Can’t beat a retreat over the Border
Sarah Devine enthuses about activities awaiting visitors venturing to the wilds of Northumberland for a short break
From violent Viking attacks to Border Reiver raids, there is a wealth of ancient tales and their historic settings to discover in Northumberland.
With Roman forts, centuries-old castles and scenic vast moorland, it is no surprise that England’s north-east region reportedly welcomed more than 10.3 million visitors last year.
Thousands will no doubt have visited what is arguably the most iconic site in the region, Hadrian’s Wall.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire and dates back to the second century.
An 84-mile coast-to-coast trail shadows the structure, but there are shorter routes taking in the wall such as the four-mile Steel Rigg and Crag Lough Walk. This short climb is rewarded by spectacular panoramic views.
The impressive Housesteads Roman Fort at Bardon Mill, near Hexham, is Britain’s most complete ruin of its kind and provides a glimpse into what life was like for the 800 soldiers who once lived there. A museum adds to the insight with an intriguing collection of excavated items, including weapons, tools, jewellery and even altars.
Less than three miles west is The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, where the natural and cultural heritage of Northumberland can be explored further through an exhibition of geological and interactive displays.
As a result of its turbulent history with Scotland, Northumberland has more castles than any other region in England.
Berwick-upon-tweed Castle and Ramparts was built in the 12th century by King David I of Scotland, in the most northerly point of the county.
The castle continuously changed hands between the English and Scots during the Wars of Independence and now stands as ruins, which are free to walk along throughout the year.
Bamburgh Castle is just a half hour’s drive south and its origins as a fort date back to the fifth century.
The now Norman-style structure is said to be haunted by ghosts, including a heartbroken princess known as the Pink Lady and one Dr John Sharp, an 18th-century trustee of the castle who loved it so much he never wanted to leave.
It sits above an expanse of sandy beach and lies on the Northumberland Coast Path, a 62-mile route along scenic shores and quaint coastal villages between Berwickupon-tweed and Cresswell.
There are more than 30 beaches on the Northumberland Coast and in calm weather, keen walkers can grab their boots, pack a picnic and discover the region’s picturesque coastal views and wildlife, including seals and geese.
Meanwhile Kielder Water and Forest Park is Europe’s largest area of protected dark skies. And Kielder Observatory’s guided Night Sky Safari provides a fascinating way to end a day of discovery in Northumberland.