The North East & Northumberland
Whether you’re looking for lively nightlife, great shopping experiences or stunning coastlines, a stay in the North East is truly unforgettable. Revel in the hustle and bustle of city centres or amble around quiet historic streets. Enjoy trendy suburbs or discover golden sandy shores in seaside towns.
Voted the best place to visit in 2018, Newcastle upon Tyne is one of the most iconic cities in Britain. A prominent social hub within the North East, the university city is well known for its popular nightlife and shopping scene. Boasting theatres, museums, events and festivals, there is always something going on.
Opposite Newcastle on the other side of the River Tyne, you’ll find the town of Gateshead. Connected by seven bridges, including the Millennium Bridge, both Newcastle and Gateshead can be easily explored. Known for its architecture, it is home to the Angel of the North, the Sage and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art so you won’t be short of things to uncover.
Just a few miles from Newcastle city centre is the upscale suburb of Jesmond. Packed with trendy pubs, cocktail bars and eclectic restaurants, this area is ideal if you prefer to escape the norm. Take your pick of independent cafes and boutique shops. Take a long walk through Jesmond Dene and you’ll instantly feel relaxed in the lush, green space.
Eight miles from Newcastle upon Tyne is the beautiful village of Tynemouth. Popular for its tranquil seafront and sandy shores, it’s the perfect place to relax. Amble along the promenade or take to the waves on your surfboard. Throughout the village, you’ll come across fascinating attractions and interesting buildings – many of which feature a Blue Plaque.
The historic city of Durham is filled with charm. There is a reason why The Independent named it one of the best cities to visit in 2020. With restaurants, bars, pubs and shops in abundance, there is always something new to try. Durham is steeped in history and boasts a Norman cathedral as well as an 11th-century castle.
If you’re looking for a relaxed coastal escape, look no further than Northumberland. This magical county is full of surprises.
Explore ancient castles, unspoilt beaches and rolling hills. Uncover hidden gardens and appreciate unrivalled, scenic views. Brush up on your history knowledge with a visit to Hadrian’s Wall or venture to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne which is cut off twice per day from the rest of the world by the fast-moving tides.
Nestled in Northumberland, the medieval market town of Alnwick has plenty of charm. The town features winding cobbled streets which are dotted with independent shops and bistros. Here you’ll also find the incredible Alnwick Castle, which was the setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter film franchise. It is also home to Alnwick Garden – the huge 12 acre gardens created by The Duchess of Northumberland.
Just four miles from Alnwick is the coastal village of Alnmouth. Part of the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this part of Northumberland is truly beautiful. It boasts a curved beach with golden sands and an array of wildlife including a diverse collection of birds. Why not visit the smallest museum in the country or bike ride along the Alnmouth Way? Perfect for those who love the outdoors, this quaint village has everything you need for a coastal getaway.
The village of Bamburgh is visited by thousands of people each year for its magnificent beach, famous castle and historic past. With evidence dating back to the Bronze Age, this part of Northumberland is steeped in history. It was once home to Grace Darling and now features the RNLI Grace Darling Museum. It also boasts Bamburgh Castle, a Grade I listed building which has stood on the Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years.
Visit The Holy Island of Lindisfarne and you’ll be transported to another world. Found just off the Northumberland coast, the island is completely cut off twice-daily due to the moving tides of the North Sea. Rising from the rock face is Lindisfarne Castle. Dating back to 1550, this architectural feat is a huge attraction.
Both Lodges are located in the picturesque village of Felton in Northumberland within Bockenfield country Park.
Felton, and the neighbouring village of West Thirston, date back to the 1200s so both areas are steeped in history. You’ll find an abundance of beautiful countryside surrounding the villages making it perfect for walks and photography. If you’re interested in fishing, the River Coquet runs along the village and parts are considered a fishery of National importance. If you’d prefer to shop and enjoy a quiet pint, you’ll find shops and a local inn so you’ll have plenty to explore during your stay.
Felton is located in the historic market town of Morpeth. Exploring the cobbled streets, you’ll discover independent shops, cosy pubs and High Street favourites. If you’re looking for a full shopping experience, head to Sanderson Arcade and you’ll find an array of stores as well as cafes, beauty bars and markets. When you want to get your hands on the best local produce, Morpeth’s popular Farmers Market takes place every first Saturday of the month in the marketplace.