Visit Britain/Andrew
Pickett
Visit Britain/Andrew Pickett
Visit Britain/Ashliegh Wick
FISH IS ALWAYS ON THE MENU IN NORTHUMBERLAND
T HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FOR ON HADRIAN’S WALL
SYCAMORE GAP, HA DR
IAN
48 HOURS IN
Northumberland Picturesque towns, living history, rolling countryside and a coastline that’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty make Northumberland a crowd pleaser, says
Beth Wardell
Icons from www.flaticon.com - Time by Ilham Fitrotul Hayat. Images courtesy of Visit Britain.
Welcome to the North of England, truly. Northumberland borders Scotland as well as County Durham, Cumbria and Tyneside, is the sparsest populated county in England and has no cities, although Newcastle Upon Tyne is close by. Not only is Northumberland the home of Earl Grey tea but it has more castles than any other county in England (over 70) and sits under the largest protected area of night sky in Europe.
Friday afternoon
Just 16 miles west of Newcastle is the pretty village of Corbridge where you can explore an impressive array of independent shops and cafes. The Watling Coffee House is the perfect place to fuel up on tasty cakes. From here it’s a 25-minute drive to Vindolanda, a Roman fort and museum just south of Hadrian’s Wall. Take your time to appreciate the well-preserved artefacts, excavated bones and pretty gardens. If you have time, take a walk into the stunning surrounding countryside. Closeby is Sycamore Gap, a pretty part of Hadrian’s Wall that has a single tree growing out of it and starred in the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Head to the Langley Castle Hotel to give yourself
50
time to enjoy your four-poster bed and spa bath and soak up the atmosphere in its grand halls, complete with suits of armour.
Saturday morning
After breakfast, hit the road and make sure you make time for plenty of photo stops along the stunning A68 towards Alnwick. There is ample free parking in the centre of town so drive on in. Pay a visit to Barter Books, one of Britain’s largest second hand book stores. This enchanting treasure trove of tomes is housed in an old railway station and as you browse the shelves you’ll notice tiny trains passing over your head on a model railway. From here, wander to the Playhouse. This arts centre is home to the Alnwick library, a coffee shop and a cinema, as well as hosting plays and gigs. Go to The Dirty Bottles for lunch, a purportedly haunted pub that’s had a stylish makeover and offers English Free to join, this allclassics like fish and chips with club and travel co American favourites like beef brisket.
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