Beaches, castles and history await
Duddo is near Berwick-uponTweed, the border town that has changed hands between the English and the Scots 14 times in the last 500 years.
The prehistoric stones are about three metres high and the circle has a 10-metre diameter. Think mini-Stonehenge. As there was hardly anybody else there, we had fun taking pictures and imagining what the mysterious structure was used for in the past.
The County of Northumberland is noted for its white sandy beaches and castles. And heaven on Earth for Charlie is going to the beach. So we made sure our trip included a gallop down Bamburgh Beach, near the town of Seahouses.
A gateway to the Farne Islands, popular boat trips depart Seahouses to view the puffins and seals at the nature preserve.
While in town, we stayed at a family- and dog-friendly inn called Bamburgh Castle Inn located above the old lime kilns by the harbour.
Walking to nearby Dunstanburgh Castle — a masterpiece of 14th-century design — on a windy, foggy day is a treat for travellers of all ages. The castle’s profile — a magnificent sight nestled on the coastal headland — inspired the English artist J.M.W. Turner to paint it several times.
The waves crashed against the rocks as we walked to the castle, with Charlie playing in the foamy water along the way. Arriving at the entrance, it was easy to imagine jousting tournaments, great battles and fairy tales. Could this be the ruins of Camelot?
After lapping up the delights of the coast, we moved inland for a stay at the impressive Matfen Hall. The ancestral home of Lord and Lady Blackett, Matfen Hall is a convenient place to stay if you want to take in the nearby Roman-built Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A well-restored countryhouse hotel near Newcastle built in the 1830s, Matfen Hall offers the luxuries of a spa and a lovely 27-hole golf course.
It seemed like a fancy place to bring a dog — think Banff Springs Hotel — but there were no complaints from hotel staff. With 121 hectares of parkland and a wonderful restaurant located in the library, it’s a popular place for weddings and also does a good business at Christmas.
It was the perfect place to wind down our wonderful trip to Northumberland.