Around and about
The Northumberland Region
Just over an hours drive will take you to the stunning east coast with its amazing beaches and castles. One in particular is Alnwick Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles and has dominated the town since medieval times. It’s now famous because it doubled for Hogwarts in the Harry potter films. The gardens open from January 21st and have a huge water cascade, the largest tree house in Britain, and even a poison garden.
The huge metro shopping centre is less than an hour’s drive, and the city of Newcastle just a little further. The regenerated waterfront has lots of picturesque buildings along with its famous seven bridges, including the unique £22 million millennium tilting bridge. Many family attractions include the Grade 1 listed Theatre Royal which has just been taken back to its Edwardian splendour. The city’s life science centre, which is awash with hands on displays, interactive games and demonstrations. The discovery museum also has lots for children to see and do. ( and it’s free ) Also the great north museum and the Baltic Centre for contemporary art.
Allendale
The village of Allendale which has 2 pubs, shops and 2 cafes, one being a newly built art centre, is 1 and a half miles away. Allendale is a quaint village and is famous for its Tar barrel Procession and bonfire on New Years Eve. The garden cottage is a good base to explore the delights of Northumberland. A 25 min drive will take you to Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman ruins at Vindolanda, a key military post on the northern edge of the Roman Empire and one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites. The museum that opened last spring has state of the art design and audio visuals.
Less than half an hour’s drive is the Killop Wheel mining centre, another popular children’s attraction. Just 1 hour drive is the stunning Lake District and is a must to visit while in this area. The same driving time will take you to Kielder National Park, the biggest man made reservoir in England, with it’s many attractions. Closer to the Garden Cottage is the lovely market town of Hexham, approximately 15 min. drive. This pretty market town with its beautiful Abbey was voted, just a few years ago as the best place to live in England. It sports good shops/ supermarkets, a leisure centre with 2 pools, play areas and ten pin bowling. Also a variety of eating places- Indian, Chinese, Italian, and also English.