Peter and Hazel Lindley, Schoolteachers

Matthew Dell, Yr 10
A good place to visit in Northumberland is Cragside near Rothbury. Cragside house is a Victorian house that was ahead of its time. It was the first house to run on hydroelectric power and could be interesting to some people. Personally I found the inside of the house dark, stuffy and boring. The best part of Cragside is the gardens. Children will enjoy exploring the gardens that are laced with dark mysterious paths bubbling streams. The gardens are not suitable for people who have trouble walking and there could be problems in places for pushchairs and wheelchairs. But there is also the drive around the grounds with frequent stopping places to go on short walks and enjoy the view. My grandparents came here and they enjoyed going around the house and sat in the café while my parents, sister and I explored the gardens.

Whilst visiting Cragside you might want to take a trip to the near by town of Rothbury. This small, beautiful town has many tea shops and restaurants or you could take a stroll beside the river Coquet.

Cragside is clearly sign posted from the A697 that runs between Morpeth and Coldstream.

Brian Gibbons, Senior Citizen
I really enjoy the area around Rothbury, the views from the road between Rothbury and Alnwick and the walks at Cragside. This is a very good area for walking and photography. Rothbury is on the B6371 from Alnwick. There are small cafes in Rothbury and also at Cragside, which I enjoy very much. I enjoy the area all the year round, but probably most in the spring.

George Brewes, Retired Engineer
Northumberland has a wonderful railway heritage. Old rural branch lines, long forgotten, bisect the countryside and there are many fine examples of LNER architecture. I particularly enjoy a visit to the beautifully preserved Victorian station at Norham (by appointment only).

Mrs Margaret Dennington, Senior Citizen
Belsay Hall is a must see attraction. There is a Natural Rock Garden, (not man made) which hosts many varieties of wild flowers. There is also a Castle and in the hall there is modern art on display, which changes throughout the year. In the grounds there are toilets, a gift shop and restaurant that sells salads, sandwiches etc. Also the Lord Mayor’s coach is on display in the stable block. It is magnificent. I like it.

Sarah Handyside, aged 17
I grew up in the little village of Chatton, and really love all the countryside around there.

I have vivid memories of playing in the River Till, going for walks in Hepburn Woods and up the Ingram Valley near Wooler. And, un-environmental as it may sound, I think it's important not to overlook the towns and villages of the area. Visit Bamburgh for an incredible castle and gorgeous beach.

Alnwick too has plenty to offer – the castle, the Alnwick Gardens and Barter Books to name a few!


Karen Burn, NEWTs Leader
Once the tide has drawn in to Holy Island the beach-side walks become spectacular, looking down upon blue-white waves crashing upon tumbling shingle. Away from the crowds the island has a gentle stillness, a quality so often overlooked in the melee of the town.

Chris Stothard, aged 17
My favourite place is a little village called Alwinton from where you can take many beautiful walks in the Cheviots. The views are stunning and it is incredibly peaceful. On return from your walks the "Rose and Thistle" pub is extremely friendly, serving good food and drink all year round.

M. Thompson. Retired
My favourite place is Bamburgh with a historical castle and plenty of lovely coastline, plus the Grace Darling Museum.


Mrs. Jean Henderson, Senior Citizen
Wooler is my favourite place in Northumberland because the people are friendly and very welcoming. It is a large village situated at the foot of the Cheviot Hills and hosts many beautiful views out towards Chatton, Doddington and Milfield. The scenery is appealing to both locals and tourists alike, especially hill walkers who use Wooler as their base while going on expeditions into the surrounding countryside.

There are many hotels, pubs and restaurants within Wooler, all serving a host of local produce and cuisine. My favourite place to eat is the Ryecroft Hotel, as the food is good and the staff welcome you warmly.

Jessica Stewart, aged 12
My favourite place in Northumberland is Kielder Water. I have been there twice and I like it so much because it's fun and at the same time, peaceful. There are lots of places to eat and activities to do, for example canoeing. My favourite place to eat there is Kielder Castle. The best time to go is May to June. Even when it rains there is still lots to do, for example swimming in Leaplish pool. Leaplish is one of the many little villages to stay at there. Day trips are just as fun; you can take the ferry to all of the little villages around Kielder water and spend money on some of the many beautiful gifts in the gift shops.

Rowena Park, aged 16
My favourite place in the North East is Newcastle Quayside. Not because of its night life, but because of the amazing architecture, attractions, heritage, events and bridges.

On the river there are 5 bridges, all iconic designs, with stories behind them. The newest is the Millennium Blinking Eye, a pedestrian bridge spanning the Tyne between the Baltic arts centre and the Sage music centre.

Also the Baltic arts centre is a must see and the view down the river from the top gallery is amazing. The galley houses modern, pioneering artwork and entry is free. The Sage music centre is the newest edition to the rapidly developing area. It is a state of the art performance and musical training centre, which is open to the public.

The quayside is also only a few minutes walk away from the town centre, for all your shopping needs, and it is in walking distance of the Newcastle central station, the main railway station for Northumberland.

If you're looking for culture, fun, learning and a great time the quayside is a must see area.