More Undiscovered Gems Near Wandahome: Northumberland

In a recent edition of our blog we highlighted a few terrific spots in North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire that you could visit in your motorhome, campervan or caravan. In the spirit of adventure, for this edition we’re casting the next slightly wider. Northumberland evolved from an area of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, which lies north of the region informally known as Humberside. In fact, the name derives from an Old English word meaning "the people or province north of the Humber”. It’s famed for its wonderful cities, its coastal towns and its abundance of things to see and do when you’re touring on a motorhome holiday… 

Here, we pick three of the best, starting with Bamburgh and its fantastic castle.

1.     Bamburgh 

Location of what is surely the UK’s loveliest cricket ground (and perhaps second only in the world to Dharamshala on the edge of the Himalayas), Bamburgh is a peaceful coastal village about an hour’s drive north of Newcastle. There, cricketers play on a pitch immediately adjacent to Bamburgh Castle, a stunning Grade I listed building dating back to the 11^th century. It is thought, by some medieval scholars, to have been the home of Lancelot - one of Arthur’s fabled Knights Of The Round Table who was, therefore, involved in the quest to find Jesus Christ’s legendary artefact the Holy Grail. 

The village surrounding Bamburgh Castle has a population of less than 500, though it is popular with visitors and there are several fine places to eat and drink. The beautiful beach next to the village was awarded a Blue Flag rural beach award in 2005 and the Bamburgh Dunes which stand behind it have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England, the government’s adviser for the natural environment. Bamburgh[KB1]  also contains a tribute to one of its most famous residents – Grace Darling who, in 1838, took part in the  rescue of survivors from a shipwreck using a rowing boat in difficult conditions. Darling is buried in the graveyard at St Aidan's Church, where there is also a monument to her as well as a stained glass window depiction of her bravery.

Bamburgh is certainly one of the most affecting places you can visit in Northumberland when you’re on a motorhome or campervan break. Picturesque and with plenty to offer, including that Instagram-worthy cricket pitch and castle combo, it’s a real gem.

2.     Alnwick

Not too far south of Bamburgh is the town of Alnwick which, like Bamburgh, contains a Grade I listed 11^thcentury castle. This one might have the edge for younger visitors, though, as it was used as a Hogwarts location for the filming of the Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets films. Visitors can take part in one of the castle’s Broomstick Training sessions, where every prospective witch and wizard can master their skills in the very place that Harry Potter learnt to fly. The castle has also featured on screen in Downton Abbey and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves amongst others. 

On your visit to the castle, you can experience medieval life with resident artisans practising medieval crafts and enjoy performances and demonstrations as part of a regular events programme. You can take a very pleasant stroll through the beautiful Hulne Park which surrounds the castle, as well as at the nearby iconic beaches of Alnmouth and Embleton Bay. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the unconventional Alnwick Garden, a contemporary garden featuring a bamboo labyrinth, ornamental garden and rose garden. A fascinating guided tour through the Poison Garden is recommended (especially if your holiday company is getting on your nerves – only kidding!). Alnwick also has several restaurants and cafes, so visitors can get everything from pub grub to Michelin Star cuisine to keep themselves fed.

3.     Hadrian’s Wall

An enduringly popular spot for holidaymakers and tourers to visit, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most well-known pieces of architecture in the whole of the British Isles – in fact, one of the most important pieces in European history. This great wall, stretching across the country, marked the northernmost point of the Roman empire (commissioned by the Emperor Hadrian) and was designed to keep out the savages! 

Although it is now mostly in ruins or long gone, significant portions of Hadrian’s Wall remain, and it is wonderful to encounter. There are one or two visitor centres along it – most notably Vindolanda, an excavated Roman Fort. The impressive site includes a full-sized Roman temple reconstruction, a house and a Northumbrian croft. Nearby, the Roman Army Museum features displays of genuine Roman artifacts found around the Wall including tools, weapons and domestic items. If you are a lover of history, then Vindolanda is probably one of the UK’s greatest places to visit.

We’ve concentrated on Northumberland in this edition of our blog, talking about a few places up in the North-East which are worth your time for a visit in your motorhome, campervan or caravan. Don’t forget that here at Wandahome we have some amazing leisure vehicles for sale which will get you to those wonderful Northumbrian spots in style! Talk to us for more information.