Did you know that Game of Thrones writer George RR Martin used Hadrian's Wall as his inspiration for the infamous wall in his bestselling series? Hadrian's wall spans 73 miles across Northumberland and is home to many of our Country's finest forts and milecastles. It's no wonder Hadrian's wall is so inspiring. There is no place like it for capturing your children's imagination and re-living history. English Heritage run an excellent events programme along the wall which are lots of fun to get involved with. You can read more about joining in with Roman Soldier school here.
Northumberland's wild countryside is also scattered with some of the world's finest castles. In fact thanks to it's turbulent past, Northumberland is home to more castle's than any other County (I think there are 45 in total so there are plenty to choose from). If castle's are your thing, make sure you follow Hannah from Mumsdays. She is on a mission to visit every single castle in Northumberland this year and I love following her progress.
If it is a wild and rugged castle you are after, you simply must visit Dunstanburgh castle. The 1 1/2 mile Coastal walk from Craster almost feels like a pilgrimage that everyone must partake in at least once in their life. After dodging sheep and jumping over streams, you will be rewarded with uninterrupted views of Northumberland's wonderful coastline from the castle turrets.
Dunstanburgh Castle
If stunning interiors and magnificent artefacts are more your thing, Bamburgh Castle is the castle for you. Lovingly restored you can see exactly what life in a Castle would have been like. There is something new to marvel at in every room. Towering above the Northumberland coastline, Bamburgh castle can be spotted from miles around. Children will love the cannons and dungeons.
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle
Our final recommended castle to explore in Northumberland is Warkworth Castle. Recently featured on Robson Green's Tales from Northumberland, this castle has access to a hidden hermitage that can only be accessed by boat. It is one of our favourite spots to enjoy a picnic in the Spring/Summer and is a wonderful place to explore Northumberland's wild past.
Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle
You can read more about exploring Northumberland's wild history, countryside and coastline on the Northumberland's wild spirit microsite. I will leave you with a few of my other top picks:-
Where are your favourite wild spots in Northumberland? I would love to discover some new hidden gems.
This post has been written in collaboration with Visit Northumberland
Follow North East Family Fun on Facebook for more family days out.
Thanks for sharing. We'll be staying in a cottage in Northumberland in July and will be visiting some of these castles with our boys.
ReplyDeleteOh yes definitely - our boys love nothing more than a castle visit x
DeleteWhat a brill post , I'm currently researching things to do around Northumberland so this has given me some great ideas for days out I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI just can't wait for Summer so we can actually spend a whole day outside without getting too cold!
DeleteWhat a wonderful post!! Some truly amazing things to do and see, thus confirming my love affair for Northumberland! Thanks for linking to my challenge (which it certainly is - you wouldn't believe how many are lived in and/or on private land!! Very inconvenient ;) xxx
ReplyDeleteVery inconvenient - I wonder how many doors you'll have to knock on and explain your challenge!
DeleteOh wow, I love castles so this is right up my valley! I'll have to take my husband on an adventure one day, and you're right it looks to be a great place despite the weather. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, thanks for sharing!
Ree // #UKBloggers
Northumberland is a fantastic place for an adventure xx
DeleteI don't think I've ever been to Northumberland before! Will definitely have to come and check it out soon though as it looks lovely :)
ReplyDeleteLouise x
With love from Lou
Oh yes you will Louise, it's a wonderful part of the Country x
DeleteNot an area of the country I've ever visited - looks gorgeous! Didn't realise the hadrian's wall / Game of Thrones link either!
ReplyDeleteIt really is gorgeous x
DeleteThese are all on our list for later this year! I got the new English Heritage book this week so I've been doing some planning. We've never got to the Hermitage at Warksworth Castle before so that is top of our list.
ReplyDeleteOh yes definitely! There are lots of fantastic EH sites in Northumberland. I love Warkworth Castle, we went to a few of their events last year and they were fantastic x
DeleteThis looks stunning - Northumberland is somewhere I really want to explore properly one day.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it is the perfect place for a holiday xx
DeleteWow this looks stunning, I hae never visited Northumberland but would love too #countrykids
ReplyDelete