These northernmost reaches of England offer a generous range of holiday pursuits including water sports, cycling and climbing and for those inspired by the likes of ‘Springwatch’ on the BBC, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Kielder Water and Forest Park, which merges imperceptibly with the mighty crags of the Cheviot hills to the North East – is home to Osprey, Roe Deer, Otters and Red Squirrel. The Northumberland National Park is also rich in history, home as it is to the famous Hadrian’s Wall – built by the Romans in AD 100 – extending from Wallsend on the Tyne in the East to the Solway Firth on the lower western fringes of Scotland. Today, travellers can get a taste of its former glory by visiting holiday attractions like Chesters Roman Fort near Hexham or the recently refurbished Roman Vindolanda which sits on the road to Carlisle and one of the most distinguished Roman Army Museums in Britain.
Lindisfarne and Holy Island are also worth a visit. Lindisfarne is a tidal island a few miles east of Berwick Upon Tweed and can be reached by a causeway at low tide. The island also plays host to a romantic 16th-century castle, which offers spectacular views and is managed by the National Trust. Lindisfarne Priory, original home to the Lindisfarne Gospels, was an important centre of early Christianity, and the home of St Cuthbert.
Super Sightseeing:
- Hadrian's Wall ~ 2000 years old wall separating
England from Scotland. Trails for walkers & museums and forts for
history buffs. Visitor Centres include Vindolanda Museum, Chesters Roman Fort and Housesteads Fort.
- Alnwick
Castle ~ The castle featured in the Harry Potter movies. Also
houses one of the largest private art collections. Medieval music
and entertainment, a Knight's Quest, lost cellars, Battleaxe to Broomsticks
Tour, archery, crafts and stunning gardens.
- Kielder
Water and Forest Park ~ Northumberland is home to Europe's largest man-made lake
and England biggest forest. 250 square miles of parkland and nature
reserves. Visitor Centres at Tower Knowe, Leaplish and Kielder Castle.
Activities include watersports, walking, mountain biking, fishing
and orienteering. Climbing walls, zip wire, King Swing, high ropes
course and other adventure activities on offer at Calvert
Trust Kielder - north of Hexham.
- Lindisfarne ~ Also known as Holy Island. This ancient
christian site is accessible by the 'Pilgrim's Way' causeway at low-tide.
Home to a nature reserve, 16th
Century Castle (National Trust) and the ruins of an ancient
priory (English Heritage) - all with visitor centres. Spectacular
coastal views and original home to the Lindisfarne Gospels. Near Berwick
Upon Tweed in Northumberland.
Northumberland Holiday Ideas © 2011 Room4U