Though there's no need for an excuse to celebrate Northumberland, it's always nice to have one.
And that's come around this Sunday - as May 29 is Northumberland Day. Originally starting in 2017, it's a celebration of all things that fall under the county's red and yellow flag.
This year offers the first opportunity to celebrate in the way it was intended since 2019 - with a series of Northumberland themed events planned around the day, including a Northumberland Food Bank Challenge which aims to collect as many red and yellow food items to donate to the county's food banks, the Northumbies Awards and a Scarecrow Challenge. And to tie in with that, here are seven of our favourite things about Northumberland!
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Northumberland Coast AONB
An area that could once have been considered a 'hidden gem,' since the staycation boom, the secret of the pandemic is well and truly out. Home to arguably some of the best beaches in the country, the Northumberland coast is more for wild walks and exploring than throwing down a towel and topping up your suntan - though you probably could do that at the height of summer.
The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers Berwick down to Amble and some of the jewels in its large and shiny crown include seabird haven the Farne Islands; one of the UK and Ireland's most beautiful villages, Alnmouth; and Bamburgh Beach, recently voted among the best in Europe by the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards. Skip the main tourist draws and you'll be rewarded with unspoilt stretches of sand such as those at Ross and Warkworth.
There are some great beaches outside of the Northumberland Coast AONB too, including Druridge Bay, Cambois and Seaton Sluice all within 45 minutes of Newcastle by car on the Northumberland Coastal Route. And last but not least, you're never far from mouth-watering seafood at any of the beaches listed above - whether you prefer fish and chips, or something a bit more high-end.
Castles
There are more than 70 castles in Northumberland, more than any other county in the UK, with some of the most recognisable located on the coastline. Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh (pictured) and Warkworth have all stood proudly overlooking the North Sea for centuries.
Further inland, you have Alnwick Castle, which many from further afield will recognise as Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films. There's also Langley Castle, where you can stay overnight; the supposedly haunted Chillingham Castle and its herd of wild cattle; and Prudhoe Castle, the only one in the county which was never captured by the Scots.
Northumberland National Park
When Northumberland National Park was voted as the UK's favourite national park, it came as a bit of a surprise as there are very few places in the park that ever feel crowded. Encompassing Coquetdale, The Cheviots and the North Tyne, as well as having long sections of Hadrian's Wall running through it, it's a paradise for walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs.
There are very low levels of light pollution over Northumberland National Park too, and the entire park along with Kielder Water and Forest Park became designated as the UK's first International Dark Sky Park in 2013, and it remains the largest gold tier park of its kind in Europe. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies with the naked eye - and more through a telescope should you visit one of the park's five observatories.
Wildlife
Tying into the National Park, Northumberland has wildlife extremely difficult to find in other parts of the country. There are seven breeding pairs of ospreys in Kielder Forest who have been returning to the area for several years, red squirrels have strongholds in a number of parks and forests, while there are wild goats up in the Cheviot Hills.
Head for the coast and you can take wildlife boat trips to discover more than 20 species of seabirds which breed on the Farne Islands, including puffins; look for lazy seals lying in the sands from Holy Island causeway (when the tide is out); or look for otters and stoats at the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre near Druridge Bay.
Beautiful towns and villages
Alnmouth was voted as one of the UK and Ireland's most beautiful villages by Condé Nast Traveller, but that is just the start. In The Tyne Valley, happiest place to live in the UK Hexham lies just a few miles from Corbridge - the former with its shambles-style streets and ancient Abbey, the latter with stone houses revealing a host of charming, independent shops including the North of England's best bookshop.
And Hexham is not the only market town: there's Morpeth, Alnwick and Wooler, all of which have welcoming centres no matter what day you visit. Alternatively, head out into the National Park for peace, quiet and a good meal (and a drink) in Elsdon or Harbottle.
Food and drink
Northumberland's reputation as a foodie hotspot is rightly growing, with local produce and fresh seafood high up on the menu of many establishments. Not forgetting it's the home of Earl Grey tea, smoked Craster kippers and Lindisfarne Mead.
Potatoes are grown in the soil at the likes of Buston Farm, and fresh seasonal vegetables and artisanal local products are sold at farmers' markets and in delis all from Morpeth to Berwick. If you're looking for a real treat, book in advance for one of Northumberland's two Michelin starred restaurants - Pine at Vallum Farm and Hjem in Wall.
History
Last but not least is the county's rich and fascinating history - as well as the castles listed above, the county is packed with myths, legends and stories around the buildings and ruins that remain. The remains of Iron Age hill forts dot the landscapes of the national park, a new museum in Wooler opens this year to celebrate the Anglo Saxon Golden Age in the 7th and 8th centuries, and ancient paths trodden by those who brought Christianity to the region lead to Holy Island.
In more recent times (and we're still talking centuries ago), stately homes were built, revolutionising the way people live - Cragside was the first house to be run from hydroelectricity. In more modest cottages, people who would change the world, like George Stephenson from Wylam, were born.
But among all historical sites, one is known throughout the world and is celebrating a huge birthday this year. The 1900 Festival marks as many years of Hadrian's Wall, with a full programme of events to celebrate throughout the year across Northumberland and neighbouring North Tyneside and Cumbria - and you can't miss it off your Northumberland itinerary.
For more information on Northumberland Day, visit the official Northumberland Day website.
What is your favourite thing about Northumberland? Let us know!
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