Northumberland

Just a quick thank you to those who steered me in the direction of Northumberland as a destination for a possible break.

My missus and I had a little look at possible places over the weekend and we've booked a cottage for a week near Craster in September. There seem to be a fair few things to do in the immediate vicinity and we've the car to venture about too, so we should have plenty to keep us occupied.

I can't find the original thread, and my short term memory is sadly appalling these days, so if anyone has any tips of places to check out, feel free to chip in with ideas.

And thanks again, very much appreciated.

 

A walk up the coast to Dunstanbrugh castle from Craster is thoroughly recommenced. Also have a bit of a drive up the coast to the Holy Isle via Bamburgh, Low Newton, Beadnell.
Seahouses is a bit scruffy and best avoided unless you're going to the Farne Islands which are well worth a boat trip to.
The Cheviots and Hadrians wall are worth exploring aswell but not sure you'll have time in just a weekend as its a big county!

 

we saw a dead porpoise on the beach walking up to Dunstanbrugh castle, made us feel sad

 

The beach on the other side of the castle, Embleton bay is stunning.

In craster itself the restaurant at the kipper place is very nice (the kippers from the kipper place are the best I've had), the pub over the road is reasonable, nothing spectacular on tap the few times I've been but definitely drinkable.

Whitefin spring is great too, lovely coastal walk. Couple of (very small) fresh water springs bubble up out of the rocks in places, hard to spot though!

Alnwick castle is worth a look, bit touristy but if you can drop on when it's quiet its great. The poison gardens at Alnwick are superb.

Love Northumberland, can't wait to get back there.

Edit: if you time your drive over to the Holy Island right it makes it very interesting!

 

@DannyWilsonLovechild ^ What he said ^

Walk to castle is stunning, and not challenging at all. Literally get there, have a look around, and walk back to the pub at Craster.
Service can be a bit like Cornwall / Lake District (i.e "I'll serve you if I have to, but let it be known I don't like tourists, even though I know I wouldn't have a job at all if tourism was banned, mostly cos of my arrogance, but partly cos of my low IQ").
Craster is a decent base.
Amble, Beadnell, Alnwick and Lindisfarne (watch the tide) all higly recommended.
Park at Seahouses and do the boat trip to the Farne Isles, and be sure to take a camera.

Enjoy.

 

Keep going along the beach past Dunstanbrugh to the Ship Inn at Low Newton (shipinnnewton.co.uk). Wonderful beer and food right on the beach - crab sandwiches to die for! If the walk there and back is too much you can drive. Holy Island is a must but you will have to check tide safe crossing times. The Jolly Fisherman pub in Craster is also nice with fantastic views.

 

If you put "Ross Farm Cottages" into your phone or SatNav, park there, quiet little road, and do the walk through the sandy fields to Ross Sands which is a stunning beach with great views of Lindisfarne (North) and Bamburgh (South). There is an ancient breed of cow in the field that is used to the sandy grass - quite a rare, expensive breed. Don't make eye contact with them and you should make the beach no problem at all

 

When doing our research online I stumbled on a 6 mile round trip walk that went from Craster, past Dunstanburgh Castle and then on to the Ship Inn, so thanks for backing up that article. The Cottage web site suggested we were about 400 yards from the nearest pub, so we thought it might be the jolly fisherman which looked nice and also mentioned the kippers as touched on above.

Hoping early September won't be too busy or Covid is on the wane by then, or at the very least, we can keep distanced.

 

+1 for the ship inn

 

All what they said plus Alnmouth.
I once took redundancy and decided to buy a shop. Went all the way to the wire and then I had to pull the plug at the last minute. I had the urge to just chuck a bag in the car and drive somewhere for a week to get away from everything and found myself going up the A1 heading for Northumberland. It's a great place, you'll love it.

 

I think it's Alnmouth that has a brilliant gin distillery, if you're into that sort of thing.

 

Try to avoid Newcastle(A1) on your way up (roadworks)

 

We've had lots of lovely family holidays in Northumberland over the years. Super beaches up there, plus lots of history.

If you're happy to travel about a bit, I recommend Hadrian's Wall, in particular the Roman fort at Housesteads.
Cragside House and Gardens are well worth a visit. The grounds are extensive, so you'll need a few hours to get round it all.
I found the Union Chain Bridge that spans the River Tweed fascinating, although that's a fair way up, near Berwick. There's also the Chain Bridge Honey Farm nearby.
Lindesfarne, Bamburgh, Seahouses...
Various boat trips around the Farne Islands...
Alnwick, Alnmouth...
Kielder Water...

So much to see and do, you'll probably need to go back again next year to cover it all.

 

I’ll reiterate the Holy Isle trip but check the water times

 

til September?

 

I'm off to Embleton in the Summer. I love it up there.

 

Ex Showaddywaddy guitarist lives at Beadnell. Near the Lime Kilns at the harbour. Who dint like Showaddywaddy?

 

We stayed in Beadnell, beautiful clear night under the moon of love.

 

Dunstanburgh Castle hotel is lovely and the walk along the beach to Newton by the sea is delightful. Little square/green with a pub in the corner and out door seating to watch the world go by.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00111hy