North East England, UK
Airing Date: Jul 5th, 2008
It's time to take on the king's of old...From Roman built fortresses and walls to wind-worn castles and a holy island, Northumberland is England's last frontier and a pristine wilderness. Easily accessed from Newcastle Gateshead in North East England on a day trip, yet also within a stone's throw of the Scottish border, Northumberland is rich in natural and historic wonders.
A must-see destination, Northumberland is the least densely populated county in England and retains a unique individual charm. With around 1.5 million people living in the county (averaging around 157 people per square mile), there are five times as many sheep as people living there. The area has its own National Park, the most remote and unspoiled of all in England; its own flag, tartan and dialect, plus has more castles open to the public than any other county.
Bamburgh, the imposing castle set high upon a basalt crag on the edge of the North Sea, is a strong contender for being, if not already touted, England's best. It commands stunning views of the Farne Islands, Holy Island of Lindisfarne and landward to the Cheviot Hills. Here, the works of the first Lord Armstrong are brought to life in the unique Armstrong Museum and Aviation Artefacts Museum housed in the old laundry building. There are over 2,000 items catalogued at the castle, some of which appear randomly due to Lady Armstrong's habit of buying things simply because she liked them.
In addition to sections of the castle being open to the public, there are around 12 permanent residents living there, some of whom have reported the occasional and unusual sighting of a ghostly presence. There are apartments available for getaways or rent, if you dare. Alternatively boutique accommodation is possible at Chatton Park House B&B at nearby Alnwick. This Georgian-style property is set amidst four acres of gardens and was once the former home of the current Duke of Northumberland.
From Bamburgh, the tiny and other-worldly Holy Island of Lindisfarne is within reach. Regarded as the birthplace of English Christianity and where the monks were subsequently overcome by Vikings, this mystical island, which now has around 120 inhabitants, is adjoined to the mainland by a narrow five-kilometre tidal causeway just off the east coast. Points of interest here include tasting some of the traditional honey mead and seafood, plus visiting the Lindisfarne Castle and priory ruins, and not forgetting the welcome remoteness.
Back on the mainland, from the east to west coast of England, runs one of Britain's best-known attractions, the Roman built and UNESCO World-Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall. To fully appreciate the Roman influence and history, archaeological digs take place at nearby fortresses such as Vindolanda, a unique Roman fort and civilian settlement lying just to the south of Hadrian's Wall. This site has extensive remains of forts and civilian settlements that contain distinctive artefacts including the Vindolanda Tablets - ancient postcards written by Roman soldiers dating from the first century. It's where volunteers can find remnants of the past and help put this land's battle scarred history into perspective.
Further Information:Northumberland, UK
British Airways fly return to London from
$2405 Sydney
www.ba.com
Prices correct at 28/5/08 include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.
Holy Island of Lindisfarnewww.lindisfarne.org.uk
Bamburgh Castle Open 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) daily March to October, 2008
Entry costs from
$15 per Adult
$6 per child (5 - 15 years)
Under 5 FREE.
A car park fee of around $2 per vehicle applies.
0011-44-166-8-214-515
www.bamburghcastle.com
VindolandaVolunteering for the archaeological dig starts from:
$106 per person (Excavation fee for first 2 weeks).
$32 for an individual membership to the 'Friends of Vindolanda'.
$53 for a Family membership to the 'Friends of Vindolanda' (2 adults + 2 children).
0011 44 1434 344277
www.vindolanda.com
Chatton Park House B&BAlnwick Room starts from
$96 a person a night
Includes breakfast
0011-44-1668-215-507
www.chattonpark.com
Conditions, surcharges and block out dates may apply
North East EnglandFor further information on North East England visit
www.northeastengland.com.au
Visit Britainwww.visitbritain.com.au
