Great reasons to Visit Northumberland

The benefits of visiting Northumberland are much in the news recently.

 

Earlier this month, the Northumberland National Park was voted the UK’s National Park of the Year while Bamburgh Castle scooped Landmark of the year.

Visit Northumberland

Tonight’s edition of London’s local paper, the Evening Standard, carries a full page on Northumberland, urging the capital’s residents to come and stay. It points out that “England’s northernmost county is less than four hours from London by train, but a world away in terms of sights and scenery”.

Suggesting that booking a break in a rural cottage might allow Londoners “space to gather your thoughts”, it also helpfully points out that many “stand within easy walking distance of cosy country pubs”.

Among the highlights listed are the 684 miles of paths amongst the stunning scenery of Northumberland National Park. Walk along St Cuthbert’s Way, join the climax of the Pennine Way – or simply strike off on your own for mile after mile of empty hill and open countryside.

The nearby coast has many beautiful spots and beaches, studded with castles. The best known of these, Bamburgh Castle, has been the site of a citadel for millennia with a history of occupation dating back to the 1st century BC.

Both the new press campaign and the BBC Countryfile award stressed the joy of stargazing in Northumberland with our Dark Skies, promising the marvel of the starlit heavens and a glimpse of the Milky Way. The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park covers no less than 572 square miles and holds “gold tier” status.

As if all this wasn’t enough to convince weary city dwellers to head to the hills, Virgin Trains are offering a 30% reduction on Off Peak fares booked this month.

With so much going for it, maybe visiting Northumberland is not a hard sell – but well done Northumberland Tourism for their “Love the North” round up of attractions and getting the word out across the country!