An immaculate English countryside, boasting all the elements that make up a flawless idyllic setting.
Unfiltered Exploration of Northumberland's Wonders
Covering All BasesTourists often rush through Northumberland, en route to Scotland – a curious oversight. This hidden gem encapsulates everything you could ever desire: breathtaking landscapes, endless vistas, and sprawling skies. Swanky sandy beaches, seabird-filled islands, and mountain-fed rivers teeming with fierce salmon; misty moorlands and lush green forests; castles aplenty, Roman relics, historic battlefields, and holy shrines; an intriguing industrial heritage; charming market towns, and a bustling metropolis (Newcastle, sadly excised from its boundaries). While other counties may boast superior examples, none can rival Northumberland's diverse offerings.
Islands of Magic and HistoryClimb atop Inner Farne, engulfed by thousands of puffins and Arctic terns, and cast your gaze westward: the horizon is dominated by the ancient, 400-million-year-old stratovolcano, The Cheviot. This dormant giant stands proud on its summit, where golden plover and dunlin roam free. The border ballads sing tales of feuds and battles in these hills, fought by the relentless reivers. Below, perched on a protruding Whin Sill outcrop, rests Bamburgh Castle – the capital of a Dark-Age kingdom that proudly bore the torch of literacy for all of Europe. The castle was remodeled in the 19th century by none other than a bold battleship engineer, Lord Armstrong.
Northward lies Holy Island (Lindisfarne), adorned with a miniature Lutyens castle atop another Whin Sill outcrop. Here, St Aidan and St Cuthbert once converted pagans before the first Viking raid desecrated their abbey. On a clear day, to the south, you can see the spectral ruins of John of Gaunt's imposing Dunstanburgh Castle, a stark reminder of the regional conflicts in the Wars of the Roses between the Percys and Nevilles.
A Journey Through Time and TerrainVenture south-west, voyaging inland across rolling, tree-spotted countryside, and you will find the Whin Sill once more, parallel with the river South Tyne. The jagged crags are crowned with a ribbon of stone – a remnant of Emperor Hadrian's Trumpian orders, built in an attempt to shield the Roman Empire from the dreaded Picts.
Nature's Wonders and Man-Made MarvelsNorthumberland's untamed beauty has long been complemented by the artistic hand of man. The Roman wall adds a timeless charm to the Whin Sill, while Bamburgh beach shimmers beneath the majestic gaze of its eponymous castle. Modern enhancements continue to make their mark on Northumberland, such as the Woodhorn museum, chronicling the area's industrial past; Northumberlandia, the Lady of the North, marking the end of coal mining; the extensive Vindolanda museum, which houses more Roman shoes than any other city; and the new Ad Gefrin distillery and visitor center, commemorating 7th-century King Edwin and his conversion by Paulinus.
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Local LowlightsRegrettably, central government's actions have marred Northumberland's natural beauty. The skies over Inner Farne are scarred by the eyesores of costly, futile, and bird-killing wind turbines. Inland, the idyllic North Tyne valley is now smothered under Europe's largest manmade forest – Kielder, an unprofitable sea of alien sitka spruce where the mournful cry of the curlew is no longer heard.
Favourite ViewFrom the Farnes off the coast, all the way to the shores of Inner Farne, and across to The Cheviot – a sight to behold for any nature lover or wanderer clutching a border ballad.
Matt Ridley, 5th Viscount Ridley, is a businessman, science writer, and the author of 'Birds, Sex & Beauty' (Fourth Estate)
Viscount RidleyMatt Ridley, 5th Viscount Ridley, is a businessman, science writer, and the author of 'Birds, Sex & Beauty' (Fourth Estate).
Holy Island (Lindisfarne)Known for its immense significance in Northumberland's history, Holy Island (Lindisfarne) predominantly functionsed as a religious and cultural hub. Established in 635 CE by St. Aidan, the island flourished as a missionary center and produced the famous Lindisfarne Gospels, a masterpiece of 7th-century illuminated manuscripts. The island's monastery was closely associated with the noted figure, Saint Cuthbert, whose shrine and relics attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Holy Island also served as the site of the first major Viking raid in 793 AD, marking the beginning of the Viking Age in England and drastically impacting both culture and politics. Despite being abandoned in 875 due to Viking threats, the monastery was later refounded in 1082 and continued its religious functions throughout the medieval period. Today, the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory stand as a testament to the island’s historical and spiritual heritage, welcoming pilgrims and visitors alike.
In essence, Holy Island epitomizes the cradle of early English Christianity, a prominent pilgrimage destination, and a symbol of both religious piety and Viking-era upheaval in Northumberland's history.
Exploring Northumberland's Rich History and Breathtaking LandscapesTraveling through Northumberland encompasses more than just a lifestyle; it offers a journey through time and terrain, where ancient history and untamed beauty seamlessly coexist. From the seabird-filled islands like Inner Farne, with their natural wonders and historical significance, to the rolling countryside dotted with Whin Sill outcrops, each location presents a new opportunity for travel and exploration.
Unforgettable Views and Cultural ExperiencesA traveler journeying through Northumberland can witness awe-inspiring panoramas, such as the view from the Farnes off the coast, taking in sights like Inner Farne, The Cheviot, and Bamburgh Castle. Additionally, stopping by cultural hotspots like Holy Island (Lindisfarne), with its rich history and religious significance, provides a unique cultural experience for all wanderers.
