- Heritage

The Weardale Museum & High House Chapel

Small folk museum and historic chapel. Includes 1870 Weardale cottage room, John Wesley room and local history displays…

Alnwick Castle

Set in a stunning landscape designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, Alnwick Castle is the family home of the Duke of Northumberland. Owned by his family since 1309, this beautiful castle, originally built to defend England from the Scots, now appeals to visitors of all ages from across the world. Considered to be one of the finest castles in England, and known as the ‘Windsor of the North’, this has been the home of the Percy family for nearly 700 years. In the 1760s it was transformed from a fortification into a family home for the First Duke and Duchess. Today Alnwick Castle is an attraction of real significance, with lavish State Rooms, superb art treasures, fun activities and entertainment, all set in a beautiful landscape. Visitors walking through the gates, set in massive stone walls, enter one of the most stunning castles in Europe. The Keep sits magnificently in the spacious grounds, with its medieval towers housing the castle’s 14th century dungeon and the entrance to the remarkable State Rooms. The refurbished and restored dining room is worth a visit. Beautifully silked walls, a hand-woven carpet and intricate carved ceiling are among the delights. Important ceramics of the Meissen, Chelsea and Paris factories are impressively displayed in the china gallery. Within the grounds are the museums and towers that tell the story of the Northumberland Fusiliers from 1674 to the present day, local archaeology of the area, the Percy Tenantry Volunteers and an exhibition on siege craft. Adding to the magic of this castle is an interactive and fun activity area where children can enter the exciting and enchanting world of knights and dragons. They can learn how to become a Knight or Lady of Alnwick then take the ultimate challenge to win their spurs by facing the monster which rules the kingdom in Dragon’s Quest…

Chillingham Castle

Only 20 minutes from the seaside. Rated 4-star in Simon Jenkins’ England’s Thousand Best Houses and First of The 50 Best Castles in Britain & Ireland in the Independant. This remarkable castle, the home of Sir Humphry Wakefield Bt, with its alarming dungeons has, as now and since the 1200s, been continuously owned by one family line and their relations. You will see active restoration of complex masonry, metalwork and ornamental plaster as the great halls and state rooms are gradually brought back to life with tapestries, arms and armour as of old and even a torture chamber. At first a 12th century stronghold, Chillingham became a fully fortified castle in the 14th century (see the original 1344 Licence to Crenellate). Wrapped in the nation’s history it occupied a strategic position as a fortress during Northumberland’s bloody border feuds, often besieged and at many times enjoying the patronage of royal visitors. In Tudor days there were additions but the underlying medieval character has always been retained. The 18th and 19th centuries saw decorative extravagances including the lake, garden and grounds laid out by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, fresh from his triumphs at Windsor Castle. These contrast with the prehistoric Wild Cattle in the park beyond (a separate tour). Gardens With romantic grounds, the castle commands breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. As you walk to the lake you will see, according to season, drifts of snowdrops, daffodils or bluebells and an astonishing display of rhododendrons. This emphasises the restrained formality of the Elizabethan topiary garden, with its intricately clipped hedges of box and yew. Lawns, the formal gardens and woodland walks are all fully open to the public…

Eshott Hall

This elegant country house has a 17th century core, much refashioned in the 19th century to include sumptuous 18th century plasterwork in the drawing room done by the same Italian stuccatori who worked at Alnwick Castle. Its setting at the heart of a secluded estate is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Red squirrels can still be seen and wildlife abounds. Wooded walks lead to open countryside with views towards the Cheviot Hills straddling the Scottish Border. The location is advantageous, being close to the Northumberland coast with some of the best beaches in Britain, an array of spectacular castles, and yet only 20 minutes north of the rejuvenated cultural centre of Newcastle and the vibrant lifestyle of its quayside. Whilst still the private home of Margaret and Ho Sanderson, the 6th generation of the family to live here, the house has been adapted to provide superb facilities for weddings, business use and comfortable accommodation. The house is offered for exclusive use, or as a place to stay, or both.Margaret Sanderson’s design talents are evident in each of the individually styled and beautifully furnished bedrooms, with comfortable king-size beds and en suite bathrooms. Her lifetime experience of exclusive catering ensures that the most discerning tastes are rewarded. Organic fruit and vegetables are harvested in the walled garden. It is an exceptional location for weddings and events and one of comparatively few such houses offering accommodation…

The Alnwick Garden

Experience the making of one of the most unusual and spectacular public gardens of the 21st century, The Alnwick Garden. This exciting new garden, with the Grand Cascade as its centrepiece, as well as the fascinating Poison Garden and enormous Treehouse, mixes the unique and the beautiful in an enchanting landscape…

Capheaton Hall

One of the most fascinating houses in Northumberland, Capheaton was designed by Robert Trollope in 1668 for the Swinburne family. Described by Pevsner as ‘one of the most interesting houses of its date and character in England’. Outstanding working kitchen garden with extensive soft fruit glasshouses, conservatory and landscaped park…

Chipchase Castle

The castle overlooks the River North Tyne and is set in formal and informal gardens. One walled garden is used as a nursery specialising in unusual perennial plants…

Herterton House Gardens

One acre of formal garden in stone walls around a 16th century farmhouse, including a small topiary garden, physic garden, flower garden, fancy garden and gazebo…

The Lady Waterford Hall & Murals

Commissioned in 1860 the walls of this beautiful building are decorated with beautiful murals depicting Bible stories…

Preston Tower

The Tower was built by Sir Robert Harbottle in 1392 and is one of the few survivors of 78 pele towers listed in 1415. The tunnel vaulted rooms remain unaltered and provide a realistic picture of the grim way of life under the constant threat of "Border Reivers". Two rooms are furnished in contemporary style and there are displays of historic and local information. Visitors are welcome to walk in the grounds which contain a number of interesting trees and shrubs. A woodland walk to the natural spring from which water is now pumped up to the Tower for the house and cottages…