As tour fever grows, people are being encouraged to use social media to share their experiences of the Aviva Tour of Britain as it journeys through Northumberland.Residents, visitors and cycling fanatics alike can use the hashtag #NlandTOB on Twitter to share photos and comment on the country’s biggest cycle race.The tour's route includes Wooler, Alnwick and Warkworth on Wednesday 9th September, before finishing the stage in Blyth. The following day will see the cyclists starting in Prudhoe, journeying along the Tyne Valley to Hadrian’s Wall and into Cumbria. Northumberland County Councillor Val Tyler, Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “It’s great to get as many people involved as we can in the Tour of Britain.“A sporting event of this scale passing through Northumberland is fantastic for the area, and social media is a way for spectators to share this stage of the race with people from all over the world.”For more information on the Aviva Tour of Britain visit www.nlandtob.com

Some of Northumberland’s most iconic castles and monuments will be showcased to the world when the Aviva Tour of Britain rides through the County in three weeks’ time (Wed 9-Thur 10 September).When stages four and five of British Cycling’s premier road race pass by iconic tourist attractions like Hadrian’s Wall and Warkworth Castle, the aerial broadcast cameras will showcase the region’s stunning landscapes and buildings live to hundreds of thousands of ITV4 viewers.On the ground, thousands of spectators are also expected to line the route to catch a glimpse of the most successful cycling race teams in the world including ‘Team Wiggins’ and the Great Britain Cycle Team also known as ‘Team Sky’. But it will be a case of blink and you miss them, as the teams speed through the towns and villages of Northumberland at around 35mph.With this in mind, English Heritage is offering all Tour of Britain spectators the opportunity to visit historic properties on or close to the route at a discounted entry on 9-10 September. Visitors can benefit from two for one entry* at Housesteads Roman Fort, Prudhoe Castle, Etal Castle and Warkworth Castle, meaning they can watch the race and then enjoy a daytrip within the county too.Warkworth Castle is expected to be a popular location to watch the race. Built because of its strategic location on the river Coquet high up on a mound, the imposing stronghold of Warkworth Castle will offer the perfect vantage point for spectators to watch as the race passes right by during stage four which is from Edinburgh to Blyth on Wednesday 9 September. The route also goes close to the villages of Ford and Etal.On Thursday 10 September, stage five starts in the town of Prudhoe. Beginning not far from the castle, the race then runs alongside the River Tyne and up to Hadrian’s Wall before crossing over the Cumbrian border and onto the Lake District. Anyone following the race can enjoy a visit to Prudhoe Castle and Housesteads Roman Fort and get two for one admission. Cycle enthusiasts stopping at Housesteads can also visit the ‘re-fuelling’ station in the car park and enjoy a free cup of tea / coffee on offer if you arrive on a bike.**Two for one entry only applies to the named English Heritage sites on or close to the route on Wednesday 9-Thursday 10 September. Free entry valid when a full price ticket is purchased. Tea and coffee at Housesteads is only free if you arrive at Housesteads Roman Fort by bike on Thurs 10 Sep. The re-fuelling station will be situated in the car park.Full route information, parking, road closures and spectator point details visit the Official Northumberland Tour of Britain website

In celebration of The Tour of Britain heading to Northumberland, the team at Sanderson Arcade have been decorating the gallery with vintage bikes this week. The bikes which are on loan from Beamish Museum in County Durham date from the 19th and early 20th century. Some of the bikes are for display only, however some of the bikes are used on a day to day basis around the museum for staff to get around! A selection of the bikes on display were also used in the Emily Wilding Davison bike ride in 2013. Which saw ladies ride from Longhorsley to Morpeth in memory of Emily. The bikes will be on display for a month in the Arcade to mark the Tour of Britain coming to Northumberland on the 9th and 10th of September. Continuing with the bike theme, Sanderson Arcade will also be holding a 10 hour spinathon cycling just under 500 miles with the help from stores at the Arcade and those from the Morpeth Rotary and the charity itself. Stores getting involved in the spinning action are Marks and Spencer, Vodafone, 02, Crew Clothing and more! All of the money raised will go towards Barnabas Safe and Sound, the Arcades chosen charity for the year. Medi Parry, Sanderson Arcade Centre Manager said 'We are really looking forward to having the bikes hanging in our gallery and would like to say thank you to Beamish Museum for loaning us their special bikes. It is certainly something different that we hope people will enjoy when they visit us'. For more information on the latest news and events from Sanderson Arcade go to www.sandersonarcade.co.uk or search for Sanderson Arcade on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This news story was sourced from Sanderson Arcade's website

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark, near Hexham, has been awarded a 2015 TripAdvisor Service Excellence Award for consistently high visitor reviews.The award, announced on Friday 14 August, puts the Northumberland hotel among the top 10 per cent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor.Only outstanding hospitality businesses which maintain an overall rating of four or higher, from a high volume of traveller reviews, are eligible for the Service Excellence Award.This award follows Battlesteads achieving a Platinum level rating in TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Programme in 2014, for reaching the highest standard of environmental friendliness and sustainability.Recent reviews of Battlesteads on TripAdvisor have included comments such as “I am so pleased we chose Battlesteads Hotel, it was lovely. I wish we could have stayed longer, and definitely would return when we get the chance”; “Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant was an absolute delight” and “I thoroughly recommend a stay at Battlesteads. Excellent value, great food, comfortable rooms, lovely welcoming staff and in a pretty village surrounded by stunning countryside.”High praise has also been given for Battlesteads Restaurant, with one reviewer saying “the standard of food is excellent, and portrays the professionalism of the chef in the kitchen” and another adding that “dinner in the restaurant was delicious, and good value for money, the choice at breakfast was also very good and the full Northumbrian breakfast was very tasty indeed”.Richard Slade, owner of Battlesteads said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the TripAdvisor Service Excellence Award and to be rated one of the top hotels in the area. We strive to provide a fantastic experience for everyone who stays in our hotel and eco lodges or eats in our restaurant, and we love receiving such positive feedback through TripAdvisor reviews. TripAdvisor is incredibly influential among travellers and receiving this award will help assure guests booking a stay here that they are making the right choice.”For more information on Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant visit www.battlesteads.com

Local bus company Arriva North East has recently invested in a fleet of new buses for the X18 route along the Northumberland coast. The X18 connects Newcastle and Morpeth with Alnwick and Berwick passing through some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the country.The bus company and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership are asking photographers to capture shots of the new buses against the stunning backdrop of the Northumberland coast and will be offering prizes for the best photographs.The AONB Partnership has worked with Arriva to encourage visitors to the area to use the bus instead of their car as part of their ‘car-free coast’ campaign. They think images of the new buses passing the ancient castles, fishing villages and the beautiful beaches of the Northumberland coast will encourage more visitors to use the bus.Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East said: “The X18 route is one of the most beautiful journeys in the country. The bus passes Warkworth and Bamburgh Castles, visits Craster harbour and skirts the beautiful Budle Bay on its way to Berwick. The buses are easy to spot with their new MAX liveries, we are really looking forward to seeing some great shots!”Iain Robson from the AONB Partnership said “Getting visitors to use their cars less by walking, cycling or using the bus is one of our main aims. Using stunning images is one of the ways we can encourage more people to use the bus. Most of the major attractions now offer 20% discount to bus passengers and great-value ticket deals make bus-travel affordable”The new buses have the MAX livery, comfortable e-leather seats, free wi-fi and are all low-floor, making them easily accessible. Most of the buses on the route are double-deckers, giving passengers fantastic views across of the coastline.Photographers should submit their best photos by email to [email protected] by the 31st October 2015. Arriva have offered £150 prize for the winner as well as weekly bus passes for runners-up. Full details and terms and conditions can be found at www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org

BBC Two at 7.30pm - Mon 27 July to Thurs 30 July inclusiveThis new four part documentary series celebrates the 50th anniversary of the stunning Pennine Way, presented by polar adventurer and ocean diver Paul Rose.Paul and the team from BBC Yorkshire pulled on their hiking boots last summer to explore the 268 mile trail, which was officially opened in 1965. It stretches from Edale in the Derbyshire Peak District to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border.Paul Rose says: “I've spent my life leading science expeditions to the most remote and challenging places on earth. I've skied across the Greenland Icecap, made first ascents of Arctic mountains and run an Antarctic Research Station. Yet right here on my doorstep is the Pennine Way - a world class challenge! Exploring the Pennine Way has been surprising, a privilege and huge amounts of fun.”From the highest pub in England to the Roman excavations at Hadrian’s Wall and the red squirrels of Northumberland to the blustery Helm Wind of Cumbria, Paul Rose discovers the wildlife, geographical features and people that make the Pennine Way so distinctive and challenging.In the first episode Paul travels from Edale to Calderdale. He tells the story of Tom Stephenson, the man who fought landowners and governments to win public access to the full length of the route. Stephenson’s friend Sylvia Franks talks about his battle.Paul also meets author and director Barrie Rutter who recalls some of the literary greats who have lived near the route including Ted Hughes and the Brontës. And Paul visits Heptonstall to ask why the South Pennines have never had the full recognition they deserve.

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark, near Hexham, has added to its growing awards collection by scooping the Considerate Special Commendation Award at the 2015 Considerate Hotel of the Year Awards for their continuing efforts to develop a sustainable, successful business.Announced at a gala lunch at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London on Friday 3 July, the awards, held by Considerate Hoteliers, celebrate the hotels around the world leading in environmental, sustainable and socially responsible practice.This is the third time that Battlesteads has picked up a Considerate Hotel Award – owner Richard Slade received the ‘Good Egg’ award for his relentless hard work and innovative approach to eco-tourism in 2013, and the hotel was also crowned Considerate Hotelier of the Year in 2011.The award was presented to owners Richard and Dee Slade by John Firrell, Chairman of Considerate Hoteliers, who said: “I have been fortunate to have witnessed Battlesteads emergence as trailblazer and mould breaker over the years, and they represent the perfect example of what a Considerate Hotel should be - welcoming, friendly and inviting with a responsible consideration for taking care of the planet and its precious finite resources and a social responsibility towards guests, staff and the local community.“This situation didn't magically appear. It was the dedication, innovation, hard work and sheer bloody-mindedness of the Slades that saw a dilapidated and run-down village pub emerge into the triumph that it is today. They work tirelessly and continue to seek ways to introduce new eco and marketing initiatives, always developing the business, and it is this approach and attitude that has earned them their latest accolade - the Considerate Hoteliers Special Commendation Award.”The award adds to the catalogue of accolades Battlesteads has received to support their green credentials, having previously achieved a Platinum level rating in TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Programme in 2014, won Green Hotel of the Year at the Hotel Cateys in 2011 and a Gold Star Award at the 2011 Green Tourism Awards. The hotel and restaurant also has Three Star Sustainability Champion status, awarded by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).Richard Slade, owner of Battlesteads said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by the Considerate Hoteliers with the Special Commendation Award as eco-friendliness, sustainability and social responsibility are all things we pride ourselves on. These awards recognise the hotels around the world which are setting the examples for the rest of the industry to follow, including acclaimed institutions such as Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons, and it is an honour to be named among them.”For more information on Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant and to book one of the new luxury eco-lodges visit www.battlesteads.com.

Live music lovers are in for a real treat the weekend of July 25th and 26th, when Alston’s toes will be tapping to the sounds of a wide range of musical talent. “Alston Live” festival kicks off its second year on Saturday 25th July at Tyne Willows field, and to complement this event South Tynedale Railway are host to a number of musicians on Sunday 26thJuly.Passengers on the trains running at 10.45; 12.15; 2.15 and 3.45 will be able to enjoy music around Alston station; on the platform and on the trains. Visitors attending “Alston Live” just need to present their event wrist band here on the Sunday, and they will get a 10% discount off ticket prices, remembering that all CA9 postcode residents already qualify for a 50% discount all year round.Our ‘wandering minstrels’ include:Happy jazz from Lazy River Jazz Band who play vintage jazz and hot dance numbers from the 20s and 30s.Last Night's Rain perform a mix of folk and acoustic music on fiddle, vocals and guitar. This sister duo recently made their debut performance at the Folkworks Hexham Gathering. Both are members of the Sage Gateshead's youth group, Folkestra.Mount Hooley Band include acoustic banjo, fiddle, guitar and sax. They enjoy performing a mix of country and banjo based music and promise a train theme!Lazy River Jazz Band will also be entertaining the families with musical fun including activities like “Spot the pocket trumpet” and “Guess what’s in the case”.There will be a range of home cooked food and drinks available in the Buffer Stop café and, as always on operating days, the station shop offers souvenirs, local & railway books and, of course, ice-cream!Heather Palmer, General Manager, “We are delighted to support Alston and the Alston Live music event with our own Steam Live event. I know that the music on the platform and on and around our heritage steam locomotives will provide a great atmosphere on the Sunday which I am sure our visitors will enjoy”.

This year Music at Paxton celebrates its 10th anniversary, and will be working with local caterers and produce for their buffet suppers, which take place prior to the concerts at the weekend in the Hayloft Gallery at Paxton House.With performances from internationally acclaimed cellist Natalie Clein, winner of 2004 Young Musician of the Year pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, prizewinning young Quartet from Germany Notos Piano Quartet and former BBC New Generation artists from Germany Signum Quartet, the buffet suppers are a perfect way to enjoy the Music at Paxton’s ‘experience’. MUSIC AT PAXTON BUFFET SUPPER MENUS Menu 1: Friday 17 and Saturday 25 July 2015Pork, pistachio and apricot terrine, wrapped in Parma ham, with gooseberry relishTomato, spinach and goat’s cheese lasagneSeared peppered tuna with samphire, olive oil and lemonGrilled chicken Caesar salad***Free-range egg salad with toasted sesame butterCarrot, orange and sunflower saladSummer herb leaf saladBaby new potatoes***Chocolate truffle torteHazelnut meringue roulade with strawberries and creamRaspberry cranachanCoffee and teaPrice: £24Wine available by the glass or bottle MUSIC AT PAXTON BUFFET SUPPER MENUS Menu 2: Saturday 18 and Friday 24 July 2015Indian chicken and mango salad with mint yoghurtSweet pickled herring and gazpacho saladPenne with asparagus, prosciutto, feta and pestoPea, mint and ricotta frittata***Spiced beetroot saladBaby new potatoesMoroccan couscous saladSummer herb leaf salad***Vanilla white chocolate mousse with syruped kumquatsZesty lemon tart with raspberry compôteSummer berry pud with Chantilly creamCoffee and teaPrice: £24Wine available by the glass or bottle Find more information about the festival on our website at Music at Paxton

Newcastle is hosting three World Cup matches, on Oct 3, 9 & 10 - featuring the defending chapions New Zealand, and also the might South Africans! The city will host an official 'Fanzone' at Science Central (within earshot of St James' Park!) with large screens, food and a party atmosphere! The Tongan national team will be hosted at Northumbria University in the city, while Scotland will use the facilities at Newcastle's Royal Grammar School. Gateshead International Stadium and Gateshead College's Academy for Sport will be a base for South Africa and Samoa. So the north-east is playing a key part in this fantastic celebration of rugby - and we can't wait!If you're visiting for the RWC 2015, why not make the most of the opportunity and extend your stay - to escape the busy city and experience the wide-open skies and peace of Northumberland amidst the rugby-fest!The Sutheran family are all passionate about rugby. We sponsor Zach Kibirige, an exciting young winger at our local Premiership club, Newcastle Falcons, and our family 'eats and sleeps' rugby. So if you're heading out of the city, there's no better place to enjoy the rugby banter than at St Cuthbert's House! We'll almost certainly have all the games showing on our large 6ft screen in the guest lounge.And if you're fortunate enough to have tickets to the game, then you can catch the bus to Newcastle city centre just a few steps from our door - or we'll even give you a lift to the mainline railway station, which is just 25 minutes form Newcastle city centre.We have some spaces during the RWC period, so don't follow the crowds - get the most from your World Cup experience and experience 'England's Best B&B 2014'. Give us a call!

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership is holding a photography competition this summer to find a cover-shot for their 2016 Northumberland Coast Visitor Guide.The image on the front cover of current Visitor Guide was taken by Andy Freeman from Cheshire of his son, Ben, looking out from Dunstanburgh Castle. Andy said “It's great to think that forty-thousand copies of my shot have now been reproduced on the cover of the Visitor Guide, I hope it conveys how much fun kids can have in the castles around Northumberland whilst, hopefully, learning something too”Cllr John Woodman, Chair of the AONB Partnership, who helped to judge last year’s competition said “It was really interesting to look through the entries and such a difficult job to choose a winner. First impressions count, so it is really important to have a stunning front cover that will encourage visitors to pick up a copy and read it.”The winner will not only have their photograph on the front of forty-thousand Visitor Guides, they will also receive £150 worth of vouchers to spend at Stait Photo of Morpeth and Hexham. Stait Photo has kindly provided prizes for highly commended entries.Ken Stait from Stait Photo said “We are delighted to support this competition. The beautiful landscapes and seascapes of the Northumberland coast are justly popular with photographers from across the country. The quality of light during the day and the dark skies at night make along with the abundance of wildlife and historic features make the AONB a photographers dream.”Paul Larkin, editor of the Johnston Press Northumberland titles, Northumberland Gazette, Berwick Advertiser, Morpeth Herald and News Post Leader, said: "We are delighted to be part of the competition to find an icon image for the 2016 Northumberland Coast Visitor Guide."In our opinion, Northumberland is the jewel in the crown of Britain's coastline and what better way to celebrate that than with a competition to find an eye-catching picture for the front page."The winning photograph will get an incredible exposure, if you pardon the pun, and we would encourage all photographers to get out, explore the coast and keep an eye open for that special image."Jane Coltman, Image Manager for Johnston Press Northumberland titles said: "It's exciting to be involved in the judging process for this competition. I'm one of the lucky ones - a Northumberland resident - so of course I know how beautiful our coastal area is! It's great that this competition is open to locals and visitors alike and I can't wait to see the fantastic images that I know will be submitted from people who, like me, love the Northumberland coast.Photos submitted can be of virtually anything, but to be eligible, the photo must have been taken within the Northumberland Coast AONB in 2015.Images need to be submitted in an electronic format and be of a high enough resolution to be used on the cover of the guide. More advice, previous visitor guide covers and the full set of rules are on the AONB website www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org. The closing date for entries is the 1st October 2015.

Project aims to capture sounds from the North East coastSounds uploaded on the map will be added to the British Library’s Sound ArchiveMartyn Ware from Human League and Heaven 17 will use sounds to create a new piece of music inspired by the coastThe public is being asked to record the sounds that shape and define our relationship with the coast across the UK in a three-month crowd sourced sound project – ‘sounds of our shores’ – being launched today by the National Trust, National Trust for Scotland and the British Library.Sounds from the North East coastline can be uploaded on to the first ever UK coastal sound map, hosted on the British Library website. It could be the chatter of seabirds on the Farne Islands, gentle waves lapping the shores on Druridge Bay or the sound of the foghorn at Souter Lighthouse. All of these sounds will be added to the British Library Sound Archive – creating a snapshot of the beautiful and diverse UK coastline that future generations will be able to hear. The coastal sound map project co-incides with the 50th anniversary of the National Trust Neptune Coastline Campaign. Launched in May 1965, the Trust now manages 775 miles of coast in England, Wales and Northern Ireland including around 17 miles in the North East.Musician, producer and founder member of Human League and Heaven 17, Martyn Ware, will be using the sounds submitted by the public to create a brand new piece of music for release in February 2016.Cheryl Tipp, Curator of Wildlife and Environment Sounds at the British Library, said: “There is something really evocative about the sounds of our coast; they help shape our memories of the coastline and immediately transport us to a particular time or place whenever we hear them. “As millions of us head to the coast this summer for holidays or day trips we want the public to get involved by recording the sounds of our amazing coastline and add them to the sound map. This could be someone wrestling with putting up a deck-chair, the sounds of a fish and chip shop or a busy harbour.“We’d also love to hear from people that might have historic coastal sounds in the North East which might, for example, be stored in a box in the loft. This will help us see how the sounds of our coastline have changed over the years.”Sounds recorded, whether on a smart phone, tablet or handheld recorder, can be uploaded to the map via the audioBoom website or app (they are both free and easy to use). The sounds will then appear on the map, which will be hosted on the British Library website.All of the sounds should be a maximum of five minutes in length and images and words about the sound can be added. People will then be able to share their sounds on the map with friends and family. The closing date for uploading sounds is Monday 21 September 2015.At the end of the project all of the sounds that appear on the map will then be added to the British Library’s Sound Archive for future generations to hear.The sounds from the ‘sounds of our shores’ map will be used by Martyn Ware to create a new piece of music.A 20-minute soundscape will transport listeners to the sensory richness of the coastline; capturing the working coastline and the coast where we go to play. Martyn Ware, said: “I’ve had a deep connection with the coast all of my life. As a kid growing up in Sheffield we’d go on family holidays to Scarborough or Skegness; I can still remember the sounds that filled our days at the seaside.“There is something emotionally deep about our connection with the coast which has shaped our identity. That is what is so exciting about this new commission and I want to capture the sensory nature of the coastline, reflecting the diversity and beauty of the sounds of our shores.”To get involved in the project visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coastal-sounds for top tips on recording sounds on the North East coastline and information about how to upload them on to the map. Participants will also be able to share their sounds on social media using the hashtag #shoresounds.