Dazzling dark skies, tempting tipples, gorgeous gardens, amazing art, heavenly holidays – endless experiences are everywhere in this surprising county. From sandy beaches and historic castles to areas of outstanding beauty – whatever your reason for visiting Northumberland, there will be plenty for you to see and do.
Blacksmith’s Hall Distillery, Rock, Alnwick NE66 3SB
It’s always gin o’clock at the Northumberland Spirit Company! We pride ourselves on only using the finest ingredients to create a gin of the highest quality for the discerning palate. Renowned for its smoothness and unique flavour, our small batch of hand-crafted gins are distilled in the rural heart of Northumberland. We are home to our award-winning Alnwick Gin, Blacksmiths Gin, and the enchanting Northern Fables Collection.
Each batch is restricted to 100 litres to ensure that every sip of Alnwick Gin tastes exactly as it was intended. Each stoneware bottle is presented with our bespoke pewter label, carries a batch number, and the signature of the Alnwick Gin creator.
The Northumberland Gin Company is a small gin-making emporium, owned and run by two people – Peter and Jane – who love gin and who have dreamed of being part of the craft gin world. We make high-quality, small batch gin that we can be proud of, and, of course, would love to drink ourselves.
We currently only make one beautifully crafted gin – our Hexham Premier Cru – using only eight botanicals including orange, lemon and grapefruit, with a hint of liquorice. Perfect in all gin-based cocktails, while the smooth, clean, and well-balanced taste makes quite simply the best G&T.
Love life, love gin!
Collywell Bay Road, Seaton Sluice NE26 4QZ
An historic 18th century mini castle with more than 40 artists represented from the North East, including Trevor Craggs, Rose Di Mascio, Harry Gallagher, Jim Glazzard, David Hall, Walter Holmes, Jim Kearney, Kalki Mansell, Marion Morrison, Luca Serra, and Kate Van Suddese.
In the relaxed atmosphere you can browse and buy a wide range of work: originals, prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, poetry books and second-hand art books, as well as covering environmental issues. Please refer to the website for news of one-off exhibitions.
Open 11.00-16.30 Wednesday-Sunday
Kielder Observatory, Black Fell, Kielder, Hexham NE48 1EJ
A magical and unique visitor attraction…under the finest dark skies in England.
Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory which is second to none, under some of the darkest skies in the world where you’ll find “infinite inspiration” and wonders you could never have imagined!
Kielder hosts more than 700 events a year, and its popularity means events are regularly booked well in advance. Check the website for different events through the year and be sure to book in advance as tickets aren’t sold on the door.
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick NE66 1NQ
Alnwick Castle, which holds the distinction of being the second largest inhabited castle in the UK, has served as the cherished residence of the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years.
This remarkable historical site has not only housed generations of the Percy lineage but has also played a significant role on the cinematic stage. Notably, it was chosen as a filming location for the renowned TV series Downton Abbey, as well as serving as the iconic backdrop for the portrayal of Hogwarts in the beloved Harry Potter film series.
Monteviot House, Jedburgh TD8 6UH
Monteviot is a series of nine gardens on the banks of the River Teviot, planted with all-year-round interest and providing the visitor with peace and tranquillity throughout. The Garden of Persistent Imagination has proven to be a great attraction with its large stone Moon gate and its selection of specialist trees and acers.
Northumberland-Wheatsheaf-Hotel
The Green, Swinton, Duns TD11 3JJ
Nestled in the stunning landscape and dark history of the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, The Wheatsheaf is just waiting to be discovered. Your home-away-from-home features tastefully decorated bedrooms, and a separate two-bedroom cottage in the village, suitable for families.
We offer some dog-friendly accommodation in our double standard rooms, and welcome well-behaved four-legged friends.
Our culinary team specialises in elevating locally-sourced food to new heights, and bring about a fusion of modern and traditional culinary styles, with real creativity in the kitchen.
All our menus reflect the very best of seasonally available local ingredients, with our fish coming from Scottish waters.
Image credits: ©drhfoto/stock.adobe.com
