Things To Do In Northumberland Coast Area History & Life

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Things to do in Northumberland England are varied and unique.

I think this is a neglected county.

By that I mean it is often overlooked as a place to visit and actually spend time there.

It is sometimes thought of as an area you pass through on your way to Scotland. Do not be fooled, the county is a huge area of natural beauty combining countryside and coast, history, and cities.

There are castles and islands, nature reserves and culture.

The first place that springs to mind is Newcastle and for a Geordie the iconic Tyne Bridge is the gateway to heaven. If you approach from the south you will pass the ‘Angel of the North’, a striking, massive sculpture by Anthony Gormley (stop and go right up to it).

Newcastle is a city with history and a city that is right up to date. You can still visit the ‘new castle’ after which the city is named. It is one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in the Country. Also there is the Georgian area of the city, Granger town, with graceful facades and wide streets.

Down by the river there is the Sage Centre where a wide range of musical events are staged and it is said that the auditorium has the best acoustics in the Country.

Do not miss walking across the Millennium Bridge, which is almost a work of art and is beautiful when lit up.

If you enjoy a game of football you can visit St James’ Park and even if you are not a fan the atmosphere is something special.

The Northumberland area history is familiar to any Englishman as it is here where the Romans built a wall to keep out the Scots (I know that is a myth).

Hadrian’s Wall is well known of course much further afield than the UK, as this was the edge of the great Roman Empire.

Enough of the wall has survived to show what an amazing feat it was. It stretches from coast to coast, roughly 75 miles long and 15 feet wide for the soldiers to patrol along and frequent forts where they lived.

Originally there were 30 forts and some have been excavated, the most famous is Vindalanda where amazing discoveries have been made right down to letters written 2,000 years ago and other everyday artefacts.

Another piece of Northumberland history is Lindisfarne or Holy Island.

This is where St Aiden landed in 635 AD and brought Christianity to these islands. It is a beautiful island and can be reached by a causeway at low tide but time your visit so as not to get stuck.

Also do try the Lindisfarne mead it is very sweet but lovely.

Close by are the Farne Islands where you can take a boat trip to see the famous seals.

As you come back to the mainland your next stop will be the Northumberland Bamburgh Castle. Its recorded history goes back to 6th century and it is set on a rocky outcrop it covers 9 acres 45 meters above sea level.

It is very impressive now and it doesn’t take much imagination to imagine how it would have appeared to anyone at that time that was thinking of attacking.

There are loads of activities for all age ranges from the studious to the fun loving.

As you make your way further inland there is the pretty market town of Alnwick to stop for refreshment and local shops.

Motor on West and you will come to Keilder forest, where you can cycle, walk, sail or fish to your heart’s content.

There is mile upon mile of purpose built trails and dedicated mountain bike tracks. It is also a haven for wildlife.

As you walk along the forest trails you may spot a red squirrel and there are otters, red deer and ospreys in late spring and summer.

The coast Northumberland stretches right up to the borders of Scotland and your only problem would be fitting in all the County has to offer.

You will just have to go back to Northumberland.

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