Activities

Golf

It has been rumoured that there must be something in the water in Northumberland, because in the last five or six years this northern part of England has developed into one of the most popular regions for golf in the United Kingdom.

Northumberlands beautiful coast is blessed with some of the most spectacular golf links in England - Berwick-upon-Tweed Golf Club, Bamburgh Castle Golf Club, a 100 year old course with it's wonderful castle views. Seahouses Golf Club, Dunstanburgh Golf Club and Alnmouth Golf Club, known as Foxton is one of Englands oldest courses.

In all we offer more than 40 great golf courses, located in some of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes in Britain.

For a list of local courses click:

www.englishgolf-courses.co.uk

Cycling

From exiting dayroutes and family-friendly traffic free trails to long-distance National Cycle Network favourites, North East England has a cycle route to suit. you can explore the breathtaking coast and countryside, Northumberland National Park and two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Kielder Forest Border Railway Trail-Kielder Forest, the largest forest in Britain, surrounds Kielder water, the largest man-made lake in Europe with a whopping 27 miles of shoreline. The combination of Towering forest and sheer expanse of water creates a spectacular enviroment for outdoor enthusiasts, and it's reputation as one of Englands premier mountain-biking areas is well earned.The site, mountain bike trails and facilities are open all year round and there are 13 way-marked trails to try, which vary from easy to demanding. If you stop for a breather you'll find a host of things to do and see in and around the forest, from spotting wildlife (the forest is home to the increasingly rare Red squirrel), discovering a sculpture trail of hidden artwork among the trees, sampling a wealth of watersports or enjoying a quiet cruise around the lake.

Northumberland Coast & Countryside route-A loop taking in some of the best of Northumberlands coast and countryside, offering some excellent opportunities to enjoy great pub food and a welcoming pint, and aslso to pick up some superb produce.

Want to hire a bike? Cyclelife in Alnwick will deliver a bike to your cottage and give all Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages customers a discount.

They also provide guided rides and walks just take a look at their website. Follow the link and use promo code NCC102010. www.cyclelife-alnwick.co.uk

Bird Watching

The sheer diversity of the Northumberland landscape makes for some of the best birdwatching in the country.From mountainous moorland and heather-clad hills, to ancient woodland, rocky cliffs, sweeping sands and expansive mudflats, Northumberland is a county of diverse habitats, rare species and breeding colinies of international signifigance.

One of the greatest wildlife experiences is just a boat ride away-The Farne Island lying off the coast of North Northumberland.

In summer the Farne Islands are "home" for over 100,000 pairs of breeding seabirds, including 55,000+ pairs of Puffins. Some 21-23 species nest here and are, almost without fail, incredibly tolerent of human visitors. Tolerent, however, may not be quiet the right word for the Artic Terns who dive-bomb unsuspecting folk as they pass through their nesting colonies-not something to be forgotton in a hurry! The photographic opportunities are endless.

Coquet Island is an RSPB reserve about one mile off Amble, Northumberland. It is home to a large colony of nesting seabirds and is specially protected under European Law for birds such as the Roseate Tern, one of our rarest nesting seabirds. Coquet now holds 90 per cent of the UK's Roseate Tern population.

Several thousand nesting Sandwich, Artic and Common Terns accompany the Roseates in May, June and July, and thousands of Puffins occupy the main part of the island.

Northumbria is one of Britains richest wildlife regions. As well as birds, look out for Roe Deer, Otter, Grey Seal, Wild Goat and the endangered Red Squirrel. Discover attractive flowers like Pyamidal Orchid, Marsh Helleborine and the Grass of Parnassus. Enjoy the wonderful scenery and wide open spaces. Experience a sense of wilderness in the Cheviot Hills or on an empty Northumbrian beach.

OUTSTANDING HOLIDAY COTTAGES THROUGHOUT NORTHUMBERLAND - SELF CATERING HOLIDAYS IN NORTHUMBERLAND NORTHUMBRIA