Northumberland

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This fabulous county is the least densley populated in England, with plenty of room for you and your group, and castles galore including Bamburgh and Alnwick, home to Harry Potter, indeed room enough for a game of Quidditch!

And it truly is! Perched atop a rocky outcrop at the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Bamburgh Castle reigns supreme over the surrounding landscape and seascape. With outstanding views landward to the Cheviot Hills and seaward to the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne it offers a feast for the eyes to behold. As for Englishness, there’s been something here from the time of the Anglo-Saxons, it was from here that Christianity spread throughout the North of England, it’s because of here that Lindisfarne is now known as the Holy Island. It was the first castle in England to be besieged by canon fire, it was home to the world’s first Coastguard station and the development of the first ever lifeboat. Finally bought in 1864 for £8000 it was restored as the quintessential English castle by one of England’s greatest inventors and philanthropists, 1st Lord Armstrong. Now groups can explore the State Rooms, discovering thousands of items in a collection containing furniture, porcelain, works of art, arms and armour. A separate museum tells the story of 1st Lord Armstrong and contains fascinating Aviation artefacts displays. The café provides a welcome rest stop for all and there’s ample parking for coaches. www.bamburghcastle.com Ford & Etal gem! This unique country Estate is an ideal group destination, whether calling for an hour or a whole day. Centred on the picturesque villages of Ford and Etal and set amid stunning countryside, there are a multitude of things to see and do.

Attractions include working cornmill; gallery; castle; steam railway; heavy horse and rare breeds centre. Enjoy refreshments in one of the tearooms or enjoy a locally brewed ale in the only thatched pub in Northumberland.

Ford & Etal is within easy reach of the A1 and A697 and can be included in a day’s itinerary when visiting Lindisfarne or the historic towns of Kelso and Berwickupon-Tweed.

Coach parking is free and admission charges for prebooked groups are heavily discounted.

They can provide bespoke itineraries and talks by

www.ford-and-etal.co.uk

Bamburgh

The King of Castles