Nearby is Kirkharle Courtyard, the birthplace of Capability Brown. Formerly a farm, Kirkharle has been transformed into a coffee house and artists’ studios and shops. It offers a diverse range of arts and crafts exhibits, created by local artists.
The Roman Forts of Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters are a short drive away.
The beautiful houses and landscaped gardens of Wallington Hall (NT) and Belsay Hall (EH) are very close.
The excellent facilitates of Matfen Hall country house hotel are also on your doorstep should you wish to play golf or sample the pleasures of their spa and dining facilities.
Things to do
Cycling
Explore one of England's best kept cycling secrets. In Northumberland National Park we have so many quiet country lanes, ranging from meandering river valley saunters to wild open moorland blasts! From off-road adventure in the National Park to freewheeling, following one of the many way-marked cycle routes, the choice is yours.
Popular routes include the Pennine Cycleway and the Reivers Cycle Route, both of which run through Northumberland National Park. Shorter routes include the Rothbury and Coquetdale Cycle Trails, starting from Rothbury, and any one of the cycle routes at Kielder
Cycle Shops and bike hire
- ActivCycles - Corbridge. 17 Watling Street, Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5AH. Tel: 01434 632 950 ActivCycles website
- The Bikeshop - Hexham. 16-17, St. Marys Chare, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1NQ. Tel: 01434 601032
- Economy Cycles - Prudhoe Tel: 01661 832516
Gardens in Northumberland
Northumberland's gardens and stately homes are renowned.
You're probably aware of the award-winning Alnwick Garden, a wonderland created by the Duchess of Northumberland that has become one of the country's fastest-growing tourist attractions.
Everyone from the serious horticulturalist to curious teenagers will find something in The Alnwick Garden. There's a poison garden full of dangerous plants and one of the largest treehouses in Europe.
If you want to pay tribute to a father of innovation, visit Cragside House, Gardens and Estate, near Rothbury. This was the home of Lord Armstrong and was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro electric power. The garden and parkland here are stunning.
And there's also Howick Hall & Gardens- recently recognised by the BBC Gardener's World Magazine as one of the top five coastal gardens in the country. It was once home to Lord Earl Grey, the great British Prime Minister, who gave his name to the famous blend of Earl Grey Tea.
Visit Wallington Hall, near Cambo, and experience rolling parkland, a wooded dene, an ornamental lake and inside a large collection of dolls houses and classical paintings. There's also a new exhibition space that will showcase some of Howick's reserve collections.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is a true original, with a rock garden inspired by the quarry gardens of Sicily. There are often concerts and exhibitions held here.
http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/site/attractions/gardens-and-stately-homes
Fishing on the Tyne
The Tyne is rightly regarded as the best Salmon River in England and Wales. Environment Agency catch returns and fish counts from the station at Riding Mill endorse this, with fish entering the river system every month of the year.
Here are some highlights of what you can expect from the Tyne:
- The legendary Tyne salmon with weights up to 35lbs
- Sea trout runs are excellent with good average weights
- Brown trout fishing is good for both wild and stocked fish
- Grayling fishing is improving nicely on the tributary River Derwent; already an established brown trout fishery
- Coarse fishing is improving with good mixed catches of dace, roach and chub
The North Tyne and the South Tyne meet to form the River Tyne. All three strands of the Tyne river are splendid for game fishing and the North Tyne and River Tyne provide good coarse fishing. The whole Tyne system combines to give excellent fishing all year round.
The Tyne is a massively improved river with good visitor access along its length. There is no better way to experience the renowned Northumbrian hospitality than to visit its wealth of attractions for anglers and non anglers alike.
http://www.northumberlandfishing.co.uk/
Walking
Labelled 'the best place for walking in the country' by Country Walking Magazine, Northumberland is famous for the variety and quality of its footpaths, bridleways and walker-friendly accommodation.
Northumberland's extensive public footpath network criss-crosses open country and farmland connecting towns and villages throughout the county. From challenging long distance trails with cosy pubs and welcoming guest houses en route, to leisurely circular walks through pretty hamlets and wildlife rich coast and countryside, Northumberland has it all. You can take a guided walk to learn about this beautiful, dramatic county or set out in solitude to discover what makes Northumberland officially England's most tranquil county.
Birdwatching in Northumberland
When the Daily Telegraph described Northumberland as "a birder's paradise", they weren't exaggerating. The sheer diversity of the Northumberland landscape makes for some of the best birdwatching in the country. From mountainous moorland and heather-clad hills, to ancient woodland, rocky cliffs, sweeping sands and expansive mudflats, Northumberland is a county of diverse habitats, rare species and breeding colonies of international significance.
Use the below interactive map to discover for yourself the very best birdwatching spots in Northumberland. Each icon represents one key location with details of what birdlife can be seen, what time of year is best to see them and how to get there. At the very bottom of the page you will find links to downloadable birdwatching leaflets, details of local guides specialising in birdwatching excursions and local birdwatching organisations.
http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/site/activities/birdwatching
Horse riding in Northumberland
Northumberland provides excellent horse-riding for all abilities with miles of quiet country lanes, bridleways and open countryside.
Our beaches make for particularly spectacular riding experiences, you can gallop across miles of deserted sand and take in some our fantastic coastal views and castles.
Heading inland, take an exhilarating upland hack in the stunning Northumberland National Park or the wild expanse of the North Pennines.
The North Pennines are a rider's haven with trails following old railway line routes, as well as country lanes and bridleways. The Cheviot Hills are great for you and your horse, with acres of big skies, rugged morland, tranquil old shepherd's trails and sheltered forest bridleways.
There is fantastic riding at Kielder Water and Forest Park where you can literally take your horse to water and explore 27 miles of shoreline on horseback. If you want a meandering trek, try the Till Valley, Upper Coquetdale or Wild Redesdale.
Links
Visitnortheastengland.com
VisitNorthumberland.com
Visitkeilder.com
Hadrians-wall.org
Matfenhall.com
Fefifofum.com
