There is only one thing that can improve your mug of frothy deliciousness, and that is a brew-tiful sea view. Whether you need a pick-me-up mid-walk; something to warm you up on a winter’s day; or just a cupful of comfort as you explore Northumberlands towns and villages, we have rounded up some waterside venues that we like a latte. Here are 5 of Northumberland’s coastal coffee spots in honour of the energy-boosting beverage: 1) Box Pizza, Beadnell This new pizza restaurant-stroke-café, with its quirky shipping container design and airy interior, offers awe-inspiring views across Beadnell’s countryside and the blue waters of Beadnell Bay. Hand-made, wood-fired pizza is its primary focus, but Box Pizza also offers locally-roasted coffee from Luckie Beans, an award-winning coffee shop based in Berwick. Carry your cup to the outdoor seating area to get a closer look at the simply breath-taking view from the top of the hill in Swinhoe where Box Pizza is perched. Check their social calendar online and head along to espresso yourself at their regular cultural events, which include jam nights, poetry readings, art exhibitions and more. 2) The Lookout, Berwick The Lookout Café, nestled away on the banks of The River Tweed, offers an outdoor seating area on the cobbled quayside of Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Here, you can slurp on your cappuccino with the peaceful view of the river in front of you and tuck into your spongey slab of cake with the beautiful Berwick Bridge as your backdrop. If the weather isn’t cooperating with your al fresco coffee, inside The Lookout you’ll find a cosy haven of teapots, coffee cups, comfy seating and an exposed brick interior. 3) Drift Café, Cresswell This dog-friendly, coastal café looks out over Druridge Bay the rugged dunes that sit behind Cresswell Beach. You can cosy up inside the café, where large windows frame the breath-taking view, or you can sit outdoors on the terrace and breathe in the salty sea air while you sip on your coffee. From here, you can venture over the sand dunes where the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty awaits. Dogs are more than welcome, making it an excellent spot to rest your legs after your beach walk with your buddy. 4) The Ship Inn, Low Newton The Ship Inn is a white-washed pub that sits nestled by the sweeping beach of Newton Haven. Standing in an open square of cosy cottages, it is preceded by a large grass area with picnic benches. If all of the seats outside are taken, there is plenty of space to lay down a blanket, rest your coffee cup on the grass and laze on the lawn (trust us, you don’t want to miss out on those sea views). If the weather takes a turn for the worst, head inside to find rustic stone walls, reams of ivy intertwined with twinkling fairy lights, and the warming glow of a crackling log burner. If java ain’t your jam, try one of the local ales and tipples from their own microbrewery. The pub is dog friendly, so you can walk here from Dunstanburgh Castle with your dog by your side.  This pocket-sized chunk of a once grand fortress teeters on the coast in Craster and is a must-see when you’re in the vicinity. 5) The Commissioners Quay Inn The Commissioners Quay Inn is located on Blyth’s historic quayside, where sailing boats drift lazily on the water and the sunset shimmers across the North Sea. The décor of this sleek, beautifully-designed pub integrates Blyth’s industrial shipping and fishing heritage with modern, boho-chic touches throughout. Low-hanging lampshades, cosy alcoves, dark wooden beams and rudders used as wall hangings all culminate in one mass of nautical interior with an urban twist. Grab the dog, order a doppio and admire the scenic view through the panoramic windows from the private dog friendly seating area. Or, step outside and onto the waterfront terrace where you can wrap your hands around your warming macchiato and admire the sea up-close. It’s not too latte to join the party, just take a look at our food and drinks page for more inspiration and to discover the best coffee spots for an energising drink and comfort food in the winter, to summer seaside coffee destinations to enjoy with all of the family on your day out.

It could be romantic or rustic, serene or spiritual, coastal or castle (or both!) Northumberland has a destination and venue for every taste, every vision and every idea no matter how wild your imagination. Here are 10 of Northumberland’s most stunning, scenic and unusual wedding venues that will make the stars align and all your dreams come true on the big day. ROYAL ROMANCE 1) Bamburgh Castle Some people spend their childhood dreaming about that fairy-tale wedding - scribbling about it in their diaries, snipping whimsical wedding photos from magazines and glueing them in a scrapbook complete with diamante stickers and ribbons. If this describes you, then what better place to tie the knot than in the ‘King of Castles’. At Bamburgh Castle, couples can have their ceremony in the grandeur of The King’s Hall, or arrange an intimate wedding in the rustic, stone-walled castle keep. Panoramic views of the coast will act as your backdrop here, and the Castle Green offers an excellent opportunity for placing a marquee. They are even undergoing renovations in the South-West Tower so that the bride and groom can get ready for the big day in the castle itself. 2) Langley Castle Hotel The medieval splendour of Langley Castle Hotel is enough to make anyone feel like royalty on their wedding day. The enchanting, 14th Century fortified castle, tucked away in the Northumbrian valley of the South Tyne, is ideal for a dreamy escape and a fairytale-esque wedding day. Anything is possible here, from intimate wedding parties to big blowouts, a ceremony in the battlements, and an array of magical touches such as fireworks, a horse-drawn coach and even singing waiters. UNIQUE UNIONS 3) Barn on the Bay For a truly stripped back, cosy and elegantly rustic day of celebrations, The Barn on the Bay is the perfect option. Painted, vintage bicycles, reams of bunting, smatterings of fairy lights and numerous candles make everything about this venue homely and warm. Perched on the coast, beachside ceremonies in beautiful Druridge Bay are a possibility here, just under a minute’s walk from the farm. The overnight stay experience is just as unique as the daytime ceremony, as guests can camp out in the campsite that can be made exclusive to wedding guests. If you want to add a touch of luxury, it’s also possible to stay in the Canvas Village where stunning, furnished Bell Tents and wooden pods can be set up. And finally, alpacas can accompany your wedding day here, as you can take an alpaca for a walk to really add a quirky touch. NAMASTE IN NATURE 4) The Sill Pair your wedding dress with your walking boots, thread some flowers through your hair and have your ceremony at the gateway to Northumberland’s Countryside, The Sill. This venue is for the karmic couples out there who prefer the great outdoors to the pub, have inspirational quotes scattered across their minimalist apartments and munch on organic foods to nourish their body that is a temple. With the staggering National Park as a backdrop and iconic sites along Hadrian’s Wall  just a short walk away, this location is picture perfect, allows you to reconnect with nature and offers the spiritual, laid back wedding day you’ve been looking for. The Sill takes pride in its highly personalised service, mouth-watering meals made from locally-sourced ingredients and their focus on sustainability in everything that they do. 5) Kielder Waterside Laid back boho, festival-chic, rustic and ethereal… if these words describe the wedding day that you’ve envisioned then look no further. A wild, woodland, waterside wedding venue is exactly what you need, and a Kielder Waterside Tipi wedding offers just that. Flower crowns, fairy lights, a Nordic tipi nestled beneath a woodland canopy all blend together beautifully to achieve the carefree elegance that boho brides desire. Photographs amongst the whimsical woodland of Kielder Forest are a must, and Kielder reservoir offers a breath-taking setting for capturing the big day. SOMEWHERE FAR, FAR AWAY... 6) Lindisfarne Island and Castle Looking for a remote, private and almost secret wedding location? How about a wedding on the only island in the UK that is cut off from the rest of the world every day by the passing tide... it doesn’t get much more remote than that. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne emanates its highly spiritual past as the home of St Cuthbert, arguably one of the greatest Northumbrian saints who developed the gift of spiritual healing and acted as a spiritual guide. The wedding venue itself, jutting and dramatic Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust), clings to a rocky plateau and holds two terraces, one of which offers idyllic sunset views over the Cheviot Hills. Just remember to time your wedding with causeway crossing times for that day! 7) Cuddystone Hall Some bride and grooms just want to get away from everything (and everyone) and completely escape for their wedding day. Cuddystone Hall feels as though it’s based in the middle of nowhere, sitting in the heart of the valley with surrounding, uninterrupted views of lush, rolling hills and miles of Northumberland’s countryside. Only 12 cars are allowed here per day, offering complete privacy and the secluded, personal atmosphere that some couples crave on their special day. In fact, the only intruder you might find here is a wild Cheviot goat roaming the countryside and posing in the background of your wedding snaps. HISTORY BEFORE THE HONEYMOON 8) Brinkburn Priory (English Heritage) Historical wedding venues offer an eerie, grandiose affair ideal for a traditional, formal and somewhat unusual wedding day. This 12th century Augustinian Priory and abandoned manor house are elegantly set in a secluded wooden ravine by the river Coquet, offering tranquillity in a picturesque setting. The gothic architecture of the priory, along with the characteristic derelict interior and peeling wallpaper of the manor house, define the intriguing and mysterious history of the site, and hints of former grandeur can be found amongst the crumbling features. Ornate flower arrangements and traditional decorations sit beautifully in the exquisite priory here, with colourful stained-glass windows filtering the light that shines through onto the altar. 9) Hexham House A beautifully restored Grade II* listed building with views of Hexham Abbey and on-site accommodation, Hexham house is the perfect place for your big day. Take away the stress of finding wedding accommodation for you and your guests with seven luxury self-catering holiday apartments available on site. Hexham House is located within a stunning park with views of the Abbey from almost every room. You’ll undoubtedly find a beautiful spot for your wedding photographs. 10) Ellingham & Lemmington Hall With 8 acres of private ground Ellingham Hall, in Chathill, is a multi-award venue.  Situated in picturesque countryside would be a breath-taking place to say I Do.  It's sister venue is Lemmington Hall in Alnwick.  Rich in history, the Georgian Manor and gardens and grounds are yours to exclusively enjoy.   Whether it’s a romantic coastal venue or the rustic charm of a stately home, Northumberland has the perfect wedding venue for every couple. Discover more about the region's most beautiful destinations and scenic spots, as well as places to stay for your guests in the local area. Bamburgh Beach image Photo credit: Unfurl Photography

A day at Whitehouse Farm I don’t know about you, but I have many, good, childhood memories of visiting farm parks. I used to love a day out at the farm (and at one point wanted to marry a farmer. A farmer’s son will have to do!) and even now, enjoy a trip out to see the animals. Now I get to take my children along and share the excitement with them. Last Bank Holiday weekend, we headed to Whitehouse Farm, near Morpeth. (Obviously we visited on the day when it was wet and cold, but luckily there is plenty to do regardless of the weather!) We hadn't visited for a couple of years and there had been a few changes... Suitable for all ages The thing I enjoy most about Whitehouse Farm, is that it caters for ALL ages. You can be young or old, and still have a great day out. There really is something for everyone. The highlight of Monday's visit, was the new adventure playground. "Shall we go and see some animals first?" I asked. "No, play park!" Came the reply. That was even in the rain. You see, the kids had spotted it straight away as we pulled up in the car park. The new adventure playground has a huge tower with three curly, shoot slides. I must admit, it was a lot bigger than I had imagined from seeing other people's photos. The new playground comes complete with zip line, a range of slides, digger sand pit and swings. The picnic benches looked a bit sad in the rain, but I can imagine on a nice warm day, this would be a perfect spot to set up camp over lunchtime. Isn’t it great when you find a playground that meets a range of ages? It makes it so much easier when visiting as a family and keeps everyone happy. We had an explore of the new playground before admitting defeat (it was a bit soggy), and set off to find the animals. The Whitehouse Farm animals At Whitehouse Farm, you will find a mixture of big, outdoor animals to smaller indoor ones. No farm park would be complete without its pigs, sheep and cows. Luckily when we went, there were still lots of lovely lambs (my favourite) and you can bottle feed them at certain times throughout the day. Make sure you visit the bull in the cowshed (where the lambs usually are), as he is quite a beast. Our last visit to Whitehouse Farm was during the Easter break two years ago. We were lucky enough to witness lambs actually BEING BORN. It was incredible to see. Whitehouse Farm is, after all, a working farm. You are bound to get to see some of the farming life. We loved it. Moving away from the traditional farm animals, you can also expect to see meerkats, deer, snakes (if that is your thing!) and goats. Plenty of goats. On entry, you can purchase a bag of animal feed for 65p and the goats are the biggest fans of these! You can also visit birds of prey and chickens. The animals are both indoors and outside, so no matter what the weather, you are guaranteed to see something. This is very important when planning a family day out, as you want something that is accessible no matter what the weather. More than a farm park We all know that when you visit a farm park nowadays, you expect so much more than just seeing animals. Well, Whitehouse Farm delivers on the entertainment front too. There is a specific barn for it, rightly named: "The entertainment barn". Here you will find magic shows throughout the day and any special events that might be on. At the time of our visit, it was "circus week" and we enjoyed a very funny show in here. (This is included in the price of your entry ticket. As are the magic shows). In fact, once you have paid for your entry to Whitehouse Farm, everything else is pretty much included. Tractor rides, go-karting, soft play and handling the animals are included in the entry cost. It is worth mentioning, the "Hungry Pig Cafe" is on site and provides a range of hot and cold meals from 10am to 4.30pm. We come here for a coffee but nearly always bring a picnic. You can enjoy a picnic at Whitehouse Farm, come rain or shine. As previously mentioned, you will find plenty of outdoor benches in the new adventure playground and dotted around the farm. But there is also a picnic barn. Meaning, no matter what the weather is doing, you can still enjoy your picnic from home, in some shelter. The picnic barn is a great space and also has toys to keep the kids entertained while you finish your lunch. (It is amazing how quickly children can finish their lunch when there are things to play with nearby!) What else do children want to do straight after eating? Bounce around of course. Luckily, right outside the picnic barn, are trampolines, bouncy castles and the new jumping pillows. (Adults: these are great fun if there aren't little kids on!) It also looks like a new doughnut slide is going to be opening soon, replacing the old one. The scene is a castle and looks very exciting already. Overall, a fantastic day out for ALL the family. The staff are all very friendly and the farm is well maintained. You really could spend a whole day here, there is that much to do. Have you visited recently and tried out the new play park? Which are your favourite animals to see? You can follow our family adventures over at www.northumberlandfamilydiaries.com. I share free downloads of inspiration of things to do with our kids, family travel and days out across Northumberland and beyond, as well as some motherhood posts. Use #domorewithourkids across social media to share your adventures. We have a friendly community over on Facebook too: Northumberland Families.

This isn’t a budget version of an Enid Blyton classic, just the two ‘Retirement Ramblers’ having a Northumberland holiday. We’d booked 4 nights at Haven’s Haggerston Castle Holiday Park site, near Berwick, but our holiday began before we arrived at the van. We stopped en-route at one of our favourite spots, The Alnwick Garden. We are both ‘Friends of The Alnwick Garden’, which means that, for an annual membership fee, we can visit the gardens as often as we like. This enables us to see the magnificent gardens in their different seasons. In addition, we receive free priority parking and various discounts, so well worth the money. Since our last visit to The Alnwick Garden there have been some changes there, most notably to the catering arrangements. The catering is now in the hands of the renowned British catering company, Searcys. This is very much a coming home for Searcys, and is one of those, ‘you couldn’t make it up’ stories. In 1837 John Searcy was pastry chef and confectioner to the then Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and in 1847, after 10 years of devoted service, the Duke and Duchess agreed to John Searcy setting up his own business, and they even loaned him money to help start him off. So it was that John Searcy and Sons was established in 1847 and it is that same company that now runs the catering that can be enjoyed at Alnwick Gardens today. It will be no surprise to regular readers of this blog, that the very first thing we did on arrival, after marvelling once again at the Grand Cascade, was sit down to coffee and scones. Unfortunately, we were a little too late in the year to see the spectacular Cherry Blossom display, but we’ll catch it for sure next year. However, we still walked up through the orchard, followed by looking around the formal walled garden, down past the water features, up one side of the Grand Cascade and down the other side. We then had a little sit down by the Pavilion Café while we waited for the Grand Cascade to ‘do its thing’ again. We next went for a little look around the picturesque town of Alnwick, and left via the Lion Bridge for our caravan holiday. Haven at Haggerston Castle is very easy to find being alongside the A1, is extremely well organised, very well laid out in lots of separate areas, excellently maintained, and our home for the next four days was scrupulously clean and ready for us. Now we have to confess to spoiling ourselves by booking a top of range mobile home that can accommodate 6 + 2 persons. However, we didn’t feel too bad about that because we thought about all the CO2 emissions we’d saved by holidaying at home. Despite having been keen campers, motor caravanners, and static van owners in our younger days, we had never visited a site on the scale of Haggerston Castle, nor one with so many facilities. Initially we were somewhat overwhelmed, but we very soon became accustomed to everything, and the fact that it was out of season and quite quiet helped our adjustment. The following day we visited the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The tides meant either going early morning and worrying about missing our return, or leaving it until mid afternoon which is what we did. The weather was glorious, who needs abroad when you’ve got Northumberland, and the short drive was very pleasant, as was strolling around the village. We only had time to visit either the Castle or the Priory. We chose the Priory and Priory Museum and will look forward to visiting the castle on our next visit. The Priory and Museum are under the care of English Heritage and are very interesting and informative, giving a great insight into the early history of Northumberland. We couldn’t believe our luck with the weather as the third day broke clear and sunny again. Berwick was on our agenda, but we decided to make the most of the weather and laze around the van and enjoy the on-site facilities. We roused ourselves from our reading late afternoon to stroll to the Golf Pavilion Café for ice creams, and very nice they were too. Thursday was still sunny but a cold wind took the edge off the temperature and we made our delayed visit to Berwick Barracks. Berwick Barracks, another English Heritage property, was completed in 1721 and was one of the first purpose-built barracks in the country, accommodating up to 600 soldiers and 36 officers in the 18th century. The buildings are impressive and the museums well-stocked, with too many exhibits to detail here - you need to see them for yourself. Berwick-upon-Tweed is, of course, one of the finest surviving fortified towns in Britain. Often besieged, raided and surrendered during 300 years of violent dispute between the Scots and English it changed hands 13 times. It is little wonder that the fortifications were so important and a tour of the town and walls is a must and brings history to life. Reflecting on our short break at Haggerston Castle site, would we visit again? Definitely. The site is well located for visiting interesting places in North Northumberland and the great on-site facilities are suitable for families and couples alike.

On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to visit The Farne Islands and witness the puffin count in action. This count used to take place every five years, but it will now happen annually to enable closer monitoring of the puffin colony’s progress. Just to give you an idea of the number of puffins we are talking about, in 2018, 43,955 pairs of puffins were present across The National Trust-protected islands - quite a few puffins to say the least. The Farne Islands are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an absolute must-do when you visit Northumberland. But before you do, I wanted to share my experience of this incredible and somewhat unusual island. Here are my five ‘must-know’ facts before you head to the Inner Farne. 1) You feel like a visitor in someone else’s home. It is an amazing experience to step onto an island and instantly feel like you are entering someone else’s territory – especially when the ‘someone else’ refers to the many birds that come here every year. They most definitely rule the roost, they are not at all shy with visitors, and they squawk and potter around without a care in the world. This also means you can get incredibly close to the birds, while of course remaining within the marked areas. 2) Wear a hat. If you are visiting the island in April or early May then this doesn’t apply too much. However, by late May, the many Arctic Terns on the island have laid their eggs, and they are extremely protective. So protective, in fact, that they tend to dive-bomb visitors, which can lead to a few nips to the head and the ears. DO NOT let this put you off visiting, as simply wearing a hat is enough to protect you. A word of advice – they will usually aim for the tallest member of the group, so stand next to them and you will be fine! 3) You have one hour on the island. No matter which boat company you use to visit the island, the same rule applies for everyone. This is because visitor numbers have to be limited due to preservation of the island, and the birds are the top priority at all times. Whether or not you think an hour sounds like enough time, it is ample time to walk around this tiny island and see an abundance of wildlife. 4) You won’t just see puffins. While the adorable puffins are one of the many unique highlights to this island, this isn’t all that you will see. Guillemots, which look a lot like penguins from a distance, Arctic terns, shags, razorbills, eider ducks and more, all live here or come here annually to mate. Even rabbits live here, and were believed to originally have been brought over by monks (we are pretty sure they didn’t swim here, anyway…). During your boat trip, you will also likely see Atlantic seals lolling, sunbathing and diving on the islands’ surrounding rocks and waters. Sightings are so common because the islands are home to thousands of them, and hundreds of pups are born each autumn. 5) Spectacular views really add to the experience. While the island is famous for its birds and wildlife, the views alone are enough to lure visitors in. Sparkling sea-views and Bamburgh Castle in the distance are just fantastic, and once you have photographed the birds you will want to capture your surroundings too. So, what are you waiting for? Book your visit now, by visiting our Golden Gate Boat Trips page or our Billy Shiel Farne Islands Boat Trips page for more information.

Five Things to Do for the Best of Kielder’s Wildlife Kielder contains England’s largest working forest and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe. At 250 square miles, it is home to England’s largest red squirrel population and in 2009, rare ospreys returned to the area following an absence of more than 200 years in Northumberland. As there is so much to see and do here, we thought we would give you a helping hand in narrowing down your options. Here are five top things to do at Kielder Water & Forest Park... 1) Kielder Osprey Watch As a very special experience to share as a family, how about spotting one of the magnificent Kielder ospreys? Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Kielder “Osprey Watch” has knowledgeable guides and powerful telescopes to allow visitors to observe these magnificent birds unobtrusively. Osprey Watch runs from Kielder Waterside (behind the Boat Inn) on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter Saturday April 20th until mid-August (and Wednesdays in July and August). More information at https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/wildlife-events/osprey-watch-kielder&ssid=1679060   2) Go wild treasure hunting! The six “Wild at Kielder” geocaches hidden around the park allow families to enjoy fabulous scenery, learn more about wildlife and discover hidden treasure. It won’t cost you a thing and you’ll gain tons of fresh air and a new zest for exploration! So, grab a smart phone or GPS system, sign up free to www.geocaching.com, head to Kielder and start searching. It’s a great family activity for all ages and gets everyone out into the open air with a shared mission and sense of excitement. 3) Virtual tour guide! There are now 8 Kielder walks on the popular walkers ViewRanger app. Simply install the free app and search for Kielder Water & Forest Park Wild Walks. You can then easily download the route and information on a smartphone before you visit, so you have it to hand whilst walking. The app not only gives directions, route map and suggests what to look out for, but also offers fascinating wildlife information at each waypoint. Visitors can also listen to audio clips of Kielder wildlife experts talking about all the varied species who live here and how they are cared for. 4) Family wildlife adventures on water Join an Osprey and Wildlife motorboat cruise around Kielder Water with The Calvert Trust and enjoy a guided wildlife trip around the lake. You’re transported in a covered motorboat operated by experienced staff and accompanied by knowledgeable Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteers. This runs at various times over the summer. Price £23 per person. For more information please email [email protected] or call 01434 250 232. 5) Family Bushcrafts For a totally unique experience for the whole family, why not enrol on a Family Bushcrafts activity? On 18th April (and then all Thursday’s in August) you can learn a range of bushcraft and wilderness survival skills with a qualified trainer who’s been doing this for over 30 years. Deep in the woods, learn how to build a shelter, light a fire, cook an outdoor meal and make something to take away – maybe an elder-wood pea-shooter or a string bracelet from nettles! Children must be five years and over and there is a maximum of two children per adult. The cost is £40 for a family of 4, and £10 for additional person. Booking is essential.

So imagine our amusement as we watched a rerun of ‘Murder, She Wrote’ recently, and our beloved JB Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) told a fellow passenger that she was flying to London to research a grisly murder in Northumberland at the beginning of the 1900s. We nearly choked on our camomile tea! Once we’d calmed down, we realised we had discovered the perfect activity for Halloween: A Grisly Tales Trail through Northumberland! Winter’s Gibbet, Elsdon On 29th August 1791, William Winter murdered Margaret Crozier about three miles north of Elsdon. After Winter was caught, tried and hanged in Newcastle, Winter's body was hung in chains at the Steng Cross, an ancient boundary stone within sight of his victim’s home. It is now said to be haunted by Winter, the last man to be displayed on a gibbet in England. You can find it… To the north-west of Wallington House & Gardens in the Northumberland National Park. Murder House, Housesteads Roman Fort Aside from being one of the most well-preserved forts on Hadrian’s Wall, excavations in 1932 revealed one of the most enduring mysteries of Housesteads Roman Fort. Whilst investigating a house in the civilian settlement (‘vicus’) on the southern hillside, archaeologists found the skeletons of a middle aged man and woman under the clay floor of a rear room. This in itself was unusual enough, until they realised the man had a broken sword still embedded in his ribs. Little wonder the building has since become known as the "murder house". You can find it… On Hadrian’s Wall in the Tyne Valley. Pirate grave, St Mary’s Churchyard Believed to be the oldest church in Northumberland, St Mary's Church in Woodhorn was built in the early eleventh century. It was decommissioned in 1974, but the churchyard is still intact and contains a weathered headstone of indeterminate age known locally as the ‘pirate’s grave’ as it features the image of a skull & crossbones. Whilst you’re there, be sure to keep an eye out for the Phantom Cyclist. Only ever seen at dusk, the figure is dressed in a miner’s work attire – not too surprising in south-east Northumberland – but the face is grey with hollow eye-sockets and black, rattling teeth. You can find it… Near Woodhorn Museum & Northumberland Archives.  

Whether you’re planning your first trip to explore Northumberland’s scenic walks and quaint villages, or you consider yourself a veteran visitor to the county’s top attractions, there are plenty of hidden treasures throughout the area that will make you want to take a little piece of Northumberland back home with you - no matter how far away that may be. From quirky antique watch museums to tiny chocolatiers with moreish menus, we help you discover 5 of Northumberland’s not-so-average gift shops that stay with you long after your trip. 1) Infuse your home with Corbridge’s natural countryside aesthetics In its prime central location, Corbridge Garden Room boasts a host of handpicked gifts, homeware and garden accessories that let you recreate the dense Northumberland wildlife habitats in your own back garden. Filled with authentic bird and insect houses that aim to bring the ‘countryside’ atmosphere into your less remote city residence, this untypical gift shop has a little bit of everything to turn any house into a cosy Northumbrian home. Its natural ‘garden’ ethos has something to inspire everyone. If your garden is already filled to the brim with bird feeders and plant pots, then the Garden Room’s indoor fragrances and aromatic bath and body gels will leave you feeling and smelling like you’re still on your holidays. Described by visitors as “like stepping back in time”, this unique little shop will give you more than one reason to pick up a few treasures for your friends and family - and one or two treats for yourself, too! 2) Bring a taste of Warkworth back home with you Nestled in the heart of Warkworth lies a quaint taste of Paris - Northumberland style. The best things come in small doses and Cabosse Chocolaterie and Pâtisserie epitomises just that by accommodating a constant stream of customers in their front shop area, while those wishing to be seated for their divine chocolatey nibbles and speciality teas are directed to the back of the shop. If you fancy something a little bit special then Cabosse’s is where you’ll find it. Whether you fancy a warming chocolate drink with a splash of brandy, or choose to takeaway some of their delicious handmade chocolates and pastries for all of your friends to devour when you get back home, this small cafe isn't just somewhere you can take memories away from, it’s a place you’ll be aching to return to long after you leave. 3) Immerse yourself in a good book, at home or away Restored, rejuvenated and given a new lease of life to a fresh generation of visitors and locals alike, a once old Alnwick train station now houses the all-in-one library, Barter Books. Family-friendly and run by a team of dedicated individuals, this bookshop uses its impressive original features to invite visitors in to use their cyber cafe, children’s play area, abundance of seating and cafe. This beautiful and authentic building offers tourists picture-perfect photo opportunities around every corner. With a plethora of purchasable books placed across dozens of shelves, you’ll easily want to pick them up and lose yourself in the first few pages - ensuring the next time you pick up that same book at home, you’re transported back into the historic Alnwick train station. 4) Add a touch of Northumbrian quirk to your home Looking to kill two birds with one stone and get involved in an activity on your trip that also leaves you with memorabilia that lasts long after you’ve left? Arguably Rothbury’s quirkiest shop, Pots and Paws is a delightful emporium filled with funky furniture and obscure ornaments that breathe a bit of fun into your home. If you’re planning on spending a few days in the area, then spend a day with your kids making your own plates, mugs and vases - and return a couple of days later to your kiln-fired pottery, ready for you to take away and treasure in your home forever. If, however, Rothbury is on your plan for a short but sweet visit, an acrylic painting session at Pots and Paws’ craft studio lets you take your personal art piece away with you the very same day. 5) Go back in time, time and time again A fascinating, family-run Haltwhistle watch and clock repair museum, named after the book by local author Diana Bell, accommodates a vast array of display and purchasable items. From a gift shop filled with diverse novelty toys, fair trade gifts and local souvenirs, to a working watch and clock repair studio, Mr George’s Museum of Time bridges the gap between old and new by exciting its visitors with all things time-related. Filled with antique gems and boasting the largest collection of watch dials in the country, Mr George's invites visitors to live the stories told within Bell’s book collection, allowing you to immerse yourself back into this quirky Haltwhistle museum with the flick of a page in your own home. Northumberland is a place worth saving memories from. In today’s day and age, a holiday snap is often looked at once and misplaced on your laptop’s hard drive, while a simple souvenir can be treasured and kept as a constant memory of the time you spent in the Northumbrian countryside. Author bio: Alex Jones is a content creator at Featonby’s, a specialist antiques and collectibles auctioneers based in the North East.

Let the waves hit your feet and the sand be your seat with a trip to the Northumberland coast. A jewel in the county’s crown, it is spectacular whatever the weather. Endless beaches and secret coves, rugged dunes and rock-pools; dramatic cliffs topped with castles, where the ancient Whin Sill splits the land to meet the sea. With so much on offer, it can be difficult to decide where to go first. We think each beach has its own personality, so here’s our guide to help you ‘Eat. Beach. Sleep. Repeat.’ The Iconic One Probably Northumberland’s most photographed beach, and little wonder! With the brooding ramparts of Bamburgh Castle sitting atop the dunes, and views of the world famous Farne Islands and Holy Island of Lindisfarne out to sea, Bamburgh Beach makes for a dramatic and memorable visit. It is easy to see why this was once the seat of the Kingdom of Northumbria. The Historic One The fine, pale sand of Embleton Bay is steeped in history. On the cliffs above the southern tip of the beach stands the majestic ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle, perfect for photo opportunities; while the northern part is home to the ‘Vanishing Rock’ upon which the name of Scottish pirate Andra Barton is carved, killed in a sea battle with the English in 1511. The Isolated One Ross Back Sands is a remote beach between Holy Island and Budle Bay, entirely cut off from the rest of the coast. It is only accessible by a walk of about a mile along a scenic footpath. The beach has excellent views of Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne; on a clear day, it even offers views of the Cheviot hills. Look out for the shipwreck uncovered at low tide. The Wild One Budle Bay is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, home to thousands of birds who congregate at low tide - particularly in winter when thousands of wildfowl and waders flock here. Depending which part of the beach you stand on, you can see Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands Nature Reserve. The Sporty One An excellent choice for the adrenaline junkies, Beadnell Beach offers surfing, dune-sledging, kite-surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, and so much more. If you are brave enough, wreck-diving is a great way to explore the murky depths off the coast. The Secret One Rumbling Kern is a tiny beach in a rocky cove south of Cullernose Point near Howick Hall – home of Earl Grey and the tea that shares his name. A closely guarded secret amongst Northumberland coast connoisseurs, the beach is sheltered behind small cliffs that face inland from the sea. Perfect for a quiet afternoon. The Industrial One From the bustling port of Blyth to the harbour village of Seaton Sluice, Blyth Beach is a huge stretch of golden sand with rich maritime history. It boasts the unique Blyth Battery, a military and local heritage museum housed in the WW1 and WW2 coastal defence buildings on the dunes above the beach. Watch vessels visiting the Port of Blyth from the colourful beach huts, available for daily rental. The Family One It is hard to imagine Newbiggin Beach was once so badly eroded by the tide, it had to be restored with thousands of tons of sand brought by ship from other parts of the UK. Now protected by a huge breakwater out to sea, this tranquil beach is perfect for family days out. Walk along Northumberland’s longest promenade, follow the Newbiggin Art Trail; make sandcastles and peer into rock pools. Finish off with a cup of tea and a sweet treat at the Newbiggin Maritime Centre. The Panoramic One One of the biggest beaches on the Northumberland coast, Cheswick Sands is a vast space of sand, black basalt rock-pools and dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Few beaches offer panoramic views such as this. On a clear day, you can see past Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Border and take in views of Holy Island to the south. A fantastic dog-friendly beach to tire out your four-legged friend. The Chilled One Low Newton Beach is picture-postcard pretty. Sitting in a sheltered bay, the jagged outline of Dunstanburgh Castle can be seen in the distance. This sweetly curving beach runs right up to the heart of the village where you’ll find The Ship Inn. If weather permits, relax outside the pub on the grassed square with a fresh crab sandwich and glass of real ale brewed in their microbrewery. The Traditional One Spittal Beach has long been a popular holiday resort. Once a 18th century seaside spa town, the Victorian promenade is still a great place to stroll, taking in the fresh North Sea air and great views of the Elizabethan Walls surrounding Berwick-upon-Tweed. Be sure to look for the red and white stripes of Berwick Lighthouse standing at the end of the pier. The Venetian Pavilion dates from 1928, providing good old-fashion fun with an amusement arcade and café. The Walking One One of the finest beaches in the UK, Druridge Bay stretches seven miles from bustling port town Amble to Cresswell village. Popular with residents and tourists alike, it offers perfect beach walks come rain or shine, summer or winter. Discover wildlife at the newly reopened Hauxley Nature Reserve tucked behind the dunes, and picnic on the shore of the Ladyburn Lake fringed by 100-acres of woodland and meadows. Did you know…? Cresswell is the start point of the Northumberland Coast Path, which follows the coastline for 62 miles (100km) to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Many of the cafés and restaurants, shops and accommodation on the coast are 'Welcome Ports', where you can collect stamps for your Northumberland Coast Path Passport. Collect them all to claim your official 'Northumberland Coast Path Certificate' - a great reminder of your Northumberland holiday! Discover more at visitnorthumberland.com/coast

Get clarty (noun; getting muddy) Nobody expects this time of the year to be full of sunshine but those crisp spring days, when they arrive, are great for escaping out into the countryside for a walk. With vast open spaces inland and along the coast, there’s a walk to suit all abilities in Northumberland. So pull on those wellies, grab a coat and squelch your way around Northumberland on one of these walks: Falstone Circular Walk A lovely ramble around the riverbank and old railway line. The railway line you follow was once part of the Border Counties line that was in use between 1862 and 1958. Pass the Falstone Stell, designed by artist Colin Wilbourne in 2006, which was inspired by the areas rich natural and cultural history and a record of place names now submerged beneath Kielder Water. Find out more about the Falstone Circular Walk. Linhope Spout Walk through the Breamish Valley to see one of the most spectacular waterfalls. A 60ft (18m) chute of water which lands in a plunge pool 6ft (2m) wide and 16ft (5m) deep. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, red squirrels have been spotted here, especially on the forest floor. Find out more about Linhope Spout. Windy Gyle Apart from the Cheviot itself it must be one of the most known summits in Northumberland. This wonderful route is not for those looking for an easy amble. Following ‘The Street’, an old drovers road to the border fence you cross over into Scotland to reach the summit of Windy Gyle. Discover more about the Pennine Way walk.  Hadrian’s Wall from Steel Rigg This walk covers a section of Hadrian’s Wall. Starting from Steel Rigg, this route includes a visit to Housesteads Roman Fort and the dramatic scenery of Hotbank Crags and Crag Lough. Craster to Low Newton Coastal Walk A wonderful walk all year round, this walk sets off from the fishing village of Craster. Don’t forget to call in and buy some of the famous Craster Kippers. You’ll pass the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, and the long sweep of Embleton Sands before reaching Low Newton by the Sea. If you complete one of these walks, share your snaps with us on one of our social media channels: Facebook @visitnorthumberland Twitter @visitnland Instagram Visitnorthumberland  

Whatever your favourite type of landscape, you’ll find it in Northumberland. And as you seek it out and enjoy its wonders, you’re unlikely to be among hordes of other people doing the same. The county is a walkers’ wonderland with a special treat in its south west corner: Isaac’s Tea Trail. The 36-mile route in the North Pennines is named after a Victorian tea pedlar, Isaac Holden, and it is as much a journey through history as a fine walk through fabulous scenery. Most people start it in the village of Allendale, although it can be started at any point and walked clockwise or anti-clockwise. From Allendale the Tea Trail follows the River East Allen upstream before hopping over high moors to Nenthead and then following the River Nent downstream to Alston. Then after joining a short section of the Pennine Way above the River South Tyne, it heads up and over the moors again to the valley of the Mohope Burn which flows into the River West Allen. From there the return to Allendale is over high pasture, through woodland and alongside the River East Allen. The route is well signposted, and you’ll often see old teapots in the gaps of stone walls, teacups hanging from waymarkers and vintage tea adverts as a reminder of Isaac Holden’s trade. He was born into a lead-mining family in around 1805 and went to work at the mine as a boy. Ill health and the decline of mining forced him to find other work, and he ended up running a grocery in Allendale. He sold his tea door-to-door, walking miles to remote farms and hamlets, and at the same time raised money for community projects. Walking Isaac’s Tea Trail you will pass reminders of many of his fund-raising achievements. You will also enjoy a wonderful variety of scenery, from high heathery hills to leafy dingly dells. There are a few oddities to look out for along the way. There’s an RAF Jet Provost parked in a farmyard, there’s a sinister stone troll under a footbridge, narrow-gauge steam trains can suddenly come chugging through the view, and the route passes a miniature village which is gradually taking over the garden of a bungalow. Everywhere along Isaac’s Tea Trail there are signs of the area’s rich heritage. The remains of a Roman fort and ramparts are clear to see, bastle houses testify to the tyranny of the Border Reivers when homes had to be fortified against violent raiding parties, and there is extensive evidence of lead mining. The industry’s heyday was in the 18th century, when this region was world famous for producing lead and other minerals, but although mine workings are still visible, they are certainly not scars on the landscape. They are evocative and fascinating, and an integral part of the North Pennines scenery. I’ve been walking parts of Isaac’s Tea Trail regularly since I started my blog in October 2015 and I never get bored with it. Each season brings different delights and I can always find a section of the Tea Trail that matches my mood, energy levels and the day’s weather conditions. Walking conditions along the 36-miles of the Tea Trail vary from level grassy paths to steep stony tracks. There are some boggy sections and the high-level moorland crossings are exposed to the elements, but I don’t consider myself a strong walker and the route is within my capabilities. Mind you, I only do short sections of it and I haven’t walked it all in one go. If you want to do the whole route as one expedition, the official guide recommends four sections: Allendale to Nenthead (11miles/18km), Nenthead to Alston (6 miles/9km), Alston to Ninebanks (12 miles/19km) and Ninebanks to Allendale (8 miles/13km). In total there are more than 5,000 feet of ascent. As the route celebrates a purveyor of tea there are many refreshment opportunities along the way. Cafes and pubs in Allendale, Nenthead and Alston are directly on Isaac’s Tea Trail, and a short detour takes you to similar establishments in Allenheads and Whitfield. There is accommodation at each location, and a Youth Hostel at Ninebanks. The Tea Trail was created in 2001 by Roger Morris as part of his passion for the region’s history, and its reputation as a great walk attracted TV presenter Clare Balding to sample a section of it for her Radio 4 series Ramblings. In the photo below Roger Morris is on her right, with her producer Lucy Lunt and Andy Lees from the North Pennines AONB Partnership on her left. By all accounts Isaac Holden was a bit of an eccentric, but his fund-raising brought genuine benefits to the poorer people of the North Pennines in Victorian times. I often think of him as I walk the paths he must have walked, and I hope he stopped to enjoy the views and the special nature of this area. I certainly do, every single time I’m out there. Blog provided by Anne Leuchars To read more about Isaac’s Tea Trail follow Anne’s blog and the Allen Valleys website where there is more information about Isaac’s Tea Trail including a link to Clare Balding’s Radio 4 Ramblings programme, and information about where to buy the official guide to the Tea Trail.  

Coastal Retreats owner Fiona McKeith has holidayed in Northumberland since she was a child. Come summer or winter, rain or shine, here are her ten favourite things to do… 1. Do the circular walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, enjoy some fish soup and crab sandwiches in The Jolly Fisherman and stock up on freshly smoked kippers for supper from Robson's Smokery. 2. Visit The Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle. Let the children explore the interactive water gardens, learn about how common garden plants can be deadly in the poison garden and walk the wobbly bridges at the Treehouse Restaurant. The Treehouse is a truly magical restaurant, especially at night, but you will need to book ahead as it is extremely popular. At Alnwick Castle you can see where Harry Potter was filmed and undertake a spot of broomstick training yourself. 3. There is a beautiful walk from Seahouses to Bamburgh along the beach (at low tide, parts of a shipwreck can be seen half way along). Visit the interactive Grace Darling Museum, pop over the road to see the beautiful little church where this young heroine is buried, then walk back to Seahouses at high tide along the beach or dunes. There is a superb spot on the rocks at Seahouses, next to the old wartime ammunition hut, where you can have an evening beach BBQ. It's an amazing place to watch the sun go down while the children are doing a spot of rockpooling. 4. Take afternoon tea at the former home of Earl Grey (namesake of the tea), Howick Hall and Gardens. It's like stepping back in time and is a marvellous place for tea and cucumber sandwiches. 5. A trip to Holy Island. Holy Island is linked to the mainland by a causeway only passable at low tide. It is important to check the timetable for safe crossing times before setting out as you don't want to get caught out. It is a truly unique and mystical place to visit with amazing sea views, the iconic ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and the weather-beaten Lindisfarne Castle. 6. Cycle to Ross from Bamburgh. Leave your bikes locked up at Ross and walk over the sand dunes (about 30 minutes) to the most beautiful deserted beach with amazing views of Holy Island. Once on the beach, if you head north for another 45 minutes, and the tide is very low, you may be lucky enough to see a shipwreck. 7. Walk from Beadnell along the beach, dunes and bays to Newton-by-the-Sea and dine at The Ship Inn. Football Cove, along the route, is a real find, but don't swim there as the currents are strong. It's very sheltered and is a great place for sunbathing or fishing. 8. Browse through thousands of second hand books at Barter Books in the old railway station at Alnwick. There's a lovely cafe inside the store and some squashy sofas where you can browse the books at your leisure. 9. Spend the day, or night, at Chillingham Castle - known as the UK’s most haunted castle. Here you'll find an eclectic mix of museum artefacts ranging from invitations from Buckingham Palace, personal letters from Jules Holland, old wooden skis used on Everest expeditions, torture chamber contraptions and letters warning you not to steal the silverware or you'll be struck down by the curse! You can book a ghost tour at night and, if you’re brave enough, stay in one of the apartments. 10. Finally, you can’t beat a glass of wine in the lovely surrounds of one of our Retreats, taking in those amazing starry night skies clear of any light pollution. Please note: some places mentioned above are closed in the winter months or have limited opening hours from the end of October to March, so please do check ahead before you visit. For more information on what to do and hidden gems in Northumberland during the winter months, check out #NlandStars