Northumberland – it’s magical

Northumberland is magical because it is so many things to different people. It is proud home to a national park full of dramatic views and sheltered valleys. It has fantastic walking, excellent fishing, golf, sailing and riding, luxury holidays at world-class hotels, cosy little cottages, along with great food and drink. This is a county filled with contrast and it really does offer something for everyone.

Northumberland is a tranquil county, but it is not hard to find evidence of a turbulent past, mighty armies and ancient settlements. History is never far from the surface in a county that has seen more than its share of wars and conquest. Northumberland is famously home to the atmospheric Roman remains of Hadrian’s Wall, but it is also home to more castles than any other region in England, including the awesome Bamburgh Castle and Warkworth Castle. Bastles and Pele Towers litter the county, built by the Border Reivers many years ago to protect their lives and their cattle.

Less than an hour’s drive away is a stretch of coastline that most countries would die for. This is Northumberland’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a coastline offering dramatic views, dunes, cliffs, an abundance of wildlife, tranquil villages and the dramatic ruins of ancient castles. Highlights on the coast include the Farne Islands, home to one of Europe’s largest puffin colonies and an array of other birds. Further north you’ll find the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the birthplace of Christianity in England. Whether or not you’re a believer, make the pilgrimage to this historic place and experience the magic of the priory ruins and the majestic, windswept castle.

Head westwards and you will understand what a land of contrasts this is. Northumberland in this part of the world is heather moors, rushing rivers, craggy hills and grassy dales. Northumberland National Park and Kielder Forest and Water Park are in North-West Northumberland and are home to a great wilderness, stunning countryside and a tranquillity hard to find anywhere else in England.