Cheviot Hills and National Park 

Wild and Captivating 

Northumberland’s interior is one of Britain’s most peaceful spots to get away from it all. Quiet winding roads link secluded villages and towns set in the valleys of the myth inspiring Cheviot Hills. You can walk for miles here and not see another soul. Look up, and you’ll appreciate why Northumberland is known as England’s big sky county and has recently been granted the internationally recognised ‘Dark Skies’ award – a great place for stargazing. 

Cheviot Hills 

The granite and heather hewn landscape is the romantic heart of the county, where local legends were set among evocative mountains like Bloodybush Edge and Comb Fell. 

Formed millions of years ago by volcanic lava flows the Cheviot Hills make for a wild, romantic landscape and are home to some fantastic wildlife. Set in the foothills is the attractive, stone-built town of Wooler, with its good range of local shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants it is an excellent base from which to explore the area. The hills are a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts with a network of cycling trails and walking routes. 

Northumberland National Park 

Northumberland National Park covers 250,000 acres of protected landscape with breathtaking views, crystal clear streams and rich wildlife. Rothbury is the biggest town within the park and its busy high street has traditional shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Thrunton Woods, Edlingham Castle and Brinkburn Priory are all great spots for wildlife and picnicking. Also within the park is the Breamish Valley with its gorse-covered hills and the villages of Branton, Powburn and Ingram. 

Kielder Water & Forest Park 

Kielder is not only the site of Northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, there are also acres of forest to explore and its purpose-built trails create walks for all abilities. Here you will get to see rare wildlife such as the native red squirrels, deer and otters. Water sports enthusiasts can take to the water from Easter to October and the lake offers a challenge to keen trout anglers between March and October. It is also has a large observatory and is an ideal location for star gazing. 

Kielder is also mountain bike heaven being one of England’s premier sites with 13 way-marked trails which vary from easy to demanding. The 27 mile Lakeside Way has stunning views; there are many shorter routes available and also a bike skills area. 

‘Give it a Go’ 

Visit Cragside House, Gardens & Estate near Rothbury built by Lord Armstrong now owned by The 

National Trust (dogs allowed in grounds). 

Visit Chillingham Castle, and see the beautiful Chillingham cattle 

Discover the charming Ford and Etal estates 

Test your mountain bike skills on Kielder’s Red Trail the highest in England at 580m. 

Star-gaze at Kielder Observatory. 

Hunt for wild goats on the Cheviot Hills and at Kielder. 

The ‘Tea’ Trail 

Tomlinson’s Café, Rothbury 

A few of our holidaymakers’ favourite things … 

Visit to Cragside just outside of Rothbury. It provides great interest for all ages and is not just a ‘big house’ full on ancient artefacts but the place where electricity was first used to light a home. 

Really interesting and the grounds are stunning. 

We visited Chillingham Castle and went to see the Wild Cattle of Chillingham – the only wild cattle in the world. It was a most enjoyable and interesting experience and our guide was very helpful and friendly and answered all of our questions. 

We saw ospreys, red squirrels and Mars and Saturn. We went to Kielder and also visited Kielder observatory – what an experience seeing Northumberland’s big skies. 

Hadrian’s wall and the Cheviots provide some stunning walking opportunities with hardly another soul in sight.