Northumbria is a land of wide open spaces, a county with a great and warlike history, made inevitable by the closeness of the border with Scotland. The county remained, for much of its history a useful buffer between the 2 countries, sometimes taking sides but owing no allegiance to either. This struggle continued throughout the centuries with many battles fought and many fortified Pele towers, Bastles and churches were built to give both protection and shelter to families and their stock

The Percy family were granted the title Earl of Northumberland by King Richard the second, becoming Kings of the North and guardians of the Scottish frontier.

There have been many heroes, and several have acted out their parts in this Border rivalry, none more so than the famous ‘Harry Hotspur’ (1364-1403) whose nickname suggests his impulsive nature. Harry being Sir Henry Percy, son of the 1St Earl of Northumberland who acquired a great reputation as a fearless warrior in battles against the Scots and the French and whose famous family rule as Dukes of Northumberland to this present day.

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Take a look around some information we have perpared to offer you our personal recomendations around Northumberland:

Beaches

Castles

Birdwatching

Walking