St Aidan’s, Bamburgh
The parish church of St Aidan’s, Bamburgh, was founded by the saint in the 7th century. The current building dates from the 12th century. and to visit is to walk in history.
St Aidan’s, Bamburgh Read More »
Grace Darling Museum
The Grace Darling Museum, dedicated to the local young heroine who helped rescue survivors from a shipwreck on a stormy night, is a small, but fascinating museum packed with interesting information and artefacts.
Grace Darling Museum Read More »
Dunstanburgh Castle
The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, perched on the cliffs and possibly looming out of the mists, are one of the most iconic sites on Northumberland’s coast. Only accessible by foot, a visit is well worth the short walk from either Craster or Embleton.
Dunstanburgh Castle Read More »
Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle, once the residence of the powerful Percy family, overlooks the River Coquet and reflects its historical significance despite its ruins. It witnessed major historical events and even appears in Shakespeare’s works. The nearby Hermitage chapel adds to interest and the village is lovely.
Cragside
Cragside was the home of the 1st Baron Armstrong, arms manufacturer and dealer, and is a showcase of Victorian grandeur and innovation. Notably, it was the first house globally to use hydroelectricity. The extensive estate offers various walks, gardens, and a 6-mile circular drive with waymarked walks at various points.
Temple of Mithras, Brocolitia
The ruins of the Brocolitia Mithraeum, a 3rd-century temple dedicated to Mithras, are close to the site of the Roman fort of Brocolitia on Hadrian’s Wall. The fort was once home to a garrison of 500 soldiers, but all that can be seen now are grassy mounds.
Temple of Mithras, Brocolitia Read More »
Heavenfield
The Battle of Heavenfield, fought between Christian Northumbrians led by King Oswald and pagan Britons under Cadwallon took place in about 634AD. Oswald’s victory resulted in the unification of Northumbria. The site includes a small chapel dedicated to St Oswald.
Alnmouth
Alnmouth is a charming coastal resort at the River Aln’s mouth, featuring sandy beaches, an ancient golf course, and a small museum. Once a busy port for grain and timber, its fortunes declined after a storm in 1806 altered the river’s course. Today, it is a popular place to visit.
Raby Castle
Raby Castle, a formidable 14th-century fortress of the Neville family, was modernized by the Vanes in the 17th century and remains the residence of Lord Barnard. Open seasonally, it features rich history, luxurious interiors, a horse-drawn carriage collection, a deer park, a walled garden, tearooms, and a woodland play area.
Beamish Museum
Beamish is a remarkable open-air museum in North East England, showcasing life from the 1820s to the 1950s. Founded by Dr. Frank Atkinson, it preserves the region’s industrial heritage across 300 acres. Visitors can explore various historical settings, including a 1900s town and a 1940s farm, enhanced by working exhibits and costumed re-enactors.
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral, formally known as ‘the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham’, was founded in 1093. Historically significant and renowned for its Romanesque arches, it features the shrine of St Cuthbert and is a World Heritage Site, alongside Durham Castle.
Egglestone Abbey
Egglestone Abbey, founded in the late 12th century, is a ruined Premonstratensian monastery overlooking the River Tees. It was a poor house and had to survive damage by both Scots and English. It was dissolved in 1540 and yet its remains evoke a serene, historic atmosphere.