An Introduction to Northumberland

Situated in the North-East of England, Northumberland covers a vast area stretching from the fiercely contested Scottish border right down to the boundary of Yorkshire and from the high Pennines sometimes described as England's last Wilderness to the beautiful sandy beaches along Northumberland's coastline. Within it one can experience the smooth Cheviot Hills, deep river valleys, the impressive Kielder water as well as huge areas of forest and of course even the hustling bustling cities of Newcastle upon Tyne and historic Durham.

The main regions of Northumberland may be described as follows:

The Borders
The Border Region was for two or three centuries an area fought over often brutally by border reivers. This region of Northumberland, whilst not massive is home to a least 100,000 people and is an area which is culturally and historically quite unique being renowned for its many romantic pele towers, castles and stately homes and abbeys. Its quaint towns and villages all tend to be linked by a not too busy roads enabling the visitor to comfortably explore the region.

Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall is one of the most impressive sights in Northumberland and it stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. The Wall was constructed in the second century and still today there are many sections visible along its length.
More information on Hadrian's Wall.

North Pennines
Whilst being an ideal place for walking, the North Pennines region is often described as 'England's last Wilderness' mainly because not many people live there making this an ideal natural habitat for the many species of birds and plants which make it their home. Once upon a time it was an industrial area with many mining operations for lead and other minerals and this was the case well into the 19th century.

Northumberland National Park
Stretching for over 40 miles from the Scottish border right down to Hadrian's Wall and the South, the Northumberland National Park is probably the most remote national park in the UK. Here it is possible to go on great walks without bumping into any other people long periods of time. Kielder water, on the western edge of the park is the largest man-made lake in Europe being surrounded by forest and it is popular for sailing and windsurfing fishing and of course walking.

Central Northumberland
This region is to be found on the east side of achieving its hills stretching from the border of Scotland to the River Tyne. Contained in it may be found some of the most beautiful countryside in the whole of Northumberland with strolling hills and crystal clear flowing rivers which meander through characterful woodlands winding their way to the sea. Most famous town in this region is Alnwick although Morpeth and Rothbury are worth a mention.

Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland coast must be one of the most beautiful in the whole of Great Britain. The coastline in the far north around Berwick upon Tweed consist mainly of high cliffs and sandy coves where is further south the coastline tends to be more gentle generally flatter. However along the whole length, there are many miles of beautiful sandy beaches and dunes, secluded bays, historic harbours and all these contribute to the beauty of this region. The impressive castles of Bamburgh, Warkworth and Dunstanburgh can all be found along this fabulous coastline.