Berwick upon Tweed:
Standing right at the Northern-most tip of Northumberland, Berwick-upon-Tweed is England's most dramatic walled town.
It has attracted its fair share of famous admirers in the past. Lancastrian painter L.S. Lowry was a huge fan of the town and today there is a specially created Lowry Trail for those who want to explore his favourite holiday resort.
Lowry and countless others have become enchanted by Berwick's amazing architecture and its turbulent past.
Look around and you can see evidence of that past - Berwick was captured or sacked 13 times before 1432 when it fell into the hands of the English - in its Elizabethan Town Walls that were built to keep the invading Scots out of the town. Built in 1558, the walls were the most expensive building project of England's Golden Age.
From the top of these walls you can take in some spectacular views over the wide estuary of the River Tweed including Stephenson's famous viaduct bridge, hailed as one of the finest in the world.
Bamburgh and The Farne Islands:
The idyllic country village of Bamburgh, ancient royal seat of the kings of Northumbria, is set in one of the most breathtakingly picturesque coastal regions the country has to offer. Its enormous beaches go on for miles and the area has featured in many epic films.With trips to the Farne Island Group so close at hand from nearby Seahouses, Bamburgh is certainly an essential place to visit.
The Farne Islands are situated between two and five miles off the Northumberland Coast.Historically the Farne Islands are associated with St Aidan and St Cuthbert, both of whom used the islands as a place to mediate in utter solitude. A 30 minute boat trip, departing from Seahouses brings in excess of 45,000 visitors to the islands throughout the year.
The most rewarding months being May, June and July when tens of thousands of birds are roosting.
The islands are the summer home of four of the five species of British tern, as well as twelve other species of seabird, including puffins.
Ford and Etal:
The Ford and Etal estates are one of Northumberland's hidden gems, home to two picturesque villages. The estates, centred around the villages of Ford and Etal, boast a number of attractions including a castle, a world famous battlefield and a steam light railway. You can also spend an hour or two admiring the stunning murals at Lady Waterford Hall or visit the restored 19th century Heatherslaw Cornmill to buy mouth-watering cakes.
The estate, 7 miles from The Steading, also has magnificent views across North Northumberland.
Ford and Etal is in the heart of border country and nearby lies Flodden Battlefield, site of a particularly bloody conflict between the English and Scottish armies in 1513.
There is also Etal Castle, built in the mid-14th century by Robert Manners as a defence against Scottish raiders.
Try the Heatherslaw Steam Railway, a 15 inch gauge steam railway running from Heatherslaw to Etal Village - a return journey of 50 minutes.
Golf:
Local golf courses include Goswick, Magdalen Fields, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Dunstanburgh Castle which are set in stunning northumberland coastal scenery. Goswick
Freedom of the Fairways is a golf pass that operates in the Scottish Borders from April until the end of October and is Scotland's Best Selling Golf Pass. The scheme is ideal for individuals or groups and provides golfers with different options for all ages. A three-day passport which is valid for up to six rounds on consecutive weekdays for a fixed fee of just £88 or a 5 day passport (valid for up to ten rounds) for £120. There are also Junior and Senior passes available.
With 21 courses to choose from, including two championship standard courses The Roxburghe, near Kelso and new Cardrona golf and country club, near Peebles (both designed by Dave Thomas), the Borders has some great golf on offer. More details and list of courses on 'Freedom of the Fairways' website.
