We are, of course, in Border Reivers country. Scots and English feuded and raided over the wide, dramatic hillsides for centuries and dotted about can be seen their castles, pele towers and fortified houses.

They range from the very imposing and still inhabited castles of Alnwick, Bamburgh, and Chillingham to the haunting remains of Dunstanburgh, set high on the cliffs above Craster, whose kippers and smoked salmon are world renowned.

On our beautiful coastline, Holy Island with Lindisfarne castle and its beautiful ruined priory is an important historical landmark in the story of Christianity in this country. And a short boat trip takes you to the Farne Islands with their seal and bird colonies.

Surrounded by sweeping moorland with panoramic views to Coe Crag, Hedgehope and Cheviot this is ideal walking country. The roads in either direction lead across open moorland, offering hilltop and woodland walks and numerous vantage points from which one can take in the wonderful scenery and breathtaking views.

Cragside House with its lovely walks and picturesque grounds, Brinkbum Priory and Wallington Hall are all near at hand. For the more energetic there are Thrunton Woods and in the nearby Northumberland National Park, Ingram Valley and the beautiful waterfall of Linhope Spout.

Walks Guide
Order our comprehensive guide to walks in the Rothbury and Alnwick region of Northumberland.

Golf, horse riding, bird watching and fishing are all available locally. Whatever your fancy - watching peregrine on Simonside Hills, flyfishing on the Aln, Coquet, Till or Tweed, or just pottering about the countryside.

Slightly farther afield Hadrian's Wall (30 miles) and Edinburgh (65 miles) are within easy reach and make ideal day trips for the more adventurous.

Whether walking in the Cheviots or sunbathing on our miles of sandy beaches, playing golf on one of the many courses in the area, fishing, swimming, sailing, riding, mountain hiking.... we hope you will indulge in our most popular activity - relaxing!