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.

What's on in Northumberland

KNIGHTS' TOURNAMENT Date: Sat 23, Sun 24 & Mon 25 Aug 2014 Property: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens Time: 11:00 - 17:00 Suitable for: Everyone Marvel at our noble knights as they take on the ultimate medieval tournament. Swords will be wielded, archery skills tested and helmets battered as these skilled men are put to the test in each nail-biting round. Who will reign supreme and become champion? Who will you support? Soak up the sights and sounds of medieval encampments as food is cooked on open fires and the past is brought to life as medieval folk go about their daily lives. Try your hand at archery and laugh at our silly jester. And let your little knights feel the weight of real armour and burn off energy in battle drills.

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.

Castles, Kings, Ghosts and Wizards

Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. A legacy of its turbulent past, including the infamous Border wars which raged from the 14th to 16th centuries, Northumberland boasts over 70 castle sites. Many have long since disappeared, some, like Dunstanburgh Castle, are romantic ruins. See others in their fully restored glory - like Bamburgh Castle, as seen on Robson Green's Tales from Northumberland. Towering 150 foot above the sea, Bamburgh Castle looks every inch the mighty citadel it once was. The very foundation stone of England, Bamburgh was a royal city during the 8th century and the castle the royal seat of the Kings of Northumbria. In 1464 Bamburgh became the first castle in England to fall to gunpowder during the War of the Roses. Fallen masonry from this onslaught can still be seen on the village green beneath. Falling into disrepair afterwards, Bamburgh was later bought and restored by the innovative Victorian inventor and genius Lord William Armstrong into the mighty castle you see today. Head inland to Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle, which stands guard over the River Aln. Home to the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick has been the Percy family’s home since the Norman invasion over 700 years ago. Alnwick boasts two famous Harrys – the impetuous knight Henry ‘Harry’ Percy, born here in 1364 and nicknamed ‘Hotspur’ because of his readiness to do battle. The other being none other than the boy wizard Harry Potter, a scholar at Alnwick, which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. If you are planning a fun family day out in Northumberland then look no further than Warkworth Castle with its magnificent cross-shaped keep crowning a hilltop above the River Coquet. For chilly tales of torture chambers and ghosts go to Chillingham Castle, reputedly one of the most haunted castles in England.

Hollywood Stars Film Macbeth at Bamburgh

Oscar-nominated Michael Fassbender and actress Marion Cotillard are filming new film Macbeth at Bamburgh Castle Oscar-nominated film star Michael Fassbender is in Bamburgh as filming gets underway for the big screen adaptation of Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth. Taking the title role, Fassbender, recently watched by millions in the widely acclaimed 12 Years A Slave, has been taking in the sights of Northumberland’s impressive coastline. Joining the movie’s cast, alongside French actress Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth, is Bamburgh Castle providing the backdrop to scenes as Macbeth’s home. Welcoming the superstars, fellow actors and a crew of almost 200, Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland has been turned into it’s very own shanty town as trailers and marquees have gone up in preparation for this week’s two-day filming. The grounds of the historic venue will feature in the film adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy which also stars Paddy Considine and David Thewlis.

Roman Soldiers and Jane Austen

This summer, step into England’s story as English Heritage brings to life Northumberland’s finest historic visitor attractions. Castle clashes, dressing up as highwaymen and pirates, gruesome Vikings and a day in the life of a Roman Soldier are just a few things families can enjoy in the North East and on Hadrian’s Wall. Or you might prefer to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Jane Austen, with a TV and film costumes display on show at Belsay Hall. Take your little Roman soldier to…. Children’s Roman Soldier School at Birdoswald Roman Fort Sat 20 Jul – Mon 26 Aug Find out how you can join our Centurion for some hands on fun, crafts and dressing up throughout the school holidays. A Soldier’s Life at Housesteads Roman Fort – various dates Find out what it was really like to live at the iconic Fort 2000 years ago. Dramatic presentations showing Roman life will costumed actors will make this event a must-see this summer. Archaeology Detectives at Chesters Roman Fort – various dates Unveil Roman secrets and get stuck into history this weekend. Gladiators at Chesters Roman For – Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jul Come along to a spectacular weekend of Gladiatorial combat and cheer your champion as fully armoured Gladiators take on their opponents in this ancient sport. Calling all Jane Austen Fans…. ‘Costumes from Austen’ at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens until 26 Aug To mark the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, visitors to Belsay can re-live the joy they experienced whilst watching the film by coming face-to-face with the famous white shirt worn by Colin Firth amongst other hugely well-known outfits. Fans of the Regency era will also be doubly-delighted by the huge range of events being held during the summer months. The sights and smells of Belsay’s Gardens are a must-do this summer. Bring your dog, a picnic and enjoy exploring the wonderful Quarry Gardens, Medieval Castle and Jacobean Mansion

Lindisfarne Gospels Return to the North

Written around 700 years ago on Northumberland’s Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the spectacular Lindisfarne Gospels are famous around the world, often described as one of the greatest landmarks of human cultural achievement.


The story of this beautiful illuminated manuscript is fascinating. Created at the medieval monastery on Lindisfarne by the artist scribe Eadfrith, the gospels are dedicated to St Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne. When Vikings raided the island the monks fled with the Gospels and St Cuthbert’s ‘uncorrupted’ corpse, travelling through Northumberland and beyond before reaching Dun Holm (Durham) where Cuthbert’s shrine can still be seen.

From 1st July to 30th September 2013, the Lindisfarne Gospels return to the North East to form the centrepiece of an exciting exhibition which will also include other medieval manuscripts and priceless treasures.
Visitors to the exhibition can then visit the Holy island itself with its romantic priory ruins and stunning castle, visible for many miles along Northumberland’s wild North Sea coast. You can also see St Cuthbert’s Cave, where the saint lived, or one of the fascinating St Cuthbert’s Churches, dotted across the county. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to recreate your own medieval pilgrimage across the sands to Holy Island, or to walk the 100 miles of St Cuthbert’s Way, through beautiful northern countryside.

Throughout the Gospel’s visit Northumberland will be celebrating with a series of events including concerts of original music, exciting Gospels inspired artwork and even a new play by renowned playwrights Trevor Wood and Ed Waugh called ‘A funny thing happened on the way to Durham’. Why not join us to celebrate the legacy of a medieval masterpiece, here in the ‘Cradle of Christianity’

Autographed Grace Darling Letter Returns to Bamburgh

An autographed letter signed by Victorian heroine Grace Darling sold for £460 at auction by Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh on the 2nd May 2012. The letter discusses the Trust set up for the money raised for her after her audacious rescue of survivors from the wreck of Forfarshire in the early hours of 7 September 1838. It was bought by the RNLI Heritage Trust and will be on display at The Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh. In the letter she writes that "4 trustees viz His Grace Duke of Northumberland, Archdeacon Thorp ... have kindly taken in hand to manage my affairs, that they propose placing the whole of my money in the fund, that I receive the interest for life with power to withdraw £200 in case I should get married" and expressing gratitude for the contributions: "I am with sincere gratitude to the ladies in Edinburgh & Miss Sinclair in particular.", Longstone Light House, Jan. 10th 1840, Darling was born in 1815 at Bamburgh in Northumberland and spent her youth in two lighthouses (Brownsman and Longstone) of which her father, William, was the keeper. In the early hours of 7 September 1838, Grace, looking from an upstairs window of the Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands, spotted the wreck and survivors of the Forfarshire on Big Harcar, a nearby low rocky island. The Forfarshire had foundered on the rocks and broken in half: one of the halves had sunk during the night. She and her father determined that the weather was too rough for the lifeboat to put out from Seahouses (then North Sunderland), so they took a rowing boat (a 21 ft, 4-man Northumberland coble) across to the survivors, taking a long route that kept to the lee side of the islands, a distance of nearly a mile. Grace kept the coble steady in the water while her father helped four men and the lone surviving woman, Mrs. Dawson, into the boat. Although she survived the sinking, Mrs Dawson had lost her two young children during the night. William and three of the rescued men then rowed the boat back to the lighthouse. Grace then remained at the lighthouse while William and three of the rescued crew members rowed back and recovered the remaining survivors. Meanwhile the lifeboat had set out from Seahouses but arrived at Big Harcar rock after Grace and her father had completed the rescue: all they found were the dead bodies of Mrs Dawson's children and of a vicar. It was too dangerous to return to North Sunderland so they rowed to the lighthouse to take shelter. Grace's brother, William Brooks Darling, was one of the seven fishermen in the lifeboat. The weather deteriorated to the extent that everyone was obliged to remain at the lighthouse for three days before returning to shore. The Forfarshire had been carrying 63 people. The vessel broke in two almost immediately upon hitting the rocks. Those rescued by Grace and her father were from the bow section of the vessel which had been held by the rocks for some time before sinking. All that remained at daybreak was the portside paddlebox casing. Nine other passengers and crew had managed to float off a lifeboat from the stern section before it too sank, and were picked up in the night by a passing Montrose sloop and brought into South Shields that same night. Grace Darling died of tuberculosis in 1842, aged 26 and is buried with her father and mother in a modest grave in St. Aidan’s churchyard, Bamburgh. Grace’s achievement was celebrated in her lifetime: she received a large financial reward in addition to the plaudits of the nation.

Olympic torch to visit Bamburgh

THE Olympic torch is to pass through Berwick and Bamburgh on its way to Alnwick for a huge celebration on June 14th.

The torch will arrive in the area on Thursday, June 14, travelling down from Edinburgh, via Gordon, Greenlaw, Duns, Chirnside and Foulden, before crossing the border and in to Berwick then on to Bamburgh.

The Olympic flame will not be coming this way again in our lifetime. It is cliché but it is true – this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us all and I am sure that Northumberland residents will join together to show their support for the Olympics and to be a part of this exciting and memorable experience.”

Chris Calvert, director at Bamburgh Castle, said: “We hope to work with Bamburgh Parish Council to organise some kind of event around it. Now it has been announced we can see how we can maximise Northumberland’s exposure nationally and internationally.”

Sebastian Coe, chair of LOCOG, said: “We are thrilled to confirm that Northumberland will act as a host location for the Olympic flame, extending an invitation to people around the county to welcome the Olympic torch relay during its journey around the UK.

“This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Northumberland to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”

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.

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!

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/

St Cuthbert's Land Bamburgh Castle

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

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.

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.

Janet Loves the View

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

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.