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Here are just a few of the many and varied things that you can see and do whilst visiting this wonderful area. For more things please also visit our parent site www.staynorthumbria.co.uk

General interest

The beaches : unspoilt sandy beaches dominate this coastline for over 50 miles, stretching from Tynemouth in the South to Berwick upon Tweed in the north - Our local stretches makes up the Coastal Path. There are sweeping bays at Craster, Embleton, Newton by the Sea, Beadnell, Seahouses , Bamburgh and Holy Island. Busy harbours at Craster, Beadnell and Seahouses and rocky outcrops at Dunstanburgh  and just north of Bamburgh ideal for rock pooling.

The Castles: Alnwick, Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh, Lindisfarne and Warkworth are probably the best known but there are others worth exploring - Chillingham (the most haunted apparantly) and Ford are both still inhabited, while  Norham, Ford, Edlingham and Ross are all uninhabited or ruins

The area is steeped in history from its importance of Christianity on Holy Island with St. Cuthbert and St. Aidan, to the border wars at battle fields like Flodden, the land ravaged by Vikings and ruled by Lords and its importance in the industrial heritage of the world - the first house lit by hydroelectricty at Cragside and a Castle built by the Normans but made the specticle that it is today by an industrialist whose company went on to make the Chieftan Tank.

Birdwatching

There is an abundance of birdlife on this wild coast.  Just take a walk through our gardens, we plant borders and pots to attract wildlife and birds of all kinds visit us regularly.  On a wider scale the beaches provide a haven for all kinds of sea birds and waders, inland the rivers and hills make way for other native species.  Then of course there are the Farne Islands, accessible by boats leaving from Seahouses the most readily identifiable of our feathered visitors is the little Puffin, little in stature and huge in personality, these colourful characters visit in their tens of thousands for the breeding season in June. With the other identifiable resident the Eider Duck frequenting the harbour and surrounds there is plenty to aim the binoculars at and much at which to click the camera lens.

Useful Sites: Birdwatch Northumbria ; Billy Shiels boats Seahouses, St. Cuthbert boats Seahouses; National trust warden's Farne Island Blog

Flora & Fauna

From the Grey Seals that lounge on the Farne Islands, to the Hares, Badgers & Red Squirrels inland. From the indiginous Orchids on Holy Island to the cultivated habitats of many large Gardens like Alnwick and  Howick, the nature lover will be in seventh heaven.

Useful Sites: National trust warden's Farne Island Blog ; Alnwick Garden ; Howick Hall Garden

Golfers

An offering of links and         courses, with stunning views, and classic challenges, there are courses for all levels of golfer only a short journey away from your accommodation.  On the doorstep are Bamburgh Castle Golf Club and Seahouses Golf Club, 5 or so miles will bring you to Dunstanburgh Golf Club and 20-25 miles take you to Alnmouth Foxton, and Rothbury to the South and Goswick, and Magdalene-Fields in the North,

Divers

The sea off the North Northumberland coast provides many challenges for divers but reveals  some fantastic secrets, whether you wish to explore some of the many wrecks off the Farne Islands, dive with the seals, or like underwater photography or video you won't be disappointed. There are a number of companies who charter their boats by the day, or join other smaller groups on an organised dive. There are also facilities to launch ribs in both Seahouses and Beadnell and further up the coast at St. Abbs and Eyemouth.

Walkers

Whether you enjoy a stroll, or are a keen walker again there is something for everyone.  Around Seahouses there is a Heritage trail, taking you on a signed journey via locations which have played a significant part in the development of the area over the years. The area is criss crossed with public footpaths and there is of course the Coastal Path which follows the route along the coast, sometimes on shore at others on dunes and cliffs above the sea.

In addition to stretches of both coastal and inland walking, which can take anything from a couple of hours to the best part of a day, there are also three major walks which cut through the area.  The Pennine Way winds its way up the centre of England through the Cheviots and ends inland at the village of Yetholm.

St. Cuthberts Way - 63 miles in total follows the route that St. Cuthbert took from Melrose in the Borders, to Lindisfarne

St. Oswalds Way - 97 miles in total winds its way south along the coast and then inland from Holy Island (Lindisfarne) to Heaven's Field on the Roman Wall.

Cycling

Just a family outing around the locality or take on a stretch of the Coast and Castles Route1. Bring along your own cycle and you can be out of your accommodation and on some of the quietest roads in the country in minutes.  There are also organised cycling events to enter such as the Pier to Pier race from Seahouses Harbour to Tynemouth held each August Bank Holiday, or try a bit of mountain biking in Keilder Forest.

With a bit of careful planning your visit you should be able to do and see all you wish and more

If you wish to check on what's happening during your stay please visit the Events page of our parent website www.staynorthumbria.co.uk