Northumberland 250 — The Nook Cottage, Wark
A 250-mile adventure across the land of dark skies, rolling hills and remarkable coastline Northumberland is a popular destination for road trippers, from the rugged coastlines to the more remote rolling hills, there’s a variety of landscapes on our doorstep just waiting to be explored. But where to start? And where to end? How about a perfect Cottage in Wark, Northumberland? The Heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
1 hour and 40 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a name often shortened to "Holy Island" or to "Lindisfarne", is a tidal island off the coast of Northumberland some six miles north-west of Bamburgh. Lindisfarne is internationally famous both for its medieval religious heritage and also its more recent picturesque 16th century castle.
Farne Islands
1 hour 30 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
The Farne Islands lie two to three miles off the Northumberland coast midway between the Seahouses and Bamburgh. There are between 15 and 20 islands depending on the state of the tide. From April until the end of July, these islands are dominated by one of the most exciting seabird colonies in the United Kingdom with unrivalled views of 23 species.
Bamburgh Castle
1 hour 36 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Travel through centuries of history. Immerse yourself in state rooms brimming with treasures. See the scenes of films such as Transformers The Last Knight and best selling Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series brought to life.
Dunstanburgh Castle & Craster
1 hour 20 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Dunstanburgh Castle is a 14th-century fortification on the coast of Northumberland in northern England, between the villages of Craster and Embleton. The castle was built by Earl Thomas of Lancaster between 1313 and 1322. Enjoy lunch at The Jolly Fisherman Inn, Craster and then a walk along coast to Dunstanburgh Castle.
The Simonside Hills
48 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
This distinctive ridge, with its craggy profile, stands guard above Rothbury. A walk along the Simonside Hills must not be missed. From the top, you have a 360 degree view encompassing the Cheviot Hills and North Sea coastline. Wildlife such as the curlew, red grouse, mountain bumblebee, and even red squirrels can be seen.
Blanchland
41 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
This most picturesque village, often used for film sets, was built from the remains of a 12th century abbey and is surrounded by some the region's most spectacular and unspoilt countryside. We highly recommend booking a table at the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel for lunch! Excellent food and setting.
Sycamore Gap
16 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian's Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Sycamore Gap walk is a moderate 3 hour walk covering 5.2 miles (8.3 km). Download Sycamore Gap Walk Guide. | Download Hadrian's Wall Country Guide | Download Housesteads Guide
Hareshaw Linn in Bellingham
12 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
A wonderful walk towards a spectacular waterfall with rare plant life and wildlife on the way. More than 300 different types of mosses, liverworts and lichen can be found. The 'Linn' is also home to red squirrel, great spotted woodpecker, wood warbler, spotted flycatcher, badger and daubenton's bat.
Kielder Observatory
40 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory, under some of the darkest skies in the world where you'll find 'infinite inspiration' and wonders you could never have imagined!
Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads
16 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian's Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Housesteads Roman Fort is certainly worthwhile visit and takes you back to the Roman Empire. Sycamore Gap walk is a moderate 3 hour walk covering 5.2 miles (8.3 km). Download Sycamore Gap Walk Guide. | Download Hadrian's Wall Country Guide | Download Housesteads Guide
Kielder Water & Forest Park
22 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
With over 600 square kilometres of forest and 27 miles of shoreline to choose from, Kielder Water & Forest Park is perfect for walking, and hiking family days out. Mountain Biking at Kielder offers the experience of some of the best single track trails in the UK with breath taking inspirational views. Download Kielder Water & Forest Park Guide
Cragside Estate
53 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Extraordinary Victorian house, gardens and woodland - the wonder of its age. Cragside, the dream home of Lord and Lady Armstrong - a Victorian house that was light-years ahead of its time. The home of hydroelectricity, Lord and Lady Armstrong used their wealth, art and science in an ingenious way.
Wallington Hall & Grounds
32 minutes walk from The Nook Cottage
Discover Wallington, where an historical house meets rolling hills, woodlands and walled gardens. Gifted to you by Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, Socialist MP and 'illogical Englishman', this 13,000 acre estate has something for everyone. Visit the enchanting walled garden and enjoy a refreshing walk along the river.
Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory
3 minutes walk from The Nook Cottage
The Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory, is an accessible, public astronomical observatory offering talks, activities, stargazing and Astro courses to suit anyone from the absolute beginner to the professional.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
35 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Prepare to be enchanted by Belsay's Grecian architecture, medieval castle, and thirty acres of outstanding gardens. Roam through the unique micro-climate of the Quarry Garden with exotic plants around every twist and turn. Wander up the spiral staircase of the castle to see fantastic views over the Northumbrian countryside.
Chesters Roman Fort and Museum
9 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Chesters Roman Fort is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain - wander around the unusually well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers' quarters. Discover an amazing collection of Roman objects and inscriptions in the Clayton Museum.
Corbridge Roman Town
21 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Walk along the main street of this Roman garrison town, flanked by the remains of granaries, a fountain house, markets, workshops and temples. Corbridge was the most northerly town in the Roman Empire and one of only two on Hadrian's Wall, the other being at Carlisle.
Rothbury & River Coquet Walk
50 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Rothbury is at the heart of Northumberland's countryside. This traditional market town is a peaceful and picturesque haven. Known as the 'capital of Coquetdale' Rothbury is a scenic market town bustling with welcoming pubs, cafes, shops and galleries. Pleasant walks along the river Coquet.
Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion
12 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion is a free to access stargazing location in Kielder Forest and at the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Designed by students from Newcastle University the pavilion was opened in July 2014.
Alnwick Castle
1 hour 9 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of history to discover, and the origins of the Castle date back to the Norman period. Since 1309, its story has been intertwined with that of the Percy family, a family with a history as illustrious as the castle's own.
The Alnwick Garden
1 hour 9 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Alnwick Garden is a complex of formal gardens adjacent to Alnwick Castle in the town of Alnwick, Northumberland, England. The gardens have a long history under the dukes of Northumberland, but fell into disrepair until revived at the turn of the 21st century.
Vindolanda
22 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Vindolanda lies just to the south of the curtain wall of Hadrian's Wall and has a very different 'feel' to other sites along the Wall. It lies upon the first Roman frontier in the north - The Stanegate Road and in a stunning landscape which lets your imagination really connect with its past. You will probably visit Vindolanda by driving or walking along this road to reach the fort and museum.
The Sill
20 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre is open, including the cafe and shop, exhibitions and our stunning rooftop walk where you can enjoy spectacular views of the National Park. Let's care for our unique and special surroundings today, so that future generations can continue to enjoy them for years to come.
Kirkharle Courtyard
26 minutes drive from The Nook Cottage
Something for Everyone - Coffee, Food, Shopping, Country Walks, Historic Buildings, Play Area. Courtyard shops are open every day from 10am. Take a stroll around the serpentine lake and discover for yourself how the vision of English landscaping genius Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, known as 'the Shakespeare of gardening', is coming to life.
Other 'Things To Do' in the nearby region from The Nook Cottage include: Brocolitia Roman Temple, Chillingham Castle, Bamburgh Northumberland, Seahouses Northumberland, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Visit NewcastleGateshead, Angle of the North, Town of Jedburgh, City of Carlise, City of Durham.
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The Nook Cottage, Wark Northumberland is an exclusive self catering holiday accommodation. Please book online today or get in touch to plan your visit and stay in Northumberland.
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