20 Attractions to Explore Near National Trust - Cragside

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

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.

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.

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.

Bailiffgate is an award-winning people's museum, where fascinating stories of the past are told about Alnwick and District. Its Gallery hosts an inspiring programme of art, textile and history-based exhibitions. Established in 2002, it is located in a Grade 2 listed former church in the medieval market town of Alnwick and is a People’s Museum that celebrates and preserves local heritage.

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the country and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years. The Castle’s rich history is brimming with drama, intrigue and extraordinary people; from a gunpowder plotter and visionary collectors, to decadent hosts and medieval England’s most celebrated knight: Harry Hotspur. t is a Grade I listed building[1] and as of 2012 received over 800,000 visitors per year when combined with adjacent attracti

The Alnwick Garden is one of north England's most beautiful attractions, where acres of colorful plants invite visitors to wander through rows of fragrant roses, manicured topiaries and cascading fountains. But within Alnwick's boundaries, kept behind black iron gates, is a place where visitors are explicitly told not to stop and smell the flowers: the Poison Garden, home to 100 infamous killers.

The Alnwick Garden is one of the world’s most ambitious new gardens. The Garden is a space designed to be enjoyed by all your senses, with a collection of over 4,000 plant varieties to discover, thousands of seasonal blooms and countless opportunities to get wet and play in The Garden’s water sculptures. Visitors are strictly prohibited from smelling, touching, or tasting any plants, although some people still occasionally faint from inhaling toxic fumes while walking in the garden.

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.

Warkworth Castle is a medieval fortress in a loop of the River Coquet, built by the powerful Percy family, Earls of Northumberland. It was built in the mid-twelfth century either by Prince Henry of Scotland or by English forces after Henry II seized back control of Northumberland. The castle was besieged during the Wars of the Roses and was garrisoned during the seventeenth century civil war.

Warkworth beach is a superb beach that runs from Birling Carrs to Amble Breakwater. Reached by a road from the village and then on foot, the beach is popular with walkers and sea anglers, as well as families in the summer. From the beach there are fine views, looking northwards towards Alnmouth, or across the waters towards Coquet Island, now an RSPB reserve.

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.

Alnmouth has a fine beach that is split into three distinct sections within Alnmouth Bay.The main beach and the one used by most visitors stretches from the north side of the mouth of the River Aln, alongside the village and golf course to Marden Rocks. It is very popular with tourists and locals all year round.

Druridge Bay is a living landscape, rich in wildlife and with big plans for the future. The bay is a stunning seven mile stretch of sand running from Amble to Cresswell and is a popular place to ride, cycle, walk, paddle and surf. Today there is just the sound of the surf and seabirds, but the beach has a fascinating and varied past. Within the park you will also find a series of smaller nature reserves home to everything from a resident herd of swans to rare birds like the Golden Eye Snipe.

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

Morpeth Chantry is a superb 13th Century Grade I listed building situated adjacent to the site of the ancient bridge across the River Wansbeck at Morpeth, parallel to the 19th century road bridge built by Thomas Telford. It showcases local authors, paintings, photography, and music.There are lovely collections of handmade jewellery, glass and ceramics, and stitched fabric, that make wonderful presents, and local produce.

Carlisle Park is a multi award winning park in the heart of Morpeth, Northumberland. Situated on the south bank of the River Wansbeck, it contains The William Turner Garden, formal gardens, an aviary, play areas, a paddling pool, ancient woodland, picnic areas, toilets, tennis courts, bowling greens, a skate park, and much more. The park has been awarded the Green Flag Award,the Love Parks Award in 2017, and 'Best Park' in Northumbria's in bloom competition in 2018.

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.

Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum is the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey since 1319. Discover the history of the 2nd Earl, after whom the famous tea is named, wander through the beautiful gardens created by the 5th Earl Grey and his family or for the more energetic explore the arboretum a united nations of shrubs and trees covering over 65 acres. Take a rest from exploring in the Earl Grey Tea House for a bite to eat and a cup of Earl Grey Tea.

Northumberland National Park is a beautiful greenish area which was home to some of our most peaceful hidden gems, remotest footpaths and most astounding nature. There are around 405 square miles of superb wilderness within the National Park to explore. The landscape is an outstanding mix of high hills, dales and crystal clear rivers and, not forgetting, the magnificent Kielder Water – Europe’s biggest man made lake.