Northumberland Wins National Park of the Year Award

Northumberland National Park has won the prestigious accolade of National Park of The Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.

Northumberland National Park’s win follows its nomination by BBC presenter Ellie Harrison. Ellie’s nomination highlighted the National Park’s “meadows, moorland, peat bogs and ancient woodlands” and its “vivid history, solitude, dark skies and superb wildlife such as stoats, black grouse and red squirrels.”

Last year 1.69 million people visited the park and surrounding areas. The most popular reasons for visiting were a long walk (48%), and a short walk (45%). Next is eating out (27%), visiting a historic site (26%), visiting an attraction (21%), photography (15%), car touring (8%), and cycling/mountain biking (7%).

With fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, Northumberland National Park is the most sparsely populated UK National Park at 0.02 people per hectare. Open access land accounts for 72% of the Park and there are 1,140km of public rights of way, and a further 90km of permissive routes.

Our cottages in Bamburgh are the perfect b

ase to explore Northumberland National Park.

Stargazing on your Bamburgh Holiday

As the nights draw in, we light up. The Northumberland skies are deep with stars from now through to Spring. To make sure you get the best out of our heavenly nights, we have organised a galaxy of stargazing evenings and short breaks with trained star guides. Wheer better than to stay in one of our cosy Bamburgh holdiay cottages.

Stay at Bamburgh and see the most beautiful marathon in the country

Bamburgh holiday at its best Back for its 5th year, join us on the shores of Northumberland’s beautiful Kielder Water for a weekend of exciting events for all the family! Take on ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful’ marathon or one of the popular 10K and Run Bike Run events. Entries still open at kieldermarathon.com, don’t miss out!

Discover castles, houses and open spaces then lose yourself in the dunes of the Northumberland Coast. There's always something to inspire your day out in the North East.

Cragside Tallest Tree in the UK
This impressive Scots Pine is one of  an incredible seven million trees planted by Lord and Lady Armstrong in the late 19th century at Cragside. It's officially the tallest of its type in the UK at an impressive 40 metres - that's the equivalent of a stack of ten double decker buses

Seaton Delaval's 300 year old Weeping Ash
t nearly 300 years old the hall’s spectacular weeping ash has remained standing through numerous calamities, including the fire which destroyed much of the hall in 1822. Now in its dotage, its limbs have had to be propped up and it prefers a ‘hug’ rather than being swung on.

Hollywood Star at Hadrian's Wall
Do you recognise this lone sycamore at Hadrian's Wall? If you do, it might be from its starring turn on the big screen, in 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. 

Wallington's Climbing Tree
The 45ft high Nootka Cypress evergreen’s trunk height and branches have made it an ideal tree for climbing for generations of children. Last year our kids council voted it the country's best tree to climb.

Easter in the Alnwick Garden

This Easter, hop into action and enjoy some magical family moments with the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. Make this your Hoppy-est Easter ever! The Lindt Gold Bunny has escaped for a hoppy adventure in the The Alnwick Garden . Come and collect your activity pack and explore the gardens to discover where the Gold Bunny is hiding. Follow clues and learn about the other inhabitants of the gardens along the way. At the end of the hunt, hand in your completed clue sheet and receive a delicious Lindt Gold Bunny reward for a truly magical moment.

Dark-sky status awarded to Northumberland Park area

A patch of Northumberland's night sky has become the largest area of protected sky in Europe. Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park have been granted dark-sky status by The International Dark Skies Association. The status means the night sky is protected and lighting controls are in place to prevent light pollution. In honour of the award the area will be renamed Northumberland Dark Sky Park later on Monday.

Bamburgh Castle tops list of best places in the UK to eat lunch

Bamburgh Castle is the best spot in Britain to have lunch, survey by VisitEngland has found in a campaign to encourage people to eat outside more often.

By Hayley Dixon - Daily Telegraph

6:58PM BST 27 May 2013

Once home to ancient kings, the castle which looks out over the over the Northumbrian coastline is joined in the top ten by beaches in Wales, picturesque villages in the Cotswolds and rocky outcrops in Yorkshire.

The most popular places to enjoy al fresco dining whilst taking in our green and pleasant land were chosen after research found that where people ate their lunch has an impact on their productivity and general happiness.

Whilst eating at your office desk makes people depressed and has an impact on morale, the nation voted that picnicking in rural or coastal areas made them happiest.

Of the top ten UK lunching destinations, seven are close to or have a view over water, including the Elan Valley Reservoir, Mid-Wales and the Coast Road, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria. Only one, the Belfast City Hall, was in a built up area.

After months of nominations, short listing and voting, VisitEngland and Visit Wales, in partnership with Kingsmill, announced the Top Ten Lunch Spots in the UK as part of its campaign to encourage more people to eat outdoors.

Celebrating Northumberland’s Snowdrops

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?

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.

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!

Fun for all the family in Northumberland

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

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.

Kielder FootFest

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.

Northumberland - come and stay

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

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/

Easter Eggstravaganza

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.

Christmas at The Alnwick Garden

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

Bamburgh Hits Radio 4

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.