Northumberland provides a wealth of opportunities for physical activities, places to roam and places to visit. An intriguing border history has left a landscape of castles, picturesque villages and country estates. Historical sites include the Roman wall stretching across the breadth of England, the remains of the Roman fortified town of Vindolanda and numerous castles for defence against invaders from north of the border. Redesdale provides a central location for day visits to picturesque costal towns such as Warkworth and its sandy beaches, Kielder water, Alnwick Castle, towns such as Rothbury and Jedburgh on the border, Newcastle city centre with its mixture of Victorian and modern architecture. Sporting activities in the area include walking, horse riding, hunting, shooting, fishing, sailing, nature watching and quad biking. The area includes Northumberland National Park and is renowned by astronomers for night skies that are largely free from light pollution.

Below are just some of places you may wish to visit. However this list is by no means comprehensive and there are many more interesting places to visit.

Rothbury - approx. distance: 16 miles.
A small market town which straddles the River Coquet with a pleasant mix of old stone and some newer brick-built properties. Although technically a town with a proposal everyone still tends to call it a village and it has a village feel about it. Shops, pubs, restaurants and houses are clustered on the sloping banks of the river which bisects the village with the majority of the commercial properties situated on the north side. The views are magnificent from all sides, with views to Cragside, Blaeberry Hill, Simonside, and in the far distance, the Cheviots. Rothbury has something to offer everyone; even in the depths of winter. In spring the clear fresh air, fast flowing streams and river have a refreshing cleanliness. In summer the town is sheltered and warm, and there are a variety of small specialist shops. Many people return every year to shop. Walkers, mountain bikers, fishermen and sports people are all catered for. Artists, photographers and nature-lovers find it a haven.

Alnwick Castle - approx. distance: 30 miles.
A visit to Alnwick Castle can be enjoyed by the whole family. The glorious medieval castle can seem foreboding, and certainly its history lacks nothing in drama and intrigue. Some may recognise it as a film location, for everything from Hogwarts in Harry Potter to Elizabeth to Becket to Blackadder. A popular venue for a wide range of events from concerts to charity fund raisers, abseiling to military displays. In addition there is a comprehensive programme of regular events to entertain visitors including archery lessons, brass rubbing, grounds tours and magical history tours. See website or telephone 01665 510777 for seasonal opening times, ticket prices, details of events and booking requirements.

Cragside House (National Trust) - approx. distance: 16 miles.
A mansion fit for a King built on the side of a rocky crag, the house of Lord Armstrong, the Victorian inventor, industrial entrepreneur and landscape genius is a technological wonder. Described in 1880 as 'a palace of the modern magician' it is built on a rocky crag high above the Debdon Burn. Crammed with ingenious amenities it was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. If the early technology does not take your interest then you can enjoy one of the largest rock gardens in Europe, which surrounds the mansion on all sides or the tranquillity of the woodland and lakeside walks. An adventure play area and labyrinth provide entertainment for kids. Dogs are welcome on the state. See website or telephone 01669 620333 for seasonal opening times and ticket prices.

Kielder Water & Forest Park - approx. distance: 30 miles.
Home to northern Europe's largest man made lake and England's largest forest. Outdoor activities include mountain biking, cycling, walking and water sports plus art, culture, heritage, wildlife, and star gazing. And all in a beautiful, scenic and tranquil setting. The 27 mile shoreline is surrounded by forest and heather moorland.

Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens (English Heritage) - approx. distance: 24 miles.
A Greek Revival villa, medieval castle with outstanding, plant-rich gardens to explore set on the edge of the picturesque Belsay village. With thirty acres of picturesque landscaping, including magnificent rhododendrons, it has forever changing seasonal delights such as snowdrops, gorgeous summer blooms or golden leafy hues. The magical and romantic Quarry Garden has ravines, pinnacles and sheer rock faces inspired by the quarries of Sicily. You can climb right to the top of the tower of the castle ruins for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Belsay Hall itself is a Classical Greek Revival villa, centred around the amazing central two-storey ‘Pillar Hall’, wander the large unfurnished rooms and discover the stark architecture. Belsay’s Victorian tea room, situated in the old kitchen is the perfect mid-visit stop off. See website or telephone 0191 269 1200 for seasonal opening times and ticket prices.

Vindolanda - approx. distance: 50 miles.
A Roman fort occupied by the Roman army around AD 85. The fort guarded the central section of the vital east to west supply route, known now as the Stanegate. When Hadrian’s Wall was built some 40 years later, Vindolanda became a Wall fort between Housesteads and Great Chesters. The early forts on the site were built in timber, and required replacement every seven to eight years. The remains of these early forts now lie some two to six metres below the present turf, protected by the later remains of stone structures. The Museum, in the valley just to the east of the site of the stone fort already holds a vast range of leather goods, textiles, wooden objects, bronze and iron objects. But the most highly prized of all are the slivers of wood, covered in spidery ink writing. They were the official and private correspondence of the men and women who lived at Vindolanda nearly 2000 years ago. Their accounts, military documents, leave requests and even drawings all date to the year immediately before the construction of Hadrian's Wall, and they form the earliest archive of written material in British history. The Romans constructed at least ten forts on the site and after many years of work it is estimated that it will take at least another 150 years to complete the examination of Roman Vindolanda. See website or telephone 01434 344 277 for seasonal opening times and ticket prices.

Roman Wall - approx. distance: 20 miles.
The most prominent remains of the Hadrian's Roman Wall World Heritage Site are to be found in Northumberland. A dramatic setting that was once the Northern Frontier of the Roman Empire with a fantastic landscape of rolling hills and wide open countryside that has a particular appeal for those who appreciate fresh air and walking in the outdoors. There are walks for every level of walker, from the short walk for all the family, to walks over more difficult terrain. Try a guided walk. Besides walking you can also explore the natural world through verse and music at The Hearth in Horsley and visit welcoming coffee shops, tea rooms and cafes at Simonburn, The Garden Station, Chollerford, Kirkharle and Herding Hill. At Kirkharle, birthplace of Capability Brown, you will find a range of fascinating craft shops where you can watch the artists at work. At Herding Hill you can enjoy home grown beef, pork or lamb in their Bistro, and buy some to take home in the farm shop. If it is art that you love you can spend an afternoon at the Horsley Print Makers. If you wish to be actively involved there are numerous workshops and courses for entertainment and education.

Beamish Living Museum - approx. distance: 50 miles.
Beamish is Britain's favourite open air museum and is set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside. Experience life in the early eighteen and nineteen hundreds. Visit the town, farm, school, shops and go down a real coal mine. The buildings are original buildings from the era painstakingly dismantled, moved and reconstructed at the site. Travel by tram or vintage bus between locations of interest. It is a working museum which recreates how the people of the North of England lived and worked in the early eighteen and nineteen hundreds. See website or telephone 0191 370 4000 for seasonal opening times, ticket prices and details of events.