A gorgeous castle with a fascinating history—definitely worth a visit! The views are breathtaking, and the staff are warm and welcoming. I also had the chance to join a Quidditch lesson, which was so much fun (even tho it’s serious business!). Overall, a wonderful and memorable experience :)))”

This castle is in a different league! The rooms are extremely ornate, great portraits, fantastic ceilings and amazing fireplaces. A shame that indoor photography was not allowed. It is lived in. The views outside are wonderful , also great exhibits of armoury and all the paraphernalia that goes with it. A 'must see' for all.

We visited with our whole family and had an amazing time! We bought our tickets in advance and came just 2 days before the season ended. The staff were fantastic — even with some power issues, they handled everything smoothly and still made the experience great for everyone. The weather was perfect, the history of the castle is incredible, and the broomstick flying activity was a big hit with the kids! A beautiful place full of charm and stories. Highly recommend visiting Alnwick Castle!

Stunning place to visit. Fun for all the family. Plenty to do and see. It's amazing to know that the family still live there during the public closing time and during the winter. The rooms are beautiful and awe-inspiring. I wish my physical media collection looked like their library. The grounds are great and we even got to learn how to fly our broomsticks. Well worth a visit. The dragon area was a great addition too, well thought out. Lots of toilets and multiple gift shops.

Gorgeous castle! For Harry Potter fans, this is where the famous broomstick flying scene from the first movie was filmed! There are talks and events throughout the day regarding the magical side of the castle as well as more traditional evens like weapons and armor talks, soap making and a fun dragon quest! A place with rich history and enjoyability for all ages! 10/10 highly recommend

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this castle. It’s beautifully maintained, with a wide range of activities and guided tours that kept me engaged throughout the day. I ended up spending the entire day exploring.

Magical Place . We did a small walk next to the Castle because it was closed but its stunning. Take your time to breathe in the Atmosphear next to it. Definetly worth going ever when its closed

First time visiting & was in October. So all the plants were dieing off which was inevitable for this time of year but nether the less we had a brilliant day. The waterfall feature is stunning. The tour round the poison garden was great. We had fun in the crazy golf. Had a lovely walk round the gardens & the different water fountains. Will definitely be returning in spring to swing in the cherry trees. Amazing day out. Well worth a visit.

What a fantastic day out! Alnwick Garden is even more impressive in person. The sheer variety of plants is incredible, and the displays, especially the stunning water features, are amazing. I particularly enjoyed the unique Poison Garden tour, which was both entertaining and educational. It's a must-see for anyone in the area!

Lovely day out. I purchased the annual ticket which is well worth the money. We've visited a few times and it's always a great time, all parts of the garden are lovely. The bamboo labyrinth is very cool! Even the food is good!

The water cascade feature looks impressive, especially so when all the fountain jets are active. Unfortunately most of the time there are no active fountain jets, or only a few are active for a short period. I saw the majority or all the fountain jets active whilst I was having lunch in the cafe, but despite several subsequent attempts to get a video recording of all fountain jets working on a couple of occasions during the afternoon it didn't happen again which is very disappointing. The ornamental garden above the cascade is attractively laid out with trees providing additional height to the hedges around each flower bed. Near the bottom of the cascade is a hedged maze like area with multiple interesting water features. The poison garden can only be accessed by guided tour which was very informative and interesting. The cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold food, drinks and cakes and is well laid out. I would recommend visiting, but I think the adult entrance fee is excessive. Although I w

Alnwick Gardens was a lovely place to visit, even in November. The Poison Garden was definitely the highlight, though the tour itself felt a bit shorter than expected. The on-site dining was quite expensive and the quality did not quite match the price, so I would recommend eating elsewhere for better value. Overall, it’s still a beautiful attraction, and I would recommend a visit.

A lovely garden great for all generations. We went when the blossom trees were out and it was beautiful. My daughter and I also had an afternoon tea which was delicious. I would definitely recommend anyone visiting.

Absolutely brilliant , beautiful place to visit. The landscaping is out of this world and you are surrounded by fantastic things to look at and explore. From the bamboo maze to the poison garden it was all such a great experience. The water cascade and water features around the grounds are awesome and we are so lucky to have a place like this on our doorstep. The toilets were clean and fresh, the guides were very informative and helpful and the eating places were great value for money. Different levels of car parking, with drop off point and accessibility parking at the door and tiered parking (£3.50 all day) just across the road. Everything was well thought out and there are places inside for souvenirs and gifts. A perfect day out.

The castle offers a lovely view from the grounds; however, I can’t recommend paying for entry at the current price. During my visit, we paid £43.50 for two adults, including £6 for parking. For that amount, I expected considerably more content and historical depth. The exhibits are heavily focused on the current family and the Victorian era. Personally, I would have preferred to see more emphasis on the castle’s earlier history, especially given its origins dating back to around 547 AD, but that may come down to individual taste. Interestingly, I found the nearby church to hold far greater historical significance than the castle itself. The World War II display felt somewhat out of place, and the kitchen area has clearly been converted into an extension of the gift shop, which further reduces the amount of authentic content on offer, and there isn’t much to begin with. I also found it odd that the guidebook we bought didn’t include a map, and there were no clear directional signs inside the castle grounds. This made it surprisingly difficult to know where to go or whether we had seen everything, which detracted a bit from the experience. In addition, many of the windows were quite dirty, which took away from what could have been some lovely views from inside. I think we may have just expected too much. By contrast, I found castles such as Warkworth, Alnwick and even Skipton to offer a much richer historical experience for a similar or even lower price. While Bamburgh’s setting is undeniably beautiful, the overall visit felt more like a family heritage exhibition than a deep dive into its remarkable past.

The castle is absolutely amazing—an impressive, overpowering structure that dominates the landscape and immediately captures your attention. Its size and presence make you appreciate just how significant it must have been throughout history. The building itself is in great condition and clearly very well looked after. Everywhere you turn, you can see the care and effort put into preserving it, which really enhances the experience. The views from the castle are fantastic, offering a sweeping look over the surrounding area. The coastline is especially beautiful, and the beach nearby is stunning—a perfect spot to take a walk, relax, or simply enjoy the scenery. It adds a wonderful contrast to the strength and solidity of the castle walls. We also visited the tearoom during our trip, and it was a real highlight. The scones were amazing—fresh, warm, and full of flavour. It’s the perfect place to take a break and soak in the atmosphere. When leaving, we passed through the shop and discovered the almond rum, which was very special and well worth trying. Overall, the visit was fantastic. The castle, the views, the beach, and the food all come together to create a memorable experience. It’s definitely well worth a visit.

The castle sits on a hill overlooking the sea and the nearby town. The views from the castle are stunningly beautiful. There is a lot to see in the castle as well as outside. I would say give yourself two to three hours to be sure you see everything. Would definitely recommend a visit.

This is an amazing castle. The access is formidable, it’s kept very well, and the displays are perfect, not too little, not too much. The added air and auto museum were icing on the cake.

This is the most impressive castle i have seen to date, the views are amazing and the history is second to none. The castle itself is massive and very imposing, just imagining being in that time having to look at this daunting castle, wow, absolutely amazing, definitely a must see for anyone that has ever watched the Last Kingdom.

Beautiful setting and nice place but Christmas theme took away from the historical displays and not much was shown of the history before the caste. There was also much of the castle interior that was not publicly assessable

What an amazing place to visit. The grounds have some stunning views over the beach. The rooms are kept in great condition. The staff were brilliant and informative. There is parking at the castle which is £6 or you can park across the road in another car park. The gift shop was great and there are toilets near the cafe's. I felt there was not enough toilets for the amount of visitors.

Visited Cragside with my wife, daughter and grandson and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The house itself is full of fascinating history – hard to believe it was the first home in the world lit by hydroelectric power! Every room tells a story, and the craftsmanship is incredible. The gardens and grounds are just as impressive, with plenty of space to explore and stunning views around every corner. It’s a perfect mix of history, innovation and natural beauty. A brilliant day out for all ages – we’ll definitely be back.

Fabulous place. Lovely walks through the he grounds, all very picturesque and full of nature. House is beautiful too. Shop and cafe just finish it off. Do the Views of Cragside walk as it's wonderful and covers so much.

If you have never visited, you really should! It's been a very long time since I was last here, and as a teenager I didn't really understand the significance of the place. When visiting this time, the impact was much greater. The walks around the grounds, along the river and through the gorge we're beautiful and the formal gardens were well maintained (and a picture in summer I'm sure). We visited in autumn and the colours in the trees were spectacular. The hydroelectric power and elevator were an incredible marvel of their time, and the marble fireplace in one of the rooms is a huge statement of the owners status and wealth. The staff were all very knowledgeable and friendly. If you're making a first visit, you will likely spend all see day at the house and immediate vicinity. But the grounds are enormous, and there are miles and miles of walks off various car parks along the carriage drive. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

Fantastic place. Very helpful staff, particularly the Scottish chap at the entrance. Very clear signs to guide you around the extensive grounds. The house is a must to explore. One of the best National Trust properties (we are members) we have visited. Two areas for suggested improvement. The main cafe is so chaotic that we were put off standing and ordering anything to eat at lunchtime after we had a drink earlier in the day. Secondly, there are two large photographs of Red Squirrels in the shops and apparently there are Red Squirrels in the grounds but I was told "You won't see them." "Why don't you have feeding areas for them, I'm sure they would draw people in." "That would also draw in the Grey Squirrels which we also have." "If you don't do anything about the Greys then you soon won't have any Reds, because of squirrel-pox." This is where the National Trust needs to take a stand and not wash its hands of the problem. But we'll worth a visit all the same.

A beautiful National Trust park with plenty of different walks to suit all levels of ability. The house is fascinating, with lots of detailed information to read and explore. The facilities are excellent too, with toilets, cafés, and plenty of seating available throughout the grounds. A great place to spend a day. Recommend getting passes as you will save a lot of money. Lots of parking in the area.

In my view, Cragside is one of the most appealing estates among the National Trust properties (and NT has many world-class estates). This is our second visit here; the previous visit 8 years earlier was too brief. But more than 5 hours on this visit wasn't enough. Cragside is definitely a multi-day excursion. Cragside has well-designed winding trails through peaceful woods, fabulous tall trees, and imposing rock-exposed hillsides. The trail from the Archimedes screw to the house is as picturesque as one could imagine for any walk. Every turn in the main house reveals incredible design and details. Kitchen, dining room with huge alcove fireplace, gallery, Turkish bath and spa, morning room, library, drawing room with another huge alcove, billiard room, and several bedrooms (especially the Owl Suite) -- an amazing variety of high-quality spaces. All of these areas are outfitted with plenty of artifacts; signage provides helpful information. Even though mid-May and northern part of England, the Cragside property had bursts of colourful plants, particularly the rhodos on the hill in front of the house. The formal garden was just starting to come alive (Google lens identified shrubby cinquefoil, euphorbia fireglow, and a yellow euphorbia). Then there is Cragside's significant technological innovations and "firsts" that Armstrong incorporated here (some of which he invented). Imagine a house in the 1800s with electrical lights powered by the property's own hydroelectricity, a hydraulic lift, an early dishwasher, and a vacuum cleaner. Visited during latter half of May 2025

Amazing historic mansion set in extensive wooded grounds. What a treat, a Victorian mansion built for an enterprising engineer who innovated so much. The house is filled with firsts in so many fields, the first house to have hydro-electric lighting, pneumatic and powered devices to make household life easier. It's the epitome of a smart Victorian house, which was 40 years ahead of it's time. The gardens were all designed from scratch, in what was just open moorland. There's a rock garden, formal garden, pine woods, and extensive woodlands with long walks and a Carrige Drive which you can drive along and stop at the various points of interest. The original hydroelectric features are still there with good information boards. We knew it was going to be good, and it is! 😎👍👍👍👍👍

The Holy Island museum and priory are a real highlight of any visit to Lindisfarne. The ruins themselves are atmospheric and steeped in history, and the museum does a good job of bringing the story of the monks, the Viking raids, and the Lindisfarne Gospels to life. The exhibits are well presented, and the small heritage centre has some good interactive displays and short films that make it engaging for all ages. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the experience. On the flip side, the museum itself is fairly small, so you can get around it quite quickly, and some visitors feel the admission price of £10.90 is a little steep for what’s inside. It’s free, however, if you are an English Heritage member. As always on Holy Island, coming here, planning around the tides is essential — miss the safe crossing times and you could be stranded. Overall though, it’s a fascinating and evocative stop, especially when combined with a wander around the priory ruins and the island itself. A must for anyone with an interest in early Christianity or Northumbrian history.

Great place to visit. Not a lot to see apart from the castle and priory. There was more interetin watching the tide come in and cover the causeway, which takes hours by the way lol. Tide times seem to include idiot factor also so don't panic when it says you must leave by a certain time. From the time published that you have to leave the tide takes about 2 hours from that time until you can't leave. Highly recommend popping into the Lindisfarne inn on the A1. Great food and dog friendly.

A place I aways wanted to go see once I'd spotted it on Google Maps. I know now it's a famous landmark, but I didn't know anything about Northumberland, nevermind The Holy Island. We went at night time so the whole quick visit was a little eerie. The journey over to the island, once the tide had gone out and the few cars waiting could cross set the scene. The crossing is unusual, a long stretch of tarmac road that minutes ago was under the waves, but now the vast body of water is drifting out to sea. It feels uncomfortable yet beautiful as the sun was setting. We followed the road, which felt longer than expected into the small village of Lindisfarne. The first large car park is stone based but in the village there is a disabled car park and EV charge points. Nothing was open when we arrived except for a small pub and a hotel that was just closing. We had a drink in The Crown and Achor which is a small lost in time pub The food menu had a lovely selection and the dishes we saw also looked plenty full (the guests left nothing so a great compliment to the chief). I walked around the church yard which has ruins from the old Priory as well as a church that looks to be still in use. Further on there is a vantage tower that I imagine has some spectacular views. Going out of the village we passed a few friendly locals in the dimly lit street. Crossing back to the mainland we went through the nature reserve which is a spectacular view with sea birds settling down and the sea now in the distance. Worth a visit but go in the day when all is open. Our visit was a last minute dash to say we'd been there rather than anything meaningful. Very much a lost in time kind of place which adds to the charm.

A lovely little place to visit with so much history. Although it is a ruin, there is quite a lot left and you can get a real feel for what rooms you were stood in etc. We really enjoyed this and am added bonus was it is an English Heritage site!

Amazing bit of history, if you enjoy ruins and are visiting or in the north east of england i would highly recommend. I did it along with Bamburgh, only half an hour between them.

Not much to say here. Can't write anything negative - be mindful of the Priory ruins closing time the only thing to note - we crossed on to the Island late due to the tide, had very little time to experience the area properly.

We took a Billy Shiel's boat trip to the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne. The trip was great, the weather was overcast with light drizzle, but the seals and puffins and other birds made it enjoyable. The trip spent about 45 minutes exploring the Farne Islands on the boat, which had clean airplane like toilets. We could have sheltered from the weather, but chose to stay on the top deck while going round the Farne Islands. The boat then went to Lindisfarne, about 35 minutes, and we took shelter on the lower deck. Lindisfarne was amazing and peaceful. We had two hours here, and we brought a picnic, although there were two pubs serving food and drinks. We went around the north of the island, up the Heigh, a range of high ground, which gave excellent views of the island. The priory ruins where picturesque, as was St Mary's church, the old lifeboat station; the old coastguard lookout which had amazing views across the island. Unfortunately the castle closed at 16.00hrs, so we didn't go there, but it looked impressive. All in all a good day, and while the weather did it's best to dampen spirits, the views were impressive. On our trip there were 4 small dogs and some elderly passengers and the crew were very friendly, helpful and gave a good commentary throughout. On our return to Seahouses, we came across a pod of dolphins, and that just completed our trip, as the amazing creatures just followed along side us while Gannets dived for fish. We disembarked about 20.30hrs, and many thanks to the skipper and crew of 'Farnes Lass' for a really enjoyable experience.

Ancient and well used site of Roman settlement and fortification. Nine different forts were built on this site over time. Ruins of village are also seen just outside the fort. A fine museum, gift shop and small cafe are also on site.

One of the most interesting historic sites. Very cool Roman artifacts well preserved by the conditions including various textiles in the museum. The cafe food was delicious and reasonable so it’s a great spot for lunch

Visited when I was a kid- but so much improved 30-odd years on. Loved it then; adore it now! A huge highlight was Annette, our volunteer tour guide, so enthusiastic and informative with various humorous anecdotes that even my teenagers gave her 5 stars. The museum is tremendous, so much better than before, with amazing exhibitions that really make life on the frontier near-2000 years ago very real. As for the cafe: 3 of us had baked potatoes and one soup. They were all delicious and welcome on a cold windy day. And the cakes: I had an excellent cheesecake; and the rocky road went down well with the 14-year-old. A very enjoyable experience!

I thought this would be a bit… well dull, but I was really wrong. The walking tour really brought the site to life and it was interesting and engaging. I learned lots about Roman life in the area (and I’m not a history geek - it was genuinely interesting). The museum space was great and interesting too. All the team on site were wonderful and helpful. I would recommend a visit if you have any interest in Roman life - and even if you think you don’t !!

A fantastic place to get a feel for life in Roman Britain near Hadrian's Wall. Something for all ages and abilities great café too. So glad we visited and took time to walk the site and explore. Amazing finds in the museum. Friendly and helpful staff

Vindolanda is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Roman Britain. The museum is outstanding, with incredible artifacts—including the famous Vindolanda tablets—that bring daily life on the frontier vividly to light. Be sure to take the guided tour of the site itself; it adds so much context and helps you really understand the history and significance of what you’re seeing. A truly fascinating and unforgettable experience

Such an amazing and fascinating site with great staff and beautiful and well equipped museum. We had a guided tour by Paul and I have to say - best guide ever!! Well educated, passionate, funny, keeps attention. Love how the site is preserved and how good it looks. The museum is really must see!

We visited the fort and museum and spent about an hour and a half here, which was plenty of time to really take it all in. The ruins are incredible and give you a real sense of the history, while the museum brings everything to life with well-laid-out displays and fascinating artefacts. The hill up to the fort is quite steep, but it’s definitely doable if you take your time — worth it once you’re at the top. Facilities are limited, with only one bin and toilet at the entrances, so it’s best to plan ahead. Overall though, it’s a brilliant experience that stands out for both the history and the atmosphere. I’d recommend it to anyone — whether you’re into history, out for a family trip, or just looking for something different to explore.

Housesteads is one of the most impressive and atmospheric forts on Hadrian’s Wall. The ruins are remarkably well preserved, with clear outlines of the granaries, barracks, and the commander’s house, giving a real sense of Roman life on the edge of the empire. The views across the Northumberland landscape are breathtaking, especially from the wall itself, which runs right past the site. There’s a good museum with artefacts and context, plus really friendly staff. A good idea is to include a decent walk along the wall and to visit the museum at the same time. A must-see if you’re exploring Hadrian’s Wall.

Glad we made a detour here on the way back from Scotland. I’d advise going early as it was extremely busy when we left at lunchtime with coaches, we arrived just as it was opening. It’s a steep but steady climb up. Although it’s an English Heritage site, National Trust membership gains access and the cafe/facilities at the bottom are NT managed with museum/shop at top next to site English Heritage (which is also point for tickets).

Wonderful Roman garrison. If you intend walking Hadrian's wall be prepared for some very demanding climbs and descents wear good shoes and clean it can be very wet and windy. Speak to locals.

We came here on a Saturday morning, after having driven an hour or so from Newcastle. The place is operated jointly by National Trust and English Heritage and members of both organisations have free entry. The parking is not free even for members, but there was plenty of spaces. There is quite a long walk from the entrance point to the Fort, going first down hill and then climbing up hill. There is not a great deal left of the Roman Fort but its location right by Hadrian's Wall makes it very interesting. There is good explanations about the history of the place at the visitor's centre nearby. The Hadrian's Wall Path runs along these ruins with energetic ramblers passing by.

Another 'wow' for the Romans. This is one heck of a fort remains. Stepping amongst history made 2000 years ago ! Parking is independent of Nat Trust/English Heritage, around £5 for 3/4 hours, ample spaces with allocated motorhome spots. Lovely Bat Trust chap on reception. You don't pay/card until you're up at the fort. Nat Trust Cafe/toilets etc. There's coffee/snacks at the top but no actual cafe/toilets. It's quite a walk up, well maintained pathways, and most definitely worth the walk. Access can be made by car for less able folk. Brilliant, so much to see, read and explore - including the amazing wall.

Fantastic remains of a Roman Fort and adjoining accommodation and amenities alongside Hadrian's Wall. English Heritage or National Trust membership allows you in for free. Set in beautiful surroundings on hills occupied by sheep and lambs. Good base for Hadrian's Wall walks and has a café, shop, bathrooms, and museum, the latter displaying regular showings of a very informative video. Parking is not free but is convenient and paid by NFC on leaving the premises (number/license plates detected on entry and timed from then). Well worth it.

A lovely coastal walk to get up to the castle takes around 20-30 minutes from the harbour depending on how fast you walk. The views from the castle and on the walk up are stunning. The castle doesn't have a great deal left but you can get up the main tower and the views from the top are fantastic. The staff were great and informative. One told us that you can sometimes see dolphins off the coast. There are toilets on site. You will need to park on the road leading in to the coastal town and walk up to the castle.

Undoubtedly one of the finest English Heritage sites to visit in the country. Stunning position on the cliffs and the castle ruins are visible for miles. You can walk from Craster (just over a mile), but we approached from Dunstan Steads (under a mile). Excellent views of the birds on the cliffs. At the castle the cliffs are mainly fenced off but there are warning signs of the sheer drop. Terrific views from the top of the castle - care needed on the spiral staircase though. There are toilets , and a small English Heritage shop - very helpful staff. Definitely worth making the effort to visit.

I’ve wanted to visit Dunstanburgh Castle since I was a nipper and finally got to visit in October 2025. It didn’t disappoint. Bonus it’s dog friendly but there is cattle/sheep on the section between Craster and the castle itself. Nice ruins to wander around with stunning views. We paid £6.80 each, discount for booking online before going. Not enough signage about the history, probably want to sell you a guidebook for £4.50 instead. We extended the walk by taking our dog down to Embleton Bay afterwards. A great half day out.

Lovely Spot and Stunning Views!
We parked at the Craster car park — really convenient, with payment options by card, cash, or app. It’s just a short walk to the beachfront from there. Once you reach the shore, you can take a scenic walk to the castle (about 40–45 minutes). The views along the seafront are absolutely stunning — a pure joy for the soul.

Lovely walk to the castle from Craster to see the ruins of the castle. The Dunstanburgh Castle is in hands of English Heritage but it's owned by National Trust so it's free entry for NT members too. The staff made some sarcastic comments about NT when they checked our passes but the rest of the staff were nice and friendly. The castle is situated in a very windy spot but if you go on tower the views are absolutely stunning. There are some benches and tables available in the yard, toilets available too but no running water.

Lovely place to visit. Staff were really friendly, well-maintained, and not too busy. Just mind out that it's a reasonably long walk from the car park if you have a toddler with you!

Fantastic castle. Beautiful ruins of a once majestic castle. The site and the grounds are gorgeous, the drama of the setting cannot be overstated. Easy parking although about 30 minute walk across fields to the castle: generally flat ground and a pathway to keep to for ease. Wish I lived locally so I could go more often.

Another first at this National Trust in Northumberland. Plenty of parking with some disabled parking near the entrance and also some electric charging point for electric vehicles. As you walk through under the clock tower there is a large open garden with deck chairs and the first of many safe spaces for families to entertain children. There's a cafe, shop and toilets all on the ground level making them easy access. Further round is the entrance to this beautiful stately home that apparently has the largest grounds of all the National Trusts. There is wheelchair access into the house to see the ground floor and also an elevator to go up stairs which is fantastic for people that struggle with stairs. There are lots of items and paintings to see so well worth a look around. Apparently, the house was only gift to the Trust in 1947 and the last family member lived there right up to around 2011. There grounds are vast which include a lovey walled garden. You can hire peddle or electric bikes to get around £10 - £12. We got there in the afternoon so went straight around the house as it closed at 15:30 but the grounds stay open till around 17:30. Another National Trust Gem. Well worth a visit. By the way the staff are really friendly, doing a wonderful job.

Wallington Hall is one of the best National Trust days out in Northumberland. The house itself is full of character, with beautiful rooms, quirky collections, and striking murals that tell the history of the North East. The gardens are a real highlight — the walled garden is stunning and peaceful, while the wider estate has riverside walks, ponds, and woodland trails that feel endless. It’s fantastic for families too, with several play areas, adventure trails, and plenty of space for kids to run wild. The café and shop are both worth stopping by, and facilities are good. The estate is big, so wear decent shoes — the walk to the walled garden takes a while but is worth it. Some paths can be tricky if wet, but most are well kept. A super day out!

This is our second visit to Wallington Hall and Estate (previously here 6 or 7 years ago). Both times we visited on a busy (but not overcrowded) weekend. Understandably a popular place for families; Wallington has plenty of space for kids to play and several kids-oriented features in the woods. We thoroughly enjoy the walks through Wallington woods and around ponds, complete with interesting art along the way (carved owl, carved log, etc.). Another delight is the walled garden, which is quite substantial and well maintained with numerous types of plants in varied micro-environments. The estate also has several places to sit and enjoy nature. The main house at Wallington is another National Trust treasure that requires a few visits to truly appreciate the variety and uniqueness of the furniture, paintings, children’s toys, books, and other items. The central hall is amazing for its design and artwork depicting the area's past. The kitchen is outfitted with numerous bygone items, including many old earthenware jars that also caught our interest. The detailed doll houses in one room are also an attraction. Visited in late May 2025

Me and the family really enjoyed it here, the staff were very friendly and there was plenty to do and see. We went for food and it was lovely and the staff were so friendly. My kids favourite part was finding the little animals in the house and my dads favourite part was the walled garden. 100% recommend if you're looking for a fun friendly day out.

Really good and well looked after house and gardens. We went round the house first which was incredible. We did the river walk which took us about an hour to walk but we'll worth it. The walled garden is well worth a walk around aswell.

Lovely place, hadn't been for years but it used to be my Grandma's favourite place for tea! Had a lovely walk by the river and over the stepping stones. Fascinating exhibition about the history of the Hall and it's owners.

Lovely place to visit - beautiful Hall and extensive stunning gardens. Didn't have time for the River Walk but will definitely come back for that. Second hand book shop, tea room and ice cream remain open after the last entry to the Hall. Perfect for all ages groups

An excellent ruin of a castle. We were lucky enough to have birds of prey showing as we arrived. Wonderful to see and hear about the birds. The is parking at the castle. You have to pay £3.50 for parking unless you are a national trust member. This is normal for national trust sites. There were toilets in the car park but they are not looked after the best. Lots of cobwebs and dirt and no soap in the toilets. It normally shuts at 5 during the summer months but the staff were very much rushing to shut up from half 4. This is the reason for the 4 star review the actual castle was 5 star. Plenty of areas to explore and learn about. Lots of information boards and voice boards around the site. The main building was amazing with lots of rooms and stairs to explore. The gift shop was small, however there was a tent which had more things in but this shut very early and we were not able to look around before we left. We do like to take souvenirs away with the sites name on.

Nice castle to visit especially if your part of the English Heritage as its free parking and entry. Quite alot of the castle remaining so plenty to look around. Also nice to walk down into the village with cafes and a few shops to visit. Overall well worth a visit.

An absolute gem of a town! So much history too. Castle ruins, Hermitage built in a cave across the river with carved alters inside, Acessed by a small boat. Book your boat ticket at the castle where Parking all day is only £3.50. Local church with a sad story. Glorious river walks. Dog friendly pub called Masons.

I adore this castle - every time I go to Northumberland, I come here. It is an English heritage managed castle, it has a large carpark and has some accessible areas for anyone with mobility issues but the keep has stairs and no wheelchair access. It has some fantastic stone masonry work and some hidden markings - original angel of the north 😏 The staff are always welcoming and friendly and full of knowledge. Visit and enjoy this stunning castle for its ruined beauty 🥰

Parents and kids both loved our visit. Enough interest to keep the kids busy and they can explore parts on their own. Nice mix of being outside and inside. Parking is free for members or £3.50 for non members, toilets at car park. We walked into the village afterwards.

Beautiful place to visit. The castle is truly an architecture to be admired. Highly recommend getting the guidebook (~£4) and audio guide (free) Everyone working there was friendly and enthusiastic. Be sure to ask the history and story of the furniture!

Fabulous. What can you say about such a stunning castle. I would like a little more info on the origins and the family and I didnt feel the shop met that fully. But will definitely be back

I had a fantastic sunset cruise around the Farne Islands. I'd highly recommend it. The boat is clean, modern and comfortable. Everything looks and feels safe. The boat team are friendly, knowledgeable about the area and clearly engaged with what they were doing. We saw lots of seabirds, some types I've never seen before, even though I live near the (West) coast myself. We saw a few seals bobbing around. The highlights for me were seeing the island buildings and lighthouses as I've got a special interest in human history. The sunset was very pretty, although it didn't beat the ones we get in West Wales. At £25 for two hours, this was a great value trip, packed with interesting sights and good information from the team. Bring a jumper/coat, it was chilly even though it was a hot day.

Superb. We were lucky with sunshine and calm seas. I can fault the it. We did the two hour trip. Helpful commentary, but not over the top. The boat stopped at some great points to observe a good range of birds and some seals. Great for any age, creating an experience you'll remember for years.

Absolutely fantastic 2 hour boat trip around the Farne Islands. We were lucky enough to see a number of seals and a couple of puffins! Would definitely recommend to people of all ages but bring a jumper for the way back!

Lovely experience. Pretty good value per ticket. But costly for a big family (5). Saw a few birds and seals. I think we were at the end of the season. Probably worth checking out nesting season for maximum wildlife. We all really enjoyed it.

Did the 90 minute seal spotting trip aboard Glad Tidings VIII as part of a day excursion from Newcastle, and it turned out to be an exhilarating experience! Both the skipper and his crew of one were very helpful with getting all the passengers, some of whom were mobility impaired, on board. Plenty of seating on both sides and also in the middle of this open boat. Some of us were apprehensive because there was a strong breeze, and as soon as we left the harbour and hit the open sea, it became very choppy, but the skipper handled the boat so well that I for one soon realised we were in safe hands! And as we approached the islands, the sea became calmer. We sailed around all the islands, including one with a large number of grey seals basking on the rocks. Did not see a great many seabirds however; the main nesting season is over in late August and all the puffins had gone, but we did spot several cormorants and shags nesting on the rugged cliffs of one island. We passed places of historic interest too: the medieval chapel of St Cuthbert on Inner Farne, and the red and white lighthouse on Longstone Island where the heroine Grace Darling lived, and we also saw Bamburgh Castle in the distance. The skipper gave us a commentary on the landmarks and the wildlife we saw, though at times I struggled to hear it above the noise of the wind and the waves. But as a whole, the trip was highly enjoyable, and the crew were knowledgeable and friendly and really looked after us. Would do another boat trip with Billy Shiel's if I return to Seahouses.

We really enjoyed our boat tour. It does get quite chilly and windy, recommend you bring a jacket. Originally we booked the boat tour that lands you at the Islands but our bike route ran over by 30 minutes and we missed it! Fortunately I was able to request our slot to be moved to the Puffin and Seal tour at the Billy Shiel's kiosk. The nice lady didn't even hesitate and I was so thankful because we really wanted to see some seals. My partner has never been out on seawater before so we were very lucky. The guide explained everything, was clearly very knowledgeable about the area and told stories drawing our attention to certain locations we would have missed otherwise. Thank you!

So pleased we decided to book onto the Grey Seal and seabirds boat trip to the Farne Islands! We got to see plenty of seals and birds with the boat stopping at all the Islands giving enough time to spot the wildlife, take in the stunning scenery and snap some photos. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something fun and educational to do. It was an experience we’ll never forget!

Lindisfarne Castle, on Holy Island, is dramatically perched on a quirky outcrop of rock that is on an otherwise flat island. This setting is quite spectacular – a quirky, fairytale fortress rising above the sea, with sweeping views in every direction. The walk up is short but dramatic, and once inside, the castle has a distinct charm that’s quite different from the grand stately homes you usually see. It feels cosy, like the lived-in retreat it once was, after being decommissioned as a fort several hundred years ago. The National Trust have done a wonderful job keeping the place welcoming, with little touches that bring the history to life. Combined with the island itself, the tidal causeway and peaceful atmosphere, it makes for a truly unforgettable visit. Definitely a must if you’re exploring Northumberland! *National Trust property, so free for members, or £12 for adults.

Lovely place. Holy island is a small island and the castle was a short walk from the town where we were staying. It wasn’t open due to the time of year but it was still interesting and still a nice walk. It’s looked after by English Heritage. The castle is actually atop a small hill ( a mound really) and you get a nice view once you’re up there. It’s small but seems well looked after, and the Limekilns below were fascinating. It wasn’t too busy probably due to the time of year (October), and the weather was bright so we got good views.

I thought this place was amazing. I loved the whole feel of the castle and it's cosy rooms and layout. I thought the architecture was great. Stunning views from all angles on the castle and stunning views of the castle from all around. There is a toilet at the start of the castle once you have paid to go in. Parking is at the start of the island and then it's a short walk to the castle through the village. The staff were polite and helpful and there is a small gift shop at the entrance.

This 16th century castle, perched dramatically on top of a rocky outcrop, is visible from the road long before you arrive at the causeway to Holy Island. It took me about 30 minutes to walk here from the village and priory along the coastal path, with a short stop at the harbour on the way. The path is level and easy to walk, with lots of benches, but on reaching the castle you have to climb a steep cobbled slope and a flight of steps to get to the entrance. Admission for an adult is £12, but it's free if you're an NT member. Due to limited time, I didn't get the chance to go inside, but I did get to walk around the castle and get a good look at both its exterior architecture and the nearby Victorian lime kilns. This is a good starting point for nature walks around the island. A lovely spot to enjoy a picnic too! It's definitely on my must-do list to explore the castle's interior when I return to Holy Island. UPDATE: I returned to the island a few weeks later, and this time I did go inside. The NT staff/volunteers were so friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Info boards in the entrance hall gave an overview of how, in the early 20th century, architect Edwin Lutyens transformed this former military stronghold with its vaulted ceilings and arches, winding passages and steep steps, into an atmospheric but cosy island retreat for its wealthy owner and his guests. The downstairs rooms are filled with beautiful furniture, colourful carpets, chandeliers and ornaments. Domestic artefacts, old photos, and a table set for dinner provide an added insight into the lives of the people who lived and stayed here. A spiral staircase leads up to the bedrooms and an upper viewing terrace with spectacular coastal views. There was a friendly guide on hand to let visitors know which birds had been spotted here, and to point out some seals basking on a sandbank (there's a telescope to help you get a better look). This building with its many steps would present a challenge to anyone with mobility issues, but I found it fascinating to explore. There's a toilet just inside the entrance, and a second-hand book shop in one of the upturned boat sheds next to the ticket office.

Certainly a beautiful view while walking towards the castle, particularly on a sunny day. We arrived on the island shortly after the permitted crossing time and I was surprised at the number of visitors already considering it was mid week in mid September. The National Trust was having its annual open house which we had not known when we planned the visit, and, perhaps that contributed to the large crowds. It is a bit of a hike to the castle, and once there, there are steep steps inside and out. The tour guides were quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable. This is a former castle that was modified into a holiday home in the early 1900s. One is free to explore the rooms as well as to go outside and take in the views from the top landing.

Took the wife away for the weekend. Nice trip. Bluebell Pub 12 miles away. Had a great day. Nice Cafe. First one you come too from the main car park. Archaeology dig near rte Priory.

We didn't visit the castle itself but took a walk in it's surroundings. Beautiful location, although it was a bit crowded. Take a walk from the priory to castle and back and visit the lookout tower on the way (free). When you keep an eye on the sea you definitely can spot some seals (we did). Important: Before visiting Holy |sland, please check the tide imetable to see safe crossing times for the Holy Island causeway.

Took a Farne Islands cruise (1.5) and we really enjoyed it. Great to get out there and meet the birds and the seals up close. We had a boat that wasn’t too busy and we had plenty of space and for a lot of the time we had the full attention of the skipper’s mate, I think his name was Aaron or Aran, who was really knowledgeable and gave us all the info as we cruised around the islands, super friendly, local knowledge and really helpful. Was money well spent and thanks to the skipper and his mate for a really enjoyable trip. 5 stars easily.

The Serenity boat trip to the Farne Islands was fabulous. We chose the puffin with seals tour which was 2 hours long. The boat was a good size with upper and lower deck seating. The staff were really helpful and provided commentary throughout the trip. They also came round the boat to speak to people and answer any questions. We saw a wide variety of seabirds and of course the puffins as well as a colony of grey seals. The captain manages to get really close to the rocks so you get a great view of the birds. Would highly recommend this company.

A fantastic 2 hours, we thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was not an over crowded boat and you could walk around between the upper deck and deck area. The sea was also like a mill pond (which suited me as I don't travel well on boats normally!). There was a toilet on board if you needed it. The captain explained everything as you saw it over the speaker system and there was also a crew member walking around making sure everyone was ok and answering any questions you may have about the wild life and islands. Would definitely recommend this company and will probably go again when we go back to this area.

Great tour, we took the one which takes you to the Inner island for a one hour stroll, which was great. Highly recommend this particular one. The captain approached the islands really close and manoeuvred the vessel in such a way as to make people seating both on the left and on the right sides have their best views. The commentary was very interesting and informative. The Serenity tour guy came to have a personal chat with each person/family on board, was willing to tell more and answer any questions. Had a really great day! Thank you Serenity

We joined the afternoon landing tour with Serenity and had an absolutely wonderful experience! The captain and crew were incredibly friendly and welcoming. One of the crew members walked around the boat to give informative commentary, so no matter where you were seated, you wouldn’t miss anything. The captain also made sure to turn the boat so that everyone on either side had a good view of the adorable seabirds up close. We had about an hour on the island, which was packed with excitement, so many puffins everywhere! It was also nesting season for the terns, and they were very protective of their eggs. Some nests were right next to the paths, so it’s hard to avoid them, I’d highly recommend wearing a hat, as the terns may dive at you to protect their nests. Even though the weather forecast said no rain, a sudden rain cloud passed over us, so a raincoat and waterproof gear for your camera are definitely a good idea. Overall, we had such a lovely afternoon, it was absolutely worth it and a memorable experience!

I recently did the Grey Seal & Seabird Cruise and also the sunset Cruise on the same day. Both cruises were fantastic and the crew were excellent. I was lucky enough to see some wildlife up close thanks to the crew who know all the good spots look in and also lucky with the weather for the sunset cruise. I would highly recommend Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours and I look forward to my next cruise with them.

We went on The Serenity Inner Farne Tour on 16 June 2025 and it was truly amazing seeing so many birds up close - we saw puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, arctic terns, shags and razorbills. We also saw seals and had a special treat with dolphins putting on a show on the way back to the mainland. Thank you to the crew for such a wonderful experience. Would highly recommend.

Visited in August while in Hexham. A surprisingly beautiful and ancient abbey. It was freezing to enter but a donation is requested, but not mandatory. You can also pay £3.50 to down into the crypt. Well worth a visit if you in the area.

Lovely Abbey Church in a town also worth visiting. Very beautiful building with lots of interesting things to see( view photos). No entrance fee but you can give a donation either by card machine or cash. Very peaceful place with seperate chapel for private prayer.

Absolutely fantastic abbey that is vibrant, active & well worth the entry fee. We paid the extra to go down the steep steps to the original crypt from 673/4...the crypt itself was built from recycled stone from a Roman bridge at Corbridge. Roman carving & inscriptions are clear to see in the stonework. When we visited GAIA (a revolving globe art installation) was in the abbey. It looked fantastic. As a bonus the café was lovely & on a sunny day sitting in the courtyard would be bliss.

Lovely place to look at. Unfortunately we arrived late in the day so only got to enjoy the exterior of the building. They were ringing the bells which was nice. Next to the abbey is a park and the railings of the park are covered in knitted/crocheted poppies which was beautiful to see. Well done to those who made the poppies.

So beautiful. We have English Heritage card but if you don't, I would still recommend buying a ticket to look round

Beautiful welcoming Abbey. We were warmly greeted and welcomed into the Abbey. Beautiful building, free entry but you are able to donate (which I recommend). They also have a shop, cafe and toilets. I found this a very accessible please with on street disc parking nearby. Worth the visit.

A lovely Abbey. Friendly receptionist at the entrance taking tickets to see the massive Earth display. Take a moment to reflect on one's life through our planet Earth and our fragile ecosystem.

Had difficulty getting here due to road closures, but the museum is well laid out and some of the exhibits can be touched, it needs to be used in conjunction with the vindolanda ticket as the two complement each other. My only criticism is that the video room needs a door as the noise from school visits can drown out the audio.

Good museum and interesting displays. Worth getting joint ticket with Vindolanda. Big plus is free parking at both sites. I walked east along Hadrian's Wall and on return went back into museum.

The Roman Army Museum does a fantastic job of telling the story of the men who served on Hadrian’s Wall. Through well-presented exhibits, films, and displays, it shows how soldiers came from all over the Roman Empire to defend this frontier. The museum really brings their lives, duties, and experiences to life in a clear and engaging way. It’s an excellent complement to visiting Hadrian’s Wall and a must for anyone interested in Roman history.

A wonderful Museum that provides insight into all aspects of Roman army history. A really interesting film half way which guides you through the history of the wall. A good couple of hours, if you do everything on offer! Incredible education on the history of animal bones my children still take about the talk one of the volunteers gave! 👌🏼👌🏼

The Roman Army Museum at Walltown is an excellent first stop for understanding Roman military life, especially in the context of Hadrian’s Wall. If you’re visiting the area, it adds a lot to the experience—especially with its films, interactive displays, and connection to the landscape. For families, casual visitors, or history fans, it offers good value. If you’re more of a specialist, you might want also to visit Vindolanda or some of the larger forts for deeper archaeology

This place is a must if your visiting Hadrians wall! Excellent. Watch the 20min film if your there, it was worth it and gives a great insight into a soldiers life on the wall

The museum was great on a rainy day but we were not able to go to the second location to walk around the actual Roman fort. The museum provided a good background on the growth and decline of the Roman Empire, the establishment of Hadrian’s wall, and the life of the Roman soldier. All of the items in the museum are items recovered from the fort. Wish there was more information on the any battles fought while the fort was occupied.

We loved our night at the observatory. Unfortunately it was a very cloudy night so was a bit hit and miss, catching the stars through the telescopes. Staff were amazingly entertaining and their passion rubbed off on you by the end of the visit. Complimentary hot chocolate was welcomed towards to end, getting a bit of free time to ask questions and revisit sections of the observatory. The building itself was impressive with the manually rotating roof sections where the telescopes live. We went early June and very keen to go back on a clear night in peak winter season. Thanks for an amazing experience

Wonderful experience. We attended the 9m session on a wonderfully clear July night. The initial video presentation was astounding and truly opened our eyes on the sheer scale of the night sky. The subsequent opportunity to view the sky through the Observatory telescopes in the presence of experts was astounding. This was then followed by a great opportunity to chat with the team The sessions cannot fit in many visitors so it is important to book ahead. And do follow the detailed arrival instructions - the site is by its nature remote and off the beaten track

I had a wonderful experience here. It says something that after driving for 2h into dark skies and it ending up being a cloudy night, that I still wasnt disappointed and would absolutely do it again. The talks were so informative and engaging, super interesting. We saw and used the telescopes and were able to observe a star despite the clouds.

Really good, I would say excellent. The team who were at the top to meet us stay with us for the 3 hours of our tour were brilliant. The team were very knowledgeable in there subject, they were very helpful and super friendly. Unfortunately the weather wasn't helpful it was raining for the first two hours. But the last hours the stars appeared which was fantastic. The team explained so much. I would definitely recommend to go and see the stars. Don't forget it is weather permitting.

We had clear skies - result. We have been before although it was cloudy then. However, don't be dismayed as the team put on a brilliant, educational and interesting talk / slideshow to entertain you. Our last visit was clear skies and we had the opportunity to to look through both telescopes as well as sit outside in the moon chairs to gaze at the night sky. Team there were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and able to make the subject approachable. Photos are from my iPhone 17 Pro Max, so no match for the telescopes, but gives you an idea. Being dark sky status the area is superb for star gazing be you just interested or a seasoned professional. The track up to the observatory is about 2 miles long, a little bumpy in places and can take a while at 10mph so bear that in mind with your arrival timing.

I visited the observatory on my birthday in March for one of their aurora watch evening events. I knew there was a *chance* of seeing the aurora borealis here (because of an 11 year peak, spring equinox and dark sky conditions) but I never dared hope I would get to see them on my actual birthday! We all filtered in to the lecture room and then within a couple of minutes of the introduction starting, a fellow staff member came rushing in to say it's happening, and then we all went outside and had at least 15mins of watching it live. Phone cameras pick up more than the naked eye, so it doesn't look as pretty as what my phone says, but that doesn't mean it's still not fascinating or exciting to be able to take slow exposure shots and see the results of what you've just captured! Once the excitement was over, and it had calmed down, back inside we went for some learning and then the big telescopes. Had an absolutely fantastic time. Can't recommend this facility enough. You need to do your research and book in advance, but if you do so you will have a wonderful time.

One of the best events I've ever been to, absolutely outstanding and we will definitely be returning for future events. Can't thank Adam, Dan and Gregoire enough, their enthusiasm was electric. Amazing!!!