Snowdrops at Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Are you planning to leap into action and pop the big question to your loved one this Leap Year? Tradition holds that this February, ‘normal order’ is reversed with women able to propose to their Prince Charming, and where better than at one of English Heritage’s idyllic properties in the North East?

English Heritage is playing cupid as it encourages people to start their love affair with its North East properties open this Valentine’s Day, including beautiful Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Lindisfarne Priory and Warkworth Castle.

Dotted around each site you will find an assortment of tranquil hideaways – in amongst a carpet of snowdrops at Belsay, serene Priory ruins at Lindisfarne and mystery and intrigue of Warkworth Castle, discover the perfect setting to pop the question to your loved one this Leap Year.

During February half-term (11-19 Feb), English Heritage also has something for the little cupids too with Historical Valentine Trails everyday throughout the school holiday. Fascinating facts and love stories from the past at Belsay, Lindisfarne and Warkworth will be placed around the three sites, with children able to join in the fun and win a tasty treat!

Caroline Sinclair, from English Heritage, said: “The sentimental combination of the Leap Year, National Marriage Week and Valentine’s Day make February officially the most romantic month of the year.  Thanks to this whimsical fifth century tradition, many women may even be proposing to their man this February. Forget red roses and candlelight, snowdrops, spring bulbs and a proposal in the open air are much more original. Who could resist a proposal or romantic day out in stunning surroundings at one of English Heritage’s romantic hotspots?”

Visitors are invited to find their special place with English Heritage. Picturesque gardens and secret hideaways make up enchanting Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, near Morpeth, and it will be rolling out a white carpet of snowdrops to help love blossom this half term.

Meanwhile, a trip to magical coastal property, Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island – widely considered to be one of the most romantic places in Britain – is the ideal way to escape from it all. In the grounds, visitors can see with the traditional ‘petting stone’ that all new brides married in the church must leap over to bring fertility and happiness to their marriage.

And at Warkworth Castle you can discover the tragic historical love story of Betram de Bothal and Isobel Widdrington. Betram’s ghost is still said to reside in the castle’s hermitage, but with its charming views and quaint location, who could blame it?

Regularly topping polls for the North East’s most romantic locations, English Heritage’s other coastal properties in the region, awe-inspiring Dunstanburgh Castle and Tynemouth Priory and Castle, offer breathtaking views of the dramatic coastline and spectacular scenery – perfect for a romantic February walk with your loved one. Dunstanburgh and Tynemouth are open every weekend.

Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, Lindisfarne Priory and Warkworth Castle will be open daily from 10am – 4pm this February half term (Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 February). Dunstanburgh Castle, Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Etal Castle, Barnard Castle and Chesters, Corbridge and Birdoswald on Hadrian’s Wall, will be open every winter weekend.

You can find out more about English Heritage in Northumberland on the official visitor website for Northumberland.

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Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island

From harvesting apples and making cider to wild camping and fixing the fells, the National Trust has over 280 working holidays that provide the opportunity to get outdoors, have fun and play a part in conserving the nation’s heritage.

With prices starting from just £75 including all food and accommodation, there are weekend breaks or week long holidays available across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Plus for the first time a small selection of overseas holidays are now available.

Marianne Wanstall Head of Holidays explains their everlasting appeal,

“National Trust working holidays, which celebrate their 45 anniversary this year, not only ensure that the National Trust’s special places remain open, relevant and accessible, but they also provide amazing opportunities to get onto the land, to learn new skills, to meet new people and to engage with nature and the historic places cared for by the Trust.”

So whether you’re a budding Indiana Jones hoping to dig up history, a green fingered enthusiast in search of a gardening challenge, a lover of the great outdoors or simply looking for a new way to spend time as a family, the National Trust’s working holidays are full of activities and experiences to tempt all ages and backgrounds.

You can find out more aout The National Trust in Northumberland on the official Northumberland visitor website.

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Touch the planets at Kielder Observatory

Parents can thank their lucky stars for one of Northumberland’s top visitor attractions has developed a cure for half-term boredom that’s out of this world.

By popular demand, Kielder Observatory in Kielder Water & Forest Park will host a series of star gazing events specifically aimed at space obsessed youngsters with an interest in the night sky.

The award winning facility hosts a year round programme of astronomy events but to get the best of the darkest night skies in England, the events usually take place from 8pm till late. During school holidays, including February half term Friday 10 to Friday 17, there will be additional events aimed at families that start from 5pm.

Gary Fildes, from Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society (KOAS), said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with demand and we’re often asked to open the doors earlier to enable families with young kids to get home in time to get the little ones to bed.”

Ian Cuthbertson from Sunderland and his children, Cameron (7) and Faye (3) (pictured), attended a Junior Aurora Night. Ian said: “The event was brilliant. It’s an amazing facility and a great place to spend time as a family. It’s just a really fun way for them to learn some cool stuff – the expert team have bags of knowledge and enthusiasm and fired up the kids’ passion for star gazing.”

Visitors will be able to use the powerful telescopes to look at deep sky objects such as galaxies that lay millions of light years distant. During the half term events there will be an exceptional chance to see five planets in one night.

Gary added: “It’s a very rare event but we will hopefully get the opportunity to observe five visible planets starting with Venus in the west, then to Uranus, Jupiter then Mars, finishing off late with Saturn.

The events include a talk from an expert astronomer, a tour of the facility and use of the telescopes.

All events must be pre-booked by visiting www.kielderobservatory.org and clicking on the event calendar. For enquiries telephone 07805 638 469.

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Deadwater Fell

Hardy trail builders are going up in the world to build the longest competition downhill mountain bike route of its kind in England.

Wielding shovels and pitch forks and armed with gritty determination in the face of winter weather, mountain bike fans expect to have the two mile trail built by October in spectacular 62,000 hectare (155,000 acre) Kielder Water & Forest Park.

Downhill mountain biking is not for the faint hearted, involving a rapid descent against the clock and fiendishly complicated technical sections.

The Forestry Commission is working with Northern Downhill on the exciting new trail, which will have its starting line on the 2,000 foot Northumbrian summit of Deadwater Fell.

“It will be the biggest vertical drop of any downhill trail built in England,” said Philip Grimes from Northern Downhill.  “It will be a major challenge getting it done, but the potential to create something really special in Kielder is the incentive.”

Britain is a hotbed for downhill biking and the current world champion, Danny Hart, comes from Redcar in North East England.  He cut his teeth in another Forestry Commission woodland – Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland.

Alex MacLennan, Recreation and  Public Affairs Manager (North East) with Forestry Commission, said:

“Kielder lends itself to superlatives and the new trail will be a spectacular addition to the mountain biking scene in Britain.  The forest park already boasts the country’s longest family and intermediate bike routes, the highest cross country trail and the toughest endurance event, helping to make it a prime mountain bike venue. Hosting downhill events throughout the winter each year is key in attracting attract more visitors to the area at a traditionally quiet time of year”.

Northern Downhill is staging five races in northern Britain this year, culminating in a final joust for prizes at Kielder on 20 and 21 October, when the new trail – which will be used for competitions only – will be employed for the first time.  Bike fans are being urged to join weekend trail building sessions.  To find out more contact Philip Grimes on info@northerndownhill.co.uk.

More details of bike routes at Kielder can be found at www.visitkielder.com

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Featured on the programme was Hadrian’s Wall, which was once patrolled by soldiers from all corners of the Roman Empire. Michael also visited Vindolanda Roman Fort which is an important archaeological site, giving us a fantastic insight into what Roman life in Northumberland actually was like. He also visited the beautiful town of Haltwhistle to discover the historical significance of the railway and the take in the beautiful Northumberland countryside scenery.

You can watch the episode again on the BBC iplayer.

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Michael visited the historic walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the magnificent Royal Berwick Border bridge. He continued to Alnwick via Alnmouth railway station to visit Barter Books, which was previously Alnwick’s railway station; and stay at The White Swan hotel to visit the first class dining room from the Olympic, the Titanic’s sister ship. He concluded his Northumberland visit be travelling further south to Morpeth station to visit Woodhorn Museum near Ashington and marvel at the artwork produced by the Pitmen Painters.

We’d love to hear what you thought of the episode. Please leave your comments below.

You can plan your railway trip to Northumberland with cheap railway travel on the official visitor website for Northumberland.

You can watch the episode of Great British Railway Journeys featuring Northumberland on the BBC iplayer.

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Driving in Kielder Water & Forest Park

Residents of England’s most remote village are celebrating plans to re-open the area’s only local petrol station, which was shut down in 2008.

The news is a welcome relief to those living in Kielder Village who have spent the last four years having to complete a 35-mile round trip to get fuel after the petrol station was forced to close because of high running costs.

Steve Webb, who runs Kielder Village Store, said: “Fantastic news – this will most certainly change our lives. Most people expect to be able to fill up on their doorstep as normality but we have just had to manage. This will be a major asset for villagers and tourists alike. Without the efforts of Kielder Limited and Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust this wouldn’t have happened and we would have been just another statistic, another rural business lost.

“But there was so much determination from core members who were relentlessly dedicated and to them we are incredibly thankful for making this happen.”

The £90,000 project to re-open the petrol station will start early in the New Year. Some 180 residents of Kielder Village, hundreds of thousands of tourists and large rural businesses with bases in Kielder Water & Forest Park – such as Northumbrian Water and the Forestry Commission – will be able to fill up at the pumps come spring 2012.

Tom Grimwood, chair of Kielder Limited, a volunteer run community charity that will manage the petrol station, said: “It has been long road trying to achieve our goal of re-opening Kielder Petrol Station, with lots of hard work around the feasibility of this project and in particular, when sourcing funding. It is very important we get this right and ensure the business is sustainable so this time round it is open for good.”

The petrol station, thought to be the only one of its kind in England, will be an un-manned station, run by a local community group, where customers will pay by credit or debit card prior to filling up. It will be open for fuel from 7am to 7pm (with longer opening hours during the summer) seven days a week. There will also be an electric hook up point later in year.

Elisabeth Rowark, director of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “The closure had come at a devastating time because investment in tourism was really beginning to take off. Capital development projects including new mountain biking trails and the Lakeside Way, a trail that encircles the shoreline of Kielder Water, had begun and in the last three years have dramatically increased visitor numbers to the area.

“But a lot of tourists were caught short. They ran out of petrol and had to be rescued by the police. This is excellent news for the local community and for the hoards of visitors who come to enjoy activities, star gazing, wildlife and events in this spectacular part of Northumberland.”

Tom added: “The original petrol station had staffing costs and could only open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, but the new un-manned pumps mean that opening times will be increased and the service will be much improved.”

Funding for the ground-breaking project has come from Northumberland Uplands Local Action Group – LEADER, Kielder Limited, Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Northumberland County Council Social Enterprise and Northumberland County Council West Area Committee.

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Sloe Berries at Wallington

The sound of heavy rain as I wake up is not going to dampen my spirits on the day I head out for November’s foraging expedition.

I’m off to meet Rob Caton at Wallington to look among the hedgerows for some sloe berries to make one of my favourite winter drinks … sloe gin.

As it happens, by the time I’m up and ready and have packed the car with waterproofs and my gin-making kit, the rain has stopped and the sun is shining, and for a November morning, it’s quite mild.

We meet at the car park at Wallington before heading out along the nearby country lanes in search of a blackthorn hedge laden with berries. By all accounts it’s a good year for sloes, so I am hopeful for a bumper crop. I’m already wondering whether I could make enough sloe gin to give little bottles for gifts at Christmas. Mind you, I may not want to share it!

By Sadie Parker (National Trust)

Find out more about Wallington House &  Gardens in Northumberland.

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Our industrial past

School children are being given the chance to become young history detectives and delve into Northumberland’s industrial and social past in a new scheme being run at a leading visitor attraction.

Dusty documents, old photographs and historical records have been turned into learning tools for youngsters visiting the £16m Woodhorn Museum and Archives Centre near Ashington.

They are being used to help inquisitive school pupils find out more about the region’s past, including key aspects of its once-mighty coal mining and fishing industries.

Each year thousands of young people are introduced to Woodhorn through its extensive education programme, with schools from all over the North East visiting the museum and archives. Now, thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery and the work of the museum’s Working Lives project team, a number of new workshops have been developed for young visitors.

Find out more about Woodhorn Museum

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Woodhorn Museum

A FILM made by teenagers who took part in a Big Brother-style time travel experiment at a North East castle has gone on show to visitors at a heritage museum.

Three months ago, 35 young volunteers spent five days locked away at remote Featherstone Castle in Northumberland, experiencing what life was like for their counterparts back in the 1840s.

Dressed in period costume for the duration of their stay, they had to survive without modern-day “essentials” such as their mobile phones, computers, TVs and fast food, as they were propelled back to early Victorian times.

Find out more and visit Woodhorn Museum & County Archives.

The Heritage Big Brother project involved the group living, learning, entertaining themselves and even cooking according to the ways of the mid-19th Century, with heritage professionals and youth workers ensuring that the experience was as realistic and challenging as possible.

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Finds from digs at Arbeia Roman fort in South Shields have offered convincing evidence that the Emperor Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta were at the base as they prepared for a campaign into Scotland.

Because the imperial family and court were present, that would have effectively meant that the empire would have been governed from South Shields.

Read more: When Roman empire was ruled from South Shields – Today’s News – News – JournalLive.

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Seaton Delaval Hall

The National Trust in the North East and Yorkshire is embarking on the most unique auction ever in a bid to solve your present buying troubles this Christmas.

From romance to wildlife and everything in between the Trust has it all covered with some fantastic experiences up for grabs including a wedding at Washington Old Hall, a candlelit dinner for two at the top of Souter Lighthouse, a Georgian dinner for eight at Seaton Delaval Hall and a chance to look behind the scenes in Armstrong’s former home – Cragside.

The auction begins on eBay on Tuesday 22 November and all funds raised will go towards helping the National Trust – the UK’s largest conservation charity – to conserve the places they look after including miles of coastline and acres of countryside as well as historic houses, castles and gardens.

The project is being managed by Simon Lee, the National Trust’s new property manager for Lindisfarne Castle and the Northumberland Coast, he told us:

“As a charity the Trust is always looking for new ways to raise funds for the places we look after. The auction is about us offering people some really unique experiences so that we are able to upkeep some of the region’s most precious landscapes and historic buildings.”

The final details of all auction lots are being put together in the next two weeks before the bidding goes live on the 22 November. All auctions will close on the 19 November. Simon continued:

“This really is an opportunity to buy somebody a truly one-off Christmas gift that they will never forget, and at the same time, put money to a good cause by supporting local conservation.”

For more details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ebay

Find out more about National Trust Properties in Northumberland

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Eshot Hall Hotel

Since opening last year, Eshott Hall has quickly become renowned  as one of the foremost hotels in Northumberland. Now thanks to a major expansion of their restaurant even more people will be able to find out just why the hotel has already become an award winner, receiving a coveted AA Rosette within its first year.

This autumn Eshott Hall is to open the doors of its restaurant  to the public serving Sunday Lunch from 18th November  and traditional Afternoon Tea. This is a restaurant  for those who are serious about food and during the Autumn for the serious foodies, the hotel will also host a number of special gourmet events including a Nine Course Tasting Evening on 9th December.

For Sunday lunch, diners might choose Craster Smoked Salmon with Beetroot & Heritage Potato Salad or Estate Rabbit Rillette with Toasted Brioche and Apple Chutney followed by Roast Sirloin of Wallington Hall Beef or Ingram Valley Lamb Shank with all the expected trimmings and more. If they still have room, there is a good selection of puddings including Dark Chocolate, Honey & Almond Cheesecake with Orange Scented Chantilly, Warm Ginger Pudding with Chefs Vanilla Ice Cream and Brandy Butterscotch Sauce as well as Northumbrian & French Cheeses.

The Hotel’s supplier list are bywords for renowned local producers: Robsons of Craster, Frank Round of North Shields and Swallows of Seahouses supply fish; Blagdon Farm, Wallington Hall and Northumberland Poultry of Longhorsley provide meat and poultry; Trotters Family Bakers in Seahouses and Border Homebake of Haltwhistle are the hotel’s bakers; eggs are from Sunnyhills in Belford; and Coffee is from Pumphreys of Blaydon.

Head Chef Chris Wood, Sous Chef Andrew Blakey both who have trained under some of the foremost chefs in the UK the rest of the team have a strict local sourcing policy “We have a plentiful variety of high quality produce available in Northumberland that is a pleasure to use. As well as using local suppliers for meat, cheese, fish and bread, we grow as many of our own herbs and vegetables as possible, here in the kitchen garden at Eshott.”

Served in the elegant Drawing Room, the full Afternoon Tea is priced at only £9.50 per person. This quintessential British meal offers everything one would expect from a fine country house hotel. Guests will enjoy a choice of freshly made sandwiches, cream scones and home-made cakes. If you would like to make it an extra special occasion, why not indulge with a bottle of Champagne! To finish diners are welcome to take a stroll around the grounds including the abundant kitchen garden.

Dan Ball, who manages the Hall with his wife Louise, is delighted with the new fine dining events on the hotel’s calendar. He says, “Eshott Hall is a perfect venue for a special occasion, romantic evening or night out with friends – it’s now a place to taste great food.  We are delighted that even more people will have the chance to enjoy the menu created by Chris Wood and his team – menus are guaranteed to be new and exciting and full of seasonal treats and temptations.”
For the serious foodie on December 9th is the Gourmet dinner – there will be chance to try the locally inspired gourmet tasting menu which runs to a magnificent 9 courses.

The evening begins with Champagne & Canapés and Chefs Amuse Bouche followed by a Confit Pheasant Roulade, Pan Fried Quail Breast with Beetroot & Red Lentil, then Lobster & Crayfish Salad with Saffron Heritage Potato. All this is before the main event of Ingram Valley Lamb Loin with Rosemary, Wild Mushroom & Cabbage Dome and Glazed Lamb Sweetbreads. The tasting will also allow diners to try a range of sweet delights including Champagne & Truffle Granite, Apple & Calvados Soufflé, Chocolate Dome, Orange Marshmallow, Caramel Sea Salt Ice cream and finally Coffee & Petit Fours! Tickets are priced at £75 inclusive of menu and aperitif.

The Hall has eleven large beautifully decorated and furnished bedrooms, a drawing room, library, dining room and orangery.  It is one of Northumberland’s most beautiful 17th century country houses and enjoys and idyllic setting surrounded by tranquil gardens and ancient woodland.  Within the grounds are a tennis court, fernery, lake and functioning kitchen garden. Earlier this year it was awarded 5 AA Stars for its Bed & Breakfast and a coveted AA Rosette for its fine dining. The hotel is open for lunch, dinner, corporate functions and weddings.

Afternoon Tea is now available daily at £9.50 per person. Sunday lunch from 18th November is priced at £17.00 per person for two courses and £22.00 a head for three courses.  The Tasting Evening is on 9th December, and is £75 per person. Booking is essential for all events.

Find out more about Eshott Hall.

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Alex MacLennan who took time out from creating mountain bike trails in Kielder to ride down one of them in aid of the Calvert Trust

Not content with overseeing the massive expansion of mountain bike routes in Kielder Water & Forest Park, Alex MacLennan from Bellingham put on his finest shorts to race hell for leather down one of the beauty-spot’s toughest trails for charity.

The Forestry Commission recreation chief took part in a mass downhill race in the spectacular 155,000 acre wilderness to raise money for the Calvert Trust Kielder  on Sunday.   The  pulse quickening descent from the top of 2,000 foot Deadwater Fell – the highest off road trail in England – took  Alex  17 minutes  and 9 seconds,  testing nerve and sinew.   Alex hopes to raise about £200 for his helter-skelter ride.

He explained:

“Calvert  Trust  do awesome work and I am always inspired by what they do, so I felt it was only right to do get involved raising cash. The mass downhill is a fabulous event where  50 riders set  out at the same time to race down Deadwater Fell. The weather was very  misty  at the top,  but it’s a heck of a ride and I’m  very pleased to have come in 31st position with 37 riders finishing. ”

The event is organised by Northern Downhill, which stages races across the north of England. Winner Jo Young won the race in just under 12 minutes.

Find out more about Kielder Water & Forest Park

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Doxford Hall Hotel

Doxford Hall is offering a new birding break in the new year intended for those who are beginners or have a basic knowledge of birding, and would like to explore the scenic North Northumberland coast in winter. Two whole day trips includes Includes visits to Seahouses, Monkshouse Pool on the way to Bamburgh to walk up to Budle Point. Then inland route to Waren Mill, checking fields for feeding geese, and stream and copse for passerines. Budle Bay for waders and ducks. A whole day trip to Holy Island, via Causeway with stops at appropriate places to view waders, geese, ducks etc. Perhaps a bit of sight-seeing of the Priory and Castle.

The birding breaks are available from Sunday 19th February 2012 for 3 nights.

The ‘Birding Break’ includes:

Dinner, bed and breakfast each night, 2 packed lunches.
£280.00 per person based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room. (£30.00 per person, per night single room supplement is applicable).

Find out more about the Birding Break

Find out more about Doxford Hall Hotel

Find out more about Birdwatching in Northumberland

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Eshott Hall

Northumberland’s Eshott Hall Hotel has launched a gourmet break that gives passionate foodies the chance to eat and drink the best of the county’s produce and meet the people behind the region’s finest food.  Onsite sampling of the famous Swallow Fish Smoked Kippers and grass fed Ingram Valley lamb, learning more about local liqueurs and artisan cheeses, visiting the local farmers market and creating canapés are on the menu from Wednesday 23^rd to Friday 25^th November.

To add to this non-stop array of tasting, tutorials and temptation, guests will enjoy the ingredients they have sampled during their tours in the delicious dishes created by the highly skilled chefs at Northumberland’s newest and most luxurious boutique hotel.

Since opening last year, this fine Georgian House  has quickly gained a reputation for the quality of its food. Under the guidance of Head Chef Chris Wood, the hotel features a constantly changing menu based around seasonal, local produce.  The Hotel has its own kitchen garden so many of the herbs and vegetables are only minutes old when they hit the plate. During this two night break, which is priced at £240 per person (based on two people sharing),  guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner  followed by a chance to relax in their luxury accommodation before getting up to enjoy a full Northumbrian Breakfast the next morning.

Chris Wood is passionate about passing on his knowledge as he explains: “Northumberland’s varied countryside means we enjoy a rich and enviable palate from lamb from the rolling grassy hills of the Cheviots to freshly caught fish and seafood, rare breed pork, free range poultry and wild game. We also have artisan cheeses, breads and pickles, pies and puddings. Guests will see exactly where the ingredients for their meals have been grown, reared and produced before sitting down to enjoy them for dinner.”

The first day of the tour includes:

An introduction to Northumberland’s produce and a canapé demonstration.

A pre-dinner “call my quaff” style Wine and Cheese Tasting from the nearby award-winning Doddington Dairy. The cheese is made using traditional methods with milk from one of Northumberland’s few remaining dairy herds.

Gourmet Dinner including a local cheese board.

The second day incorporates:-

A behind the scenes tour of the renowned Swallow Fish of Seahouses to see the region’s famous kippers.

A visit to the Cheviots to see the place where the famous Ingram Valley Lamb is raised.

Guests will enjoy this local seafood and lamb at dinner.

After dinner tasting of local liqueurs, chocolates and confectionary.

After breakfast on their final day, guest are invited to take a tour to the Farmer’s Market in the historic market town of Alnwick giving them chance to stock up before their return home.

The Eshott Hall Gourmet break is £480.00 (based on 2 sharing) with an option of a 3rd night with dinner for only a further £180.

Booking is subject to availability and early reservations are advised.  Please note that your own transport required.  To make a reservation please contact: Louise Ball on Tel. 01670 787454, email louise.ball@eshotthall.co.uk  or visit www.eshott.com.

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North Pennines AONB Team

The North Pennines AONB Partnership has picked up a prize for its work in improving the area’s special upland hay meadows – and encouraging local volunteers and schoolchildren to learn about and look after them.

The AONB Partnership won the Natural Environment and Countryside Improvement section of the County Durham Environment Awards 2011 for its Hay Time project, launched in 2006 to conserve, enhance and celebrate the special upland hay meadows found in the North Pennines.

The Hay Time project is supported by the County Durham Environment Trust (CDENT) and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Action to restore meadows that have lost their characteristic plant species has focused on harvesting species-rich seed from flower-rich meadows and then spreading it on nearby fields. To date, 193 hectares of meadows have received seed in this way. A hard-working team of volunteer botanists have been working with Partnership staff to monitor the impact of this work and their surveys have shown that the process is effective in returning important plants to the meadows.

Community and education work over the past three years has enabled 577 children from 19 local primary schools to engage in a wide range of activities including hay meadow visits, drama workshops and even hay rope making! Nine-year-old Maria Barrett from St John’s Chapel Primary School in Weardale attended the awards ceremony to represent all the children who have been involved in the work of the project.

Rebecca Barrett, Project Development Officer for the AONB Partnership and Hay Time Project Manager said: “We are passionate about the work we are doing to both conserve and raise the profile of these treasures in our landscape, and we’re delighted to receive this award”.

Read more about the North Pennines AONB on Visit Northumberland.

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Owl joins in on National Trust's Halloween Trail at Lindisfarne Castle

A visitor to Lindisfarne Castle was surprised when asked to look out for an owl on the National Trust’s Halloween trail, to be faced with the real thing. The visitor and her children were completing the Halloween hunt around the castle looking for hidden objects, one being a foot tall plastic owl.

On finishing the trail they presented a snap of a real owl to House Steward, Nick Lewis, who told us “I was shocked to see the picture. I thought the family were joking at first but it was great to see the bird perching on the ledge. I have been keeping an eye out for owls since we installed an owl box on the back of the ticket hut. Two years ago a pair were rooting on the ledge outside the Ship Room and below the West Bedroom but there has been no sighting since.

These photos show the West Bedroom windows so it is encouraging that they may have returned to roost and perhaps nest.”

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Simonside Crags, Rothbury

The Great Outdoors might have been invented for describing the wonderful multiplicity of things to do in the impressive Northumberland Countryside. Renting holiday accommodation in this region of England is so popular as the there area so many things to do and see, it being England’s county with the most castles.

Popular as a home to few of the most beautiful and best cycling as well as walking in the country, the amazing Northumberland offers a heaven for the nature lovers and bird watchers, tranquil spots for fishing and golf in addition to the activities to fasten the pulse and increase the adrenaline levels. There are numerous exciting things to do in Northumberland including:

Walking around the beach, bays, dunes and taking lunch in Ship Inn at the Low Newton especially cappuccinos and the sandwiches are wroth trying. The Football Cove is a fun; however do not swim there, since the current is really strong.

It is extremely sheltered that makes it a wonderful place for sun bathing. Beautiful stroll from Seahouses up to Bamburgh near the beach at low tide is certainly a thing to do when in Northumberland.

Spending a day at the famous Chillingham Castle near Chatton, where you can find a eclectic fusion of artifacts varying from personal letters by Jules Holland and invitations from the Buckingham Palace. In addition, various other artifacts are accessible as well such as the old wooden skis exercised on the Everest expeditions, stuffed alligators, torture chamber contraptions, suits of the armor along with the letter noticing you for not stealing the silverware otherwise you will be struck down.

Apparently, it is the most haunted castle of UK. Sometimes cream teas are provided in the garden. The castle often incorporates bonfire parties, fireworks as well in the ground in addition to the ghost rides.

Another thing to do when in Northumberland is browsing the hundreds and thousands of handbooks obtainable at the Barter Books at the old railway station in Alnwick. Lit fire will be available, help yourself to get coffee and treat to discounted literary classic and Enid Blyton bargain. The great stocked kid’s corner is popular.

Later, you can catch a film at the Alnwick Playhouse or else popping in the present-day Blackmores Brasserie crossways the road for a drink or a lunch.

You can also take pamper sessions at Ocean Club at Seahouses. Necessary oil wrap and marine mud or a senses and sea hot stone massage are worth taking. There are generally three exclusively priced pamper days scheduled for the guests of the ocean club. It is advisable to book in advance for the Silver, Gold or Bronze pamper treat, which constitutes coffee on reaching in addition to complimentary access to sauna, pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and gym. This rejuvenating experience will make your tour of Northumberland more relaxing.

Having a pint in the real ale pub located near the corner of the Plaice and Fisherman’s Retreat is the best thing to do in Northumberland. Olde ship hotel is the one of the best real pub in whole Northumberland. Hundred and thousands of whisky blends, home made food and the bear garden, which overlooks the harbour, is simply amazing.

Make your self catering holiday the best trip of your life and enjoy to the maximum with delicious food, great scenery and friendly people in Northumberland, England.

Come and stay in Northumberland holiday rentals for your summer holiday with your family. There are many caravan holidays throughout the region with many next to the sea. Build sandcastles with your children and enjoy the clean sandy beaches and many ancient castles that help make Northumberland an ideal destination for families wishing to stay in self catering accommodation.

Author: Andy Gibson – Read Andy’s blog

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College Valley - Jane Matheson

The Cheviot hills are the highest mountains in the north east of England and are formed around the remains of an ancient volcano. The most northerly of these is the College Valley and you won’t find any signs or directions for it. This is a truly hidden valley.There is only one way in and despite being one of the most beautiful places in Northumberland there are no tourist signposts.

The Valley has been owned by College Valley Estates since 1953 and it is managed and looked after in a way which ensures that you can walk through the valley and imagine what it was like 4,000 years ago.

History in the valley.

There is a neolithic stone circle along the valley floor as well as iron age hill forts along some of the summits.  There are the remains of settlements dating back to Roman times visible along the hill sides.

During the 18th and 19th centuries the Valley was owned by Lord Collingwood who was at Trafalgar with Nelson. He planted acorns along one of the valley hills and you can see the oak trees which have grown since his time.

Shortly after the first world war the Valley was acquired by Sir Arthur Sutherland who also owned Dunstanburgh Castle on the coast.

During the WW2 there were quite a few plane crashes over the Cheviot hills, both allied and axis planes being involved. There is a monument to the people who lost their lives here and on a ridge near the Cheviot you can still find some remains from a flying fortress.

Walking in the Valley.

With over 12,000 acres and 100 kms of roads, paths and forest trails there are plenty of ways to explore the Valley. The Pennine way follows the border ridge with Scotland along the north west side of the Valley. Saint Cuthbert’s way (find accommodation) also runs through the Valley as it travels from Melrose to Lindisfarne.

Environment in the Valley.

Farming is predominantly sheep based with the occasional introduction of cattle. There is virtually no use of fertilisers within the Valley and the streams and hill sides are clean and pollution free. With wind direction either from the coast ( north sea) or blowing in from the Scottish borders there is also minimal air pollution.

Access to the Valley.

There is only one road in and no other way out. The road up the central valley is privately owned and vehicular access is restricted to twelve per day on the payment of a small fee. Whilst cars are restricted walkers, bikers and horse riders are encouraged.

Holidays in the Valley.Bringing your dog(s).

There are four separate self catering holiday cottages. Dunsdale house is the highest of these and is followed by Coldburn cottage, The Old School and Hethpool Mill. All cottages have been renovated to high standards and offer a good standard of accommodation. Dogs are permitted in each cottage and the owners do not place a limit on the size or number of pets you bring. There are kennels outside each cottage and Coldburn has an enclosed garden.

Outside the Valley

The College Valley is approximately 20 miles from the golden sands of the Northumberland Coast. Nearer by there are National Trust properties such as Cragside. The castle and gardens at Alnwick are also very popular.

The coast is an area of outstanding natural beauty and small ports like Alnmouth and Amble offer great opportunities to stroll along the beach and then relax in a warm pub.

Further reading.

Google knol article on the Valley. College Valley details on the Northumbria Byways website.

College Valley country fair

Tours & Tour Guides which can take you on College Valley walks.

Author: Colin Corlett.

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