The Seven Wonders of Winter in Northumberland return to blog

5th Nov 2019

With winter upon us, it's still a great time to book a holiday to explore Northumberland. Out of the high season, the region has plenty to offer. Often blessed with clear sunny days, it's a good time for a spot of walking on brighter days. Explore our stunning and seemingly endless Heritage Coastline and captivating countryside, quite often without seeing another soul. To be fair it's never that busy at anytime of the year! And perhaps cosy up in one of our welcoming pubs afterwards in front of a real fire and enjoy some Northumbrian-style hospitality.

We've put together our 'Seven Wonders of Winter in Northumberland' to give you a snapshot of activities to enjoy this winter:

1. Take a walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

This popular walk starts from the quaint fishing village of Craster. Public parking is available on the outskirts of the village and you can pick up the coastal path to the North of the harbour, which leads all the way to Dunstanburgh Castle (about 1.5 miles along mainly flat terrain). Dunstanburgh Castle, an iconic castle ruin, was once one of the largest and grandest fortifications in Northumberland. The castle dominates a beautiful stretch of our coastline and is run by English Heritage. Entrance fees apply unless you have a valid English Heritage or National Trust card. Meander back along the coastal path to Craster, where you can treat yourself to a bite to eat and a little liquid refreshment in The Jolly Fisherman pub or try some world famous Craster Kippers from L Robson & Sons.

2. A boat trip to the Farne Islands

Take a trip on the 'Glad Tidings' boat across to the famous Farne Islands, which lie just off the Northumberland Coast. These islands are famous for their Sea Bird Santuary, and a large colony of grey seals. All ages will be amazed by the variety of wildlife on offer and discover its fascinating history and why St Cuthbert made it his home for a while.

The boat trips run throughout the year but are subject to the weather conditions.

Click here for more information about Farne Island Boat Trips

3. Barter Books

Barter Books, just on the outskirts of Alnwick Town Centre, is one of the largest antiquarian bookstores in the UK and definitely worth a visit. Located in Alnwick's magnificent old Victorian railway station, the place is so big you could happily spend half a day there. Meander through the second hand books, resting for a while to read or have a bite to eat and a cup of something warm. It truly is a treasure trove begging to be explored.

Click here for more information and opening times for Barter Books

4. Star-gazing

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 and take warm clothing.

The Kielder Observatory is well worth exploring too. Located in Kielder Forest in some of the darkest skies in Europe, its aim is to run public events with an aim to engage discussion and observations of the universe. The observatory is only open when an event is being run but you can book these via their website here.

5. The Alnwick Garden

Of course we couldn't leave this little gem off our list. One of the world's most contemporary gardens, it combines the provocative with the traditional and offers adventure and intrigue in the heart of Northumberland. Meander through the architectural water features, get lost in the magical maze, take a guided tour through the Poison Garden and have refreshments in Europe's largest treehouse. There's plenty on offer all year round for all the family.

Click here for more information and opening times for The Alnwick Garden

6. Day Trip to Edinburgh or Newcastle

With East Coast mainline train stations at both Alnmouth and Berwick, it's easy to take a day trip to either Newcastle or Edinburgh. With car parking availabe at both stations and journey times of an hour or less, there's no reason why you can't sample the shopping, culture and vibe of these beautiful cities.

Click here for more information on train times

7. Visit the Roman Wall

Visit the Roman Wall (aka Hadrian's Wall) to discover how the Roman soldiers lived and worked during their occupation. Both Vindolanda and Housesteads Roman Forts offer a chance to wander through the incredible and vast archaeological excavations, with their museums showcasing important artefacts found on site and providing a fascinating insight into how and why the Roman Wall was built.

With over 540 self-catering cottages to choose from and a host of activities to explore, why not come and stay a while this winter in Northumberland.