20 Attractions to Explore Near Northumberland National Park

Windy Gyle is the fourth highest of the Cheviot Hills and the only one over the magical 2000 feet mark to which Scotland can lay half a claim Standing at a height of 619 metres. This area, oozes history, where for centuries armies fought bloody battles, families stole cattle from one another and violence was a way of life. There are good views from the summit north towards the Scottish Borders, Eildon Hills and Edinburgh and south across the southern Cheviot Hills to the North Pennines.

Linhope Spout is a popular waterfall walk in the Ingram Valley in Northumberland that is perfect for families of all ages.This spectacular waterfall tumbles 18 metres down a rock face to the plunge pool below. The waterfall can only be reached on foot by way of a short, scenic walk from the end of the public roadway west of Ingram.

The Cheviot is the highest point in the Northumberland National Park at 815 metres. One of the iconic attractions in this area offering spectacular views and also the area enjoys a general right to roam under both the English Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Scottish Land Reform.

Hedgehope Hill is set three miles east of the main Cheviot watershed and can beor via a longer route from Linhope to the south. it is best climbed from Langleeford in the Harthope Valley, over which it looms. The Harthope valley is accessible by a minor road from near Wooler to the northeast. A slightly gentler climb, though a longer distance, is from Linhope in the Breamish valley, approaching from the south east.

One of the beautiful waterfalls located in the woods and It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest , designated for its rare ferns and lichen. More than 300 different types of mosses, liverworts and lichen can be found. A magical walk through an ancient woodland, crossing no less than six bridges to reach a beautiful nine-metre high waterfall.

Kielder water is the largest man-made reservoir in Europe, holding 200 billion litres of water. It is the largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom by capacity of water and it is surrounded by Kielder Forest, one of the biggest man-made woodlands in Europe. The scheme was planned in the late 1960s to satisfy an expected rise in demand for water to support a booming UK industrial economy.

Fontburn Reservoir is one of our smaller waters and consequently has a reputation as being a friendly, family orientated fishery. The popular fishery, holds both rainbow and brown trout, but the main area of wildlife interest managed by NWT in partnership with Northumbrian Water, is the Conservation Area immediately north of the reservoir.

Cragside was the home of an extraordinary man, William George Armstrong (1810-1900). He was a scientist and technical innovator of genius. It was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electric power, using man-made lakes and underground piping. The grounds of the Cragside Estate offer up a host of activities that will keep you and your family busy and fit. There's a play area, a rhododendron maze, a waterfall and the Trim Trail, where the whole family can test their agility.

Yeavering Bell is a hill on the very edge of the Cheviot Hills. On it lie the remains of the largest Iron Age hillfort in the region. The tumbled stone rampart would originally have been two-and-a-half metres high and more than three metres thick. The summit, 1158 feet above sea level, is encircled by the wall of a late-prehistoric hillfort, a tribal centre of the Votadini called in Brythonic and Old Welsh Din Gefron, from which the name stems.

Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory which is second to none. Sited in the largest gold tier-protected dark sky park in the whole of Europe, the stargazing can be breathtaking: the ‘Kielder moment’ is very special, the moment that visitors look up at the glittering skies and realise that they’re completely connected to this vast cosmos, yet utterly unique within it.

Edlingham Castle is a small castle ruin, having Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building status, in the care of English Heritage. It has been described as "...one of the most interesting in the county", by Nikolaus Pevsner, the architectural historian. Edlingham itself is little more than a hamlet with a church alongside the castle.

Brinkburn Northumberland is a rustic yet elegant 12th-century manor house and Priory, Grade 2 listed stable block and private estate grounds nestled in a secluded wooded ravine on the banks of the River Coquet.The 12th-century church of the Augustinian Priory was completely reroofed and restored in the mid-19th century. It is one of the best examples of early Gothic architecture in Northumberland. Stepping inside will transport you back in time. See the striking stained glass windows and William

Chillingham Castle is a 13th century, Grade 1 Star-listed stronghold in Northumberland, famed for action and battles. See Chillingham's alarming dungeons as well as active restoration in the Great Halls and State Rooms which are gradually brought back to life with tapestries, arms and armour. A large enclosed park in the castle grounds is home to the Chillingham cattle, a rare breed, consisting of about 90 head of white cattle.

Bolam Lake Country Park is located near Bolam, Northumberland. The lake was constructed c.1817 for Lord Decies of Bolam. John Dobson was commissioned to lay out the grounds in 1816, including the 25-acre artificial lake and woodland. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake or explore the woodland. Bring a picnic and enjoy a summer's day with the family or explore on your own and discover the wildlife which makes Bolam Lake so special, including red squirrel, roe deer, great spotted woodpecker, a

Hulne Priory was founded in 1240 by Carmelite monks, making it perhaps the first Carmelite priory in England. The priory is situated in Hulne Park, a walled park covering several thousand acres which belongs to the Duke of Northumberland and is close to Alnwick Castle. Originally a hunting park, and still used by the Duke for shooting, it now contains woods, moors, stretches of open grassland and Alnwick's home farm.

Lady Waterford Hall was once the village school. It was built in 1860 for the Marchioness Waterford. The main hall was decorated from 1861-83 by the Marchioness with a series of paintings, done on paper and stuck to the wall, like murals. They all represent biblical scenes. All the figures used in them are portraits of village people and castle servants.

Heatherslaw Corn Mill offers a fascinating experience for young and old alike. Using restored 19th century machinery and traditional methods, the watermill still produces 10 tons of flour every year. Traditional methods and original machinery powered by the River Till are used to grind locally grown wheat into wholemeal flour. Its huge water wheel, mill stones and gearing are all visible. Freshly milled flour and local "Berwick Biscuits" are on sale in its gift shop whilst the mill cafe serves c

The Heatherslaw Light Railway is the most northerly steam railway in England. The railway runs along the banks of the River Till giving you wonderful views of the Northumberland countryside and Cheviot Hills. The railway operates an hourly service with steam trains from March to October and diesel trains in February half-term. Steam hauled Santa Specials run on selected weekends in December. The passenger coaches include facilities for transporting wheelchairs and buggies.

Chesters Roman Fort is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain - wander around the unusually well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers' quarters.Spend a day out wandering around the unusually well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers' quarters. You'll find hundreds of ancient artefacts beautifully displayed with e-readers to guide you around the John Clayton museum.

Hulne Park is a large country park to the north-west of Alnwick, and part of the Duke of Northumberland's estates. It covers about 3,000 acres around the River Aln with grounds landscaped by Capability Brown in the 19th century. The Park consists of estate forestry, farm and sawmills. In the midst of Hulne Park there is a Priory, Brizlee Tower built in 1781 and Alnwick Abbey. One of the iconic attractions in this area and gives people a peaceout from thebusy life.