If you are visiting or staying in the area there is lots to do and see, taking in walks and cycle routes in our fantastic Northumberland scenery ot some of the historical sights on offer throughout the County as well as close by.
First off have you thought about making a half day or day of your visit to Bellingham with:
- A visit to the Heritage Centre
- A walk to the Hareshaw Linn Waterfall (there are relatively few waterfalls in Northumberland and some are not very accessbile so being on the doorstep this is a gem)
- A visit to Tea on the Train in front of the Heritage Centre
Other attractions nearby:
- Kielder Water Forest and Park - lots of walks all over the area. They have a visitor centre at Leaplish. Also bike hire. There is a 27 mile bridleway round the reservoir which lots of families tackle, or shorter sections on the south side.
- Craster (famous for the kippers)
- Lindisfarne
- Otterburn Mill
- Belsay
- Wallington Hall and Gardens
Slightly further afield in Northumberland, Cumbria, the Lakes, Newcastle/Gateshead and the Borders:
- The Haltwhistle Rings walks - walks of various lengths and severity based arounf Haltwhistle in the South Tyne Valley
- Rothbury and Cragside (house fo Victorian Entrepreneur Lord Armstrong, first house in the country to have domestic electricity - in this case from hydroelectric sources.) A Wonder to behold
- Alnwick Castle and Gardens (alias Harry Potter's Hogwarts)
- Hadrian's Wall and at the same time visit the Sill, the National Park visitors centre with its grass roof and fantastic views. Possibly Chesters, Vindolanda, the Roman Army Museum (you can get a joint ticket with Vindolanda) or Housesteads Roman Fort or Housesteads, all very famous and worth visiting, Walk some of the wall near the Sill - the highest and most spectacular part. Check out Robson Greens recent series on Channel 5 for a three parter on the wall. Visit the famous Sycamore gap. (A day to visit the wall and these suggestions is needed)
- Eden Valley
- The Lake District
- Alston
- Railway heritage
- Lambley Viaduct Stunning majestic views of the valley. Lovely walk or cycle ride starting from Haltwhistle if you are keen for a longish walk of 10 miles return. All on the old railway line
- Errington Reay Pottery
- Hexham Abbey and crypt - a must do
- Newcastle & Gateshead e.g. Sage, Baltic Modern Art Gallery, Quayside, Views of the bridges, Historic buildings, Elsdon Square, Grainger Market, Northumberland Street, the Metro - take the train from Hexham and have a day in Newcastle, look out for the view of the Tyne and bridges as you approach Newcastle over the gorge.
- Northumberland and its Coast
- Featherstone Castle
- Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle Castle, The Tullie House Museum (take the train from Hexham)
- Walk up Cheviot or the Coquet valley generally
- Do parts of the Pennine Way.