5 Reasons Why I love Northumberland

Living in Northumberland is just the best. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. But why do I love it so much? Well, there are many reasons but I've managed to condense it down so here are my five reasons (in no particular order) Why I love Northumberland.

The Coastline.

South Beach, Blyth

Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island

From Seaton Sluice in the south over 60 miles north to the Scottish border the Northumberland Coast is EPIC. A stunning 40 mile stretch of the coast from Berwick to the River Coquet has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Some of my favourite places are along the coast such as Craster, The Farne Islands, Seahouses and Holy Island. So many places to visit and some great days out. One of my favourite walks is the 2 mile walk along the coast from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle really worth the trip.

The Food.

North Sea Oysters, Blyth Boathouse

Northumberland Venison Haunch, St Mary's Inn

There is so much good food in Northumberland. Northumberland has some of it's own great foods like Craster Kippers, Ham and Pease Pudding Stotties and some of the best fish n chips you will ever have. There are also loads of farmers raising incredible produce, cheesemakers making award winning cheese, Artisan Bakeries making amazing bread, pies and cakes. But it's the abundance of great restaurants that make the food extra special, serving dishes from all over the world at such a high standard you are never far away from a good meal.

The Castles.

Warkworth Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle

Northumberland has over 70 Castles! It's like living in Game of freaking Thrones. Some of the castles are world famous being used in TV and Films with Alnwick Castle used the Harry Potter films and Bamburgh Castle used in the last Transformers movie. Visiting a castle is one of my favourite things to do as it totally transports you back in time. My favourite castle is Warkworth Castle (above) it's keep is mostly intact and you really get a sense of how imposing it would have been to see in it's hay-day.

The Countryside.

Ingram Valley

Kielder Forest

Northumberland is one of the largest counties in England but is one of the least densely populated with just 63 people per km². This is due to acres and acres of countryside, whether it's trekking through hills and valleys or having a ramble around ancient meadows there is seemingly no end to the Northumberland Countryside. Kielder Forest is the largest man made forest in Europe and along with Kielder Reservoir it is such a fascinating place. The Northumberland National Park is also well worth visit with miles of picturesque views taking in Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviot Hills as well as having Dark Skies status. If you've never experienced a night somewhere with Dark Skies status you need to try it, on a clear night the amount of stars you can see is insane.

The People.

Of all the things I love about Northumberland it's the people I love the most. Not just my own family (who are pretty amazing if I say so myself) but the people in general from Northumberland are so friendly and welcoming. People often say that the people from the North East are the friendliest in England and they ain't lying. Whether you're after advice at the local market or just looking for a friendly hello from a passing stranger the people of Northumberland are always happy to oblige. They will literally give you the clothes off their back, on one trip to the Farne Islands the kids were a bit chilly so the ship's captain let them use his gloves to keep their fingers warm.

Have you ever been to Northumberland, what was your experience like? Is there anything would would add to this list?

Well, that's all for now.

S

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