Things to see and do

Alnwick town, county town of Northumberland is just a short drive away, once an important staging post being only a days ride from Berwick upon Tweed and Newcastle upon Tyne today it’s fine stone buildings, cobbled streets and narrow alleys provide the perfect back drop and opportunity for some retail therapy.

In the centre of the town is the Market Place where the weekly markets, monthly Farmers Market and a varied programme of events are held throughout the year.

As well as being home to the impressive Alnwick Castle and stunning Alnwick Garden it is also home to Barter Books, one of the largest second hand book shops in Britain. Housed in a magnificent Victorian railway station there are over 400,000 books to choose from, complete with a reading room, children’s corner, a roaring fire and much more this is truly a book lovers’ haven.

For those interested in Alnwick’s rich history the Bailiffgates’ interactive displays provide a great day out for all the family as does Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre complete with a separate children’s pool, gym and health suite. For the avid fisherman a visit to the House of Hardy Fishing Museum and Country store is an essential part of a visit to the area, supplying royalty and celebrities such as Chris Tarrant, Hardy’s are without doubt one of the finest purveyors of fishing tackle in the world.

High quality art works can also be viewed at the Alnwick Playhouse, which also provides a wide and varied evening programme of film and entertainment throughout the year.

Beyond Alnwick are a wealth of coastal gems. With over 39 miles of coastline designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the coastal area from Amble in the south to Berwick in the north provides some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal scenery in the country.

The entire coastline is punctuated with sweeping bays, rocky outcrops and hidden coves where smugglers once traded. Off the coast are a number of small islands. Coquet Island, an RSPB site, lies a mile off Amble and boat trips regularly leave to go around the island from the harbour. The Farne Islands lie off the coast at Seahouses, and are a must for bird watchers and families visiting the area.

For a visitor, this coastline offers a wealth of opportunity for a relaxing or fun filled activity break, however reminders of the coastlines history and importance in supporting local communities can also be seen.

This is a working coastline where life boat crews are regularly called out, and the historical power of the sea can be viewed through the bravery of Grace Darling, a local heroine, lived on the coast with her family and her story of bravery is re-told in the Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh, a picturesque coastal village dominated by the impressive Bamburgh Castle rising majestically from the rocks.

To the west lies the Northumberland National Park, where heather clad hills, and Cheviot Hills beckon, this vast upland space bestows some of the most rewarding hill walking in the country. Of the four valleys piercing the Cheviots, Breamish is the most popular for gentler walking and picnics beside the river.

This is just a small taster of the many delights that await you when you visit Northumberland.

Local Amenities

Close to Alnwick town, which has a number of supermarkets, banks, theatre, chemists, doctors, dentist, hospital, leisure centre etc everything you need for a perfect break.