Land of singing waters,
And words from off the sea,
God bring me to Northumberland,
The land where I would be.

Wilfrid Wilson Gibson - Northumberland's People's Poet

Dunstanburgh Castle

Northumberland boasts in excess of 70 castles, and this impressive one is the closest one to Lilac Cottage. The ruins of this thirteenth century castle have long been viewed with romanticism, including by painter JMW Turner. Useful to know, it is jointly managed by National Trust/English Heritage, so either membership will allow entry.

Howick Hall and Gardens

Just two miles from Lilac Cottage is the historic home of Earl Grey. Sixty-five acres of garden and estate, including The Bog Garden, The Sensory Garden and England’s second most extensive arboretum (after Kew Gardens). The Earl Grey Tea House is its charming café.

Alnwick Castle

This historic castle, located in the town of Alnwick, has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years. It is a popular tourist destination with beautiful gardens, museums, and exhibitions.

Alnwick Garden

Adjacent to Alnwick Castle, this garden features a treehouse restaurant, a water cascade, a Japanese style cherry orchard, and a poison garden.

Farne Islands

These islands off the coast of Northumberland are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins and guillemots. Visitors can take boat trips to the islands to observe the wildlife.

Bamburgh Castle

This iconic castle sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking Bamburgh beach, with views to Holy Island and the Farne Islands. It is open to visitors and offers guided tours and exhibitions.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Accessible only at low tide, this island is home to the ruins of a medieval monastery and a picturesque village. It is a popular destination for walkers and birdwatchers.

Northumberland National Park

This large national park covers over 1,000 square kilometres of stunning countryside, including hills, moors, and forests. It offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.