Activities
Walking
Walking is one of the most popular activities in Northumberland, with its fantastic scenery and views, you will be overwhelmed. Make sure you take your camera and suitable footwear for the terrain.
Cycling
There are many cycling routes to suit all ages and abilities, whether you fancy a leisurely family ride or long-distance, hilly routes for those who like a challenge.
Fishing
Over three and a half miles of the River Coquet winds its way through the Holystone Estate. In the meadows beside the river, sheep and cattle quietly graze. You may hear the occasional cry of an oystercatcher over the sound of the rippling water. A bright flash of colour may catch your eye as our resident kingfisher flits from his observation branch into the water in pursuit of small fish.
No small fry for you though, you’ll want the big catch. This lovely river is known for its runs of salmon, sea trout and resident brownies. Visitors in our holiday cottages have enjoyed landing salmon weighing 10lb. Further downstream, our carpenter caught one beauty weighing over 15lbs. Whether you catch a fish or not, the anticipation of the tug on the line in such tranquil surroundings is fantastic stress relief therapy.
Bird Watching
The profusion of birds is so great that it would be impossible to mention all the varieties that can be found here, but most notable are the charming dippers, colourful kingfishers and wading birds that frequent the shores of the River Coquet.
Shopping
For those who don’t fancy the physical activities but still want to explore the local areas, Northumberland is great for shopping. There are so many markets to visit, local food and drink to try, you really will be spoilt. Weekly markets – for the best in local bread, pies, some of the best meat in the UK and of course plenty of sweet treats.
Food and drink
Earl Grey tea from the area it was first invented, ale from local breweries, traditional fish and chips, Cheviot lamb, and why not sample some fresh North Sea lobster.
Art
Take home some local, delicately crafted porcelain, glasswork, hand-painted pictures or your own Northumberland Tartan!
Attractions worth visiting in Northumberland
Castles and Stately Homes
Cragside – 7 miles
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside
Bamburgh Castle – 35 miles
https://www.bamburghcastle.com
Alnwick Castle – 18 miles
https://www.alnwickcastle.com
Warkworth Castle – 24 miles
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage
Wallington Hall – 17 miles
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Belsay Hall and Castle – 24 miles
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/
Historical Sites
Vindalanda – 39 miles
http://www.vindolanda.com
Segedunum – 39 miles
https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk
Parks
Northumberland National Park – 22 miles
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
Bolam Lake County Park – 22 miles
https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/nature-wildlife/bolam-lake-country-park
Kielder Water and Forest Park – 32 miles
http://www.visitkielder.com
Towns
Rothbury – 6 miles
https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/rothbury
Morpeth – 23 miles
https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/morpeth
Alnwick – 18 miles
https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/alnwick
Seahouses – 33 miles
https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/seahouses