Explore Northumberland

Hadrian’s Wall

Stretching for 73 miles across England’s most northern counties, Hadrian’s Wall is a testament to the construction skills of the Romans, and a lasting reminder of their presence in Britain. The Wall marks the most northerly edge of the Roman Empire and was their biggest building project in Britain, begun upon order of the Emperor Hadrian in AD122. The United Nations has now classified Hadrian's Wall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stretches of the Wall are still intact, and there are numerous walks along it. Cawfields to Walltown Quarry is widely acknowledged to be the most dramatic section, and the Wall is dotted with Roman forts, temples and archaeological sites, offering an insight into how the Romans lived almost 2,000 years ago. But if you’re still struggling to picture what life was like back then, why not attend one of the many battle enactments that take place in places like Housesteads and Corbridge during the summer weekends?

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Lindisfarne is an Island off the Numberland coast, joined to the mainland by a causeway at low tide. Lindisfarne Priory was founded in the 7th Century by Saint Aidan, and became a base for Christian evangelising in the north of England. The island is home to a true national treasure – the Lindisfarne Gospels, a beautiful illuminated Latin manuscript of the gospels of Mark, Luke and John.

Today visitors to the island’s Heritage Centre can view an electronic version of the book, and find out more about the history of Lindisfarne, including the story of St Cuthbert, Northumberland’s patron saint, who became Bishop of Lindisfarne in the 7th Century. Alongside the Priory and Heritage Centre, you can also explore Lindisfarne Castle, sample a fresh crab sandwich, or take a trip to the Farne Islands, where you can spot puffins or even a grey seal.

The Alnwick Garden

The Alnwick Garden is arguably the finest contemporary garden in the UK. Transforming a derelict piece of land into a stunning visitor attraction in just over ten years, the Duchess of Northumberland has created an exciting, modern design, where an eclectic set of features are brought to life by water.

At the centre of the Garden you can marvel at the riotous water displays of the Grand Cascade, while in the Serpent Garden, eight water sculptures ripple out from the coils of a topiary serpent. The Poison Garden houses a host of dangerous plants, while the Rose Garden, offers an altogether more genteel atmosphere, with the perfume of climbing roses, clematis and honeysuckle filling the air.

This fascinating place is a must-see for gardeners.