an egg and then join storyteller Taffy Thomas for egg-rolling and traditional Easter stories.

Roots and Shoots open weekend
Friday April 2nd - Monday 5th April
Visit the Roots and Shoots Garden for a series of practical demonstrations and hands on workshops by the garden team on seed setting, transplanting seedlings, and preparing the ground for the coming season.

Floors Castle - Kelso
www.roxburghe.net
Join them for their annual Easter Eggstravaganza event. Eggs hunts, magic shows, bouncy castles and garden games. Come in fancy dress and join in our competitions. A delicious hog roast and BBQ provided by Iain Collingbourne, Head Chef at Floors Castle.
Family entertainment and fun for all.
Adult £3.50 / Child £3.00 / Family £12.00
11am - 3pm

Warkworth Castle
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Can you find Henry VIII and his six wives and uncover the grisly truth behind the untimely deaths of Anne Boleyn and Kathryn Howard. You'll need to keep your head to complete this trail and receive your yummy Easter prize.

Bamburgh Castle Opens For February Half Term

2010-02-08T11:59:00.004Z

Bamburgh Castle will open in the off season for the frist time to boost North Northumberland's winter visitor offer. The castle, which closes from November to March, will open for February Half Term.

Whale washed up on Beadnell Beach

2010-01-27T14:11:00.002Z

A TEN-metre long sperm whale has died ater becoming stranded on rocks between Beadnell and Seahouses on Monday.
The mammal, which experts think weighed about 20 tonnes, is thought to have suffered dehydration after losing its way. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said the whale was alive for a time, but could not be saved as the tide was going out. Sperm whales are the deepest diving mammal and the largest toothed of all whales, feeding on squid and other large deep water fish. They can grow up to 18 metres in length and weigh up to 50 tonnes.

Bamburgh copes with the recent snow

2010-01-12T09:12:00.005Z

Bamburgh Castle and village looked spectacular during the recent snow fallls, although the snow did get fairly thick on the local roads, you could still get through to the village from the A1. Things are getting back to normal now. The cottages are closed in January for redecoration and this is nearly complete. New carpets in Sandham's master bedroom and a makeover with some new lighting in the sitting room.

We have also revamped The Haven's sitting room with new furnishings and a flat screen TV. The hall also gets a new look with new wall lights.

Bookings are going well. Here's to 2010 - and a long hot summer !

Christmas at The Alnwick Garden

2009-12-07T10:01:00.002Z

In The Alnwick Garden, beautifully decorated and twinkling with lights and lanterns, woodland magic inspires a programme for families throughout December. The trees are preparing for the return of the Holly King, decorating themselves in ancient forest finery. Carry your lantern in a parade led by the King, and set out on a journey through the woodland to find his lost brothers and sisters. Enjoy classic Christmas fun with a family pantomime, and join lovely creative workshops. Hear seasonal tales, sing festive songs, meet Father Christmas, and whisper your Christmas wishes to the Wishing Tree

Photographs of Sandham, Bamburgh

2009-11-23T10:41:00.004Z

Sandham Cottage, Bamburgh - sleeps six

New Interior Photographs of The Haven

2009-11-23T10:35:00.004Z

We have just received some new interior photographs of our Bamburgh Holdiay Cottages. Here is The Haven, Bamburgh

Here's a sneak peak

Christmas Lights Switch On

2009-11-16T09:54:00.002Z

Bamburgh Christmas Lights will be switched on this year on 28th November at 1830 hours.There will be a short church service at half past five, followed by festive singing around the tree. This will be followed by the celebrity switch-on of the tree.

Sea Pups on the Farne Islands

2009-11-10T09:26:00.003Z

Births of grey seal pups reach their peak at this time of year. The 4,000 strong grey seal colony on the Farne Islands make it the largest colony in England. The first pup arrived on the 4th October and it has been joined by another 400 since then.

Last year over 1,300 pups were born, but there is a high mortality rate of about 55%. Storms can lash the rocky islands washing them off the rocks into the sea. The weather this year has been fairly kind.

Wardens tag some of the pups which can tarvel long distances in their first year of life.

Wild White Cattle of Chillingham

2009-11-02T10:30:00.003Z

The Chillingham herd is the only one in the world to remain undomesticated. The cattle still roam their natural surroundings in Chillingham Park, Northumberland.

Though their origin is uncertain, the existing herd is thought to have been at Chillingham for perhaps 700 years. It is presumed that when, some time in the 13th Century, the King of England gave permission for Chillingham Castle to be "castellated and crenellated" and for a park wall to be built, the herd was corralled for purposes of food and hunting.

Theories abound as to their history before then. The ancestor of domestic cattle, the aurochs, died out in Britain in 1500 BC, so it is difficult to see how there can be any direct historic connection.

"Nowhere in the world are there any mammals more inbred than these – yet they continue to survive and thrive."The Chillingham Wild Cattle Association

This is unique among animals, and arises from their very long history of inbreeding, together with occasional periods of very low numbers (genetic bottlenecks). Though Chillingham cattle have been taken out of the herd for various purposes, especially during the late 1800s, none have ever been readmitted.Current scientific thinking is that they are the descendants of medieval cattle that were brought together, perhaps as early as AD 1250 or thereabouts, to form the original herd.The artist and wood engraver Thomas Bewick reported that in the early 1700s black calves were occasionally born, but were killed by the keeper.

Halloween at Alnwick Castle

2009-10-19T09:41:00.003+01:00

Wizardry Potions, ghostly tales, pumpkin carving, spooky face paints, Halloween crafts, costume parade, prizes for best dressed..…and FREE admission for all children in Halloween costume on Friday 30th October!!! (Terms and conditions apply) please contact caroline.smith@alnwickcastle.com to find out what is on each day and for more details

Seal safari on the Farne Islands

2009-10-10T11:33:00.008+01:00

Treat the family to a day of seal watching around the Farne Islands and a Wildlife Safari along the Northumberland Coast. Book for 2 adults and up to 3 children and benefit from a generous discount. Price includes collection from wherever you are in Northumberland (within reason), transport, Grey Seal cruise and a picnic lunch.
Northern Experience Wildlife Tours provides exclusive natural history excursions and birdwatching tours with an enthusiastic, experienced and friendly leader with an intimate knowledge of Northern Britain.

Seal Safari (20/10/2009)
Seal Safari (27/10/2009)
Seal Safari (29/10/2009)

Ticket Tariff:
Adult
£75.00 per ticket type
Child (must be with adult)
£50.00 per ticket type
Family ticket
£200.00 per ticket type

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Boat trips depart from

Seahouses Northumberland NE68 7YT
Tel: +44 01670 827465

Duchy Originals

2009-10-06T08:25:00.007+01:00

The October issue of World of Interiors magazine has an 8 page feature on Alnwick Castle, the refurbishment of the State Rooms - it looks fabulous, but you will have to hurry to see it this season as the Castle closes at the end of October. Still it has been here for over 750 years so it will be there next year for you to enjoy

Janet Loves the View

2009-10-06T08:15:00.005+01:00

Check out this video at You Tube, it's Janet Street Porter describing her favourite view and it's Bamburgh Castle along with the Northumberland Coast, she says it feeds your mind and soul - I would have to agree with her, why not come and see it for yourself. Our two holiday cottages in Bamburgh offer a perfect base to explore Northumberland, its coastline - an area of outstanding natural beauty; The Farne Islands, looked after by the National Trust and its Castles, including Alnwick Castle and its famous garden.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdeVVlpXluE

Geese Flock Back to Holy Island

2009-10-05T09:15:00.004+01:00

The first flock of white bellied geese have arrived back at Holy Island.

The rare geese have returned eralier than expected after breeding for the summer on the Arctic Island of Svalbard. Lindisfarne is the only place in the UK where these birds spedn the winter. So far 200 have been recorded. Our holiday cottages in Bamburgh are a perfect spot to base yourself for bird watching.

Bamburgh Hits Radio 4

2009-10-05T08:55:00.007+01:00

Northumberland seems to be very popular on Radio 4 at the moment, I listened to Clare Balding walking St Oswald's Way, a relatively new long distnace footpath from Holy Island to Hexham.

Last Saturday she walked from Spindlestone, just north of Bamburgh to Beadnell. Some fairly interesting things werre revealed about how The Stag Rocks got their name and the legend of the Bamburgh worm or dragon.

Apparently there was a white stag at Spindlestone which was chased into the sea at the Stag Rocks, it is a big mystery who paints the stag on the rocks every now and again as the paint fades. The Stag Rock is along The Wynding just half a miles walk from one of our holiday cottages in Bamburgh

You can listen to the programme on the BBC website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/country.