If you’re in the mood for a day trip, consider visiting one of the numerous places in Northumberland, England. Some of the most notable landmarks in the county include Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Hexham Abbey, and Hadrian’s Wall. You’ll find plenty of things to do in the county, whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover.
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is a historic castle and country house located in Alnwick, England. It was built after the Norman conquest and is the seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland. The castle has undergone many renovations over the centuries.
It is a must-see tourist attraction for any visitor to the town. Alnwick is also home to the Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery. This museum explores the history of Alnwick through six exciting themes. It is suitable for children and adults of all ages. The museum also hosts a number of diverse art exhibitions and special events.
There are also several things to do while in Alnwick, including the famous cherry blossom season. You can also enjoy historic sporting fixtures and games in the town. Shrove Tuesday is a popular time for residents to play mass participation football. You can find out more about these events and attractions at the Visit Alnwick website.
Alnwick Castle is one of the most impressive places to visit in Northumberland. As the second largest inhabited castle in the country, Alnwick has a rich history dating back more than 700 years. The castle is also one of the UK’s most important heritage sites. Its Italianate state rooms make it a great attraction and one of the best days out in Northumberland.
Alnwick Castle is also home to the Fusiliers Museum. The museum, which originated in 1929, aims to preserve the history of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. The museum is open daily and is included in the entry fee to the Castle.
Alnwick Gardens
Alnwick Castle is a castle and country house located in Alnwick, England. It is the seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland and has been renovated many times. The castle was originally constructed during the Norman conquest and has since undergone many renovations.
While visiting Alnwick Gardens, you can explore a number of attractions that are free to visitors. For example, the gardens are home to a giant bamboo maze. Be sure to bring your flashlight, as the maze can get very dark near the middle. You may also enjoy a visit to the Poison Garden, which houses over 100 different plants deemed to be toxic. To visit the Poison Garden, you will need to sign up for a guided tour, which will take approximately 25 minutes.
Alnwick has a thriving food scene. You can get pub grub at the Joiners Arms or try a gourmet meal at The Treehouse, which is located in the Alnwick Gardens. The menu includes locally sourced ingredients and special cocktails, which were created in collaboration with the Duchess of Northumberland.
Another attraction in Alnwick is the Alnwick Treehouse, which is the world’s largest treehouse. This unique structure is also a restaurant and cafe. We visited the Treehouse on a wedding weekend, which made it even more memorable. The structure is located just outside the gates of Alnwick Garden, but you can still enter it even if you don’t have a full Alnwick Gardens ticket. Parking for the Treehouse is available in the main lot and in the disabled lot.
A beautiful and colorful garden is a must in Alnwick. Designed by Jacques and Peter Wirtz, the garden has a wide variety of plants and landscaping features. It was once overgrown and neglected, but has now been transformed into a world-class destination for gardeners and families.
Hexham Abbey
If you want to take a step back in time, visit the historic Hexham Abbey, a Grade I listed Christian place of worship. This beautiful building dates back to AD 674, but has been expanded and reconstructed in the last two centuries. It is also home to one of the UK’s oldest churches.
While in Hexham, you should also explore the town’s ruins. Hexham is home to the ruins of a Roman fort just outside of town. The site is the most complete cavalry fort in Britain, and even has a preserved bathhouse and steam room.
The Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most famous attractions in Northumberland. The construction of the wall began in 122AD, and included a full-sized fort every five miles. Today, you can walk the path to see remnants of the Roman army and the wall, which spans 84 miles between the east and west coast of Northern England. In addition to the Wall itself, you can also explore the Roman Army Museum, Walltown Crags, and the excavated Roman Town of Corbridge.
The town is close to the National Park, which is only six miles away. The National Park is the most northerly park in England, and is dotted with ruins. The park also includes Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviot Hills, which were the original border between England and Scotland. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you can head to the town’s Garden Station for woodland walks. The station also hosts courses and offers a cafe for the public outside of the winter months.
The town itself is a pretty town, with an interesting history dating back to the 1300s. The historic town has a lovely network of streets lined with boutiques, bistros, and coffee shops. It is also home to Hexham Abbey, which is a Grade I listed place of worship.
Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle, located less than a mile from the northern coast of England, is a ruined medieval castle. The village itself occupies a loop of the River Coquet. It is a great place for family outings. You can even rent a boat to explore the surrounding area.
The historic medieval fortress of Warkworth Castle is located on a natural spur of the River Coquet, and serves as an important waterway guard. This castle dates back to the Anglo-Saxons, when it was built to protect a vital waterway from invasion. In the ninth century, King Osbert of Northumberland reclaimed the castle as part of his royal estate.
The castle’s most impressive feature is its 14th-century Great Tower, which was commissioned by the 1st Earl of Northumberland. It is regarded by the English Heritage as a masterpiece of medieval English architecture. It was here that Henry Percy and his son Hotspur plotted treason against King Henry IV. The tower’s design is based on a Greek cross, with polygonal wings springing out of a central block. The tower is three storeys tall, with a central light well.
The castle is open most of the year. However, it does close in the middle of the year, especially during the winter months. Check the website for the latest opening hours. There are also free audio tours available. If you want to learn more about the castle, be sure to check out the Warkworth Castle website.
Warkworth Castle is an English Heritage site that sits atop a small village. Though the castle is not completely intact, it is a good place to wander around. Even if it isn’t as impressive as it once was, you will still have plenty of space to explore and take photos.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is a Roman and Picts’ wall, also known as Vallum Hadriani in Latin. It was built around AD 122 by the Roman Empire to help protect Roman Britannia. Hadrian began construction of the wall during his reign. This impressive structure is a must-see for anyone visiting Northumberland.
The wall is more than 2000 years old, and many of its remnants still stand today. It is also home to ancient temples and crumbling forts. There are six top sights to visit along the wall, which crosses a beautiful, historic landscape, revealing secrets from its turbulent past.
Hadrian’s Wall was a multi-cultural frontier, stretching 80 miles coast to coast. The wall was built by an army of 15,000 men in just six years. The engineering and vision behind its creation are astonishing. The wall was built to protect the Roman Empire from Pictish raids, establish trading routes, and mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire.
After the Romans left Britain, people began to plunder the remains of the wall. Now, it is mostly covered by the B6318 highway. In the 1830s, a lawyer named John Clayton purchased land to preserve a part of the wall. The wall was also the inspiration for a series of short stories by Rudyard Kipling.
Hadrian’s Wall is a fantastic place for a daytrip or long weekend. This 1,900-year-old Roman wall ran through rural northern England and protected the northern frontier for almost 300 years. Archaeological finds have provided insights into the life of the men who defended the wall.
