Northumberland Villages

BAMBURGH is a quaint little village with the magnificent castle overlooking the village green. There is a butcher, a deli, and green grocer, tea rooms and three pubs, all of which serve great food. Bamburgh has a beautiful church and the Grace Darling museum this tells the heroic story of the ship-wrecked Forfarshire in 1838 (free entry and a must see!) The castle is open nearly all year round.

SEAHOUSES is three miles away and is a bustling little fishing village where boat trips to The Farne Islands may be taken from the harbour. A traditional village with Scotts family butchers, Trotters bakery, Swallows wet fish shop with original smokehouse, and a range of other small shops including The Farne Gift Shop which sell an amazing array of gifts and homeware. Play crazy golf or have a horse ride at the RIDING CENTRE at the top of the village where it is possible to arrange both lessons and beach rides (ring 01665 720320 orclick here to visit their website) Have a walk around the old part of the village from a small beach in front of the harbour where the Powder house stands, up the hill past the war memorial, through the car park, here you will find the old railway line which takes you to North Sunderland.

ALNWICK is a small town 15 miles south of Bamburgh. Here you can find the famous Alnwick gardens which are open every day as well as the spectacular Alnwick Castle which is where the Harry Potter films were made. Barter Books is well worth a look, this is in the old railway station in the town and houses a huge selection of second hand books. Around narrow and cobbled streets are some interesting shops, tea rooms and galleries. Alnwick was voted the best place to live by Country living magazine.

LINDISFARNE (HOLY ISLAND) Definitely worth a visit, however caution must be taken as it can only be reached by the causeway at low tide. There is a castle and priory with wonderful views and beaches.

BERWICK-UPON-TWEED is twenty five miles north of Bamburgh and only a few miles more to the Scottish Borders. The Barracks are worth a visit as is a walk along the walls for some fntastic views. There are many interesting historical houses/castles in the Borders such as Floors, Mellerstain, Paxton Manderston.

WARKWORTH is a very pretty village and has the ruins of the castle, a river, shops and places to eat. Try the tasty Cabosse for a little tea time treat and visit Greys for some lovely gifts at very reasonable prices.

CRASTER a small village with one pub (serving good food) and the original Craster kipper smokehouse. It has a pretty harbour and the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle was voted one of Britains best walks.

WOOLER the gateway to the Cheviots is situated inland about fifteen niles from Bamburgh. Great walking in the hills.Travel along A69 for some more small villages en route and a few antique shops along the way to Glanton.

ROTHBURY here you can visit Cragside (closed Mondays) house and gardens this is where the first electric was invented by Lord Armstrong.

FORD AND ETAL home of Lord Joicey and another little castle, also some delicious lavender cake in the post office tearooms and a thatched roof pub. There is a small steam train and heatherslaw corn mill to visit. Go right into Ford for a gallery, antiques and a real picture-postcard village.