Northumberland - 76 Attractions You Must Visit

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.

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.

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.

Lindisfarne Castle was built in the mid-1500s, on top of a volcanic plug known as Beblowe Crag, using stones robbed borrowed from Lindisfarne Priory. It was occupied by Parliamentary forces during the Civil War and it was seized and briefly held by two Jacobites in 1715. In the early twentieth century it was transformed into a stylish residence by the owner of Country life magazine.

Lindisfarne Priory, the original home to the Lindisfarne Gospels, was one of the most important centres of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. Founded by St Aidan in AD635, the site owes its fame to St Cuthbert, the greatest of Northumbrian holy men, who lived and died there. Stroll around the Monastic buildings which formed the living quarters of the monks, the remote setting adds to the unique atmosphere of the Priory.

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 Longstone Lighthouse is situated on Longstone Rock, one of the Outer Staple Islands. It was built by Trinity House in 1826 on the Longstone Rock for the welfare of shipping off the Northumberland coast. The lighthouse is best known for the 1838 wreck of the Forfarshire and the role of Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper's daughter, in rescuing survivors.

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.

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.

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.

Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland in Northumberland. The castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313, and the latest archaeological research indicates that he built it on a far grander scale than was originally recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the king than as a military stronghold.

Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed country house in Northumberland, England. It is near the coast just north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Located between Seaton Sluice and Seaton Delaval, it was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718 for Admiral George Delaval; it is now owned by the National Trust. The 18th-century gardens of the hall are Grade II* listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The Newbiggin Maritime Centre is situated in the beautiful seaside fishing village of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland. Discover life in a historic fishing village through the Mary Joicey and Girl Anne interactive exhibitions and varying range of thought provoking exhibits. The Newbiggin Maritime Centre is passionate about offering engaging, creative and unique learning activities.

Norham Castle was built in 1121 by Ranulph Flambard, Bishop of Durham to protect the extensive land owned by the church in the region. It is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The castle saw much action during the wars between England and Scotland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Preston Tower is a beautifully complete late 14th-century pele tower and a wonderful example of medieval construction. The Tower presents a vivid reminder of what life was like for those who dwelt in the battleground that was the border with Scotland. The tower was built in 1392, when warfare between England and Scotland was endemic. At the time of Agincourt in 1415, it was one of 78 pele towers in the county.

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.