Lesley’s guidebook: Welcome to The Hemmel
Beautiful Coquetdale
The cottage sits in the heart of the Coquet Valley, the river and its tributaries tumble through open meadows and wild moorland. They flow from their source in the Cheviot Hills to the charming town of Rothbury.
Rothbury is an attractive traditional, sandstone built market town situated on the banks of the River Coquet. Known as the ‘Capital of Coquetdale.’ It is an ideal central location in which to explore Northumberland and all the beauty that it has to offer. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a haven for wildlife. There are quaint local businesses to delight the visitor and the lovely authentic Coquetdale Arts Centre, a gallery and craft centre for local artists to exhibit their work (some of which can be seen in one of the bedrooms). It is housed in the Old Court House and open mid March - mid December. Rothbury has cafes/restaurants. The riverside path and play area is popular for short walks and a place to picnic. Seek out Tully’s Delicatessen and lovely bakers. You will find a Co-op here. There is a large car park on the opposite side of the river to the town connected by road and footbridge.
Please note - your nearest more up to date Spar convenience store is in Thropton offering in house butchers and bakers as well as staples and alcohol - fuel too, see Thropton in my next section!
47 locals recommend
Rothbury
Rothbury is an attractive traditional, sandstone built market town situated on the banks of the River Coquet. Known as the ‘Capital of Coquetdale.’ It is an ideal central location in which to explore Northumberland and all the beauty that it has to offer. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a haven for wildlife. There are quaint local businesses to delight the visitor and the lovely authentic Coquetdale Arts Centre, a gallery and craft centre for local artists to exhibit their work (some of which can be seen in one of the bedrooms). It is housed in the Old Court House and open mid March - mid December. Rothbury has cafes/restaurants. The riverside path and play area is popular for short walks and a place to picnic. Seek out Tully’s Delicatessen and lovely bakers. You will find a Co-op here. There is a large car park on the opposite side of the river to the town connected by road and footbridge.
Please note - your nearest more up to date Spar convenience store is in Thropton offering in house butchers and bakers as well as staples and alcohol - fuel too, see Thropton in my next section!
Burnfoot is such a centre to explore from! There is either country and coast to be found in every direction.
Go on an owl hunt!
Walk through the fields to Netherton along the burn and spot the heron.
Star gaze! On a clear night and with your own eyes, you will be in wonder!
Cycle and explore the local quiet lanes. It’s a wonderful way to see the local wildlife.
Don’t forget your rackets and tennis balls for the court!
Burnfoot Holiday Cottages
Burnfoot is such a centre to explore from! There is either country and coast to be found in every direction.
Go on an owl hunt!
Walk through the fields to Netherton along the burn and spot the heron.
Star gaze! On a clear night and with your own eyes, you will be in wonder!
Cycle and explore the local quiet lanes. It’s a wonderful way to see the local wildlife.
Don’t forget your rackets and tennis balls for the court!
Food scene
If you like beer gardens then you are spoilt for choice! The Three Wheat Heads Inn with views to die for of the Simonside Hills and The Cross Keys with high level views. The The Three Wheat Heads has a comprehensive menu. The Cross Keys is under new management and they have done wonders with their landscaping!
Spar convenience store and nearest source of fuel can be found here. The convenience store is modern and is home to food essentials and treats too. A lovely bakery, butchers a good selection of wines etc. Your closest ATM too
Thropton
If you like beer gardens then you are spoilt for choice! The Three Wheat Heads Inn with views to die for of the Simonside Hills and The Cross Keys with high level views. The The Three Wheat Heads has a comprehensive menu. The Cross Keys is under new management and they have done wonders with their landscaping!
Spar convenience store and nearest source of fuel can be found here. The convenience store is modern and is home to food essentials and treats too. A lovely bakery, butchers a good selection of wines etc. Your closest ATM too
The Running Fox is a must for brunch! Book to avoid disappointment, but if you can’t be seated do treat yourself to a take out. Your nearest Running Fox for food bakery heaven:
https://runningfoxbakery.co.uk/pages/longframlington
There is also a larger establishment at Felton.
https://runningfoxbakery.co.uk/pages/felton
There are two other Running Foxes for you to seek nearer the coast, Longhoughton East of Alnwick and Shilbottle South of Alnwick.
Near Longframlington is The Anglers Arms a traditional coaching inn at Weldon Bridge. Near the intersection of B6344 and the A697 south of Longframlington.
https://www.anglersarms.com/
Longframlington
The Running Fox is a must for brunch! Book to avoid disappointment, but if you can’t be seated do treat yourself to a take out. Your nearest Running Fox for food bakery heaven:
https://runningfoxbakery.co.uk/pages/longframlington
There is also a larger establishment at Felton.
https://runningfoxbakery.co.uk/pages/felton
There are two other Running Foxes for you to seek nearer the coast, Longhoughton East of Alnwick and Shilbottle South of Alnwick.
Near Longframlington is The Anglers Arms a traditional coaching inn at Weldon Bridge. Near the intersection of B6344 and the A697 south of Longframlington.
https://www.anglersarms.com/
The Cook and Barker Inn. A friend recommended this country inn to me but I have yet to try it! Something to look forward to, it does look lovely.
https://cookandbarkerinn.co.uk/
Newton-on-the-Moor
The Cook and Barker Inn. A friend recommended this country inn to me but I have yet to try it! Something to look forward to, it does look lovely.
https://cookandbarkerinn.co.uk/
The Northumberland Arms. We did have a wonderful Sunday Lunch here. Do book!
https://www.northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk/
Opposite side of the river to the Running Fox! While you are in Felton check out Gallery Forty5 they do craft courses!
6 locals recommend
Felton
The Northumberland Arms. We did have a wonderful Sunday Lunch here. Do book!
https://www.northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk/
Opposite side of the river to the Running Fox! While you are in Felton check out Gallery Forty5 they do craft courses!
A pub with a sea view veranda as well as good food. Do book.
https://www.thefishingboatinn.com/
From here there is wonderful walking up the coast to Craster and onwards to Dunstanburgh Castle and onwards again to Low Newton. Magnificent coastal areas! Notable pubs on the way too!
8 locals recommend
Boulmer
A pub with a sea view veranda as well as good food. Do book.
https://www.thefishingboatinn.com/
From here there is wonderful walking up the coast to Craster and onwards to Dunstanburgh Castle and onwards again to Low Newton. Magnificent coastal areas! Notable pubs on the way too!
The Jolly Fisherman Inn with a sea and harbour view! Good seafood too!
https://www.thefishingboatinn.com/
You will find L.Robson & Sons - producers of the famous ‘Craster Kippers’ some of the worlds finest smoked salmon and kippers.
Wonderful coastal walks from here, north to Dunstanborough Castle and on to Low Newton then south to Boulmer, both end at a fine Northumberland inn!
37 locals recommend
Craster
The Jolly Fisherman Inn with a sea and harbour view! Good seafood too!
https://www.thefishingboatinn.com/
You will find L.Robson & Sons - producers of the famous ‘Craster Kippers’ some of the worlds finest smoked salmon and kippers.
Wonderful coastal walks from here, north to Dunstanborough Castle and on to Low Newton then south to Boulmer, both end at a fine Northumberland inn!
Do go through the village of High Newton by the Sea towards Low Newton by the Sea. Find the small car park on your right before you descend the hill to the sea and the horseshoe of old fisherman’s cottages. It is the most beautiful little coastal place. Get there early to secure a parking place. You will need coins! You can walk south along the sweeping bay towards Dunstanborough Castle. Back at Low Newton among the fisherman’s cottage there is a little inn tucked in the corner called The Ship Inn. You can spill out and sit on the green area surrounded by old seafarers cottages and view the sea beyond! It’s a place to sing sea shanties after a crab sandwich and a pint or two!
14 locals recommend
Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Do go through the village of High Newton by the Sea towards Low Newton by the Sea. Find the small car park on your right before you descend the hill to the sea and the horseshoe of old fisherman’s cottages. It is the most beautiful little coastal place. Get there early to secure a parking place. You will need coins! You can walk south along the sweeping bay towards Dunstanborough Castle. Back at Low Newton among the fisherman’s cottage there is a little inn tucked in the corner called The Ship Inn. You can spill out and sit on the green area surrounded by old seafarers cottages and view the sea beyond! It’s a place to sing sea shanties after a crab sandwich and a pint or two!
There is a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants in this vibrant market town. The outdoor market for fresh local produce is every Thursday, Saturday and every last Friday of the month. Note worthy larger food outlets are the new M&S Food Hall on the edge of town and alongside it is a wonderful farm shop, Turnbull’s Northumbrian Food Hall:
https://www.turnbullsfood.co.uk/
85 locals recommend
Alnwick
There is a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants in this vibrant market town. The outdoor market for fresh local produce is every Thursday, Saturday and every last Friday of the month. Note worthy larger food outlets are the new M&S Food Hall on the edge of town and alongside it is a wonderful farm shop, Turnbull’s Northumbrian Food Hall:
https://www.turnbullsfood.co.uk/
The Potted Lobster, featured in several recent Michelin guides - fresh locally sourced produce.
https://thepottedlobster.co.uk/bamburgh/about/
43 locals recommend
Bamburgh
The Potted Lobster, featured in several recent Michelin guides - fresh locally sourced produce.
https://thepottedlobster.co.uk/bamburgh/about/
Otterburn
William de Percy Inn, restaurant and bar. Luxury boutique coaching inn.
shorturl.at/bdpLV
The Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop. A wonderful coffee or lunch stop while visiting either nearby Bolam Lake or Belsay Hall.
Belsay
The Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop. A wonderful coffee or lunch stop while visiting either nearby Bolam Lake or Belsay Hall.
In Harbottle you will find this rural haunt - The Star Inn pub in the centre of the village. They have a wood fired pizza oven and offer pasta dishes too. This “community hub” serves as a local village shop and an information point for the Northumberland National Park.
https://thestarinnharbottle.co.uk/
Do check out this page for cake and coffee days and even local music dates:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheStarInnHarbottle/events/
Harbottle
In Harbottle you will find this rural haunt - The Star Inn pub in the centre of the village. They have a wood fired pizza oven and offer pasta dishes too. This “community hub” serves as a local village shop and an information point for the Northumberland National Park.
https://thestarinnharbottle.co.uk/
Do check out this page for cake and coffee days and even local music dates:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheStarInnHarbottle/events/
Wonderful coffee house! Lake walk, play area and courtyard shops.
https://www.kirkharlecourtyard.co.uk/
Note Wallington Hall, National Trust is close by.
7 locals recommend
Kirkharle Courtyard
Wonderful coffee house! Lake walk, play area and courtyard shops.
https://www.kirkharlecourtyard.co.uk/
Note Wallington Hall, National Trust is close by.
Country houses and Castles
Explore with your children, they will love the woodland labyrinth and adventure play area! There are extensive grounds in which to walk via a network of paths and a beautiful formal garden recreated to the vision of Lord and Lady Armstrong. The Victorian mansion was filled with invention, and is an impressive example of an Arts and Craft House. This was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity! The Hemmel belonged to the Cragside Estate at one time as it was a model farm in which Lord Armstrong demonstrated his pioneering engineering methods.
106 locals recommend
National Trust - Cragside
Explore with your children, they will love the woodland labyrinth and adventure play area! There are extensive grounds in which to walk via a network of paths and a beautiful formal garden recreated to the vision of Lord and Lady Armstrong. The Victorian mansion was filled with invention, and is an impressive example of an Arts and Craft House. This was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity! The Hemmel belonged to the Cragside Estate at one time as it was a model farm in which Lord Armstrong demonstrated his pioneering engineering methods.
Wallington has something for everyone, particularly families with younger children. The grounds have play and discovery areas. You can hire bicycles and cycle on the traffic free Dragon cycle trail which has been designed for the family. There are two routes 1.5 km and 4.5 km of course you could go round twice! The house is a beautiful National Trust property with superb gardens, woodland and a river walk. On the lawn to the side of the house play equipment is provided especially holiday times so play boules or croquet. It’s a must!
42 locals recommend
National Trust Wallington
Wallington has something for everyone, particularly families with younger children. The grounds have play and discovery areas. You can hire bicycles and cycle on the traffic free Dragon cycle trail which has been designed for the family. There are two routes 1.5 km and 4.5 km of course you could go round twice! The house is a beautiful National Trust property with superb gardens, woodland and a river walk. On the lawn to the side of the house play equipment is provided especially holiday times so play boules or croquet. It’s a must!
Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. Home of the Grey family and of Earl Grey tea! Lovely grounds and take the wonderful ‘Long Walk’ which follows the Howick Burn all the way to the sea, but I suggest you turn around at the gate and retrace your steps through the maze of paths back to the house for a splendid well deserved cup of Earl Grey and a good slice of delicious cake!
25 locals recommend
Howick Hall Gardens
Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. Home of the Grey family and of Earl Grey tea! Lovely grounds and take the wonderful ‘Long Walk’ which follows the Howick Burn all the way to the sea, but I suggest you turn around at the gate and retrace your steps through the maze of paths back to the house for a splendid well deserved cup of Earl Grey and a good slice of delicious cake!
A wild and rugged castle to explore. It requires a march to get there from either Craster, Embleton or along the beach from Low Newton!
68 locals recommend
National Trust - Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh RoadA wild and rugged castle to explore. It requires a march to get there from either Craster, Embleton or along the beach from Low Newton!
An English Heritage property. This is a super compact castle to explore. It is commandingly positioned at the head of this pretty village with the Coquet River skirting round. Walk upstream and take the ferry boat across the river to the Hermitage - a chapel carved out of rock in the river side cliff. A short drive over the bridge and right from the village leads to the lovely beach at Warkworth.
49 locals recommend
Warkworth Castle
Castle TerraceAn English Heritage property. This is a super compact castle to explore. It is commandingly positioned at the head of this pretty village with the Coquet River skirting round. Walk upstream and take the ferry boat across the river to the Hermitage - a chapel carved out of rock in the river side cliff. A short drive over the bridge and right from the village leads to the lovely beach at Warkworth.
According to the National Trust the castle is not a castle! Perhaps my most favourite place on Earth! Beautiful walks, birds and seals, a real feel of being on an island! Leave your car and wander. Do check tide times for safe crossing times and do book tickets ahead for the castle. There are cafes on the island, I like the Pilgrims Coffee House and Roastery which has a lovely walled garden.
36 locals recommend
Lindisfarne Castle
According to the National Trust the castle is not a castle! Perhaps my most favourite place on Earth! Beautiful walks, birds and seals, a real feel of being on an island! Leave your car and wander. Do check tide times for safe crossing times and do book tickets ahead for the castle. There are cafes on the island, I like the Pilgrims Coffee House and Roastery which has a lovely walled garden.
It is quintessential England especially when a cricket match is being played on the green in front of this stunning, iconic fortress! It became the home of the Victorian inventor William Armstrong. The man who built Cragside near Rothbury and the man who built The Hemmel in which you are staying as part of his once model farm!! Fancy that!
235 locals recommend
Bamburgh Castle
40 The WyndingIt is quintessential England especially when a cricket match is being played on the green in front of this stunning, iconic fortress! It became the home of the Victorian inventor William Armstrong. The man who built Cragside near Rothbury and the man who built The Hemmel in which you are staying as part of his once model farm!! Fancy that!
Do check the website for family events at Alnwick Castle.
https://www.alnwickcastle.com/whats-on
281 locals recommend
Alnwick Castle
Do check the website for family events at Alnwick Castle.
https://www.alnwickcastle.com/whats-on
Chillingham Castle with formal gardens, woodland walks and lakes. It boasts being one of the most haunted historic castles in England and has a family evening ghost tour. For further information and tour dates see the link below:
https://chillingham-castle.com/
49 locals recommend
Chillingham Castle
Chillingham Castle with formal gardens, woodland walks and lakes. It boasts being one of the most haunted historic castles in England and has a family evening ghost tour. For further information and tour dates see the link below:
https://chillingham-castle.com/
English Heritage site, a place with variety to explore. Hall, castle gardens and tearoom. I love the Quarry Garden.
Tip of a recommendation - on your way in or out of Belsay Hall you pass a wonderful tearoom called ‘The Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop.’ Well worth a stop, serving freshly made delights! It’s a gem!
More walking to be found nearby at Bolam Lake and wildlife.
19 locals recommend
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
English Heritage site, a place with variety to explore. Hall, castle gardens and tearoom. I love the Quarry Garden.
Tip of a recommendation - on your way in or out of Belsay Hall you pass a wonderful tearoom called ‘The Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop.’ Well worth a stop, serving freshly made delights! It’s a gem!
More walking to be found nearby at Bolam Lake and wildlife.
If gardening and topiary are your speciality interest head for Herterton House near Cambo:
http://topiaryintheuk.co.uk/herterton-house/
Cambo
If gardening and topiary are your speciality interest head for Herterton House near Cambo:
http://topiaryintheuk.co.uk/herterton-house/
Beaches
This beach requires a walk-in across a field and through dunes but the reward is vast and quiet! You will find a huge, long sandy bay. If you walk northwards you will face Holy Island harbour and Lindisfarne Castle across the water. If you walk south you head to Budle Bay.
Ross Links, Northumberland
This beach requires a walk-in across a field and through dunes but the reward is vast and quiet! You will find a huge, long sandy bay. If you walk northwards you will face Holy Island harbour and Lindisfarne Castle across the water. If you walk south you head to Budle Bay.
Bamburgh
Beadnell Bay
Park just above the bay at Low Newton and walk down the hill to the bay and fisherman’s cottages.
16 locals recommend
Embleton Bay
Park just above the bay at Low Newton and walk down the hill to the bay and fisherman’s cottages.
Access the beach called Sugar Sands by walking from either Boulmer or Howick. However you can drive to the bay via a narrow road from Longhoughton passing Low Stead. It is a secluded beach and the closest beech to Burnfoot Cottages, but any of the beaches on the coast are very accessible. Near by on the rockier beach over the footbridge at Howick is where an enormous fossil of a giant millipede was found. 326 million years old! The segment found was 75cm’s long, it’s entire body was thought to be as long as a cars!
Longhoughton
Access the beach called Sugar Sands by walking from either Boulmer or Howick. However you can drive to the bay via a narrow road from Longhoughton passing Low Stead. It is a secluded beach and the closest beech to Burnfoot Cottages, but any of the beaches on the coast are very accessible. Near by on the rockier beach over the footbridge at Howick is where an enormous fossil of a giant millipede was found. 326 million years old! The segment found was 75cm’s long, it’s entire body was thought to be as long as a cars!
Beautiful beach is a wide Sandy bay at the mouth of the River Aln. The town of Alnmouth is pretty with shops, pubs and cafes. There is a lovely looped walk along the estuary passed moored boats called Lovers Walk, leading to the main bridge into town and you can walk back through the shops towards the beach. Along the estuary you pass a children's play area and there is a purpose built barbecue in the park with a wonderful view over the boats and river. A great place to picnic on a summers day!
36 locals recommend
Alnmouth Beach
Beautiful beach is a wide Sandy bay at the mouth of the River Aln. The town of Alnmouth is pretty with shops, pubs and cafes. There is a lovely looped walk along the estuary passed moored boats called Lovers Walk, leading to the main bridge into town and you can walk back through the shops towards the beach. Along the estuary you pass a children's play area and there is a purpose built barbecue in the park with a wonderful view over the boats and river. A great place to picnic on a summers day!
Walking Locally
Do check out these online guides by Shepherds Walks who are based in Rothbury, they have a good range of walks described and mapped for you. Many of them are based around the Coquet Valley.
https://www.shepherdswalks.co.uk/blogs/self-led-walking-guides-northumberland-free-downloads
47 locals recommend
Rothbury
Do check out these online guides by Shepherds Walks who are based in Rothbury, they have a good range of walks described and mapped for you. Many of them are based around the Coquet Valley.
https://www.shepherdswalks.co.uk/blogs/self-led-walking-guides-northumberland-free-downloads
Family walk, moderate. 5 miles, 2.5 hours.
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/walk/barrowburn-family-walk/
Barrow Burn
Family walk, moderate. 5 miles, 2.5 hours.
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/walk/barrowburn-family-walk/
Alwinton and the River Alwin walking route. An old cattle drovers route in the border hills, look out for shepherd pedlars and whiskey smugglers! Download a PDF guide here:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/walk/alwinton-and-the-river-alwin-walk/
Alwinton
Alwinton and the River Alwin walking route. An old cattle drovers route in the border hills, look out for shepherd pedlars and whiskey smugglers! Download a PDF guide here:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/walk/alwinton-and-the-river-alwin-walk/
Look for signs of human activity here from long ago. Hillforts, burial mounds and intriguing cup and ring rock carvings dating back 6000 to 3500 years ago! See link below for directions:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/places-to-visit/coquetdale/lordenshaws/
Lordenshaw Hill Fort
Look for signs of human activity here from long ago. Hillforts, burial mounds and intriguing cup and ring rock carvings dating back 6000 to 3500 years ago! See link below for directions:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/places-to-visit/coquetdale/lordenshaws/
Park in the Forestry Commission West Wood Car Park. Begin your walk to see the largest boulder in Northumberland, a huge glacial erratic called The Drake Stone. Look for the scoured linear lines made by rocks embedded in the ice which gouged grooves in this enormous stone during the last ice age. These scars are called striations. Download a PDF from this link:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/walk/the-drake-stone-harbottle-walk/
Harbottle
Park in the Forestry Commission West Wood Car Park. Begin your walk to see the largest boulder in Northumberland, a huge glacial erratic called The Drake Stone. Look for the scoured linear lines made by rocks embedded in the ice which gouged grooves in this enormous stone during the last ice age. These scars are called striations. Download a PDF from this link:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/walk/the-drake-stone-harbottle-walk/
Short walk to Lady’s Well. Legend has it that Saint Ninian baptised many early Christians in its holy water. A beautiful peaceful place.
Holystone
Short walk to Lady’s Well. Legend has it that Saint Ninian baptised many early Christians in its holy water. A beautiful peaceful place.
Bird watching
Branton Lakes Nature Reserve, close to Branton. Two lakes and a bird hide on the west lake with woodland fringe. There are paths all round the reserve, gentle level walking. To find it travel about 0.5 miles north of Powburn on the A697, turn west towards Branton. After approximately 0.75 miles you’ll see a metal gate on your right that leads to the car park.
Powburn
Branton Lakes Nature Reserve, close to Branton. Two lakes and a bird hide on the west lake with woodland fringe. There are paths all round the reserve, gentle level walking. To find it travel about 0.5 miles north of Powburn on the A697, turn west towards Branton. After approximately 0.75 miles you’ll see a metal gate on your right that leads to the car park.
Bundle Bay is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, north of Bamburgh. Park alongside this beautiful tidal bay in the long lay-by and use your car as a bird hide! Watch waders and wildfowl feeding. The wide expanse of mudflats are exposed at low tides. Binoculars and telescopes would be good.
12 locals recommend
Budle Bay
Bundle Bay is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, north of Bamburgh. Park alongside this beautiful tidal bay in the long lay-by and use your car as a bird hide! Watch waders and wildfowl feeding. The wide expanse of mudflats are exposed at low tides. Binoculars and telescopes would be good.
National Trust Crag side have a bird hide near the formal gardens where the woodland birds are attracted to visit by feeders.
106 locals recommend
National Trust - Cragside
National Trust Crag side have a bird hide near the formal gardens where the woodland birds are attracted to visit by feeders.
National Trust Wallington have a bird hide where the woodland birds are attracted to visit by feeders. You will often see a red squirrel here too.
17 locals recommend
Wallington
National Trust Wallington have a bird hide where the woodland birds are attracted to visit by feeders. You will often see a red squirrel here too.
On the landward side of the dunes to Druridge Bay are Druridge Pools and just south Cresswell Pond. They offer a bird spotters paradise with hides to ensure birds are not disturbed. I recently saw my first spoonbills and avocets there! Take binoculars!
31 locals recommend
Druridge Bay
On the landward side of the dunes to Druridge Bay are Druridge Pools and just south Cresswell Pond. They offer a bird spotters paradise with hides to ensure birds are not disturbed. I recently saw my first spoonbills and avocets there! Take binoculars!
In the breeding season book a boat trip from Seahouses to Staple Island to see the puffins, guillemots and shags, among others! Or be attacked by terns on Inner Farne. A boat trip to the Farne Islands is a must for any wildlife lover. You will see seals basking on the rocks too.
19 locals recommend
Farne Islands
In the breeding season book a boat trip from Seahouses to Staple Island to see the puffins, guillemots and shags, among others! Or be attacked by terns on Inner Farne. A boat trip to the Farne Islands is a must for any wildlife lover. You will see seals basking on the rocks too.
Run by Northumberland Wildlife Trust. One of the best wildlife watching and viewing areas on the coast due to its many hides around the lake and feeding stations particularly in the wooded hide. The visitor centre and Lookout Café have wonderful views across the lake and a welcome bowl of soup on a cooler day among other freshly made treats! It is also right next to Druridge Bay. This is a gem!
https://www.nwt.org.uk/get-involved/visitor-centres/hauxley-wildlife-discovery-centre
9 locals recommend
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
Hauxley LaneRun by Northumberland Wildlife Trust. One of the best wildlife watching and viewing areas on the coast due to its many hides around the lake and feeding stations particularly in the wooded hide. The visitor centre and Lookout Café have wonderful views across the lake and a welcome bowl of soup on a cooler day among other freshly made treats! It is also right next to Druridge Bay. This is a gem!
https://www.nwt.org.uk/get-involved/visitor-centres/hauxley-wildlife-discovery-centre
The Heron is a frequent visitor to the burn which runs alongside the site. Take a quiet walk on the other side of the burn along the marked footpath which you will find just up the lane left over the bridge.
I frequently watch sand martins flying into nest holes in the burn downstream of the bridge in late spring, early summer. My favourite sound is to hear an owl at night. Listen out for the little owl, tawny owl and barn owl. If you drive into darkness at night keep an eye out for the barn owl hunting on the grass verges or I have seen one flying like a ghostly figure across the field just outside of the cottage. For children and for that matter adults bring one of these whistles linked below and talk to the local owls at dusk! There is nothing quite like the excitement of an owl calling back a few seconds later!
For a Tawny Owl Whistle:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flights-of-Fancy-BRDLO-E241/dp/B009PKX1KC/
For a Little Owl Whistle:
https://yesbebe.co.uk/products/little-owl-call
Have fun around Burnfoot at night if the start aren't out!
Burnfoot Holiday Cottages
The Heron is a frequent visitor to the burn which runs alongside the site. Take a quiet walk on the other side of the burn along the marked footpath which you will find just up the lane left over the bridge.
I frequently watch sand martins flying into nest holes in the burn downstream of the bridge in late spring, early summer. My favourite sound is to hear an owl at night. Listen out for the little owl, tawny owl and barn owl. If you drive into darkness at night keep an eye out for the barn owl hunting on the grass verges or I have seen one flying like a ghostly figure across the field just outside of the cottage. For children and for that matter adults bring one of these whistles linked below and talk to the local owls at dusk! There is nothing quite like the excitement of an owl calling back a few seconds later!
For a Tawny Owl Whistle:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flights-of-Fancy-BRDLO-E241/dp/B009PKX1KC/
For a Little Owl Whistle:
https://yesbebe.co.uk/products/little-owl-call
Have fun around Burnfoot at night if the start aren't out!
For bird watching I park at Boulmer car park overlooking the beach and walk northwards either partly on the beach or find the footpath which is back up the road passed the pub and fisherman’s cottages. This path gives a good vantage point over the rocky headland shore which attracts many birds. I often see a heron among the rock pools and all kinds of waders.
8 locals recommend
Boulmer
For bird watching I park at Boulmer car park overlooking the beach and walk northwards either partly on the beach or find the footpath which is back up the road passed the pub and fisherman’s cottages. This path gives a good vantage point over the rocky headland shore which attracts many birds. I often see a heron among the rock pools and all kinds of waders.
Cycle Routes
This is just one of many places to start a mountain bike route in the Cheviots Hills. ‘The Cheviot Hills Mountain Bike Orbital Way,’ by Ted Liddle is the go to guide for MTB riding in the Cheviot Hills.
Also check out the Otterburn Ranges & Coquetdale:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/things-to-do/get-active-outdoors/cycling/cycle-routes/otterburn-ranges-coquetdale/
Check non-firing days on gov.uk website for Otterburn Firing Times.
Do not stray from route and ensure that no red flags are flying.
There is a variety of route options, see ‘Cycle Touring Map of Northumberland’.
The route’s take you over the wild moorland of the firing ranges and along the beautiful valley of the upper river Coquet.
A good start & finish is Alwinton.
The National Park car park at Alwinton is pay and display. The charge is £2 for the day – bring 2x£1 coins for the ticket machine.
Th Village green is free to park on.
Alwinton
This is just one of many places to start a mountain bike route in the Cheviots Hills. ‘The Cheviot Hills Mountain Bike Orbital Way,’ by Ted Liddle is the go to guide for MTB riding in the Cheviot Hills.
Also check out the Otterburn Ranges & Coquetdale:
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/things-to-do/get-active-outdoors/cycling/cycle-routes/otterburn-ranges-coquetdale/
Check non-firing days on gov.uk website for Otterburn Firing Times.
Do not stray from route and ensure that no red flags are flying.
There is a variety of route options, see ‘Cycle Touring Map of Northumberland’.
The route’s take you over the wild moorland of the firing ranges and along the beautiful valley of the upper river Coquet.
A good start & finish is Alwinton.
The National Park car park at Alwinton is pay and display. The charge is £2 for the day – bring 2x£1 coins for the ticket machine.
Th Village green is free to park on.
Here you will find the ‘Coast and Castles Cyclr Route.’ The ‘Ultimate Planning Map For Cycle Touring In Northumberland,’ is useful and covers the whole of Northumberland.
Cresswell
Here you will find the ‘Coast and Castles Cyclr Route.’ The ‘Ultimate Planning Map For Cycle Touring In Northumberland,’ is useful and covers the whole of Northumberland.
Many route options are available here. Noteworthy is the 26 mile (42km) Lakeside Way Cycle Trail. Bike hire is available at Kielder Village
https://www.thebikeplace.co.uk/
40 locals recommend
Kielder Water & Forest Park
Many route options are available here. Noteworthy is the 26 mile (42km) Lakeside Way Cycle Trail. Bike hire is available at Kielder Village
https://www.thebikeplace.co.uk/
Wallington are all set up for family cycle hire catering for all age groups. Traffic free trails make for a pleasant family ride. You can take your own bicycles too.
42 locals recommend
National Trust Wallington
Wallington are all set up for family cycle hire catering for all age groups. Traffic free trails make for a pleasant family ride. You can take your own bicycles too.