Visiting Northumberland

[Neil]

I'd no idea what it was called Neil but I remember going in many years ago when visiting my mate in Sunderland. I think we had something to eat there but it was more a pub at the time. I reckon it must be around 25 years ago then.

And I've just googled Marsden Grotto - that's the one.

Very popular place Tony, went a few times as a kid in the late 70's early 80's

[Big Vinny K]

You will struggle to ever see a better view of a castle than when you are driving on the road approaching Bamburgh Castle. It’s absolutely stunning. And at the bottom is a cricket pitch - which has got to be one of the nicest settings for a cricket pitch in the UK.

Lots of other great places mentioned on this thread - great place. Hopefully you get nice weather as it’s a cold wind that comes off that sea if it’s not sunny.

[Jel]

I'd no idea what it was called Neil but I remember going in many years ago when visiting my mate in Sunderland. I think we had something to eat there but it was more a pub at the time. I reckon it must be around 25 years ago then.

And I've just googled Marsden Grotto - that's the one.

That's the one Tony, it's still open and we ate there. Quite reasonable. It's also a Hotel.

[ALHAMBRA 1925]

I can also recommend a half day trip from Seahouses on Billy Sheil's boat trips.
The trip around Farne islands/Lindisfarne to see all the various sea birds.
There's a two stop at Holy Island to explore and have a pint and something to eat.
On the way back you have fantastic views of Bamburgh castle and you are escorted by playful Dolphins.
Also you can take your dog with you.

[Vincent'sCap]

Looking to take my wife to Northumberland for her birthday been looking at Airbnb in Norham anyone got any experience of this place,TIA

[mdd2]

You must visit Bamburgh castle and read the history of William Armstrong and how his company merged with Whitworth of the screw fame, Siddeley to become Armstrong Siddely and then merging with Vickers of Barrow in the 1920's after Armstrong went bust and all these the forerunner of BAE today. William was an amazing engineer. He bought lived in and restored the Castle built the swing bridge across the Tyne after the Council allowed him to demolsh the centuries old low level fixed bridge. This allowed ships to sail to his works up river where he built cranes , ships and fitted the Japanese Navy and other ships with his famous light weight Armstrong gun. A lot of his and family money funded a College in Newcastle which became first Kings College Durham and that became N/C Uni in 1963.He also rebuilt on a new location the Royal Victoria Infirmary and his hydraulic system operated the Tower Bridge in London originally.
A very productive time in the NE when he was around; and he started life as a solicitor.

[Tricky Trevor]

Can’t add anything to this super thread but nearly everywhere mentioned has been in VERA.
As a firefighter my first concern on drinking in Marsden Grotto was how do we get out in case of fire? I believe you can jump down onto the beach.

[Venkys4eva]

We used to stay in a cottage at nenthhead and use it as a base. Alston is nice as is Barnard Castle.

[NL Claret]

Well, that’s my week booked up! Some great suggestions. Are most of these Dog friendly?

If you like a beach walk and a pint at the end , here’s a list for you.

All pubs in Seahouses, prefer the Beach House which is a hotel with a good bar.

The Landings Beadnell

Jolly Fisherman Craster

Durty Bottles Alnwick

Cottage Inn Dunstan

Ship Inn Low Newton

Can also recommend the burger van in the car park at Craster!!

[longsidepies]

Well, that’s my week booked up! Some great suggestions. Are most of these Dog friendly?

Most places are dog friendly. It's a great place for pooches and owners

[AmbleClaret]

You will struggle to ever see a better view of a castle than when you are driving on the road approaching Bamburgh Castle. It’s absolutely stunning. And at the bottom is a cricket pitch - which has got to be one of the nicest settings for a cricket pitch in the UK.

Lots of other great places mentioned on this thread - great place. Hopefully you get nice weather as it’s a cold wind that comes off that sea if it’s not sunny.

Warkworth cricket pitch too,right next to the Castle.

[dougcollins]

Bamburgh Castle has (had) a family of Ravens when I was last there.

A proper castle has to have a family of Ravens.

[ClaretCliff]

From Craster, walk along the cliffs to Dunstanburgh Castle. The castle is ruined but very atmospheric. It’s not a long walk but you can continue from the castle alongside the golf course then call in the very friendly clubhouse for a beer, etc.
And talking of clubhouses, Seahouses golf club is very welcoming for food and drinks, and dogs are welcome.

[dougcollins]

Dunstanburgh Castle is my favourite. Not too much of it standing but incredibly atmospheric, and what a location.

[littlemissclaret]

Warkworth and Castle is really nice. It was recommended to us above Alnwick by a local. Also Durham is fabulous.

[NL Claret]

From Craster, walk along the cliffs to Dunstanburgh Castle. The castle is ruined but very atmospheric. It’s not a long walk but you can continue from the castle alongside the golf course then call in the very friendly clubhouse for a beer, etc.
And talking of clubhouses, Seahouses golf club is very welcoming for food and drinks, and dogs are welcome.

Can confirm Seahouses golf club is very welcoming, the village golf club in Alnmouth was also dog friendly and welcoming. The fish and chips that was coming out of the kitchen looked very good.

[Spijed]

Cragside a must not just the gardens (magnificent) but the house and history...
Alnwick Castle and Gardens (Barter Bookshop a good visit too)
Bamburgh Castle...
Lindisfarne
The list is endless

Enjoy ... we do

You can pick up some good first editions in Barter Bookshop.

[clive40golf]

Can’t add anything to this super thread but nearly everywhere mentioned has been in VERA.
As a firefighter my first concern on drinking in Marsden Grotto was how do we get out in case of fire? I believe you can jump down onto the beach.

It must be something all firefighters do Trevor, wherever we go we always look for a way out!

[dougcollins]

You can pick up some good first editions in Barter Bookshop.

There's a really good (and unexpected) bookshop at the railway station at Alnmouth.

[GetIntoEm]

I'd say the beaches there are as good as any you'll find in the world. Such a beautiful part of the country

[Healeywoodclaret]

I'd rather not publicise just how beautiful our part of the world is, it could end up like Tenerife.

Well said Andy!
It is a wonderful place to live (we live in between Warkworth and Amble).
I would recommend craster (famous for smoked kippers) and the wonderful walk from there along the coast to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Spectacular scenery.

[Healeywoodclaret]

I did,3 years ago,never one regret.

We moved here 2008 after discovering Northumberland on holiday. Never looked back. But Shhhhhhh …… it’s a secret gem and until Robson Green started spouting Northumberland was this country’s best kept secret.

[Healeywoodclaret]

Love it up there, we stay at Beadnell when we go.
If you go to Amble you must go down to the harbour and have a belting meal at the Fish shack.

Or try Lilly’s Landing Amble Harbour. Very popular.

[Healeywoodclaret]

Thanks everyone so far for your recommendations.
Going to trawl through them over the weekend and plan a few places.
Many of you have talked about moving there - to be honest this is a holiday come recce too!

Place will be full of Burnley Fans!! People next door to me moved in last year from Todmorden!

[Healeywoodclaret]

I’m reading this with interest, really informative. Taking the family to Alnwick for a week in August, I’ve noted down the places that you’ve all mentioned.
Can anyone recommend some places to take two young (14 & 10) adventurous lads, Oh and the wife will be tagging along!

If the lads like history there’s endless Castles who all have something different to offer. If they are into supernaturals stuff I’d recommend a trip to Chillingham Castle.

[Healeywoodclaret]

There's a really good (and unexpected) bookshop at the railway station at Alnmouth.

If you mean Barter Books that’s Alnwick. The old Alnwick Railway Station. You can get list in there and spend far longer than you intended. It has a miniature railway constantly running above your head and a nice cafe. Lovely atmospheric place to visit and you can come away with some good books!

[dougcollins]

If you mean Barter Books that’s Alnwick. The old Alnwick Railway Station. You can get list in there and spend far longer than you intended. It has a miniature railway constantly running above your head and a nice cafe. Lovely atmospheric place to visit and you can come away with some good books!

That's the one! So that's the old Alnwick station, I was staying in Alnmouth when I visited.

[what_no_pies]

I’m reading this with interest, really informative. Taking the family to Alnwick for a week in August, I’ve noted down the places that you’ve all mentioned.
Can anyone recommend some places to take two young (14 & 10) adventurous lads, Oh and the wife will be tagging along!

Lilidorei at Alnwick castle and gardens is new and claims to be the biggest play structure in the world. It looks really impressive. The castle was used for filming of Harry Potter and gardens have a poison garden so plenty of other bits to there to engage the young people. Barter books is a must see if your in Alnwick too. Get something to eat and spend a while soaking up the place.

Beadnell Bay with body boards and a frisbee would be great day for them. They can play on the beach, explore sand dunes etc til their hearts are content. One of the few beaches in the area where there's cafes / ice cream / amenities etc. There's also a couple of watersports and activity hubs if you were thinking of kite surfing / paddle boards / jet skis or that sort of thing.

I've not done any of these things myself yet but Woodhorn Museum / Northumberland Zoo / Kielder Forest (hire mountain bikes as lots of trails and there's loads of sculptures to find too).

[Colburn_Claret]

You'll never see Northumberland in a week, too much to do, but for people who've done a lot already try crossing the border.
Jedburgh and especially Kelso are well worth a visit, and the countryside is fantastic. We've stayed in Wooler a few times, which is a good centre for the Northern end of Northumberland.

[dougcollins]

You'll never see Northumberland in a week, too much to do, but for people who've done a lot already try crossing the border.
Jedburgh and especially Kelso are well worth a visit, and the countryside is fantastic. We've stayed in Wooler a few times, which is a good centre for the Northern end of Northumberland.

Not to mention Berwick!

[Volvoclaret]

Love Barter Books. Had an account there for many years. The cafe is excellent but does get very busy at times.
Interesting note, when they were renovating a newly discovered room they found the original copy of the wartime poster "Keep Calm and Carry On " which they reprinted and became a huge phenomenon.

[Loyalclaret]

From Craster, walk along the cliffs to Dunstanburgh Castle. The castle is ruined but very atmospheric. It’s not a long walk but you can continue from the castle alongside the golf course then call in the very friendly clubhouse for a beer, etc.
And talking of clubhouses, Seahouses golf club is very welcoming for food and drinks, and dogs are welcome.

Echo this walk and then continue to Low Newton by Sea for pint in the pub mentioned earlier in the thread.

Possibly the most beautiful place in England in my opinion.

[SurreyClaret99]

Thanks for all the recommendations .

We set off tomorrow so really looking forwards to the trip - will try to post photos of places recommended.