20 Attractions to Explore Near Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

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

Kirkley Hall is a 17th-century historic country mansion and Grade II listed building in Northumberland, England. The estate is over 190 acres and adjoins the River Blyth at Kirkley. It zoological garden has over one hundred species of animals including ring tailed and ruff lemurs, meerkats, coatis, marmosets, capybara, kookaburra, wallaby and a wide range of domestic, exotic and avian species including our petting barn.

Northumberland College Zoo at Kirkley Hall is home to over 150 species of animals set in over 400 acres of beautiful Northumberland countryside. There are river and forest trails around the grounds as well as an activity centre for children and adults with treetop ropes, rickety bride crossings, a leap of faith and a zip wire that cuts through the air at over 20 miles per hour.

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.

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.

Tyne Riverside Country Park is a popular country park for outdoor recreation and sports – great for walking , cycling and horse riding with a large network for footpaths and public rights of way including Hadrian's Way, which links up with Hadrian's Wall National Trail and the Wylam Waggonway. The park has a wide range of wildlife habitats and is an ideal place to watch birds and butterflies.

Aydon Castle was one of the finest and most unaltered examples of a 13th century English manor house. Set in a beautiful and secluded Northumberland woodland. An existing timber hall house was transformed into an impressive stone-built residence but, as the war turned against the English, it suffered from numerous attacks which financially ruined its owner. This classic castle is perfect for family games and picnics and is a great starting point for some woodland walks.

Northumberlandia is a unique piece of public art set in a 19-hectare community park providing free public access, with four miles of footpaths on and around the landform, along with a café and visitor centre. The park’s centrepiece is ‘The Lady of the North’, a stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady, scaling 100 feet in height and spanning a quarter of a mile.

Prudhoe Castle is a Norman castle, which was for a long time involved in the border wars between England and Scotland. It was built by the de Umfraville family: the Norman Sir Robert de Umfraville was granted the freedom of Redesdale by William the Conqueror. For much of its history the castle was owned by the Percy family. It is now run by English Heritage. The castle is unique in being the only medieval defensive fortification in the whole of Northumbria to avoid capture by the Scots.

Plessey Woods Country Park is set in 100 acres of enchanting woodland, wild-flower-clad meadows and romantic riverside as the River Blyth runs through the park. Its intricate network of paths and trails make this a great spot for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and picnickers. The beautiful riverside walk along the River Blyth offers a chance of spotting otters and kingfishers. It was one of the iconic attraction in this area which offers a peaceful life.

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.

Cherryburn is a cottage in Mickley, Northumberland, England, which was the birthplace of Thomas Bewick, an English wood engraver and ornithologist. The cottage, its adjacent farmhouse and large grounds, have been managed by the National Trust since 1991 when they took over responsibility for the site from the Bewick Birthplace Trust.Cherryburn is now open to the public 7 days a week between February and November.

Corbridge was once a bustling town and supply base where Romans and civilians would pick up food and provisions. It remained a vibrant community right up until the end of Roman Britain in the early years of the 5th century. Corbridge was initially the site of a series of important forts. But after Hadrian's Wall was fully commissioned it developed into a prosperous town, a tempting leave-centre for off-duty Wall garrisons.

Newcastle Racecourse is home to the historic Northumberland Plate, and is one of Britain’s busiest racecourses, hosting over 60 all-weather and jumps fixtures a year. An ideal venue for all occasions, the racecourse can host events of all kinds, including conferences, exhibitions, weddings, private parties and more.

The Ouseburn is a small river in Tyne and Wear, England that flows through the city of Newcastle upon Tyne into the River Tyne. It gives its name to the Ouseburn electoral ward. The Ouseburn has its source at Callerton in the north of the city near Newcastle Airport. It then flows through the Kingston Park area of the city, Newcastle Great Park, Gosforth Park and Whitebridge Park.

Gosforth Park Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in Newcastle upon Tyne. It includes extensive woodland and wetland habitats and is managed by the Natural History Society of Northumbria. The reserve is part of Gosforth Park, the old estate of Gosforth House. There is also a small area of meadow, which contains plants such as heather and northern marsh orchid.

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.

The Town Moor is an area of common land in Newcastle upon Tyne. It covers an area of around 1000 acres or 400ha, making it larger than Hyde Park combined with Hampstead Heath combined, and also larger than New York City's Central Park. The Town Moor reaches Spital Tongues and the city centre to the south, Gosforth to the north and Jesmond to the east.

Thornley Woodlands Centre is within the ancient woodlands of the Derwent Valley that are home to many birds including green and great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, and sparrow hawks. An observation hide is located within the woods with keys available for purchase from the centre. Walking routes from the centre are clearly marked including a circular route that takes in a number of sculptures carved from trees stumps including an otter and a red kite.

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