Northumberland

The history of Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland is strongly intertwined, making a visit to the North East incomplete without exploring the beautiful county of Northumberland.

Located a few miles outside of the city centre of Newcastle, Northumberland is a large and diverse county which boasts quaint villages and towns such as Alnwick, Morpeth, Amble and Hexham, as well as miles of rolling English countryside, luscious green woodland, stunning coastline and some of the North East's most famous historic landmarks. Northumberland is also home to many stunning National Trust properties and English Heritage sites and venues.

History buffs and culture lovers will revel at the great number of castles and ruins that can be found throughout Northumberland, as this region was a key battleground in the Border Wars between England and Scotland, which lasted 300 years from the fourteenth century until the seventeenth century. Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle and Warkworth Castle are among the few which still stand today and provide a great day out for all the family. If you're feeling brave, Chillingham Castle is also said to be one of the most haunted castles in the world!

Families with children are spoiled for choice with things to do in Northumberland. Cragside House is as stunning as it is educational, with a well preserved Victorian interior, which demonstrates how it was one of the first homes in Britain to have electricity. Hadrian's Wall is perhaps the most famous relic of the past and there are many scenic spots to visit along its course, including Sycamore Gap and Housteads Roman Fort, which make for a fun-filled day trip.

If you're looking to get to know the area a little better, be sure to make a visit to any of the friendly villages nestled within the heart of Northumberland and to check out the traditional pubs and restaurants that can be found there. Alnwick is well known for its quaint tea shops and Barter Books, an independent second-hand book store, while the landscaped Alnwick Gardens are not to be missed. Northumberland is a haven for outdoor lovers so why not take a 'plodge' in the sea at any of the beautiful Northumberland beaches such as Craster, Seahouses and Druridge Bay or stop by Kielder for a breath of fresh countryside air.

Make the most of your visit to NewcastleGateshead with a day out in Northumberland and see what the wider areas of the North East has to offer.