Historical Interest 

Ayton Castle

In 1846 James Gillespie built Ayton Castle in flamboyant Scottish-baronial style for the Governor of the Bank of Scotland. It fell into some decay, but over the past few years has been fully restored and is now once again a family home. It is surrounded by mature woodlands, and is often made use of by film-makers. Open mid-May to mid-September, Sundayss 14:00-17:00. Tel: 01890 781212. There are ruins of a pre-Reformation kirk in the local churchyard.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 north; turn right onto the unclassified Bywell/Felton road 3 miles east; turn left onto the Al 5 miles north towards Felton; at Newton stay on the Al 13 miles north towards N Charlton; at north towards Charlton stay on the Al 31 miles north towards Lucker; at Burnmouth stay on the Al 2 miles west to Ayton and Ayton Castle. Estimated driving time, 79 minutes.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh is a 12th century castle, one of the oldest in Britain. Noted for its mammoth curtain wall it stands perched high on a coastal cliff overlooking the village of Bamburgh. In the 7th century it was conquered by Edwin of Northumbria and so became the seat of the kings of Northumbria. Under the holy king, St Oswald, the nearby monastery of Lindisfarne (Holy Island) was founded, before the castle was sacked by the Danes. The first bishop and abbot of Lindisfarne was St Aidan, who was of Irish origin. He came to England in 635 and was appointed by St Oswald.

St Bede wrote warmly of St Aidan: the parish church at Bamburgh is the only English church dedicated to him. In the 15th-century further damage was inflicted on Bamburgh Castle. Since that time Bamburgh has, on a number of occasions, been used as a state prison. (In 1757 the Trustees of Bishop Crewe's Charity converted the upper parts into a granary, "whence, in times of scarcity, corn might be sold to the poor at a cheap rate". Later, a large room was fitted up "for educating boys on the Madras system". A storm-warning system was installed for local shipping and "there are likewise provided instruments and tackle for raising sunken vessels... Thirty beds are kept for shipwrecked sailors)".

Today, surprisingly, Bamburgh is a comfortable house - restored by Lord Armstrong in 1894 at an estimated cost of £1.5 million. It is open daily from Easter to the end of October, from 11:00am. Closing times vary. Tel: 01668 214215. There is a museum in the village at Bamburgh which tells the story of brave Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper's daughter who, in an 1838 storm, rowed out with her father to rescue shipwreck survivors.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 north; turn right onto the unclassified Bywell/Felton road 3 miles east; turn left onto the Al 5 miles north towards Edinburgh; at Newton stay on the Al 13 miles north towards Edinburgh; at north towards Charlton stay on the Al 6 miles north towards Edinburgh; turn right onto the B1341 5 miles to Bamburgh. Estimated driving time, 49 minutes.

Belsay Hall

Belsay House is an important neo-classical house completed in 1815. The 30 acres of magnificent gardens at Belsay were created in the 1830s and 1840s. The design remains almost unchanged to this day - you may still see a number of plants dating from 1830. The Quarry Garden at Belsay was the original source of the honey-coloured stone used to build Belsay House. There are a series of guided tours round the garden in summer. Now in the care of English Heritage and open from April - October daily 10:00-18:00, November - March daily 10:00 - 16:00.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 south; at Longhorsley take the A697 5 miles southeast; turn right onto the Al 3 miles south towards Stannington; turn off onto the B6524 8 miles southwest to Belsay.

Brinkburn Priory

Brinkburn Priory was built for Augustinian Canons between 1130-1135. Its founder was the Lord of Mitford. It stands on the River Coquet. It remained in a fairly good state of repair until the end of the 16th-century, then stood in ruins for many years until it was carefully restored in 1858 by the architect Thomas Austin of Newcastle. The priory church is said by some to be the finest Gothic church in Northumberland. It has a particularly fine William Hill organ.

Built in 1868 it has never been altered. The Gabrieli Consort often record here because of the excellent acoustics. Brinkburn is in the care of English Heritage. Open end of March to September, 12:00-17:00. Tel: 01665 570628. 

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 2 miles north; turn left onto the B6344 west; at Brinkburn Lodge take the unclassified road left, to Brinkburn Priory. Estimated driving time, 5 minutes.

Chillingham Castle

Chillingham Castle was built in the 12th century and restored in the l4th century. It played an important role during Northumberland's bloody border feuds, and was often besieged. The grounds were laid out by Sir Jeffrey Wyattville after he had completed his important work at Windsor Castle. Its 300-acre wooded park is noted for its unique, herd of fierce creamy-white cattle, (when the engraver Thomas Bewick came to draw them, they chased him up a tree). The beasts are descended from prehistoric wild oxen that lived in the nearby forests and are believed to have become trapped here when the park was walled in 1220.

Recently Chillingham has been extensively and exuberantly restored by its owner, Sir Humphrey Wakefield, Bt.. Open Easter and May - September daily except Tuesday, 12:00-17:00 July - August and Bank Holidays daily 12:00-17:30; January - December by appointment only. Tel: 01668 215359. 

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 3 miles north towards Coldstream; at Longframlington stay on the A697 12 miles north towards Powburn; at Powburn continue on the A697 6 miles north; turn right onto the unclassified road 5 miles east through Newtown to Chillingham Castle. Estimated driving time, 42 minutes.

Cragside

Norman Shaw designed this splendid Victorian mansion, which stands in 1,000 acres of grounds. It was created by the first Lord Armstrong. The house, now owned by the National Trust, was the first in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity - the system being installed by Lord Armstrong himself by means of many manmade lakes and intricate underground piping. He also planted over seven million trees and shrubs, including many rhododendrons and unusual conifers, in the surrounding hillsides. The estate's 1,700 acres are traversed by some 40 miles of drives and walks, including a beautiful bridge spanning the Debdon gorge with its free-flowing waterfalls. In contrast is Cragside's formal garden, laid out along three terraces and highlighted by a fernery, orchard house, and Italian terrace with rose loggia. There is a 1.5 mile circular walk, and an Armstrong Energy Centre'. Opening times of National Trust properties vary quite widely from year to year, so it is advisable to ring up before setting out on a visit. The telephone number at Cragside is 01669 620333. National Trust properties are usually open from April 1 to October 31, on three to five afternoons each week (usually Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at least), and between 13:00 and 17:00.

Last admissions are usually 30 minutes before the stated closing time. It is now becoming the policy of the National Trust to discourage visitors from using their cars, and say they'd prefer it if you arrived by public transport - or by bicycle! Parking space may, therefore, be limited. 

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 north towards Longframlington; at Longframlington stay on the A697 5 miles north; take the B6341 southwest to Cragside. Estimated driving time, 16 minutes.

Dunstanburgh Castle

You can only reach Dunstanburgh Castle by walking there from Craster village. The castle dates from the 14th century and is set on top of a l00ft basalt crag. The surviving ruins include a large gatehouse, and the curtain walls. The property is owned by the National Trust but is in the care of English Heritage. Open April - September daily 10:00-18:00; October daily 10:00-16:00; November - Mar Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 - 16:00. Closed for lunch throughout the season. Tel: 01665 576231.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 north; turn right onto the unclassified Bywell/Felton road 3 miles east; turn left onto the Al 5 miles north towards Edinburgh; at Newton stay on the Al 7 miles north towards Edinburgh; bear right onto the B1340 2 miles north towards Rennington; at Littlehoughton turn right onto the unclassified road 4 miles northeast to Craster; from Craster follow the signposted footpath to Dunstanburgh. Estimated driving time, 36 minutes, plus walking time from Craster.

Edlingham Castle

Set in a beautiful valley, Edlingham is a remote moorland village but it has some very interesting relics: a tiny Norman church, a 12th-century peel-tower, a 13th-century castle, and a five-arched bridge of what used to be the Alnwick-Coldstream Railway. Edlingham Castle is in the care of English Heritage and open at any reasonable time. 

Directions: Leave Linden Hall take the A697 north towards Coldstream; turn right onto the B6341 2 miles to Edlingham. Estimated driving time, 18 mins.

Hadrians Wall

Hadrian's Wall is the name given to the Roman fortification which defended the northern province of the Roman province of Britain between the Solway and the Tyne. It was built at the express wish of the Emperor Hadrian after he visited Britain in AD 120. It consisted of a continuous rampart some 73 miles long; there were 17 major garrisons along the way, a deep ditch cut on the northern side, and a fort every mile - each close enough to the next so that troops could hear a trumpet call against the wind. There are many good vantage points for seeing the wall a few of which are listed below.

The directions given below are those to Vindolanda, perhaps the most important site, and take you along the A69 which follows the course of the Wall. Our descriptions actually begin at the East Turret near Hare Hill, one of the most easterly sites, followed by those to the west, mostly along the B6318.  East Turret, in the care of English Heritage, is well preserved. From the adjoining stretches of wall there are some fine views. Open at any reasonable time. At Leahill Turret you can see the foundations of a turf turret originally constructed before Hadrian's stone wall.  It is in the care of English Heritage and open at any reasonable time. At Piper Sike there's a turf Wall Turret which was built before the stone wall was erected.

At Pike Hill there are remains of a tower, 2Oft square. It was placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the wall in order to provide a signal station. English Heritage. Open at any reasonable time. Birdoswald (Camboglanna) is an important and well-preserved fort standing on an escarpment with fine views over the Irthing Valley. Recent excavations have exposed parts of granaries and a west gate. Open any reasonable time. The site is in the care of the Cumbria County Council who levy an admission charge). Tel: 016977 47602.

At Harrow's Scar there are some remains that are linked to Birdoswald Fort by an impressive length of wall. English Heritage. Open at any reasonable time. At Willowford Bridge (English Heritage) there's thousand yards of Wall including two turrets that lead to a bridge abutment. This was altered in Roman days owing to changes in the course of the river.  Open any reasonable time (access controlled by Willowford Farm, a small admission charge is levied). A 220-yard stretch of the Wall stands in the garden of Gisland vicarage, private house. Open at any reasonable time. At Poltross Burn is one of the best preserved of the milecastles. In the care of English Heritage and open at any reasonable time.

At Walltown Crags there is an impressive and well preserved stretch of wall 400-yards long, snaking over Crags. The turret there actually pre-dates the Wall and may have formed part of long-distance signal system. In the care of English Heritage and open at any reasonable time. Cawfields Milecastle hangs on to the edge of a dramatic stretch of wall where the land falls away in sheer crags to the north. In the care of English Heritage and open at any reasonable time.

At Winshields (English Heritage) you can see one of the most rugged sections of the Wall It runs for about 350-yards and incorporates the highest point of Winshields Crag. Open at any reasonable time. Vindolanda, together with Housesteads, is one of the most interesting places to visit along the Wall There is a fort here, and an extensively excavated civil settlement covering 3.5 acres.

In the Vindolanda Trust's museum there are some extraordinary exhibits unearthed in the area, including remarkably well preserved Roman writing tablets, leather work and textile. Three full-size, carefully researched structures have been recreated: a temple dedicated to the Nymphs, a milestone built in honour of Emperor Hadrian, and a Roman cemetery with mausoleum. Allow at least 90 minutes for a visit, especially if you want to watch the excavations. Open all year (access controlled by the Vindolanda Trust). Tel: 01434 344277. Housesteads, with Vindolanda, is one of the most important sites on the Wall. The Fort (National Trust) covers five acres and there are extensive remains of military buildings including granaries, latrines, barrack-blocks and gateways.

The National Trust owns nearly five miles of the Wall between Housesteads and Steel Rigg, together with 25O acres of neighbouring farmland. There are waymarked walks in the area. Take care that you park in an approved place, the Traffic Wardens in this area are super-zealous! Open all year. Tel: 01434344363.

At Sewingshields (English Heritage) there is a two-mile section of the Wall largely unexcavated but preserving numerous traces of milecastle and turrets. Open any reasonable time. Chesters used to be an important Roman fort (Cilurnum). Its remains, in the care of English Heritage, are the best preserved in Britain. There are the remains of a Roman bridge which carried the Wall across the river Tyne, and a museum. Open all year. Tel: 0434 602217. Other English Heritage sites along the Wall include Benwell Roman Temple, Benwell Vallum Crossing, Black Carts Turret, Brunton Turret, Temple of Mithras, Corbridge Roman site, Denton Hall Turret, Heddon-on-the-Wall  and Planetrees. 

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 south; at Longhorsley take the A697 5 miles southeast; turn right onto the Al 17 miles south towards Stannington; turn off onto the A69 26 miles west towards Corbridge; at Haydon Bridge stay on the A69 5 miles west towards Henshaw; take the unclassified road 1/2 mile northwest to Vindolanda. Estimated driving time, 69 minutes

Meldon Park

Meldon Park is a Greek Revival house designed, with great care, by John Dobson. Some alterations, not altogether satisfactory, were made by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The house is open to the public when the rhododendrons are at their best - late May to late June, daily, and Aug Bank Holidays, 14:00-17:00. Tel: 01670 72661. 

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 south; at Longhorsley take the A697 5 miles southeast; turn right onto the Al 1/2 mile south towards Stannington; turn off onto the unclassified road 2 miles west; at Mitford turn right onto the B6343 4 miles west; turn left onto the unclassified road south to Meldon and Meldon Park. Estimated driving time, 25 minutes.

Tynemouth

A cliff-top monastery, founded here in 625 by King Edwin, was often destroyed by the Danes, repeatedly restored and rebuilt prior to the 11th century. It was given, for a time, to Jarrow abbey. In 1090 it was refounded by Robert de Mowbray as a black friary subject to St Alban's abbey. At the Dissolution it went to the Dudleys. Its remains are enclosed by a gatehouse and castle walls. It was the site of a World War I gun battery. In the care of English Heritage, and open all year. Tel: 0191 257 1090.

Nearby St Leonard's hospital was founded before 1320. Over 70 species of sea-creature, ranging from shrimps to stingrays, may be seen at the Tynemouth Sea-Life Centre, Grand Parade. Tel: 0191 258 1031.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 south; at Longhorsley take the A697 5 miles southeast; turn right onto the Al 10 miles south towards Stannington; turn off onto the A19 2 miles east; turn off onto the Al 1/2 mile east; go onto the A19 6 miles east towards Willington; turn off onto the Al 058 3 miles east to Tynemouth. Estimated driving time, 35 minutes.

Wallington Hall

Wallington Hall, home of the Trevelyan family since 1777, now belongs to the National Trust. Its rooms range from mid-Georgian to a Victorian nursery. In the middle of the 19th century Ruskin made many visits here. In 1857 he paid a visit when, together with some other pre-Raphaelite guests, he helped decorate the pillars of the hall with flower paintings. Algernon Swinburn often used to visit Wallington, which he regarded as a second home. There is an outstanding collection of pottery and porcelain, and an important set of needlework panels dated around 1725. You can also see Lord Macaulay's library. Although its open meadows, woodlands, and ponds are delightful any time of the year, Wallington's real gem is its walled garden, originally planned as a kitchen garden in 1760, but later made ornamental and crowned in 1938 by Lady Trevelyan's pool and water garden.

From the top of the surrounding terrace, on whose walls rest numerous lead figurines, you overlook a stream, pond, lawns, herbaceous borders, and gravelled walks. Giant fuchsias thrive in the 1908 conservatory, beautifully restored by the Trust in 1988. Opening times of National Trust properties vary quite widely from year to year, so it is advisable to ring up before setting out on a visit. The telephone number at Wallington is 01670 774283.

National Trust properties are usually open from April 1 to October 31, on three to five afternoons each week (usually Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at least), and between 13:00 and 17:00. Last admissions are usually 30 minutes before the stated closing time. It is now becoming the policy of the National Trust to discourage visitors from using their cars, and say they'd prefer it if you arrived by public transport - or by bicycle! Parking space may, therefore, be limited.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 south; at Longhorsley take the unclassified road 5 miles west; at Netherwitton stay on the unclassified road 5 miles southwest; go onto the B6342 2 miles west; take the B6342 2 miles south to Wallington. Estimated driving time, 33 minutes.

Warkworth Castle

Warkworth, dominated by its castle, stands on a horse-shoe bend on the River Coquet. Warkworth Castle, at the top of the main street was the birthplace of Henry Hotspur. It has been extensively restored and is now in the care of English Heritage. Open April - September daily 10:00-18:00; October - March daily 10:00-16:00. Tel: 01665 711423.

The Norman church of St Lawrence was probably founded by Saint Aidan and Saint Oswald, and could have housed relics of St Lawrence sent by Pope Vitalian to St Oswald's successor, King Oswin. In 1715 the church was seized by supporters of the Old Pretender and prayers were offered for him as King James Iii and he was proclaimed monarch at the village cross.

Upstream, by boat from Warkworth Castle, is Warkworth Hermitage - a curious place cut into the rock of the river cliff some time between 1330-1340. Also in the care of English Heritage. Telephone Warkworth Castle (above) for opening arrangements.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 north; turn right onto the unclassified Bywell/Felton road 3 miles east; turn left onto the Al 1 mile north towards Edinburgh; turn right onto the unclassified road 1/2 mile east; bear right onto the B6345 4 miles east towards Acklington; at Acklington stay on the B6345 1/4 mile east; turn left onto the unclassified road 3 miles north to Warkworth. Estimated driving time, 27 minutes.

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