Amble

Nearby Amble also has a fairly good selection of shops and a Marina to visit.  In the summer months, Puffin Cruises run boat trips out around Coquet Island and is a wonderful opportunity to see thousands of puffins, terns and seals.  There are also a number of excellent fish and chip shops.
	Amble

Alnmouth
In medieval times, Alnmouth was the main sea port for Alnwick, however, today it is a very pleasant holiday town, with its houses clustered around the river mouth.  It has one of the oldest ‘links’ golf courses in the country.  It is also very easy to access the beach here as parking is available for vehicles just a few feet away from the beach.

Bamburgh
Bamburgh is a small picturesque village and provides a great opportunity for a leisurely walk along a stunning beach with views across to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and the Farne Islands.
Bamburgh Castle dominates both the village and coastline, Film crews have used the Castle as a ‘backdrop for historical romances and adventure movies.

Bamburgh Parish Church has a beautiful 13th Century chancel, as well as the much visited grave of Grace Darling in the churchyard.

Grace Darling
Grace achieved immortality on a stormy night in 1838, when, together with her father, she rowed from Livingstone Lighthouse to rescue survivors from the 400 ton luxury passenger steamer ‘Forfarshire’ being battered on the rocks one mile offshore.  She survived that dreadful night, but died four years later from TB at the age of 27.  Her life is celebrated at the ‘Grace Darling’ Museum in Bamburgh.

Holy Island

Holy Island has been known as such since the 11th Century, although its Celtic name of Lindisfarne is just as familiar.  Lindisfarne was the centre of Christianity in Saxon England for over 200 years.  Historic attractions on the Island include the picturesque ruins of an ancient priory and a castle.  Just north of the castle is a small walled garden designed by the famous Gertrude Jekyll.  The castle and garden are now owned by the National Trust. The Castle is open from March to October daily except Fridays, for 4-5 hours (which will always include 12-3 last admission).  The garden is only open to the public when the gardener is present.

The Castle on Holy Island

The Farne Islands

Featured on one of the BBC’s Spring Watch series in 2005, the Islands are a haven for bird life.  Regular boat trips run during the main season from Seahouses and it is possible to land and walk around the biggest island.  Make sure you wear a hat though, as the birds are extremely protective of their territory!
	The Farne Islands

Craster

Craster is a picturesque village and the harbour was built by local landowners of the same name, in memory of Captain Craster who was killed on an expedition to Tibet in 1904. Originally the harbour was used for the export of ‘Whinstone’ used for road building, but today it is only used by pleasure craft and traditional local boats known as ‘cobles’.  It is famous for its kippers. The original Whinstone quarry is now the National Trust Car Park and Shop and is an excellent starting point for the invigorating coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle

Boats at Craster

Hadrians Wall
Hadrian’s Wall National Trail was opened in May 2003 and for the first time since the Romans, you can now walk the entire length of the wall.  Although this consists of some 84 miles, there are also a series of 40 circular walks that take in sections of Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding countryside for those of us who prefer shorter distances.

You will find the book which has been specially published setting out all these walks on the bookshelf in the Conservatory.

There are of course many other places and areas to visit in and around Northumberland.  We have just listed a few of our favourites.   You will find lots of guidebooks, maps and more detailed information on the bookshelf in the Conservatory.