Northumberland is one of Britain’s most beautiful counties, but this wild and wonderful place is also one of the least visited. It’s on my doorstep so no surprise that I’m its biggest fan. With fabulous beaches, historic castles and a stunning coastline, it’s a shame that more people haven’t discovered its […]
‘Fred’s Shed’ is a remarkable hidden gem on the River Tyne. Tucked away down a back street with unexpectedly dramatic views down the riverfront, this is the last traditional boatyard in North East England. ‘Fred’s’, as it is affectionately known, is not your average shed. Once inside, 300 […]
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Britain. It was once the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire and covers 84 miles of rugged countryside from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend on Tyneside. Today this is spectacular walking country, whether you’re a serious walker or a casual visitor […]
Amble is one of the most under-rated tourist centres on the Northumberland coast with its fish, ships and picturesque harbour. It’s a great place to stroll along the beach, watch the boats come in, and enjoy some of the best fish and chips in Britain. This unpretentious coastal town has something for every taste. It may not […]
Everyone loves otters. These gorgeous creatures are a delight to watch in the wild, if you’re lucky enough to spot them. But if you can’t get see these elusive animals in the countryside, why not take a trip to the Washington Wetlands’ otter enclosure, a great example of conservation […]
Shaftoe Crags with its sweeping panoramic views across one of England’s best-preserved rural landscapes takes you back to Northumberland’s ancient roots. On a clear day you can see forever – well, as far as the Northumbrian coast and across to the dark silhouettes of the Simonside Hills. This remote area has changed little […]
It’s bird bonanza time on the Farne Islands as migrating birds flock onto the islands for the summer season. This makes the Farnes one of my top summer holiday trips. For our feathered friends, this is more than a bird vacation. They are here for romance and – let’s be […]
The North East of England is a rich seam of mining heritage. So why not walk back in time to explore the history of this industrial age? Most of the old mines have disappeared and there are no deep pits left in production in North East England. Mining has become a focus […]
It’s astonishing news that my home city of Newcastle upon Tyne has been voted top travel city in the UK by readers of The Guardian and Observer newspapers. Many people were shocked that Newcastle beat better known cities like Edinburgh, London and Bath but it’s no surprise to locals […]
If you have a passion for art, grab your diary and make a date to visit Cheeseburn Grange, a fantastic addition to northern England’s cultural scene. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of things to come when I visited Cheeseburn earlier this week. Cheeseburn is the brainchild of Joanna and Simon Riddell […]