Whether you’re enjoying a guided or self-guided walking holiday, there’s always the opportunity to linger for longer. Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Nether Grange.
Alnmouth
This pretty coastal village is adored for its colourful cottages, superb walking routes, peaceful bays, and deserted sandy beaches where the River Aln meets the North Sea. There’s a small tidal harbour, a handful of small shops, and several pubs and cafés.
Alnwick Castle
A 15-minute drive away, the market town of Alnwick is dominated by the second-largest inhabited castle in the country. Home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years, it has featured in Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey specials.
Alnwick Gardens
The castle’s 12-acre garden is home to a collection of over 4,000 plant varieties. Highlights include the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a cascade comprising of 120 water jets, and the world’s largest treehouse restaurant set 18 metres above ground level.
Bamburgh Castle
Home of the Armstrong family since 1894 and crowning nine acres of the Great Whin Sill, this so-called king of castles has stood guard above the Northumberland coast for thousands of years. The site is by the seaside village of Bamburgh, a 35-minute drive away.
Farne Islands
Located off Northumberland’s coast in the North Sea, this groups of islands is home to a breeding colony of thousands of seabirds and grey seals. Between March and October, regular boat trips run from Seahouses harbour - a 45-minute drive away.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
An hour’s drive away, this sacred place is where you can follow in the footsteps of the ancient monks who built their priory here nearly 1,400 years ago. Don’t miss the museum for a chance to learn more about the 8th century manuscript known as the Lindisfarne Gospels.
Warkworth Castle
Crowning the hilltop above the River Coquet, Northumberland’s hilltop fortress and hermitage was used by William Shakespeare as the setting for several scenes of his Henry IV plays. Located in the village of Warkworth, it’s just a 10-minute drive away.
Cragside House
A 40-minute drive away, this National Trust-owned house was the first in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power. Highlights include one the largest rock gardens in Europe, a rhododendron-filled garden, and over 40 miles of lovely lakeside and woodland walks.
Seaton Delaval Hall
Designed by acclaimed Baroque architect, Sir John Vanbrugh, this National Trust-owned mansion is a 40-minute drive away. The grounds are gorgeous, especially the formal rose garden that was created in the 1950s and 1960s by Lady Hastings.
Hadrian's Wall
A 90-minute drive away, this World Heritage Site built in AD 122 extends for 73 miles. Don’t miss the Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum for fascinating artefacts, reconstructed turrets and temples, and insight of daily life in a Roman garrison town.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is just a one-hour train ride from Alnmouth station and worth the effort for its wealth of attractions. Must-dos include visiting Edinburgh Castle, spending time at the National Museum of Scotland, climbing Arthur's Seat, and strolling through Holyrood Park.
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Simply known as Newcastle, this vibrant city is an hour’s drive away. Highlights include admiring the iconic Tyne Bridge, relaxing at Newcastle City Baths, crossing the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and visiting Gateshead’s Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
