Itinerary Ideas



Northumberland boasts more genuine castles than any other county in England. This itinerary features several historic and photogenic castles and other places of interest close to the Northumberland coast. There is enough history and scenery here to occupy a short break of a couple of days in the area.

Warkworth

Quietly picturesque small town whose main street rises attractively from the Norman church by the river to the striking castle on its hill above the River Coquet. It's virtually complete so wandering round the crooked passageways and dark staircases is wonderfully atmospheric. Sneaky plots were one hatched here by the Earl of Northumberland and Harry Hotspur - events immortalised in Shakespeare's Henry IV.

Alnmouth

Situated on a narrow spit of land between the River Aln and the North Sea Alnmouth was originally the port for Alnwick and is today a charmingly picturesque resort.

Craster

On a warm summer's day you can smell Craster's famous export - kippers! This fishing village is famed for its kippers, cured over oak in a traditional way.

Seahouses & The Farne Islands

A busy fishing harbour, overlooked by old interesting pubs. From April to September, weather permitting, you can get boat trips around the Farne Islands, to see the eider ducks, thousands of other seabirds, and grey seals - breeding from the end of summer into autumn, with the plaintive-voiced pups staying on shore for only a few weeks.

Bamburgh

A huge square Norman castle on a mighty cliff, its clock serving as timekeeper for the cricket green in the attractive village below. Despite the forbidding exterior, the inside is very much a lived-in stately home, with armour from the Tower of London. Grace Darling Museum. Pictures, documents and other reminders of the local heroine including the boat in which Grace and her father rescued 9 survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire.

Holy Island

Holy Island, otherwise known as Lindisfarne is linked to the mainland by a causeway which you can cross over at low tide. Once there, there are nature-reserve dunes, a restored tidemill, fishermen's huts made of upturned former boats, old limekilns, a small extended village with cafes and pubs, and good views from the close-grazed grassy crags. The main draw is Lindisfarne Priory, from where in the 7th century, St Aidan and monks from Iona replanted the seeds of Christianity in Dark Ages England. These early monks were driven out by Vikings but the priory was re-established in the 12th century, and it's the extensive remains of this foundation you can see today; a very peaceful and romantic spot, with graceful red sandstone arches bordered by neat lawns. The rather lonely and austere exterior of Lindisfarne Castle belies what's within; the 16th century fortress was restored by Lutyens for the editor of Country Life in a suitably monolithic, quasi-medieval style. Sumptuous furnishings include a fine collections of antique oak furniture, and there's a walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

Chillingham

A striking old castle dating back to the 12th century, full of antiques, tapestries, arms and armour. Formal gardens, woodland walks, lake and splendid views of the surrounding countryside; occasional concerts and special events. Brave souls can rent one of their haunted rooms. In Chillingham Wild Cattle Park, the famous large-horned white cattle have been around for the last 700 years, the only animals of their kind still pure and uncrossed with domestic breeds. As they are potentially aggressive, tours are conducted by a guide.

Alnwick

The 'Windsor of the North' dates back to the 11th century, and is the second largest inhabited castle in the country. Some soldiers perched on the battlements seem to stand guard, and inside all is Italian Renaissance grandeur, with a magnificent art collection taking in works by Titian, Van Dyck and Canaletto. Some rooms are quite breathtaking. Also famous collection of Meissen china and Roman Remains.

Berwick Upon Tweed

During the 12th century the town assumed importance as the most commercial of the four Royal Burghs of Scotland. A place of red-roofed, grey stone houses and quaint, narrow streets enclosed within walls, Berwick has been described as the most exciting town in England. The great Elizabethan walls are regarded as the best-preserved in Europe.

Paxton

Paxton House built for a King's daughter, is one of the finest 18th century Palladian houses in Britain with interiors by Robert Adam and the largest Chippendale collection in Scotland.

Norham

A pleasant village of grey cottages beside the River Tweed, it even has a weathervane in the shape of a fish - evidence of the importance of fishing to the village. Readers of Sir Walter Scott will be familiar with Norham, for its famous castle was featured in Marmion. Norham Castle was one of the strongest border fortresses and has one of the finest Norman keeps in the country.

Ford & Etal

Tucked away amongst trees is the delightful model village of Ford, created by Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford, a bridesmaid of Queen Victoria. She devoted her time to painting after the death of her husband, built the village school and then decorated the walls with watercolour paintings on Biblical themes. Like neighbouring Etal with its romantic Castle, Ford has several craft shops and close by is Heatherslaw Mill, a restored 19th century water-driven corn mill.

Flodden

The battle took its name from Flodden Hill where the English defeated the Scots on 9 September 1513. This last and most bloody battle fought on Northumberland soil was not just a border scuffle, but was linked to greater events in Europe. 10,000 Scotsmen were killed - including James and members of nearly every noble family in Scotland. The English under the Earl of Surrey, lost 5,000 men.

Kelso

Elegant Kelso, situated in Middle March where the River Teviot joins the Tweed, is not a typical Border town. Facing south towards the Cheviots, Kelso has a 'Flemish' style wide, cobbled market square flanked by gracious Georgian buildings, making it without doubt the most attractive town in the Scottish Borders.

Jedburgh

The beautiful red sandstone Abbey, founded as a priory by David I in 1138 has been sacked and rebuilt many times. However, it is the most entire of the Border monastic houses and has been described as 'the most perfect and beautiful example of the Saxon and early Gothic in Scotland'. Mary Queen of Scots visited Jedburgh in 1566 and ill health prolonged her stay in the attractive market town. The house she used during her stay, named 'Queen Mary's House', is a museum to her memory.

Otterburn

This is where James, Earl of Douglas, died at the hand of Harry Hotspur in the famous Battle of Otterburn (1388). The early 19th century mill used to produce world famous tweeds and woollens using the fleece of local black-faced sheep.

Elsdon

One of the finest pele towers in the county, and the remains of a Norman motte-and-bailey, illustrate Elsdon's one-time strategic importance.

Return to Alnwick via Rothbury in Coquetdale, a market town since 1205, and a perfect centre for exploring the Cheviots and the Northumberland National Park.