Discover Northumberland’s True Autumn Colours

Autumn is a magnificent time of year to visit Northumberland.  It’s often blessed with a glorious late ‘’Indian summer’, offering ample opportunity to get out and explore the county’s endless treasures. 

Here are FIVE great reasons to book a self-catering holiday with Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages this Autumn:

1.You’ll be spoilt for choice

With an impressive selection of over 500 personally inspected holiday cottages to choose from in prime locations throughout Northumberland, you’re sure to find your ideal cottage.

Established in 1981, and with sales offices in the coastal villages of Alnmouth and Seahouses, we’re the largest independent holiday cottage agency in the area.  Our experienced team pride ourselves on being here to help every step of the way; we’re all ‘locals’ who love, live and work in Northumberland and can help guide you to your perfect holiday destination. We are only a phone call away, or why not visit us in Alnmouth or Seahouses while you are here!

2.Captivating coastline and charming countryside ideal for walking and golf

Northumberland’s truly blessed with some of the most stunning beaches on offer in the country. It’s Heritage Coastline provides miles of quiet, golden sands, many edged with sheltered sand dunes, just perfect for an autumnal walk to breathe in that healthy sea air!

Or maybe try a round of golf at one of the county’s spectacular links courses, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery. Try Bamburgh Castle Golf Club, Alnmouth Golf Club or Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club for courses with ‘a view’!

Heading inland, you cannot help but appreciate Northumberland’s wild and romantic countryside which comes alive with intense autumn colours.  From the heather clad rolling hills of Northumberland’s National Park and opulent palette of the hidden valleys such as Ingram, you’ll come across quaint, traditional villages and towns such as Rothbury and Wooler. They’re great places to stop for coffee and cake after a day’s hiking in the hills!

3.A rich colourful history

Northumberland’s turbulent past has left a wealth of history behind just waiting to be discovered by you. Pay a visit to one of its many castles (over 70 in total), such as the magnificent Bamburgh Castle or Alnwick Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Northumberland which also featured as Hogwarts in several of the Harry Potter films.

Or discover Cragside House and its fabulous gardens. Once the family home of the great inventor and industrialist, Lord Armstrong, it’s now run by The National Trust.  It’s reputed to be where modern living began and, amongst a host of gadgets such as the first dishwasher and passenger lift, it’s renowned for being the first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity!

And of course Northumberland is also home to the spectacular World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall, where you can walk in the Roman’s footsteps and discover how they lived and fought.

4.Birdwatching, Billy Goats and the Borealis!

Northumberland’s ‘wild and dark’ side continues to surprise during the Autumn months with land, sea and sky still brimming with wildlife.

Autumn brings an exciting opportunity for birdwatchers as many birds pass through Northumberland during the autumnal migration.  Places like Lindisfarne Nature Reserve, Newton by the Sea and Coquet Estuary are all good places to try.

Catch a glimpse of the shy Northumbrian wild goats or vivacious red squirrels. Or take a boat trip to the Farne Islands to see the delightful grey seal pups from late September to the end of November.  If you’re really lucky, our resident pod of dolphins will make a guest appearance too!

And when the light fades in Northumberland, the skies come alive with thousands of stars. The Northumberland National Park has been awarded the accolade of International Dark Sky Park and star-gazing here is simply magnificent on a clear evening.   You might even get lucky and catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis (aka Northern Lights) which make a guest appearance every now and then.   Just remember to pack your binoculars.

5.Tantalise your tastebuds …

If you crave good cuisine, you’ll find Northumberland is alive with a healthy and vibrant local food movement. With freshly caught and prepared seafood and specialist local delicacies such as the famous Craster Kippers and Lindisfarne Oysters – Northumberland’s home to a host of great eating out options. Amble has developed a reputation for its seafood restaurants such as Sea & Soil and The Old Boat House but a visit to any of the coastal villages will reveal restaurants and pubs serving a good range of quality,local fayre.

Or perhaps you’d like to experience something a little different, try The Alnwick Treehouse Restaurant for a unique dining experience, book a traditional English afternoon tea at Howick Hall (the home of Earl Grey tea), or simply tuck into fish and chips straight out the wrapper overlooking Seahouses harbour!

Northumberland also boasts a selection of fine micro-breweries producing and serving artisan, hand crafted real ales, which you can enjoy sampling in many of our local pubs and inns.

Discover your Autumn colour in Northumberland this year…