Top Things to do in Spring in Northumberland

Spring is fast approaching (hurray!) and our great County of Northumberland has a huge number of things to do for the whole family. We've picked out our highlights and recommendations for the top things to do at our favourite time of year.

Rhododendrons in Bloom

Cragside House has always been a family favourite and without a doubt the best time of year to visit is Spring when seemingly thousands of Rhododendrons are in bloom lighting up the estate with their vibrant colours. The house is amazing, there is always something new to discover in the innovative home of Lord Armstrong, but a drive around the Estate to witness the blooms is an absolute must.

Experience Our Local Food

Northumberland has an incredible natural larder and its food is celebrated in Spring. This year is the 7th Rothbury Food and Craft Festival on Bank Holiday Monday (2nd May), attracting up to 20,000 visitors to this popular Village in Coquet Valley. Visit our Farmers' Markets for a taste of the best produce we have to offer, they take place in Alnwick, Morpeth, Hexham, Greenhead... all over Northumberland.

Visit a Castle

We have more Castles than any other County in England... so we have to boast about it a little, don't we? Northumberland's main attractions open up again for the season in Spring, from Alnwick Castle to Bamburgh Castle. Why not visit a lesser known attraction and experience something new? In the North of the County there's the wonderfully haunted Chillingham Castle, or why not take the Heatherslaw Light Railway (pictured below) to Etal Castle? A great day out for the family.

Ride the Bounds

It's an historic event that's been running for over 600 years in Berwick, Northumberland's Border Town on the 1st May each year. The 'Riding of the Bounds' marks the tradition that started in 1542 of the Town 'bounds' (agreeed in 1438) being walked to keep them known to the English and Scots. These days it's done on horseback with regularly over 100 riders taking part with a whole host of activities and celebrations across the Town.

Go Stargazing!

Northumberland now has the largest designated Dark Sky Park in Europe, which means you can see the night sky like nowhere else! It's estimated that 85% of the population have never seen a truly dark sky or witnessed the stunning beauty of the Milky Way - something we just take for granted living near the National Park. Late Winternd early Spring is a great time to stargaze, before the nights become too short and light. There's more information on the Northumberland National Park Website.

Stay Indoors

Beat the April showers with a few of our favourite suggestions for indoor activities on those days where the weather is against you (because lets face it, it's going to happen!). Our favourite indoor activites include the mighty Barter Books in Alnwick, possibly the largest second hand book shop in the world - and so much more too! Then there's Woodhorn Museum near Ashington which is a great, interactive day out for the whole family with its fantastic Lego Exhibition running until 31st May.

See the Blossom at The Alnwick Garden

Cherry blossom is one of the great signs of Spring and it's celebrated each year at the Alnwick Garden. Their Cherry Orchard has over 300 Tai Haku cherry trees underplanted with 50,000 Purple Sensation Alliums. It's a spectacle to behold in April or May, depending on the weather.

On Your Bike!

Northumberland has some amazing cycle routes and an unmistakably beautiful (and challenging!) landscape. Whether it's off road or quiet country lanes there's something for everyone and all abilities. Fancy a challenge? Saturday 14 May 2015 sees The Wooler Wheel Borderlands. It takes place in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders with nominal distances of 170, 100, 60 km and the dedicated junior 30 km sportive. Entries for this event close on Sunday 3 May 2015.

Our Cottages
We have a range of Cottages that are ideal for a holiday in Spring all over Northumberland. If you're not sure about where to stay just give us a call for a chat - we're happy to help and offer advice. Tel 01669 627157 or drop us an email on stay@northumberlandholidays.com

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