Northumberland Coast Visitor Guide 2015/16
FREE
Norma McKellar
This a special place. I hope this guide will help you appreciate and enjoy your time here. The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated in 1958. It covers 39 miles of coast from Berwick to the Coquet estuary and contains some of Britain’s most important historic and cultural sites and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country. There is solitude on even the sunniest days of summer contrasting with thriving villages, pubs and restaurants with excellent food. It is steeped in history: it is the home to Christianity in England and the capital of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria. There is a history of human occupation going back 9,000 years. The combination of fertile seas and land for fishing and farming, good access for transport and trade combined with strategic locations for attack and defence has left a fascinating legacy of historic sites. The sites are set within the stunning landscape of wide sandy beaches backed by high sand dunes and punctuated by rocky outcrops. There are internationally important seabird colonies and thousands of winter (avian) visitors feeding on the rich mudflats, not to mention one of the largest grey seal colonies in Britain. The dunes and whinstone outcrops are a blaze of colour in spring – and large parts of the area are designated sites because of the rarity of the features. Even the shallow seas have been designated a European Marine Site because of the outstanding marine wildlife. We are proud of our area. We focus on enhancing and conserving the area for future generations to enjoy so we have included advice on being a “good visitor” and on how to make your visit more sustainable. Please enjoy your visit to the AONB. Pursue your interests or be challenged by something new.
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Cllr John Woodman
Chair of the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership
Front Cover The photograph on the front cover was taken by Andy Freeman from Cheshire of his son, Ben, looking out from Dunstanburgh Castle. It was chosen as the winner of our 2014 photographic competition. Andy said “The photograph was taken during our visit to Dunstanburgh Castle. My son loved the castle and was taking in the view of the Lilburn Tower when I asked him to stand still so that the top of the tower looked like a crown on his head, and he was a king surveying his land below. I thought that the shot conveyed how much fun kids can have in the castles around Northumberland whilst, hopefully, learning something too.” The judges also highly commended three other entries: Two Arctic terns on Inner Farne by Amy Nathan from Sheffield The Aurora Borealis over Bamburgh Lighthouse by Dru Dodd from Warkworth and Holy Island Causeway by Norma McKellar from Benton in North Tyneside (top of page)
Could one of your photos be on the front cover of next year’s guide? Send your images to us by email to coastaonb@northumberland.gov.uk There is some guidance as well as Terms and Conditions on our website
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
@northcoastaonb Amy Nathan
northumberlandcoastaonb Dru Dodd
Northumberland Coast Map
Key Northumberland Coast AONB (land/tidal area) Railway (& station) Public car park Tourist Information Centre Tourist attraction Recommended beach Northumberland Coast Path
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Holy Island causeway floods at high tide – check for safe crossing information
St Abbs Eyemouth
Grantshouse A1
Duns
Northumberland Coast AONB
Coldstream
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C
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A
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Berwick-upon-Tweed
Kelso
Seahouses Wooler A1
Alnwick
Northumberland National
Amble
Rothbury
Park
Morpeth
Ashington
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Blyth
A1
Ponteland
Hexham
Newcastleupon-Tyne
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on the Northumberland Coast The Northumberland Coast has been a tourist destination for as long as it has been designated for its natural beauty. We are all responsible for making sure that tourism does not impact on the natural beauty whilst ensuring that the local economy prospers from the vital income that tourism provides. Here are some of the ways that you can help us do this when you visit the Northumberland coast.
Leave the Car Behind Walking and cycling are the best ways to explore this special place. Pages 18-22 give lots more information about exploring the AONB on foot and by bike. If you need to travel further why not use the bus? There are lots of opportunities for car-free visits to the Northumberland coast and we have produced some great itineraries for you to follow. Page 27-30 If you do drive, slow down. Driving more slowly and smoothly will help to reduce your fuel consumption and make our villages nicer places to live in and visit.
Bringing your dog? The Northumberland coast is a great place for dogs and as such, dog-walking is a very popular activity. Dogs can cause disturbance to wildlife, livestock and other beach users. We have produced some straight-forward guidance for dog-owners who bring their dogs to the coast. If you have brought your dog, pick up our leaflet from any Tourist Information Centre.
Stay Local, Buy Local The Northumberland Coast AONB and surrounding area has a rich array of good local food and drink from oysters to oils, beer to biscuits - the list is virtually endless. And by shopping locally and buying local produce you are helping the local rural economy to prosper. You are also reducing the distance goods need to be transported, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. If you are eating out, pick up a Food Trail leaflet and look for restaurants and café’s that sell local produce. Page 24
Stay Green Support businesses that do their bit to look after the environment. Many accommodation providers have joined the nationally recognised Green Tourism Business Scheme. Page 25
The Three R’s Reduce - The amount of the earth’s resources we need. Try not buy over-packaged goods, take a bag shopping with you and leave the car behind.
Reuse - Don’t just bin it, could someone else make use of it? Can other people make use of things you’ve bought for your holiday, like a leaflet or site guide for instance…even this visitors guide?!
Recycle - Can the materials be made into something new? For more information on recycling in Northumberland visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/waste
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Make Tourist Information Centres your first port of call along the coast.
A visit to the Tourist Information Centres should be on the ‘to do’ list for anyone coming to the area. As well as offering a range of free literature, maps and guides for customers, the knowledgeable and friendly staff are there to help you make the most of your trip to the coast. You can buy tickets for a range of attractions including Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and the Alnwick Garden, among others. The tourism staff can advise on a range of activities, for example in Seahouses you can find out about trips to the Farne Islands, while Craster can provide advice on a range of circular walks. The staff can also provide itineraries for days out and tide timetables for trips to Holy Island.
Open seven days a week from 31st March*; Tourist Information Centres are a great way to help you enjoy a fantastic trip to Northumberland’s spectacular coast.
Amble:
01665 712 313
Craster:
01665 576 007
Seahouses:
01670 625 593
Berwick:
01670 622 155
Alnwick:
01670 622 152
Email: touristinformationcentres@northumberland.gov.uk Website: www.northumberland.gov.uk *Berwick TIC opens Sunday’s from June to September.
The Tourist Information Centres sell a wide range of products, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. They are an ideal place to buy a special gift or souvenir, or stock up on biscuits for a long walk. Local crafts for sale include framed prints and photographs, food, jewellery and ceramics. Many items are hand-crafted and unique.
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APRIL
MAY
Whole of April
Friday 1st May
11am-5pm (Wed-Sun) BERWICK’S BURRELL COLLECTION at the Granary, Berwick Telephone: 01289 330 999 www.berwickvisualarts.co.uk
8.30am RIDING OF THE BOUNDS – Berwick Telephone: 07545 032 318
Saturday 28th March - 19th April During Castle opening – check website for times - National Trust CHOCOLATE EASTER EGG TRAIL Lindisfarne Castle £2
Sunday 5th April 11.30am – 2.30pm National Trust CHOCOLATE EASTER EGG TRAIL ON THE BEACH Low Newton by Sea £2
Sunday 5th April CREATE YOUR OWN FABERGE EGG Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Sunday 5th - Monday 6th April A BEASTLY EGG HUNT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Sunday 5th - Tuesday 7th April RUSTY BODKINS – MEDIEVAL ARCHER– Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th May 500 YEARS OF BORDER CONFLICT Re-enactments and displays - Berwick www.berwick900.org.uk
Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd May 11am - 5pm MEDIEVAL WEEKEND – Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd May BERWICK CLASSIC CAR RALLY www.berwickmoterclub.co.uk Telephone: 01289 382 025
Sunday 3rd - Monday 4th May RUSTY BODKINS – MEDIEVAL ARCHER Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Sunday 10th May Craster GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Friday 22nd May Bamburgh GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Saturday 23rd May
SMALL AXE WOODCRAFT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
11am - 4pm TALENT ON THE PARADE, Berwick 7.30pm - 11pm CEILIDH ON THE PARADE, Berwick www.facebook.com/berwickrotary Telephone: 07834 586 731
Monday 6th April
Saturday 23rd - Tuesday 26th May
Sunday 5th - Wednesday 8th April
Cocklawburn GEOLOGY WALK See page 14 for details
Wednesday 8th April Craster GEOLOGY WALK see page 14 for details
11am - 5pm (tide permitting) MINI RAIDERS & INVADERS Lindisfarne Priory Telephone: 01289 389 200 www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne
Sunday 24th - Monday 25th May Saturday 11th - Sunday 12 April 11am - 5pm (tide permitting) MAKING OF THE GOSPELS Lindisfarne Priory Telephone: 01289 389 200 www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne
Saturday 11th - Thursday 16th April BERWICK WALKING FESTIVAL www.berwickwalking.co.uk
Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th April WWI COMMEMORATION WEEKEND Berwick www.berwick900.org.uk
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Tuesday 9th June
Thursday 23rd July
Spittal GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Spittal GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th June
Tuesday 28th - Wednesday 29th July
11am-5pm MAGNA CARTA Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
11am - 5pm SOLDIERS OF THE ROSES Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Tuesday 16th June
Friday 31st July
Beadnell GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Doors open at 6.15pm, performance starts at 7pm THEATRE - MR STINK – Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st June ALNMOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL http://www.alnmouthartsfestival.com
Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st June SPITTAL GALA WEEKEND www.spittalisgreat.co.uk
JULY Saturday 4th - Tuesday 7th July SMALL AXE WOODCRAFT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Thursday 9th July Bamburgh GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th July LIVING HISTORY WITH ST CUTHBERT’S LAND - Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Sunday 12th - Wednesday 15th July SMALL AXE WOODCRAFT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Tuesday 14th July Holy Island GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th July
THE VIKINGS ARE COMING The Northumbria Herred of the Vikings invade Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Various times and locations MOUTH OF THE TWEED FESTIVAL, CROWNING OF THE SALMON QUEEN, BERWICK’S FISHING STORY AND PARADE OF FLOATS www.mouthofthetweed.co.uk
Monday 25th - Sunday 31st May
Saturday 18th - Monday 20th July
AMBLE PUFFIN FESTIVAL www.amblepuffinfest.co.uk
June Monday 8th June onwards THE BAMBURGH RESEARCH PROJECT 8 weeks of live archaeology Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
10am - 4pm (tide permitting) VIKING LIFE & TIMES – Lindisfarne Priory Telephone: 01289 389 200 www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne
Sunday 26th - Monday 27th July RUSTY BODKINS – MEDIEVAL ARCHER Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Friday 31st July THE B FESTIVAL Bamburgh Castle, In aid of Hospice Care A feast of musical talent of all genres performing in the castle grounds. Tickets from www.hospicecare-nn.ork.uk or castle ticket office. Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
AUGUST Saturday 1st August 10am - 12.30pm MINDEN DAY PARADE - Berwick Telephone: 01289 331 811 www.kosb.co.uk www.visitberwick.com
Tuesday 4th - Wednesday 5th August 11am - 5pm SOLDIERS OF THE ROSES Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Wednesday 5th August Howick GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Friday 7th August Bamburgh GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Friday 7th August Doors open at 6.45pm, performance starts at 7.30pm THEATRE - THE CASEBOOK OF SHERLOCK HOLMES - Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th August 11am-7pm SPITTAL SEASIDE FESTIVAL Spittal Promenade www.spittalsgreat.co.uk
Sunday 9th - Wednesday 12th August SMALL AXE WOODCRAFT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Tuesday 11th - Friday 14th August 11am - 5pm MEDIEVAL COURTLY COMBAT Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
SEPTEMBER Friday 4th - Sunday 6th September BERWICK FOOD AND BEER FESTIVAL The Parade Berwick upon Tweed www.berwickfoodandbeerfestival.co.uk
Sunday 16th - Tuesday 18th August
Sunday 6th September
RUSTY BODKINS – MEDIEVAL ARCHER Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Thursday 10th-Sunday 13th September
Sunday 16th - Wednesday 19th August SMALL AXE WOODCRAFT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Tuesday 18th -Wednesday 19th August
Holy Island GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS Various locations in Northumberland www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Friday 18th September Howick GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
11am-5pm MAGNA CARTA Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Wednesday 23rd-Sunday 27th September
Thursday 20th August
OCTOBER
Doors open at 6.45pm, performance starts at 7.30pm THEATRE - PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd August 11am - 5pm (tide permitting) MINI RAIDERS & INVADERS Lindisfarne Priory Telephone: 01289 389 200 www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne
Saturday 22nd - Tuesday 25th August SMALL AXE WOODCRAFT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Tuesday 25th -Wednesday 26th August
BERWICK FILM AND MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL Various sites around Berwick town www.berwickfilm-artsfest.co.uk
Friday 16th - Sunday 18th October BERWICK BOOK & LITERARY FESTIVAL www.berwickliteraryfestival.com
Saturday 17th October SPITTAL AUTUMN FAIR www.spittalisgreat.co.uk
Sunday 25th - Tuesday 27th October SMALL AXE WOODCRAFT Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Friday 30th October SPOOKEY TILES Design & decorate your own tile at Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Small Axe Woodcraft
SOLDIERS OF THE ROSES Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth
Saturday 29th - Monday 31st August THE CLARENCE HOUSEHOLD Living history at Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Monday 31st August Spittal GEOLOGY WALK See page 15 for details
Monday 31st August Twelve Night The Lord Chamberlains Men Bamburgh Castle Telephone: 01668 214 208 www.bamburghcastle.com
Soldiers of the Roses
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Martin Kitching, senior guide at Northern Experience Wildlife Tours, describes the best wildlife-watching throughout the seasons on the Northumberland Coast AONB.
May Farne Islands. By the end of the month, all of the breeding seabirds will be in full swing: Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns, Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Kittiwake, Fulmar and Shag all provide stunningly close views on a trip to Inner Farne.
January
Martin’s top tip - Remember to wear a hat! Purple Sandpiper. This unassuming shorebird, which breeds in the high Arctic, is a real speciality of the North Northumberland coast in the winter, rarely found more than a few feet from the breaking surf.
June Roseate Tern. For outstanding views of Britain’s rarest breeding seabird, take a boat trip around Coquet Island from Amble. These are ghostly birds as they fly past the boat.
Martin’s top tip - Harkess or Stag Rocks, just north of Bamburgh Castle, and Seahouses Harbour are the spots to search.
Martin’s top tip - look for Roseate Terns perched on the artificial terraces made for them by RSPB wardens.
February Eider. Northumberland’s county bird, known locally as the ‘Cuddy Duck’ in honour of St Cuthbert who provided sanctuary for them on the Farne Islands in the seventh century.
July Wildflowers on Holy Island. Early in the month, wander carefully along the obvious tracks through the dune slacks on the Snook at the western end of the island. Lindisfarne Helleborine may be the speciality here, but swathes of Marsh Helleborines and other wildflowers, including several species of orchid, will grab your attention too.
Martin’s top tip – Visit Amble and Seahouses Harbours to witness the sight, and sound, of the eiders courtship ritual. You’ll often hear their comical ‘huuu oooo’ calls before you see the birds.
Martin’s top tip - Contact the Lindisfarne Reserve
March Estuary waders. The sight of thousands of wading birds wheeling across the mudflats is breath-taking. Visit Budle Bay (please view only from the layby) or Fenham-le-Moor to see the range of wading birds that winter in Northumberland: Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin and many more pick and probe their way around the gooey mud in search of worms and other invertebrates to start storing energy ready for the long journey back to their breeding grounds.
office on 01289 381 470 for advice about finding the Lindisfarne Helleborine.
August Minke Whale. In relative terms this is quite a small whale, but at a length of up to nine metres, and weighing up to ten tonnes, it’s an impressive sight as it lunges through shoals of Herring just off the Northumberland coast.
Martin’s top tip - Watch from Beadnell or
Martin’s top tip - time your visit for an
Dunstanburgh Castle, or join an organised whalewatching trip from Seahouses.
incoming tide.
April
September Dawn Chorus. Set your alarm clock and head for, well, just about anywhere really. Woodland will be best though and, although summer visitors will be yet to arrive, resident species like Blackbird and Robin still make for a memorable experience as the first rays of daylight break the eastern horizon.
Martin’s top tip - Head to Spindlestone for a dawn chorus walk.
North Sea. Home of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabirds. Regular organised boat trips (www.northernexperiencepelagics.co.uk) over the last 16 years have opened our eyes to the extraordinary range of marine wildlife that occurs off the Northumberland coast. If you haven’t got your sea legs, try scanning from Beadnell, Dunstanburgh Castle or Stag Rock.
Martin’s top tip - look for feeding Gannets as they’re often found close to whales and dolphins.
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Martin’s top tip - Walk along the Straight and
Billy Shiel’s FARNE ISLAND BOAT TRIPS
Crooked Lonnens from the village, or explore the dunes of The Snook.
Licensed by the National Trust to land on the Farne Islands.
October Holy Island. On days when the wind is from the east, and mist and drizzle give the island an ethereal atmosphere, migrant birds from as far afield as Siberia can make the trees and hedgerows seem to be alive with movement.
Onboard Glad Tidings
Daily sailings from 10am onwards with a choice of half & full-day landing trips, 1.5hr Grey Seal Cruises & sailings to Lindisfarne.
November Grey Seal. Breeding in the harsh conditions of the late autumn may seem an odd strategy, but the cow seals will be in excellent condition after fattening up during the rich feeding of the summer months.
Martin’s top tip - Take a seal cruise from Seahouses to see cute pups, heavily pregnant cow seals and the enormous bull seals struggling for domination over their rivals.
December
Reservations Tel: 01665 Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Almost the entire Svalbard-breeding population of this delightful small goose winters around the Lindisfarne NNR. You could encounter them anywhere along the coast from Elwick to Goswick. Martin’s top tip - On Holy Island Rocket Field at high tide they often form mixed flocks with their close relatives, the Dark-bellied Brent Goose.
720 308 / 720 316
Visit www.farne-islands.com for all trips and schedules.
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The Normans built a new castle on the site, which forms the core of the present one. William II unsuccessfully besieged it in 1095 though the castle finally became the property of the reigning English monarch in that same year. As an important English outpost, the castle was the target of occasional raids from Scotland. In 1464 during the Wars of the Roses, it became the first castle in England to be defeated by artillery. The castle that we see today is the work of the great Victorian industrialist William Armstrong, who bought the castle in 1894. He undertook a massive restoration to create a country mansion to be used as a convalescent home, but the 2nd Lord Armstrong, William’s great nephew, decided to make Bamburgh a family residence and Bamburgh Castle continues to the private home of the Armstrong family today.
The dramatic brooding silhouette of a castle is synonymous with the Northumberland Coast – be it Warkworth, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh or Bamburgh. The story of the castles along the Northumberland Coast is one of contrasts, contradictions and conflict. Their striking photogenic quality is probably the only feature that they have in common. Not only are they different in current appearance and use but their past function, form, purpose and date of inception vary wildly to encompass the past 3,000 years of British history.
Bamburgh Castle – built on a dolerite outcrop, Bamburgh Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. Archaeological evidence shows that the whinstone crag provided a natural fortress for the Iron Age Votadini tribe in about 800BC. During the Roman period the dominant position over the coastline meant it was an intrinsic to the Roman coastal beacon system. The first written reference to Bamburgh was in 547. In the 6th century, the fort at Bamburgh was the seat of the great Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. During the following three hundred years the kingdom grew and contracted. The crown changed hands through battles and succession. It was when the Golden Age of Northumbria flourished.
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Dunstanburgh Castle by contrast is a complete ruin. The castle is situated about ten miles to the south of Bamburgh, just to the north of the village of Craster. Construction of this castle started in 1313 by Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster. Thomas was the wealthiest nobleman in England and leader of a baronial faction that opposed his cousin King Edward II. It is thought that Dunstanburgh was built as a symbol of Thomas’ power and prestige as well as offering a refuge at a considerable distance from the intrigues and politics of southern England. Thomas never occupied his northern castle and it is thought that he may have seen it just once in 1319 on his way to the siege of Berwick. Civil war between Edward II and his barons in 1322 resulted in Thomas being captured and executed.
The castle was impractically large and much of the inside of the 68 acre site remained empty. John of Gaunt strengthened the castles defences and added two towers in the 1380’s. The castle was a focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) being a Lancastrian stronghold. It was after this time that Dunstanburgh declined into the romantic ruin that inspired JWM Turner and artists alike – and even the front cover of this Visitor Guide.
Northumberland’s Coastal Castles Etal Castle, Warkworth Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle.
Warkworth Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle Etal Castle
To find out more visit: english-heritage.org.uk/northeast or telephone 0370 333 1181
Registered charity no. 1140351
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Discover Northumberland
The
Northumberland Coast Path Warkworth Castle is a classic Norman motte and bailey castle built above the loop in the River Coquet overlooking the medieval town below. Probably established in its present form in the late 1100s, Warkworth became one of the most important castles in northern England. It was the favoured residence of the powerful Percy family from the 14th to the 17th centuries and was once home to ‘Harry Hotspur’, the bane of Scots raiders, hero of Border ballads and Shakespeare’s Henry IV parts I and II. The castle is a beautiful mix of ruin and habitable rooms with the Dukes apartment in the magnificent cross-shaped keep furnished and comfortable. With the location, crowning a hilltop above the village and river with a fortified bridge, it is easy to see why Pevsner declared this as “one of the most exciting sequences of views one can have in England”.
Join Keith Hartnell on a fascinating journey as he explores the beautiful North Northumberland coast following the 64 mile coast path, from Cresswell to Berwick upon Tweed, officially designated an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Walk along deserted sweeping bays, through rolling dunes, over high rocky cliffs, past magnificent castles and through tiny fishing villages. As a bonus we detour offshore to visit the Farne Islands, Holy Island and Coquet Island.
DVD £9.99 including p&p
Northumberland Coast Path
North Sea Trail
Available from all good retailers and Tourist Information Centres or directly from Northern Heritage. Northern Heritage Gifts. Unit 7, New Kennels, Blagdon Estate, Seaton Burn, Northumberland, NE13 6DB FREEPHONE: 0800 716 959 or 01670 789 940 Fax: 01670 789 930 www.northern-heritage.co.uk All major credit cards accepted, cheques made payable to: Northern Heritage
For FREE catalogue full of DVDs, books and more...with a Northumbrian flavour call FREE on 0800 716959 or visit: www.northern-heritage.co.uk
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The Northumberland Coast AONB offers fabulous stargazing opportunities. With the sea stretching along the whole of the east side of the AONB it means that even in towns and settlements it is still possible to appreciate the darkness of the skies here. This area is also one of the best locations in England for a chance of seeing the fabulous Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. It is a wonderful experience to sit back on a sand dune, listening to the waves lapping the shore and watching the wonders of the night sky just with the naked eye. Whilst the telescope is definitely the preferred option for astronomers, a pair of binoculars works equally well to start unravelling the wonders of the night sky. The best places to star gaze in the AONB are definitely away from any light pollution. Fortunately street lighting is limited in the AONB so it is easy to find beautifully dark spots along the coast such as the small pull-in car parks like at Boulmer, the stretch between Seahouses and Bamburgh or at Goswick. The causeway to Holy Island is a magical place and popular with stargazers though you have to be careful of the tides. Throughout the winter months there will be a series of organised star gazing events. Members of the Northumberland Astronomical Society (NASTRO) will be on hand to provide expert advice and guidance. Watch out in the local press for details or visit the NASTRO website www.nastro.org.uk
House & Gardens ROBERT ADAM’S MASTERPIECE ‘A treasure, wonderful gardens & beautiful house!’
Experience one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. Admire the unique Adam design, fine art, embroidery and furniture collections. Relax in the parkland & gardens. Picnic as the children have fun in the playground. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the coffee shop. Visit our summer art exhibition. Holiday in our cottages.
Open: Easter 3rd - 6th April. May to end Sept - Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon House: Open 12.30pm to 5.00pm (last entry at 4.15pm) Gardens & Coffee Shop: Open 11.30am to 5.00pm HHA, ASVA membership accepted National Art Pass discounted entry Mellerstain House, Gordon, Berwickshire TD3 6LG Tel: 01573 410225 email: enquiries@mellerstain.com www.mellerstain.com Scottish Charity Number: SC011009
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Storm and Stress at Howick What’s in a landscape so beautiful as that of the Northumberland coast? Dr Ian Kille of Northumbrian Earth gives you his answer in the highlights of a walk from Howick to Cullernose Point, one of the many places in which you can explore the geo-diversity of the coast. The Northumberland Coast is rich in stories which connect us to the landscape in many different ways. The coast owes its contours to its underlying rocks and the geological processes which have shaped it. Wildlife and their habitats, the buildings and industrial heritage, and the very sense of place are also intimately tied to its geo-diversity. Howick to Cullernose Point is a coast of low cliffs and rocky reefs perfect for exploring geo-diversity. This walk begins at Howick Sea Houses Farm. There is a small car park or you can get there on the Travelsure 418 service. See page 27-30 From the car park, follow the track down to the coast and you find a small cliff facing inland. This quarry is where stone for Howick Hall and the Bathing House (which is to your left) were extracted. These characterful yellow sandstones were laid down in ancient rivers about 350 million years ago forming part of a massive delta system flowing from Himalayan sized mountains in Scotland. Here you can find beautiful examples of cross-bedding which mark the trace of large sand-ripples from the ancient river-bed. Walking north, beautiful views to Cullernose Point open up, and at a point where the road and coast path converge you can scramble down to the beach. Walk south to see the a large fault in the cliff face and foreshore, where layers of rock have been broken along an inclined plane and moved tens of metres against each other.
Folding at Cullernose
Continuing north, there is a south facing cliff beloved of kittiwakes for nesting. In this cliff and on the foreshore are pale sandstones where the cross-bedding forms cross-cutting curves known as hummocky cross bedding or tempestite. These were laid down under the sea not so far from the shore but deep enough that the sea-floor is only touched by the stormwaves which carved out the curves of the hummocks.
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Cullernose Point is part of the Whin Sill, a massive intrusion of igneous rock from 300 million years ago which crop out all the way from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne right the way across to Cumbria and right the way down to County Durham. The dyke marked on the map is also Whin, injected as molten rock into a small upright fault line. Close by layers of limestone, sandstone and shale folded into a whale-back show another response to the forces at work here. This is just a small selection, showing the power and scale of geological forces operating to form the rocks of the Northumberland coast we see today. You can download a pdf of this walk from the Geodiversity pages on www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Geo-Walks 2015 Northumbrian Earth has been running geo-walks led by geologist Dr Ian Kille in the AONB since 2010. For 2015 there will be a range of three types of walk to explore different aspects of the Northumberland Coast’s geo-diversity: Family Geo-walks: an opportunity for young people from 8 to 108 to discover some rocky tales. Children must be accompanied by adults. Gentle Geodiversity: walks with a contemplative pace sticking to the coast paths. Geo-diversity at the rock face: walks with scrambling and slipperiness to get right up to the rocks on the beach.
This is the Diary of Walks for 2015 - please go to the Northumbrian Earth website www.northumbrianearth.co.uk to check for additional walks, details and lots more background resources.
Monday 6th April Family Geo-walk: Stony Stories, exploring the rocks and fossils at Cocklawburn beach. Walk length 2km. Meet at 10.00 in the car park by the Near Skerrs.
Wednesday 8th April Gentle Geodiversity: Waves by the Whin, a walk out to Dunstanburgh and the Greymare rocks. Walk length 5km. Meet at 11:00 by the Tourist Information Centre in Craster.
Berwick Walking Festival Saturday 11th April Berwick Walking Festival: Berwick Mine Walk. Walk length 9 miles. Meet at 10:00 in Berwick.
Monday 13th April Berwick Walking Festival: Why is Berwick-upon-Tweed? Walk length 4 miles. Meet at 14:00 in Berwick. For more information about the Berwick Walking Festival walks go to www.berwickwalking.co.uk
Sunday 10th May At the rock face: Heat and Shear, an exploration of the Whin Sill from Craster to Cullernose. Meet at 14:00 by the Tourist Information Centre in Craster.
Friday 22nd May Gentle Geo-diversity: On the Steppes of the Whin Grassland, a longer loop walk from Bamburgh to Budle Bay. Walk length 6 km. Meet at 14:00 by the war memorial under Bamburgh Castle.
Tuesday 16th June Gentle Geo-diversity: Life’s a Beach, a walk exploring Beadnell and its dune-land, taking a few terns along the way. Walk length 4km. Meet at 10:00 in Beadnell car park
Thursday 9th July At the rock face: Bakes and Bifurcation, exploring the Whin Sill from Bamburgh to Harkess Rocks. Walk length 5km. Meet at 14:00 by the war memorial under Bamburgh Castle.
Tuesday 14th July Gentle Geo-diversity: Industrial Lindisfarne, a loop walk around Lindisfarne on the tracks of the island’s raw materials. Walk length 4km. Meet at 10:00 at the Window on Wild Lindisfarne.
Thursday 23rd July Family Geo-diversity: Stripy Rocks and Creepy Crawlies, exploring the rocks and fossils on Spittal beach. Walk length 2km. Meet at 14:00 at Sandstell Point.
Wednesday 5th August At the rock face: Bending and Breaking, a walk exploring the Howick Fault and the remarkable sedimentary sequences around it. Walk length 5km. Meet at 14:00 at the parking spot on the bend by Sea Houses Farm just south of Howick.
Friday 7th August Family Geo-diversity: Castles and Dragons, exploring the rocks and fossils on the beach by Bamburgh Castle. Walk length 3km. Meet at 14:00 at the beach exit of the car park just south of Bamburgh opposite Islestone.
Monday 31st August Gentle Geo-diversity: Make me a Channel, a walk across the cliff-tops from Spittal to Cocklawburn in search of ancient rivers. Walk length 5km. Meet at 10:00 at the South end of the Spittal promenade nearest the cliffs.
Sunday 6th September At the rock face: The Ley of a Liminal Landscape, an exploration of the significance of boundaries using the rocks of Lindisfarne. Meet at 14:00 at the Window on Wild Lindisfarne.
Friday 18th September Gentle Geo-diversity: Ripples soft centres and Tea, a walk from the Bathing House near Howick to Howdiemont sands. Walk length 4 km. Meet at 14:00 at the parking spot on the bend by Sea Houses Farm just south of Howick. For more information contact Dr Ian Kille on 01668 216 440 or visit the Northumbrian Earth website at www.northumbrianearth.co.uk
Tuesday 9th June At the rock face: Balls and Mats, exploring colonial life in the Carboniferous of the cliffs between Spittal and Cocklawburn. Meet at 14:00 at the south end of Spittal Promenade nearest the cliffs. Spirifer Brachiopod
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The Northumberland Coast AONB boasts some of the finest, cleanest beaches in the country. The majority of the beaches are wide open expanses of sand backed by high dunes, which even on the hottest days are not crowded – you can always find solitude. Bathing water quality on the Northumberland Coast AONB is excellent, meeting the highest EU standards. To check the bathing water quality of bathing beaches go to http://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/explorer/index.html or scan this QR code with your smartphone.
A quick guide to the best beaches… Bucket and Spade days For a traditional family day out at the beach head for Spittal, Bamburgh, Low Newton or Alnmouth. There are toilets nearby and somewhere to buy food and drink. If you are after something more remote, try Cheswick Black Rocks or Cocklawburn in the north or Warkworth beach in the south.
Wet and wild If watersports are your thing, head for Beadnell Bay (though it can get a little crowded sometimes). Other good kite and wind surfing spots include Budle Bay, Embleton Bay and Druridge Bay. If you have brought your boat on holiday, you can launch it at Beadnell.
Your own space… You can find peace and tranquillity virtually anywhere on the Northumberland Coast, even in the height of summer. To really get away from it all, head for Goswick, Ross Sands (be prepared for a walk), Budle Point (between Bamburgh and Budle Bay) or Buston Links to the south of Alnmouth (Beware: The track to the car park is very rough).
Bringing your dog? The wide sandy beaches of the Northumberland Coast are an excellent place to exercise your dog and as such, dog walking is perhaps the most popular activity on our beaches. Dogs on the coast can also cause disturbance to wildlife, livestock and other beach visitors. However if you follow the simple advice offered below our beaches and coastal grassland can be enjoyed by people, dogs and wildlife.
Window on the Wild Lindisfarne
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Do not allow dogs to disturb birds or livestock.
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Never let your dog roam around the coast unattended.
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Always clean up after your dog. Bag the faeces and use bins where they are provided. Otherwise, take it home.
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Your dog should have a collar and tag. If you are on holiday, it is a good idea to have a temporary tag with your holiday address on it or mobile phone number.
Never leave a dog unattended in a car.
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Why not explore the shore for yourself? Rock pools provide a natural aquarium, allowing us to glimpse sea creatures in their natural environment. Pools can contain animals usually only found beneath the sea, such as starfish, urchins, sea slugs and many species of fish. If you stay very quiet and still, you may see some of the more elusive in habitants emerging from their hiding place, such as crabs, prawns and fish. Seahouses has some of the best rock pools on the Northumberland coast with easy access to the kelp forests on the lowest tides. Other excellent rock pooling spots include Low Newton by the Sea, Boulmer and Spittal. A rich variety of life can also be found beneath boulders and in the grooves and crevices of the rocky shore. Look out for Breadcrumb sponge and Beadlet anemones sheltering under rocky overhangs. Search for brittlestars, crabs, ascidians and worms hiding under the cool and damp boulders. After looking under a boulder it is very important to carefully turn it back to its original position, otherwise the creatures living beneath may die if left out in the open. Marden Rocks north of Alnmouth and Harkess Rocks at Bamburgh are great places to discover boulder life. A guidebook about the seashore of the AONB is available at Tourist Information Centres
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www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk 17
The Craster south Figure of Eight loop is a mix of inland and coast, off-road and on-road with an option to ride it as one larger loop or split the route into two smaller loops. The route is best done anti clockwise but in fact it is bi-directional, the difference being that it is slightly easier to ride from Craster West Farm towards Howick Hall than the other direction. Starting and ending at Longhoughton, the early and last part of the route follows minor roads. The section between Craster West Farm and Howick Hall requires a little more navigation and best done in the dry. Sea Houses to above Howdiemont Bay is signed as an off-road section of the Coast & Castles Cycle Route (NCN R1). This is the best part of the entire Figure of eight so take a picnic and allow time to stop and enjoy this wonderful location! Longhoughton back north to Craster via Howick Hall follows the Coast & Castles Cycle Route (NCN R1) although this version recommends you cut the corner via the hamlet of Howick.
Useful information Cycle Shops & Hire: Breeze Bikes, Amble 01665 710 323 shop@breezebikes.co.uk www.breezebikes.co.uk Cyclelife, Alnwick 01665 602 925 www.adventurenorthumberland.co.uk
Railway Alnmouth Station lies a 20 minute ride to the south of the route along NCN Route 1
Parking - Available in Longhougthon Pe
See page 5
Ordnance Survey maps Landranger 81 (1:50K) Explorer 332 (1:25K)
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Tourist Information
Unit 6, Coquet Enterprise Park, Amble NE65 0PE
Providing bespoke cycle hire and delivery services throughout Northumberland, Hadrian’s Wall Country and the Coast to Coast (C2C) routes
Toilets - Craster Refreshments Craster and Dunstan have cafĂŠs and pubs. There is a shop in Longhoughton for supplies.
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t:
01665 713 448 m: 07790 596 782 bookings@pedal-power.co.uk
www.pedal-power.co.uk
New for 2015 www.cyclepad.org.uk have published an intermediate off and on road route in and around Craster. The Cycle PaD (Portal & Directory) is the place to go for information on recreational cycling. With the help of the AONB Sustainable Development Fund and Cycle TRAX there are now a number of cycle routes around the Northumberland coast produced with the assistance of Ordnance Survey mapping. The featured route can be found here: www.cyclepad.org.uk/listing/Craster-South-Loop---Route-1
Cycling and Walking from Berwick-upon-Tweed Berwick is the ideal destination for cycling and walking holidays in Northumberland. Berwick is located mid-way between Newcastle and Edinburgh, on the East Coast mainline, with the train station only a five-minute walk from the town centre. There is a great choice of accommodation including the YHA Granary Hostel with upgraded cycle facilities. Berwick Tourist Information Centre can book your accommodation for you in Berwick, or en-route accommodation for long distance walks and cycle rides.
Get on your bike... National Cycle Routes - Berwick is the ideal base for those starting or finishing a cycle tour along one of the four National Cycle Routes that converge on the town. •
Coast and Castles Route (NCN 1) which runs the 100 miles from Newcastle along the Northumberland coast via Bamburgh, to Berwick. It continues along the Tweed Valley to Edinburgh, a complete distance of 200 miles.
• Round the Forth Route (NCN 76) which runs to Edinburgh via Eyemouth a distance of 70 miles. It continues via Stirling to Kirkcaldy. •
The Pennine Cycleway (NCN 68) which runs down the spine of England across Hadrian’s Wall and through three National Parks to Derby some 327 miles away.
Town Trails and Guided Walks • • • •
Follow in the footsteps of the artist L.S. Lowry on The Lowry Trail. Enjoy a new Berwick walk which has been launched by the Royal Geographical Society as part of the ‘Discovering Britain’ series (available to buy from Berwick TIC) Discover Castle Vale Park and Coronation Park on either side of the railway station, where recent investment from Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery has reinvigorated these hidden gems. Guided walks of the Elizabethan Town Walls leave from Berwick TIC (Easter-October, Mon-Fri, please check for times)
Berwick Walking Festival- Don’t miss Berwick Walking Festival which takes place from 11th-15th April 2015. www.berwickwalking.co.uk Whether you are visiting Berwick on two wheels or on foot, this beautiful town is just waiting to be explored. www.visitberwick.com Berwick Tourist Information Centre: 01670 622 155
New for 2015 - The Sandstone Way is a breath-taking new 120 mile mountain biking route between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Hexham, running along the Sandstone Ridge through the heart of North Northumberland. Starting on Berwick Quayside this route heads south passing numerous sandstone features, crags and outcrops, linking the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding National Beauty with Northumberland National Park, making it one of the most scenic rides in England. More info at: www.sandstoneway.co.uk
Circular cycle routes - Berwick-upon-Tweed is central to a number of fantastic circular cycling routes which have been developed around Berwick’s food heritage. The trails are free to download, with various rides from eight miles to 44 miles. More info at: www.mouthofthetweed.co.uk/cycle
Cycle Hire - Cycles are available to hire from our cycling experts at Wilson’s Cycles (Bridge Street) tel: 01289 331476. Wilson’s can advise on local routes and fit bikes for suitability. More info at: www.cyclepad.org.uk
...or lace up your boots From Berwick you can head out on walking routes up and down the coast, or explore the town itself on one of our town trails. •
The Northumberland Coast Path is a 64 miles/103km walk from Cresswell in the south up to Berwick-upon-Tweed. It follows the stunning coastline, with rugged cliff tops and long stretches of sandy beach creating a most beautiful walking landscape. See page 21 for a day walk from Berwick.
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The Berwickshire Coastal Path leads from Berwick into Scotland following the craggy rocks to the North of the town all the way up to Cockburnspath (28 miles/45km). Walk to Eyemouth or St. Abbs’ Head in a day and catch the bus back.
If you find that our linear walking routes are slightly longer than you would like, then why not travel back by bus? There are some great itineraries available from Berwick Tourist Information Centre.
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The Northumberland Coast Path follows the Northumberland Coast for 64 miles from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north, offering some of the finest coastal walking in Europe. Walking the Coast Path is the best way to experience the AONB on foot. Walking a linear, rather than circular route, doesn’t mean having to retrace your steps or complicated travel arrangements. Here, Iain Robson describes some of the best sections of the coast path and how to get back by bus.
Alnmouth to Craster 12.2km or 7 ½ miles This is my favourite section of the Coast Path. The landscape is constantly changing: Rocky reefs, fishing villages, secluded bays, the Rumbling Kern and the noisy seabird colony at Cullernose Point. There is so much variety. Alnmouth is well served by buses with an hourly X18 service in either direction. If you are travelling from Newcastle, the train is also an option. There are shops here to stock up on snacks and sandwiches. Alnmouth to Craster
From Alnmouth, follow the Coast Path north out of the village and through the golf courses towards Seaton Point. The path is on the beach here so check the tide-times. From Seaton Point continue north to Boulmer, an ideal place for a pub lunch or a picnic. Beyond Boulmer lie the stunning coves of Howdiemont and Sugar Sands with the Rumbling Kern beyond. During the summer months, the cliffs around Cullernose Point are home to kittiwakes and fulmars. Your walk ends, conveniently, in the garden of the Jolly Fisherman. Before catching your bus home, stock up on kippers at Robson’s famous smokehouse. Craster is served by a two-hourly X18 service in either direction, with the 418 Alnwick to Belford service in between these.
Craster to Beadnell 11.5km or 7 miles This walk is a classic. Craster is served by a two-hourly X18 service in either direction, with the 418 Alnwick to Belford service in between these. The path heads north out of Craster to the dramatic ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle perched on the whin sill. Beyond the Castle, you can either walk along the beautiful beach of Embleton Bay to get you to Low Newton-bythe-Sea or follow the marked path through the dunes by the golf course. If you’ve visited the Castle, you’ll be ready for lunch by the time you reach Newton. The Ship Inn, with its own brewery, will meet your needs if you’ve not brought a picnic.
Craster to Beadnellr
From Newton, the path heads for another stunning beach, Beadnell Bay, which in summer is home to a large colony of arctic terns. Stop by at the Rangers’ hut and they will show you the birds. Crossing the Long Nanny Burn on the footbridge, you can continue along the beach or through the dunes and the caravan site to reach your destination. Spend some time in Beadnell. It has a west-facing harbour, an impressive lime kiln and the remains of St Ebba’s Chapel or enjoy a well-earned drink in one of the village pubs. Beadnell is served by the same buses as Craster.
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Beal Causeway to Berwick 16km or 10 miles Another coastal classic. Mudflats, dunes, big skies, clifftop paths and the unique heritage of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Beal causeway is served by the Perrymans 477 Berwick to Holy Island Bus. This bus does not run every day and because the causeway is tidal, the timetable changes every day. Please check before you travel. An alternative is to use the X15 or X18 and alight on the A1 at either Beal or Fenwick and use the road or Coast Path to begin your walk. Another alternative is to begin your walk on Holy Island and walk the Pilgrim’s Way to Beal.
Beal Causeway to Berwick
This walk begins at the landward end of the Holy Island causeway on the edge of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. The first part of the route may be covered by the sea at the top of the highest tides. Follow the Coast Path over the sluice, then through Goswick dunes to Goswick Golf Course. You can walk along the beach as far Cheswick Black Rocks or use the inland path. From the World War II gun emplacement at Cocklawburn, follow the track then road as far as Seahouses farm, then walk along the cliff top path into Spittal. Follow the road through Spittal and Tweedmouth to cross the old bridge over the River Tweed into Berwick.
Try other linear walks, with a good corresponding bus service: Berwickshire Coastal Path - Berwick-upon-Tweed to Eyemouth (17km / 11 miles) or St. Abbs (23km or 14 ½ miles) Hourly service between St Abbs/Eyemouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed Amble to Alnmouth (10.5 km or 6 ½ miles) Hourly X18 services Seahouses to Belford (16.5km or 10 ½ miles) Hourly X18/418
Guidebooks and maps to help you
‘The complete walking experience for Northumberland’
Events and Walks on Northumberland Coast.
Northumberland Coast Path Guidebook - £4 - available from www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org or Tourist Information Centres St. Oswald’s Way - available from www.stoswaldsway.com or Tourist Information Centres Harvey produce a Northumberland Coast Path and Berwickshire Coastal Path (XT40)
Bus Service Information - Pages 23-26
St. Oswald’s Way links some of the places associated with St. Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century, who played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people. From Holy Island in the north, St. Oswald’s Way follows the Northumberland Coast Path, before heading inland across beautiful countryside to Heavenfield and Hadrian’s Wall in the south, a distance of 97 miles (156 km). www.stoswaldsway.com For great guided walks throughout the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Berwick Walking Festival - Saturday 11th - Thursday 16th April • 26 miles Coastal Challenge Walk - Monday 4th May 2015 • Guided Walks along the Northumberland Coast and beyond • Nordic Walks on the Northumberland Coast and beyond Book online or for more information visit
or call
01669 621 044
Footsteps
Walking the beauty of Northumberland So, what’s the north Northumberland coast like and what will we see? Well we have…
…ace walking, stunning beaches, scary castles, wild coastlines, smoking kippers, puffing puffins, wildflowers - stunning!, sun shining, windy wanders, rainy rambles, curlews calling, history harking, North Sea’s freezing, island hopping, chilly swimming, rock pooling and so much more……….. On a Footsteps walk on the beautiful Northumberland coast………
T: 01668 213 775 M: 07847 506 399 E: patrick.norris@footstepsnorthumberland.co.uk
www.footstepsnorthumberland.co.uk 21
Walking the Pilgrims Way Ever since 753, when King Oswald gave the Holy Island of Lindisfarne to St Aidan to establish his monastery, the island has been a place of pilgrimage. The road was not constructed until 1954 and until then the vertical poles were the only indicators of the safe route between the mainland and island. The sight of the poles stretching across the sand and mud is one of the most iconic views in Northumberland and to walk the route away from the road and follow in the footsteps of our medieval ancestors is a wonderful experience. Walking across the Pilgrims Causeway onto Holy Island is a very different walking experience and unlike any other walk in Northumberland.
Below are some tips to walking the Pilgrims causeway safely: •
Most importantly you must work around the tide times - safe road crossing times are shown in cases on both sides of the causeway and in Seahouses or online at: holyisland.northumberland.gov.uk
• Basically the middle of the safe crossing times gives you low tide time. •
The Pilgrims Causeway is about three miles long.It takes about two hours to walk the causeway
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Ideally set off two hours before low tide – walking with the outgoing tide rather the rising tide.
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Do not attempt to cross at dusk or in poor weather conditions
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Please do not attempt to cross the causeway at any other time as the tide comes in very rapidly and is very dangerous
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Ideal footwear – barefoot or walking boots that you don’t mind getting very muddy.
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Tides and condition mean that the condition underfoot varies considerably – it can be very slippery in place and a good stick will be useful.
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Route – walking from Beal to the island, it is best to walk over the road bridge – being mindful and careful of the traffic. At the layby on the right-hand side (if you are looking towards the island) head out directly towards the first pole on the east side of the river and follow to the island.
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If you don’t feel confident about walking across the sands you can always walk beside the road but please note it is a very busy road a certain times of the year.
Remember people have crossed to and from the island along this route for centuries along this route – if you follow the tips it will be one of the best walking experiences you will ever have. The conditions vary so much that each time you walk it will feel like a different experience. The number of other ‘pilgrims’ vary. There is an amazing sense of peace and tranquillity as soon as you walk away from the road. If you are not confident there are organised walk leaders that often take walks across, see Shepherds Walks and Footsteps in Northumberland on page 21.
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CO Q U E
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SA
HOREBASE TR
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& PA D DL
The Braid, Amble
Explore the Coquet Estuary
ES
Druridge Bay Country Park
Hire Boats & Tuition, etc
Guided kayak tours
The Braid, Amble, Northumberland NE65 0WU 01665 710 367 info@coquetshorebase.org.uk www.coquetshorebase.org.uk
The Northumberland Coast AONB provides a venue for all sorts of water-based recreation. There are great spots for surfing and kite sports and managed zones for motorised activities. We have produced a leaflet called “Enjoy the Coast!” which highlights the areas where recreational activities take place on the coast and provides codes of conduct to ensure that recreation exists without adversely affecting wildlife, their habitats or the historic environment. Pick up the leaflet at a Tourist Information Centre or download the codes of conduct from www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Sea Kayaking Sea kayaking is very popular on the Northumberland coast during the summer months. Sheltered bays are ideal for beginners and families to practice their skills. The more experienced paddlers might try a trip out to the Farne Islands or Coquet Island. Courses are available.
Windsurfing The wide open beaches make the Northumberland coast an ideal location for windsurfing. The following beaches are recommended:
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Bamburgh
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Beadnell
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Low Newton-by-the-Sea
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Boulmer
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Seaton Point
Surfing Surfers tend not to be organised so it is difficult to recommend surfing beaches. However the following are worthy of a mention:
MOUNTAIN BIKING ROCK CLIMBING COASTEERING SURFING KAYAKING BIKE HIRE WETSUIT & EQUIPMENT HIRE FAMILY FUN DAYS 2b Greensfield Court, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2DE T: 01665 602 925 E: info@adventurenorthumberland.co.uk
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Spittal
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Bamburgh
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Seahouses
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Embleton Bay
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Warkworth
Kite Sport The most popular beaches for kite surfing and beach based kite activity are:
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Budle Bay (May to September only)
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Bamburgh
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Beadnell
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Embleton Bay
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And outside the AONB in Druridge Bay
Powered Craft There is only one launching point within the AONB for small powered leisure craft, which is at Beadnell. Larger craft can be launched from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seahouses and Amble harbours. Beadnell Bay is the only area in the AONB suitable for activities such as water and jet skiing. Beadnell Bay Boat launch: www.beadnellboatlaunch.co.uk
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Land of harvest
Traditional crops such as oat, barley and wheat are widely grown in Northumberland.
Interestingly, the name Berwick is derived from two Old English words which would mean ‘Barley Farm’ upon the River Tweed! This most northerly town in England has remained a centre for malting and cereal processing.
The Tasty Trails leaflet is available from Tourist Information Centres and local food outlets. The leaflet includes a map of shops, pubs and restaurants that sell locally-sourced food. You can also download the leaflet from www.visitnorthumberland.com/eat
Eat the view
You can see why people are passionate about food and drink in this part of Northumberland. Few places in Britain can boast such rich, distinctive history and provenance. The field, river and sea to plate stories are certainly plentiful. Look to the sea and its coast, and you will see the home of Northumberland seafood. Further inland, there is still a thriving farming community that harvests and grows exceptional produce enjoyed within and beyond the region. What’s more, some of the best wild fish are found in the rivers flowing through the countryside.
Have a fishy..
As you explore the area, you should seek out good local seafood. Craster, the harbour village, is world-renowned for its kippers. You will find Northumberland kippers on many a breakfast menu during your visit here. Why not also grab a local crab sandwich when you stop for lunch or treat yourself to a succulent lobster from the Northumbrian shores for a delightful dinner? Berwick has an important fishing heritage story which stretches back to the Middle Ages when the Tweed was divided into fisheries. Today salmon are still caught the traditional way using coble boats and nets in the summer season.
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You can see how stoneground, wholemeal flour is milled using local wheat at Heatherslaw Corn Mill - the only working water mill in Northumberland with a water wheel history of over 700 years. Some say the flour milled from the wheat farmed nearby has a distinctive nutty flavour.
Inspiring producers On this trail, you will find Howick Hall - the place where Earl Grey tea was introduced. A Chinese mandarin was commissioned to blend a tea for Earl Grey to counter the taste of lime in the water from the Howick well, which became known around the world as Earl Grey tea! W S Robson’s Chain Bridge Honey is a name known to many locals. Discover the tale of bees and honey at their fascinating visitor centre and visit the nearby Union Chain Bridge -the world’s longest wrought iron suspension bridge. Make sure you visit the butchers who source and support local produce on this trail - some of which have been in the business for generations! Be sure to try their pies and sausages made from their own secret recipes using local meats.
Getting around If you would like to enjoy some of the magnificent views in and around this trail without a car, you can find information on local bus services by visiting www.traveline.info or call on 0871 200 2233 (7.00am - 9.00pm every day of the week - call charges apply). See pages 27-30
Did you know that The oldest working smokehouse in Northumberland can be found at Swallowfish in Seahouses where they have been smoking kippers since 1834. They still use traditional methods of smoking using oak sawdust. Lindisfarne Oyster Farm lies on the site of the oyster beds originally established by the Monks of Lindisfarne Priory in 1381.
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is the largest green certification scheme of its kind in the world. It provides consumers with an independent guide to hotels, bed & breakfasts, tourist attractions and visitor centres which are actively trying to help the environment. The GTBS ensures members are independently assessed by a qualified environmental auditor before being awarded a bronze, silver or gold award. Members are assessed on more than 140 criteria, including the installation of efficient lighting and heating, the promotion of nature conservation, using renewable energy, recycled paper products, eco-friendly cleaning products, local produce and community involvement. Independent family businesses and multi-national hotel chains operating in the UK are all graded in the same way with members reporting savings of up to 20% a year on energy and consumable costs.
Green Tourism Business Scheme Members Hotel Award: Gold ~ Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel, Embleton - www.dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.uk
Guest Accommodation Award: Gold ~ Old Vicarage Guesthouse, Berwick-upon-Tweed - www.oldvicarageberwick.co.uk Award: Gold ~ St Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses - www.stcuthbertshouse.com Award: Gold ~ Fenham Farm Coastal Bed & Breakfast - www.fenhamfarm.co.uk Award: Silver ~ West Longridge Manor, Near Berwick-upon-Tweed - www.westlongridge.co.uk
Self-Catering
Merry View and Tawny Nook set in the Coquet valley. Quality in Tourism 5* Gold Award. Green Tourism Award. Traditional 17th century stone cottages with boutique interiors, en-suite bedrooms, cosy log fires, views over rolling countryside to the sea and breakfast basket including free range eggs, home cured bacon and local butchers sausage plus lots more. The perfect place to explore, relax and unwind close to country pub & National Trust Cragside House Rothbury. Woodhead Farmhouse I Longframlington Northumberland I NE65 7XS
Award: Gold ~ Hunting Hall, Near Lowick - www.huntinghall.co.uk Award: Gold ~ Woodhead Holiday Cottages, Longframlington www.woodheadholidaycottages.co.uk
Woodhead Holiday Cottages T: 01665 570 734 M: 07753 370 529 E: patricia@woodheadholidaycottages.co.uk
Award: Silver ~The Paddock Self Catering, Near Berwick-upon-Tweed
Woodhead Holiday Cottages
www.woodheadholidaycottages.co.uk
www.thepaddockgoulden.com
@welshpatricia
Award: Silver ~ West Longridge Cottages, Near Berwick-upon-Tweed www.westlongridge.co.uk
Holiday Park Award: Silver ~ Berwick Holiday Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed - www.haven.com Award: Silver ~ Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, Near Berwick-upon-Tweed www.haggerstoncastle.com
Restaurant Award: Gold ~ The BeanGoose Restaurant, Holy Island - www.cafebeangoose.co.uk
Tour Operator Award: Gold ~ Northern Experience Wildlife Tours, Throughout Northumberland www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk
Self-Catering Agency Office Award: Silver ~ Northumberland Cottages Ltd, Various coastal locations www.northumberlandcottages.com
BHS Approved Riding, Livery,, Clubmarked and Pony Club Centre (Own Own pony not required). • Lessons for all abilities, available for 4 year olds and upwards • Woodland Ride, St.Cuthberts Cave Ride and all a Hacks off road (Maximum of 5) • Pony Club “own a pony mornings and days” • Teenage Riding Holidays
• BHS Approved Riding, Livery, Clubmarked and Pony Club Centre (Own pony not required) • Lessons for all abilities, available for 4 year Fully qualified instructor Claire Nixon olds and upwards BHS II, II UKCC Level 3 Coach • Woodland Ride, St.Cuthberts Cave Ride Call 07762773559 or (01668) 213370 and all Hacks off road (Maximum of 5) www.swinhoefarmridingcentre.co.uk Email: valerie@swinhoecottages.co.uk • Pony Club “own a pony mornings and days” • Teenage Riding Holidays
Fully qualified instructor Claire Nixon - BHS II, UKCC Level 3 Coach
Call 07762 773 559 or (01668) 213 370
Email: valerie@swinhoecottages.co.uk www.swinhoefarmridingcentre.co.uk BHS Approved Riding, Livery, Livery, Clubmarked and Pony Club BHS Approved Riding, Livery, Livery, Clubmarked and Pony Club Centre (Own pony not required). Centre (Own pony not required). • Lessons for all abilities, available for 4 year olds and • Lessons for all abilities, available for 4 year olds and upwards
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In last year’s visitor guide we asked visitors about their favourite places, food and things to do on the Northumberland Coast and we can now reveal the results. We have shown the top five (where possible) for each category in order of the number of votes cast.
Nicest Village
Nicest Beach
Favourite Pub
Winner:
Bamburgh
2nd:
Craster
3rd:
Warkworth
4th:
Alnmouth
5th:
Embleton
Winner:
The Ship Inn, Low Newton
Embleton
2nd:
Jolly Fisherman, Craster
3rd:
Beadnell
3rd:
Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses
4th:
Alnmouth
5th:
Low Newton
4th: Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses
Winner:
Bamburgh
2nd:
5th:
Favourite Castle on the Coast Winner:
Bamburgh
2nd:
Dunstanburgh
3rd:
Lindisfarne
4th:
Warkworth
Best Place to Eat Winner:
Best Shop Winner:
Barter Books, Alnwick
2nd:
National Trust, Seahouses
3rd:
Carters, Bamburgh
4th:
Sunnyhills, Belford
5th:
Robsons, Craster
Jolly Fisherman, Craster
2nd: Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses
Favourite Walk Winner: Craster to Dunstanburgh/ Low Newton
3rd:
Treehouse, Alnwick
4th:
Castle Inn, Bamburgh
2nd:
Around Holy Island
5th:
Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses
3rd:
Bamburgh to Seahouses
4th:
Bamburgh Beach
5th:
Berwick Walls
Yummiest Ice Cream Winner:
Doddington Dairy
2nd:
Spurelli
Best Fish & Chips
3rd:
Coxons
Winner:
Neptune, Seahouses
4th:
Morwick Dairy
2nd:
Pinnacles, Seahouses
3rd:
Lewis, Seahouses
4th:
Carlos, Alnwick
Best Tourist Attraction
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The Sun, Alnmouth
Winner:
Farne Islands
2nd:
Holy Island
3rd:
Alnwick Gardens
4th:
Howick Hall
5th:
Grace Darling Museum
5th: The Harbour Fish Bar, Amble
A great day out on the Northumberland coast Give the car a holiday and explore the Northumberland coast by bus. With great ticket offers, discounts at attractions and simple to follow itineraries using the bus is fun, easy on your pocket and easy on the environment too. Here are some ideas for great days out on the Northumberland coast by bus. They are available to download and print as itineraries so it couldn’t be easier.
Walking the Coast
Great Discounts Present your valid Arriva, Glen Valley or Travelsure bus ticket for great discounts. £1 off landing fees on the Farne Islands 20% off admission at Bamburgh Castle* 20% off admission to Alnwick Garden (Valid for 1 day only) 20% off admission to Alnwick Castle (Valid for 1 day only) 20% off entry to Baillifgate Museum in Alnwick* 20% off entry to Warkworth Castle* (Valid for 1 day only) 20% off entry to Berwick Barracks* 20% off entry to Dunstanburgh Castle* (Valid for 1 day only)
The Northumberland Coast Path winds its way along the Northumberland coast, so does the Coast and Castles Connection bus! So why not take advantage and use the bus to get you to and from your linear walk along the coast? We have walking itineraries for you to follow. Page 20
Holy Island - discounts with your Perrymans Buses 477 ticket
The Historic Coast
*Not valid with other offers or concessionary rates, check opening times.
Bamburgh, Warkworth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Dunstanburgh - so many iconic locations, places steeped in history. These itineraries help you to explore the historic villages and castles along the coast and some of them include a short walk. Our great deals you get discounted entry to some of the attractions with your bus ticket.
The Natural Coast The Northumberland coast is teeming with wildlife! Offshore islands are home to thousands of breeding seabirds in the summer as well as the grey seals, the dunes in spring are ablaze with colourful wildflowers and in winter the mudflats provide feeding for spectacular gathering of wildfowl and wading birds. There are Birds by Bus and rock pooling itineraries for you to download.
Bucket and Spade Coast The Northumberland Coast has some of the finest beaches in Europe, perfect for a family day out on the bus. Bring the buckets and spades and a picnic. If that’s not enough, download some activities from our website, go rock pooling, create some beach art - the possibilities are endless.
20% off entry to Lindisfarne Priory* 20% off entry to Lindisfarne Castle*
Terms and conditions may apply
Catch the bus... on camera and win a cash prize Arriva North East’s new X18 buses with their smart MAX liveries are easy to spot as they drive along the Northumberland coast, but can you catch them on camera? Together with Arriva we are launching a photographic competition this summer to capture the best shots of the X18, against the stunning backdrop of the Northumberland Coast AONB. Arriva have offered a £150
cash prize for the best photo.
The X18 passes miles of sandy beaches, ancient castles and visits pretty seaside villages, so there are lots of opportunities to take that winning shot. Email your entries to coastaonb@northumberland.gov.uk before 26th September. There will be runners-up prizes of North Northumberland Discover tickets, which give you a week of free bus travel anywhere north of Amble. For full terms and conditions visit www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
So leave the car at home and use the bus to explore this wonderful coastline. Whether you are visiting castles, walking the Coast Path or exploring coastal villages, the bus can get you there and it doesn’t cost the earth! Itineraries can be downloaded from www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
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Holy Island 477 The causeway to Holy Island is flooded at high tide, so the buses run at different times each day. TWO return journeys run on each day of operation. To find out the bus times to Holy Island visit www.perrymansbuses.com or ask at a Tourist Information Centre. Scan this QR code for the Holy Island bus timetable.
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⊕ ∅
⊕
∅
⊕ ∅
This timetable shows the daytime bus services serving the Northumberland Coast. Refer to the map on page 30. Plan your journey using Traveline. This timetable is valid up to 26th September 2015, after this, services are subject to changes so do check Traveline and up-to-date timetables before you travel. Timetables for the services not shown here can be found at: www.northumberland.gov.uk www.arrivabus.co.uk or can be picked up at Tourist Information Centres.
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Great Tickets The ‘Discover Ticket’
Great for a car-free day - £6.30 A day-ticket valid on services north of Amble*. Amazing value for a day out on the coast
The ‘Passport Ticket’
Great for more car-free days or a car-free holiday - £22.00 A whole week of travel on services north of Amble* offers fantastic value if you’re staying on the Northumberland Coast
NorthEast Explorer Ticket Adult - £9.50 Concessions - £8.50 Child (13 or under) - £8.50 Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) - £19.10
Valid anywhere in the North East on most services
Arriva Family Day Ticket Great value for family day out at only - £13.50 Valid on all Arriva services for two adults and up to three children
Travelsure Family Day Ticket Great value for family day out at only - £12.00 Valid on Travelsure 418/472 services for two adults and up to three children Holy Island 477 Berwick-Holy Island Adult Single - £4.50 Adult Return £8.00 (Children under 16 half-fare) *Passport and Discover tickets are valid on all Arriva, Travelsure and Glen Valley Tours services north of Amble. Buy from the driver.
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03/02/2015 10:57
Your Local Family Business Going Places
Let your award Winning bus company take you to lindisfarne. Northumberlands Premier Coach & Bus Operator. We operate the 477 Service linking Berwick Railway Station with Holy Island. For Timetable & Coach Hire information go to:
www.perrymansbuses.com Coach hire for Business, Sport & Leisure Call our Berwick office on 01289
308 719 31
An Elizabethan walled town with a thrilling military history, on an estuary flanked by golden beaches supporting a rich variety of birds and wildlife, that in 2015 celebrates 900 years of documented history - the perfect mix for a rewarding visit. Where else, within one short hour, can you walk on dramatic Elizabethan fortifications, inspect the country’s first purpose-built infantry Barracks, contemplate an iconic Robert Stephenson railway viaduct and see a conglomeration of enchanting Georgian houses, cobbled lanes and archways, interspersed with a vibrant mix of character shops and restaurants? All this within a stunning setting alongside one of Britain’s finest salmon rivers, with views up the Tweed valley and out across the estuary as far as Holy Island and beyond.
Location, location, location Just off the A1, Berwick is perfectly located for day visits, short-breaks or longer stays that allow you to explore everything it has to offer, as well as Northumberland and the Borders. It is easy to get to by car, but it’s also perfect for people using rail, bus and even for cyclists. As part of the main East Coast line from London to Scotland, the line to Berwick has been voted the most scenic in England. Getting here is easy (regular services from Edinburgh and Newcastle) with the view of the town from Stephenson’s Royal Border Bridge being unforgettable. Occasionally, there are even steam trains which still use the line (see www.visitberwick.com for details). Bus services take visitors from Berwick along the Northumberland coast and north and west into Scotland, as well as to Wooler on the edge of Northumberland National Park. There are plenty of special travel offers and discounts. See page 27 for details. This has to make Berwick the ideal car-free destination, both as a compact town with maximum interest for day trips and as a springboard for longdistance walks and cycling routes.
New for 2015... The Sandstone Way is the new mountain bike cycle route from Berwick to Hexham, covering a distance of 120 miles through beautiful Northumberland. www.sandstoneway.co.uk
War zone The definitive border town, focus of many centuries of warfare between England and Scotland, Berwick has perfectly preserved Elizabethan fortifications, the most complete town defences of its type in Northern Europe, and eighteenth century Barracks that were the first in Britain to be purpose-built. In 2015 Berwick is celebrating 900 years of history and heritage with exhibitions, living history, and a programme of exciting events from Easter. More information at www.berwick900.org.uk
A townscape shaped by a river Berwick, along with former fishing village Tweedmouth and the seaside resort of Spittal, historically owes its livelihood to the river. A hub for exports, a centre of a thriving salmon fishing industry from the sixteenth century and a boat-building town from the eighteenth century, it has stone harbour walls and a cobbled quayside beneath the massive ramparts. Built between and around these iconic historic sites are Georgian buildings of great character, linked by cobbled lanes and narrow archways. This is a town packed with interest and tradition, and even boasts a building which leans even more than the Tower of Pisa - a Granary, now restored as a youth hostel, art gallery and bistro.
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What can I do? •
Join the celebrations of 900 years of Berwick’s documented history – events throughout the year. See www.berwick900.org.uk
•
•
The Lowry Trail - Follow in L.S. Lowry’s footsteps and compare today’s landscapes with Lowry’s interpretation of Berwick on his many visits to the town.
•
• Walk the walls – a circular walk around the dramatic Elizabethan Walls takes about an hour, passing bastions, watchtowers, gun batteries and cannon, with wonderful views out to sea, across the estuary and up the Tweed. Guided tours available, check times with Berwick TIC. • Visit the Hawksmoor-designed Barracks (Easter-Oct, Mon - Fri) - home to Berwick Museum, housing part of Sir William Burrell’s art collection, and military displays in the English Heritage and KOSB museums. •
Take the riverside walk known as New Road, with close-ups of wildlife, bridges and even winding through archways in the medieval castle wall.
•
Enjoy the broad sandy beaches at Spittal, with its promenade and Splash Park for kids.
The town is full of reminders of its food-producing heritage - old salmon fishing shiels and ice-houses, herring yards and smokehouses, breweries, granaries and malting – walking trails are available from the TIC, or see www.slowfoodberwick.co.uk View the magnificent Royal Border Railway Bridge. Designed by Stephenson, the Bridge is illuminated by a multitude of coloured and changing lights.
For more information see
www.visitberwick.com
To book your accommodation in Berwick, or to find out more, please call Berwick Tourist Information Centre: 01670 622 155 Email: berwick.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
• See Berwick’s Burrell Collection @ The Granary Gallery (7 Feb-4 May, Wed-Sun). Berwick’s Burrell Collection explores the life of Sir William Burrell and the collection of artworks he gave to Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1949, including works by Degas, Boudin and Maris, which are all included in this remarkable exhibition www.berwickvisualarts.co.uk •
See visual art exhibitions at the Gymnasium Gallery (Easter-Oct, Wed-Sun) www.berwickvisualarts.co.uk
•
Tour the Town Hall and Cell Block Museum (Easter-Oct, Mon-Fri, tours at 10.30am & 2pm), with old town court room and jail cells, including the ‘drunk’s cell’ and ‘condemned cell’.
•
Explore the character and specialist shops which cluster round the Town Hall and spread up Castlegate and down West Street to Bridge Street, reached by cobbled lanes and passageways.
• Cross the Tweed’s 17th century ‘old bridge’ to explore Tweedmouth and its shops, Tower House Pottery (Mon-Fri) and Watchtower Gallery (Thurs-Sun). Check website for dates and times www.berwickwatchtower.com •
Take a walk in Berwick parks – with newly renovated Castle Vale and Coronation parks now open, Berwick has more beautiful green spaces to explore than ever before.
•
Take time out for wildlife – seals and otters can be spotted in the River Tweed, and dolphins can sometimes be seen from the end of the pier.
•
Watch hundreds of mute swans in the Tweed estuary moulting colony, the second largest mute swan colony in Britain. Walk north along the coast to find the puffin breeding site at Needle’s Eye.
•
Explore the geology of the town and coastal rock pools, with excellent examples of folded and faulted carboniferous rocks. www.northumbrianearth.co.uk
• Check out what’s on; from walking, film and food festivals to the annual Riding of the Bounds, Berwick offers events throughout the year. www.visitberwick.com •
Take in a show at the Maltings Theatre and Cinema www.maltingsberwick.co.uk
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One of the best and most accessible beaches in Northumberland and its amazing geology has made Spittal a popular destination for generations.
What can I do? •
•
•
•
•
•
Enjoy the geology! The whole shoreline from Spittal to Far Skerr is of great geological interest with numerous exposed strata of rocks. Limestone in the area is also rich in fossils of crinoids, brachiopods and other life. And look out for some pink sandstone. Go rock pooling in sight of the cliffs. The shore is comprised of large folding saddlebacks of sedimentary rock that create some excellent rock pool gullies rich in marine life. Be careful though as these rugged rocky platforms are difficult to walk along. Enjoy The Promenade and have a look at the Venetian Pavilion (now an amusement arcade). Built by the Forte family in the 1930s, it was later given a classical colonnade and ballroom (The white concrete Beach Shelter is of the same period). Take the kids to Spittal’s excellent new Splash Park. If you’re coming in August, why not time your visit to coincide with the Spittal Seaside Festival on August 8th and 9th which celebrates traditional seaside pastimes. Follow the Lowry Trail through Berwick town, via Spittal Point and along Spittal Prom. You can learn about the close involvement and inspiration the artist L.S. Lowry developed with the area. Look for divers, grebes and seaducks offshore during the winter. If you fancy wandering inland, the Tweed Valley is a great place to see wintering flocks of geese and swans.
F ARM S HOP
Butchery & Delicatessen
Café
Play Area
Gift Shop
Open 7 days a week, all year round South Road, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7DP Tel: 01668 219662 Email: info@sunnyhillsfarmshop.co.uk
www.sunnyhillsfarmshop.co.uk
HAGGERSTON CASTLE ADVENTURE GOLF COURSE Fun for all the family! The course is themed on local places of interest from The Holy Island Causeway, The Farne Islands, Heatherslaw Railway, Heatherslaw Mill, The Berwick Bridges and Haggerston Castle. Astroturf Surface
Clubs & Balls Provided (deposit)
Associated with the Adventure Golf there is also a PAR 3 Course & Cafe Open to ALL
Open from 8am -8pm.
You can find us by going through Haggerston Castle Holiday Park which is 7 miles South of Berwick on the A1. Tel 01289 381 400
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Broad quiet beaches, dune grasslands, fossils and geology and rock pools, all dovetailed with a rich industrial and military heritage. What can I do? •
Search for fossils on Cocklawburn’s beautiful beach. Look out for plants and butterflies in the dunes and go rock pooling at low tide.
•
Check out the exposed geology of the area with the AONBs ‘Explore the geology and landscape of the Northumberland Coast’ guide (available for only £4 at TIC’s). The sloping rock slabs at Middle Skerr are particularly impressive.
•
Explore the area’s coal mining heritage, track down the eighteenth century beach-side limekiln and look out for signs of World War II defences.
•
Admire the view from the World War II gun emplacement.
•
Cycle along the virtually traffic free paths south to Holy Island or north to Berwick.
•
Walk south to Cheswick Black Rocks, one of the finest beaches in Britain.
Attractions Pot-a-Doodle Do, Scremerston - Activity Centre - fun for all ages! Telephone: 01289 307 107
www.potadoodledo.com
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One destination, over 20 attractions… The hidden gem of north Northumberland, there’s plenty to see and do whatever your age or interest, and whatever the weather. What can I do? Begin by crossing the iron bridge at Heatherslaw and call at the Visitor Centre on your way to Heatherslaw Corn Mill, a fully restored and working 19thC water mill – this year celebrating 40 years since restoration. Watch the process from grain to flour, buy produce in the gift shop or taste it in the Tearoom. Stroll up the hill to Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre, meet the magnificent Clydesdale Horses and learn about food production and farming through the ages. Visit the Heavy Horse Festival on 7th June. Travel to Etal by steam train with Heatherslaw Light Railway, a 50 minute round trip. Visit at Easter for the launch and naming of the new diesel loco. At Etal discover the bloody history of Borders warfare with an audio tour round Etal Castle. Wander down to the river for a picnic and a browse at the furniture-makers, or stroll up the village, home to the only thatched pub in Northumberland. Visit St Mary’s Church then relax with a clotted-cream tea at Lavender Tearooms. In Ford, visit the award-winning Lady Waterford Hall. Once the village school, it houses a unique collection of 19th Century watercolour murals and tells the fascinating story of Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford. Saunter round the village where you’ll discover rare books, antiques, collectables, vintage clothing, a village post office and even an AGA Ambassador! There’s a good choice of places to call for a cup of tea, a light lunch or an ice cream too. Experience the tranquillity, beauty and wildlife of the estate – take a peaceful walk round Ford Moss nature reserve, book a canoe trip on the River Till with Active 4 Seasons, hire a bike at Heatherslaw and explore the local countryside or discover the delights of horse-riding in stunning countryside. Don’t miss Flodden Battlefield, one of the Flodden 1513 Ecomuseum sites, where a King and 14,000 men died in battle within the space of a few hours. And if you want to prolong your visit to Ford & Etal why not book into one of the comfortable guesthouses or self-catering cottages here?
Events held throughout the year - For more information telephone 01890 820 338; email tourism@ford-and-etal.co.uk; visit www.ford-and-etal.co.uk. Follow us
@FordandEtal
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fordandetal
The most northerly narrow gauge railway in England Time & Bookings: 01890 820 244 General Enquiries: 01890 820 317 Ford Forge, Heatherslaw Cornhill-on-Tweed Northumberland TD12 4TJ info@heatherslawlightrailway.co.uk @heatherslawlr
www.heatherslawlightrailway.co.uk
heatherslawlightrailway
HAY FARM
Heatherslaw Cornmill e nc si ’ s 15 ar 20 ye 7540 9 g n1 tin io ra rat eb to el s C re
HEAVY HORSE CENTRE
FORD & ETAL NORTHUMBERLAND TD12 4TR www.hayfarmheavies.co.uk Meet the Horses and learn of their history
Special Events
Explore the vintage Machinery
FESTIVAL OF THE HEAVY HORSE
Fully operational family-friendly restored 19thC watermill
7th June 2015
Open daily late March-early November
Demo Days Picnic Area
OPEN Tues—Sat 11am—5pm
Disabled Access Admission by donation Great for Children
Tel: 01890 820601
Explore the building ~ View the milling process ~ See the giant waterwheel
LOOKING BACK
Mill produce available from Gift Shop and online at www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/heatherslaw-mill
10TH/11TH OCTOBER
Tearoom and Visitor Centre also on site
We specialise in made to measure adventures for individuals, families, couples & small groups. Licensed for under 18’s, schools & youth groups.
Heatherslaw Cornmill, Ford Forge, Cornhill-on-Tweed, TD12 4TJ
T: 01890 820 488
Info.mhha@gmail.com
www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/heatherslaw-mill
The Estate House Licensed Bed & Breakfast
An elegant Edwardian home with extensive private gardens in picturesque Ford Village Pets welcome by prior arrangement Deborah & Bill Mills The Estate House, Ford Village, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2QG enquiries@theestatehouse.info
www.theestatehouse.info 37
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is often described as “The Jewel of the Northumberland Coast”. It is only accessible across a causeway at low tide. In the 7th century it was one of the great seats of Christian learning in Western Europe and was where the beautiful Lindisfarne Gospels were written. Adjacent to the ruins of the Benedictine Priory, destroyed by Henry VIII, is a Visitor Centre commemorating the life of the monks. The stones from the Priory were used to build the unforgettable Lindisfarne Castle.
What can I do?
Eat, drink, sleep and explore Northumberland from The Lindisfarne Inn • Just five minutes’ drive from Holy Island causeway • 21 modern, en-suite rooms • Home-cooked food served all day, every day • Free on site parking
•
Discover the history of the island - the founding of the priory in 635, the story of St. Cuthbert, the Lindisfarne Gospels and Viking raids on the island. Visit Lindisfarne Castle (run by the National Trust), the Priory (run by English Heritage) and Lindisfarne Heritage Centre to see a facsimile of the gospels.
•
Enjoy the fantastic birdlife. The mud and sand flats around Holy Island are the most extensive in north-east England and have been designated a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area for birds.
•
Explore the rocky shore on the south-east corner of the island (an excellent example of boulder shore ecology). Lots of unusual marine animals can be found beneath boulders at Holy Island, such as brittle stars and top shells.
•
Visit the extensive dune system, home to a rich variety of plant-life including Viper’s bugloss, bloody cranesbill and the unique Lindisfarne Helleborine.
•
On your way to the castle, call in at ‘Window on Wild Lindisfarne’ Interpretation Centre.
• Visit Gertrude Jekyll’s historic garden near the Castle. •
Admire the view from the top of the lookout tower on The Heugh.
Holy Island can be reached by the 477 bus from Berwick but because the causeway is tidal, the bus timetable changes daily. The bus timetable can be found at www.perrymansbuses.co.uk or scan this QR code.
• Free Wi-Fi
Holy Island is separated from the mainland by a vast system of salt marshes and mudflats and is only accessible at low tide by means of a causeway. You must only cross when it is safe to do so. For safe crossing times visit www.holyisland.northumberland.gov.uk. These times are also displayed at either side of the causeway.
Go to www.lindisfarneinn.co.uk for the latest special offers including our famous Winter Break rates!
Beal, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2PD. T: 01289 381 223
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enquiries@lindisfarneinn.co.uk
Beware! Pirri-pirri bur, a native of New Zealand, was first recorded on Holy Island in the early 1900s and is found throughout the dune system. It can be a problem as the burs cling to clothing and dogs. Please keep to designated routes and existing desire lines to minimise contact with the burs (seed head) and ensure burs are not transported.
Beaches, dunes rich in flowers, rock pools, a stunning castle and a place to learn the amazing story of Grace Darling What can I do? •
Visit the Grace Darling Museum and the Grace Darling Monument in St Aidan’s Churchyard.
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Visit St Aidan’s Church – it’s open every day from 9am.
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Explore Bamburgh Castle and see how many Farne Islands you can count from the ramparts.
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Check out the Armstrong Museum, chronicling the life of Lord William Armstrong, inventor, industrialist and benefactor best known for his connection with Cragside, near Rothbury.
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Pick up the Bamburgh Clue Trail from any local shop and discover the village’s rich history.
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Go rock pooling below the lighthouse at Harkess Rocks with a copy of the ‘Exploring the Shore’ guide. During winter you may also see divers, grebe and seaduck.
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Explore the dunes to the north and east of the castle. They support a range of different plant communities as well as several nationally rare invertebrates.
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For the energetic, try surfing on Bamburgh beach.
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Head off on a walk along the Coast Path, inland to Belford or south to Seahouses or Beadnell. Catch the bus back to Bamburgh.
•
Come in December to see the Christmas lights and nativity.
Christmas Nativity
Attractions Bamburgh Castle 01668 214 515 www.bamburghcastle.com Grace Darling Museum 01668 214 910 www.rnli.org.uk/Gracedarling St Aidan’s Church www.staidan-bamburgh.co.uk
Lovely holiday properties sleeping 2-6 between Bamburgh and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Enjoy a peaceful break in our spacious, warm 4 and 5 star holiday cottages in lovely, tranquil Northumbrian coastal locations.
Tel: 01668 213 336
Or stay in our magical, award-winning 5star Ducket, a beautifully restored 18th century dovecote.
www.rosscottages.co.uk
Bamburgh The King of Castles
magnificent
[BAMBURGH CASTLE]
Bamburgh Castle
OPEN all year round, weekend opening in the winter. For our full events programme see our website.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland NE69 7DF Tel 01668 214515 Email administrator@bamburghcastle.com www.bamburghcastle.com
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Pretty harbour and gateway to the Farne Island’s famous grey seal and seabird colonies. What can I do? •
Visit the Farne Islands - Various boat companies operate from the harbour.
1. The islands are famous for breeding sea-birds. 2. Look out for Grey (Atlantic) Seal colonies. 3. Some boat trips follow the route Grace Darling and her father took during their heroic rescue in 1838. 4. National Trust rangers are on hand to chat about the Farnes’ history and wildlife. 5. Inner Farne can be easily explored by following a circular boardwalk trail around the island. 6. Land on Longstone Island, the home of Grace Darling.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands/
•
Explore the local architecture and heritage. Pick up a copy of the heritage trail leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre
•
Go rock pooling on Seahouses Beach (just north of the town) - the beach is often deserted, even on sunny days and offers some of the best rock pooling in the region.
•
Like fish? Seahouses is well known for fish and chips. Or buy some great local seafood from Swallow Fish who smoke fish in the traditional way.
Self Catering Cottages Wigwams Bed Only En-suite Rooms Bunkhouse Caravan & Camping www.springhill-farm.co.uk 01665 721820 Seahouses
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An historic harbour, tern colonies, lime kilns, plenty of watersports and the historic St Ebba’s church. What can I do? •
Explore the eighteenth century harbour and limekilns, once the haunt of herring fishermen and smugglers. It is still used by a few local fishermen today.
•
Track down the site of St Ebba’s Chapel, dedicated to the daughter of Anglo-Saxon King Aethelfrith.
•
Visit the little tern and arctic tern breeding colonies at the National Trust Nature Reserve at Long Nanny estuary, a mile south of Beadnell Village. National Trust Rangers are on-hand during the breeding season.
•
Walk along the golden sandy beaches of sheltered Beadnell Bay and explore the plant-rich dune systems.
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Enjoy sailing, surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing in the bay.
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Shore dive around the reefs off Beadnell Point and view the wreck of the MV Yewglen, which ran aground in 1960.
•
Walk south along the Coast Path to either Newton or even Craster and catch the bus back to Beadnell.
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An historic National Trust fishermen’s square and a base to explore fresh and salt water wildlife. What can I do? •
Discover the area’s wildlife:
1. Visit the Newton Pool freshwater Nature Reserve (just 80 metres from the shore). With its hides and disabled access it is a good place to observe migrating waders. 2. A breeding colony of terns can be found at Long Nanny Burn. The colony is wardened by the National Trust and can be found by walking north along the beach to the mouth of the burn (follow National Trust signs). 3. On the soft rock shore, look out for sponges and anemones on the overhanging rocks or go rock-pooling, finding hermit crabs and porcelain crabs. •
Take a short walk to Newton Point (fantastic views out to sea and the Farne Islands on a clear day) or Embleton Bay (with the backdrop of Dunstanburgh Castle, this fine sandy beach is one of the most spectacular in England).
•
Explore the village:
1. Visit Low Newton Square - cream-washed cottages (built in the 19th Century for local fishermen) and an historic pub with its own micro-brewery. 2. Also look out for the unusual St Mary’s church, which dates from the end of the 19th century. The church, originally purchased in kit form, is constructed from corrugated steel sheeting and features pretty stained glass windows.
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Seawinds Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Moments from beautiful Low Newton beach and its pretty square of white painted fishermen’s cottages, Seawinds makes for the perfect holiday cottage by the sea for couples and families alike.
Nestled five miles south of Seahouses on the stunning Northumberland coastline, Seawinds is the most ideal cottage you will ever find for a family holiday by the sea.
Glororum Holiday Park – the closest touring caravan park to Bamburgh with its dramatic castle and mile upon mile of sandy beaches
Beautiful countryside caravan and touring Holiday Park moments from Bamburgh • Hard standing pitches with electric hook up • All new toilet & shower block • Central heated laundry • Motorhomes & Tourers welcome
The property has 4 bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 people (pets are welcome too). It has lots of facilities and creature comforts to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible. seawindslownewton
t: 01661 881 506 e: stay@seawinds-lownewton.co.uk
www.seawinds-lownewton.co.uk
BOOK NOW
ON
01670 860 256
Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7AW
Go to northumbrianleisure.co.uk for special offers and touring rates
THE PLOUGH INN ‘More than just a local pub’
Food & Drink I Accommodation I Entertainment I Plus much more
Sometimes, nothing’s better than spending a night or two in a classic British pub. At The Plough Inn, situated in Ellington, a village on the coast of Northumberland, you can relax, be yourself and do exactly as you please. Refurbished by new owners, our traditional country pub isn’t a typical tourist trap or sightseers spot. It’s a local pub at the heart of the village community. So if you fancy a bite to eat, a drop to drink or a place to rest, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere complemented by contemporary service.
Front Street I Ellington I Northumberland I NE61 5JB T: 01670 860 340 or M: 07957 795 215 E: plough_inn@yahoo.co.uk www.theploughinn-ellington.co.uk
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Dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle, quarries, rare birdlife and lots of kippers What can I do? •
Visit the harbour, built in memory of Captain Craster and to help export stone from the surrounding quarries. On your way look for rare examples of houses built with local whinstone.
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Take a walk along the Coast Path to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. On the way, notice the rich and unique ‘whin sill’ grasslands, home to field garlic, forget-me-nots, wild chives and wild thyme.
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Visit the Arnold Memorial Northumberland Wildlife Trust Reserve (an old quarry) and see if you can spot breeding or rare migrating birds.
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Buy some kippers from L Robson & Son’s smokery and make some Craster Kipper Toasties when you get home.
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Take one of the two circular walking trails from Craster.
1. Craster and Howick. A 7km/4 mile trail taking in Howick Hall, the Bathing House and Cullernose Point.
2. Dunstanburgh. A 7km/4 mile trail to Dunstanburgh Castle, returning along the whin sill.
Leaflets for both trails are available from Craster Tourist Information Centre.
•
Visit the Mick Oxley Gallery.
There is limited parking in Craster and in the summer it can fill up quickly so if you can, leave the car behind and catch the bus to Craster. There is an hourly service from May to September from the north and south and with discover, passport or family day-tickets, it’s excellent value. You can walk beyond Dunstanburgh Castle to Newton or Beadnell and catch the bus home from there. See pages 27-30.
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Haven Hill Craster Northumberland NE66 3TR
Shoreline Cafe & Shop
1 Church Street Craster NE66 3TH Open Daily, 10am to 4pm (5:30pm in summer months)
01665 571 251
Conveniently situated in the centre of Craster, the Shoreline Cafe is a favourite with both locals and holiday makers. Guests enjoy coastal decor and premium coffee, home made cakes and scones, sandwiches and hot food in front of our cozy log fire or on our large outdoor terrace. The shop is well stocked with exciting seasonal gifts and a range of food essentials.
Welcome to The Jolly Fisherman, Craster. Combining stunning sea views with delicious home cooking and beautifully kept ales, this is a tastefully refurbished pub with tradition and character at its heart. We’ve taken great care to retain the charm of this historic pub with stone flagged floors, low beamed ceilings and comfortable seating. In the winter months, you can relax by one of our roaring open fires and in the summer enjoy the view from one of the most spectacular beer gardens in Northumberland.
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 11am to 11pm Food Served: 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 8:30pm (9pm weekends during holiday periods)
Sunday: 12pm to 11pm - Food Served: 12pm to 7pm
01665 576 461 www.thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk 47
Wading birds, rocky shores, sandy beaches, fishing, and a history of smuggling. What can I do? Stroll around the unspoilt fishing village and visit the Fishing Boat Inn, steeped in smuggling history. •
Look out for the rare sight of a traditional wooden coble fishing boat launching off the beach or being dragged ashore by tractor.
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Explore the rocky shores of the natural harbour and watch wading birds on the mudflats at low tide.
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Walk along the Coast Path and discover hidden bays with exposed geology.
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Take a picnic and find a sandy cove.
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Listen to the sea crashing through the ‘Rumbling kern’.
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Explore Howick Hall Gardens, the home of Earl Grey, great for snowdrops in February, daffodils and crocuses in March, camellias and rhododendrons in April and spectacular formal gardens in June. Visit the Earl Grey tearooms for home-cooked scones and cakes.
•
Take a bike ride along the National Cycle Network Route 1 - this section is mostly off-road.
Howick Gardens Telephone: 01665 577 285
www.howickhallgardens.org
(Just off the B1339 near Alnwick - NE66 3LB)
ONE OF THE TOP FIVE COASTAL GARDENS IN THE COUNTRY Beautiful Gardens, Woodland Walks, a Prime Minister and a Famous Cup of Tea at Howick Hall Gardens Wander in beautiful, tranquil, natural surroundings and enjoy a wide variety of plants and wildlife at Howick Hall Gardens.
OPEN: DAILY 10.30am - 6.00pm (last entry 5pm - from 1st Oct last entry 4pm) ADMISSION: Adults £7.70* / Over 60’s £6.60* / Children FREE *Includes a 10% Voluntary Gift Aid Donation
TEL: 01665 577 285 / 577 191 VISIT: www.howickhallgardens.org EARL GREY TEA HOUSE: 01665 572 232
(Open to garden visitors only)
ALN VALLEYAlnRAILWAY Valley Railway Lionheart Station, Alnwick
Train Rides, cafe, exhibition, walks Open at weekends: May to mid-July, then Thursdays to Sundays until mid-September
Look at www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk, call our Talking Timetable on Open Sundays 2903000303311), Marchorto 27 September see local press for full details
Tues & Thurs 21 July to 20 August
Aln Valley Railway, Lionheart Station, Lionheart Enterprise Park,
NE66 2EZ Admission, car parking, museum, allAlnwick free,10.30am to 4.30pm. Follow the brown loco signs from the Alnwick A1 south junction Rides available all day. Cafe open.
For details of Special Events throughout the summer call our free info. line 0300 030 3311 or look at www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk Lionheart Station, Lionheart Enterprise Park, Alnwick Signed from A1/Alnwick South Road junction (Satnav NE66 2HT)
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Estuary birds, saltmarsh and dunes, all surrounding a historic golf course and village. What can I do? •
Set off on one of the village’s heritage trails. The self-guided walks cater for all levels of fitness and vary from ¾ mile to 11 miles in length. Guidebooks are available from local outlets.
•
Find the site of the old church, cut off from the town after a huge storm in 1806 changed the flow of the River Aln.
•
Visit the Ferryman’s Hut – one of the smallest museums in the world.
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Explore the beach and walk or cycle around Alnmouth Saltmarsh and Dunes (a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest).
•
Walk the Northumberland Coast Path north towards Boulmer, past the remains of the Percy Volunteers battery built to defend against Napoleon and the second oldest golf course in England. Look out for bird life on Marden Rocks. If you get as far as Craster (10 miles) you can catch the bus back.
•
Search for neolithic cup markings on the hillside of Alnmouth Wall.
•
Enjoy a meal or snack at one of the many cafés and public houses.
•
Alnmouth has lots of annual events including volcano night, arts festival, village show and raft race.
Northumbrians And Pipers
perform and promote Traditional Music in the North East of England with an emphasis on Northumberland and Tyneside.
Alnmouth Friendly Neets 2015
Sundays 12th July to 13th September 8:00 -10:00 pm Evening of North East songs and Northumbrian music Hindmarsh Hall, Alnmouth NE66 2RS Tickets available on door. Adults £8.00 Children 12 -18 £4.00 Children under 12 Free (Refreshments including Northumbrian Cheese at interval) We also organise courses to promote the playing of Northumbrian Music; provide 1:1 music lessons and offer an opportunity for beginners to try out ‘the pipes’. We can provide music for Northumbrian Evenings; Wedding Ceremonies; Funerals; and informal, and accompanied, talks on the Northumbrian Pipes and Music of the North East. www.NorthumbriansAndPipers.com info@NorthumbriansAndPipers.com 01670 761872 also on Facebook
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A majestic medieval castle, a picturesque village and a river teeming with wildlife. What can I do?
Cottages in Warkworth
•
Explore Warkworth’s rich history: There is a guidebook with lots of short walks to enjoy.
•
Visit the 13th Century Castle, ancient seat of the Percy family, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland. Can you find out which famous play it has appeared in? There’s 25% off if you arrive by bus.
•
Walk over the famous 14th Century Norman bridge and spot wildlife on the River Coquet.
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Look out for 18th and 19th Century houses built in grey stone with red roofs.
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Visit the Church, one of the finest Norman churches in the country with a long history. The first church on this site (along with the rest of the village) was given to the Abbot and monks of Lindisfarne in 737AD by King Ceolwulf of Northumbria.
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Take a boat over to Warkworth Hermitage which houses a chapel carved in stone, a confessional and dormitory. Investigate the tragic tale of a knight named Sir Bertram.
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Go birdwatching in the Coquet Estuary. Seals can often be seen in the estuary as far as Warkworth.
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Explore the sand dune grassland backing onto Alnmouth Bay – designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There’s a picnic site too if you fancy taking some lunch along.
Beal Croft Cottage
• Spacious ground floor 3 bedroom cottage • Five star luxury accommodation • Sleeps 6
Southmede Cottage • Sleeps 2
Tel: 01665 711 360 Email: info@southmede.co.uk
www.southmede.co.uk
Warkworth Castle Telephone: 01665 711 423 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Hotel ~ Weddings ~ Events
“Luxury made affordable”
Location Award winning fashion accessory shop situated in the historic village of Warkworth, on the beautiful Northumberland Coast.
Destination Shop With customers from all over the north east and beyond, Gray’s can truly be described as a destination store.
Great Choice With new stock arriving most weeks, customers can be certain of seeing the latest styles.
Great Prices Direct sourcing means the best possible prices are offered 52 weeks a year. 6 Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 0UP
01665 711 259
contact@theSUNhotelwarkworth.co.uk
www.theSUNhotelwarkworth.co.uk
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Open 7 days - 10.00am to 5.00pm 19 Castle Street, Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 0UW 01665 711 799
www.graysshop.co.uk
Here’s a free tip for anyone feeling stressed, worn out or in need of revitalisation. Picture yourself taking a stroll along our long sandy beaches, spending time browsing our independent shops or perhaps just wandering along the quayside watching the picturesque boats sailing in and out of the harbour. Stroll, browse, eat - Amble is famous for its friendly people, authentic little fishing harbour, fascinating wildlife, and natural wild environment. Here you can fill your lungs with glorious fresh sea air, then dine at charming local restaurants, perhaps sampling the freshly caught seafood, bought straight from the fishing boats.
A range of quality branded giftware featuring the eider - the North’s own duck, Britain’s largest seagoing duck & locally known as the ‘cuddy’ Visit us in ‘Blue’ I Amble Harbour Village I Amble I Northumberland Also available online www.eiderco.co.uk or telephone 07922
280 853
Stockists along the coast
If you are looking for activities during the May half term holidays, then Amble is the place to be! From 25th May - 31st May, the town celebrates all things Puffin at Amble Puffin Festival. Coinciding with the hatching of the pufflings on nearby Coquet Island, there are lots of activities to take part in: art and crafts, talks, walks, displays and demonstrations. And when you have sampled the local hospitality, why not explore and discover the history of our town, set amidst the magnificent Heritage Coast and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, via the Amble Town Trail. Following the trail, you will find there are many sites to see, things to do and places to eat. Copies are available from the Tourist Information Centre.
Whether you spend a few days or a couple of weeks, you’re sure to enjoy your stay in the Friendliest Port.
Book your table online today! Bar & Restaurant
Bar & Restaurant
Home of delicious, locally sourced, fresh food Situated just a short walk from Amble’s quaint harbour and stunning sand dunes, you’ll find The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant. Having built great relationships with our partners, you can be assured that the food on your plate has been sourced from the best suppliers Northumberland has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a tempting afternoon tea or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, we’re sure your time in Amble will be one to remember.
Bar & Restaurant
To view our current menu and book your table visit theoldstorehouseamble.co.uk 01665 710 500
TheOldStorehouseAmble
Look out for our special events and offers that run throughout the year!
@oldstorehouse
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cafe, crafts & gifts
Specialising in traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist and fresh fish from Amble’s very own harbour, the restaurant boasts a traditional wood fired pizza oven & open kitchen.
circa
vintage & antiques
Welcome to Circa, a unique place to eat, shop and relax. Enjoy delicious freshly prepared food and home baked cakes & scones in our vintage style Cafe. Expect good, friendly service, white table cloths, vintage china and a memory in every corner.
3 courses for £7 Sunday to Friday 4pm - 7pm
That’s great value for money! 47-49 High Street Amble Northumberland NE65 0LE www.eatzecca.co.uk info@eatzecca.co.uk 01665 713 575
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Enjoy Afternoon Tea in a Vintage Caravan! ‘Annie’ & ‘Daisy’ our Vintage Caravans are an unusual and fun way to enjoy an Afternoon Tea! Call us for further details.
Outside seating in our garden and plenty of parking! Open: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Circa, Mark’s Bridge, Amble, Northumberland, NE65 0NB.
Tel: 01665 711735
email: info@circa-amble.co.uk Facebook: Circa Amble web: www.circa-amble.co.uk
Amble and Druridge Bay
Alnwick
Amble is known as the ‘friendliest port’. Druridge Bay has ten miles of fantastic sandy beaches, dunes and pools to explore, a rich history and amazing freshwater birdwatching reserves.
Historic Castle with Harry Potter connections, famous garden and the best shopping street in Britain (according to Google). What can I do?
What can I do? •
Visit Druridge Bay Country Park, with its beautiful beach and sand dunes, as well as the 100 acre Ladyburn Lake surrounded by woods and meadows.
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Between May and September take a boat trip out of Amble Harbour around the RSPB reserve of Coquet Island (no landing is allowed), home to colonies of puffins, eider ducks and the sole UK stronghold for roseate terns, Britain’s rarest breeding seabird.
•
Research the Bay’s history - from St. Cuthbert being offered the Bishopric of Lindisfarne at Coquet Island to resistance to a Nuclear power station in the 1980s. The area also has a past of open cast coal mining and was fortified against invasion during WW2 (anti-tank measures can still be seen along the coast).
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Visit Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percy’s for over 700 years. The second largest inhabited castle in England and often referred to as ‘The Windsor of the North’.
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The Alnwick Garden has something for families and gardeners alike. So much to explore with its wonderful water features including the Grand Cascade, the enormous tree house sitting high in the trees – a magical dining experience and the intriguing Poison Garden.
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Call in at Barter Books, one of the largest secondhand bookshops in Britain. Located within a listed Victorian Railway Station. Browse through the books, have a coffee or something to eat in one of the old waiting rooms.
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Bailiffgate Museum - presenting the history of Alnwick and district. Six specially themed displays capture the unique heritage of this historic region.
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Have a stroll around this town with its beautiful cobbled streets and variety of individual shops and eating places.
Go rockpooling at Hadston Carrs or Marden rocks along the beach to the north or from the Low Hauxley Nature Reserve.
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Hire a bike. There are many options for circular and linear routes from Amble.
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Go fishing - there are charter boats operating out of the harbour.
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Visit the many nature reserves: Hauxley, East Chevington, Druridge Pools, Cresswell Pond and Ellington Pond.
Eyemouth and St. Abbs
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Visit Gunsgreen House and find out about 18th Century smuggling along this part of the coast.
Eyemouth is a vibrant fishing community with a rich history, friendly seals and a sandy beach. St Abbs has a spectacular marine reserve, cliff dwelling seabird colonies and a rocky harbour.
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Check out the working harbour – the second largest inshore fishing port (fishing remains the mainstay of the local economy). You can often see seals hoping for easy fish!
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Do a seashore safari with staff from the St. Abbs and Eyemouth Marine Reserve.
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Take the Eyemouth town trail.
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St Abb’s Bay’s crystal clear water and diverse marine life make this 8km stretch of the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving. St Abb’s Head offers panoramic views, a small Nature Centre and a great view of the breeding seabird colony at the National Trust for Scotland’s St Abb’s Nature Reserve.
What can I do? •
Research the history of the town at the Eyemouth Museum, and explore the tapestry commemorating the fishing disaster of 1881.
•
Visit the Eyemouth Maritime Centre. Many of the craft are unique and are the last known examples of their kind anywhere in the world.
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Family Fun WORD SEARCH
A, B, C When you are out and about, try and find something that begins with each letter of the alphabet. Compare your answers with the rest of the family at the end of the day to see who got the best ones! photographs We’d love to see your visit or holiday and pictures of your and Coast to the Northumberl mail them to AONB. You can erthumberland. us at coastaonb@no on our gov.uk or post them facebook.com/ Facebook page: www. staonb northumberlandcoa
BICYCLE BINOCULARS CARAVAN CASTLE CAUSEWAY COBLE DUNES HARBOUR KIPPER LINDISFARNE LOBSTER LONGSTONE LOWRY OSWALD OYSTERS SAND SEASHORE SKYLARK
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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Answers: Dog bowl, Chain and post, Drain pipe, Alarm box, Extractor fan, Cable on wall, Satellite dish, Door handle
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EXPLORE THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST FROM THE HOG’S HEAD INN IN HISTORIC ALNWICK • ideal for exploring northumberland’s coast & countryside • • alnwick castle & garden are just a few minutes drive away • • hearty, home-cooked food served all day, every day • • 53 en-suite, modern bedrooms – perfect for groups • • free on-site parking • free wi-fi • • kids will love our ‘hogwarts castle’ play area •
visit hogsheadinnalnwick.co.uk for special rates & offers
Hawfinch Drive, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2BF. Telephone: 01665 606 576
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Tell us about your visit and you could win a wonderful break for two on the Northumberland Coast! Win a two-night bed and breakfast stay for two at St. Cuthbert’s House in Seahouses, Enjoy England’s ‘Best B&B 2014’ and a personalised wildlife safari with Northern Experience. St Cuthbert’s House is a lovely place to relax, unwind and take time out to explore the stunning Northumberland coast. Whether you decide to stroll down to the harbour for a trip to the Farne Islands, step out to enjoy miles of gorgeous coastline, or venture further afield - you’ll be ideally positioned to enjoy all that Northumberland has to offer. At the end of your day, return to 5-star comfort and the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had… Also included in your prize is a fantastic wildlife safari with Northern Experience Wildlife Tours. This guided wildlife tour will take in the wading birds, wildfowl, raptors and mammals to be found around the Northumberland coast. www.stcuthbertshouse.com
www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk
1.
Which of the following best describes your trip? Local resident (Living within the AONB)
Day trip from home (Living outside the AONB)
Staying overnight in holiday accommodation within the AONB
Staying overnight in holiday accommodation outside of the AONB
Day trip from staying with friends or relatives
2.
If you are away from home, how long are you staying?.................................................................
3.
How many people in your party?
Adults ..........
4.
What age bracket do you fit into? (the person filling the form in)
16-24 25-34 35-44 45-59 60+
5.
We would like to know how reading this visitor guide has changed your visit. Please tell us about up to five things you have done (or done differently) as a result of reading this guide. (For example “ we took the bus to Craster” or “We visited Warkworth Castle”)
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Your details:
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Email:
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The information supplied will be used by the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership and our partner organisations to help us manage tourism in a sustainable way. Please tick this box if you do not want to receive information from the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership, Northumberland Tourism, St. Cuthbert’s House or Northern Experience Wildlife Tours. We will not share your information with any other third parties. Terms and Conditions: No cash alternative. Prize valid for six months upon notification. Prize based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Subject to availability and choice. Prize excludes travel to and from Northumberland.
Send your completed questionnaire for free to: Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership, County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF Or enter online at: www.visitnorthumberland.com/coastguide Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership, c/o County Hall, Morpeth NE61 2EF
Email: coastaonb@northumberland.gov.uk
Photos: Gavin Duthie, Iain Robson, Martin Kitching, Claire Hedley, Gary McBride, Ian Kille, Dru Dodd, Andy Freeman, Jan Brian
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Main Map: Marcus Byron.
Other Maps: Helen Lamb.
Designed and produced by Premier Design & Print (PDP), Amble - 01665 713 899 - www.premierdesignandprint.co.uk Compiled, edited and published by the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership. Information contained in this guide is deemed to be correct at the time of going to print (Feb 2015). Every effort has been made to ensure that information given is accurate. Where appropriate, you should check the information is still valid before making a specific journey or completing final plans. The Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership accepts no responsibility for loss, injury or inconvenience sustained as a result of information contained in this guide. Inclusion in this guide is not a recommendation by the AONB Partnership.