Your Northumberland Summer To-Do List
Head to England’s northernmost county and discover this still relatively ‘hidden’ gem. With so much to explore from the doorstep, our rural bolthole is the perfect place for a summer escape. From castles to coastlines, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, there really is something for everyone.
Roam our white sandy beaches, myriad castles and historic market towns and witness parties of puffins and seal pups on the Farne Islands. Or simply linger a while in our aqueous spa and pack in some downtime in our glorious grounds.
This summer, experience the wonder of Northumberland and stay longer for less. Here’s our suggested itinerary for this summer.
For the history lovers
Day one: Arrival, check in from 3pm and enjoy a delicious cream tea (it’s on us if you book direct)
Take a stroll around our manicured gardens, lose yourself in the maze, enjoy a dip in the pool or take advantage of our spa facilities with a pre-booked spa treatment before dinner in the George Runciman Restaurant.
Day two: Alnwick
Enjoy a tasty, cooked breakfast before driving approx. 10 miles to Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland and possibly Britain’s most iconic castle made famous as the film set for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. It’s bang in the middle of Alnwick and there’s plenty of parking nearby or at the Alnwick Garden. Tour the castle, taking in the State Rooms and collections of fine art – or try your hand at broomstick training and the Dragon’s Quest. 
When you’re ready for lunch, pop over the road to the Alnwick Garden and enjoy a bite to eat in the café or the deservedly popular Alnwick Garden Treehouse (you’ll need to book ahead). Wander the gardens and marvel at this masterpiece of horticultural engineering. Designed for every season it’s fully of imagination, inspiration and fun.
After pottering around the gardens, spend time getting to know Alnwick and its pretty cobbled streets and remarkable architecture. No visit to Alnwick is complete without a stop at Barter Books, housed within the town’s old Victorian railway station. Here you’ll find one of the biggest collections of antiquarian books in the UK as well as a model railway, a station buffet and a children’s room.
Return to Doxford to relax and unwind before dinner.
Day three: It’s a shore thing
After breakfast head to Lindisfarne (Holy Island), approx. 28 miles from Doxford Hall, to explore the village, priory and castle. Cut off from the mainland twice a day by fast moving tides, you can (having checked the day’s safe crossing times) walk, drive or cycle over the causeway to the island. Once the epicentre of Christianity, the priory is one of the region’s most revered treasures and the island remains a place of pilgrimage today. Visit the castle, the museum and the Lindisfarne Nature Reserve, home to rare plants and an array of wildlife. You’ll often see seals hauled up on the sand as well as an abundance of birds.
Lunch in Lindisfarne village or head south along the coast to Bamburgh (17 miles from Lindisfarne) where you’ll find a variety of tearooms, pubs and restaurants. Towering 150 feet above the sea the magnificent Bamburgh Castle is an icon of the Northumberland shoreline and has been the filmset for many blockbusters. Visit the castle and explore over 1400 years of history, fine state rooms, an art gallery and the 12th century keep.
If, after a day of sight-seeing, you still have some energy then a beach stroll is highly recommended. Bamburgh Castle is set amid sand dunes bursting with wildflowers and views out to the Farne Islands, and the white sands of Bamburgh beach stretch three-miles to Seahouses. It’s a location that’s hard to beat! 
Wend your way back along the coastal route to Doxford Hall for a well-earned rest and a chance to refuel.
Day four: Cragside House, Gardens and Estate (Cragside, approx. 22 miles)
Approximately 22 miles from Doxford Hall lies Cragside House, Gardens and Estate, the original family home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and industrialist and the birthplace of green energy. The first building to be lit by hydroelectricity is now a National Trust property offering a truly awe-inspiring day out. From the ingenious gadgetry in the main house including fire alarm buttons, telephones and a passenger lift to the estate itself with more than 30 miles of paths, lakeside walks, play areas and a Trim Trail, it’s a much-loved day out. Entry is free of charge to National Trust members.
For the nature lovers
Day one: Arrival
Arrival, check in from 3pm and enjoy a delicious cream tea (it’s on us if you book direct).
Take a stroll around our manicured gardens, lose yourself in the maze, enjoy a dip in the pool or take advantage of our spa facilities with a pre-booked spa treatment before dinner in the George Runciman Restaurant.
Day two: Farne Islands & Craster
After breakfast head to Seahouses, approx. 14 minutes’ drive from the hotel and the gateway to the Farne Islands. A birder’s paradise, The Farne Islands are home to colonies of puffins, terns, razorbills, kittiwakes, shags and guillemots. The islands also have the largest breeding colony of grey seals in England and you’ll often see them hauled up on the rocks or bobbing in the sea. You can park in Seahouses and take a boat -we recommend Billy Shiels Tours – to get up close to the action! 
When you’re ready for lunch you’ll find plenty of places in Seahouses, or you may want to head south along the coastal route to Craster (approx. 10 miles). Home to the famous smoked kippers (you may have tried them at breakfast), some lovely art galleries, the starting point of some fabulous coastal walks, and some wonderful pubs.
Walk off lunch with a fabulous there and back route from the small sandy beach in the harbour towards Low Newton. You’ll walk across National Trust land to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, one of the most photographed sites in the county and named as one of the top ten walks in the UK. There’s a pay and display car park and toilets located behind the Tourist Office. Head back to Doxford from Craster (approx. 16-minute drive) in time for a chill out before dinner.
Day three: Druridge Bay & Northumberland Country Zoo
Just a 35-minute drive away Druridge Bay is rich in wildlife and a popular with walkers, horse riders, cyclists and those trying their hand at water sports. In fact, few places compare with the seven mile-stretch of beach that runs from Amble in the north to Cresswell in the south where the Northumberland Coast Path starts. Enjoy the fabulous beach, sand dunes and rock pools as well as the nature reserves at Druridge Bay Country Park where you’ll spot a myriad of migrating birds. The park is not only a space to spot many rare birds but also has a visitor centre, café, toilets and a children’s play area centred around a lake with surrounding meadows and woods perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
After a morning on the coast, wend your way back towards Doxford Hall via Northumberland Country Zoo, conveniently just one mile off the A1, and twelve miles south of Alnwick. A northeast hub for wildlife conservation the zoo is home to over 100 species of animals including snow leopards and ring-tailed lemurs and meerkats.
Drive north via the A1 for approx. 20 miles to return to the comfort of Doxford.
For the families
Day one: Arrival
Arrival, check in from 3pm and enjoy a delicious cream tea (it’s on us if you book direct).
Have some fun in our giant yew tree maze, enjoy a dip in the pool and explore the hotel before dinner in the George Runciman Restaurant or dine from the Lounge Menu in the Bar.
Day Two: Alnwick Castle, Gardens & Town
Enjoy a tasty, cooked breakfast before driving approx. 10 miles to Alnwick Castle. Not just another boring history lesson, Britain’s most iconic castle is the set for some of the Harry Potter films and offers something for all ages. Understandably there are lots of Harry Potter references for those who are in the know as well as opportunities to have a go at archery, dress up in medieval costume, try medieval crafts and traditional 14th century games. Tour the castle, try your hand at broomstick training on the lawns and tackle the Dragon’s Quest if you dare.
Just across the road from the castle, you’ll find The Alnwick Garden. It’s worth noting that you can buy dual tickets to the Castle and Gardens. The Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot is now a one of the most visited gardens in the country. A joy for all the senses, designed for all seasons the gardens boast a collection of over 4,000 plants, thousands of seasonal blooms and many opportunities to get wet and play in The Garden’s water sculptures. There’s a wonderful café for when you’re ready for lunch or you might want to try the hugely popular Alnwick Garden Treehouse (you’ll need to book ahead). 
After the Castle and Gardens, a wander around Alnwick and its pretty cobbled streets and remarkable architecture is recommended, calling into Barter Books, in the town’s old Victorian railway station. Here you’ll find one of the biggest collections of antiquarian books in the UK as well as a model railway, a station buffet and a children’s room. Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale of this bookshop!
Return to Doxford to relax and unwind before dinner.
Day two: Druridge Bay & Northumberland Country Zoo
35 minutes south of Doxford Hall you’ll find Druridge Bay, a stunning seven-mile stretch of beach popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Park at Druridge Bay Country Park and spend a morning on the beach enjoying the sand dunes and rock pools and then head back across the road to the nature reserves at Druridge Bay Country Park. The park is not only a space to spot many rare birds but also has a visitor centre, café, toilets and a lovely children’s play area centred around a lake with surrounding meadows and woods perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
After a morning on the coast, wend your way back towards Doxford Hall via Northumberland Country Zoo, conveniently just one mile off the A1, and twelve miles south of Alnwick. A northeast hub for wildlife conservation the zoo is home to over 100 species of animals including snow leopards and ring-tailed lemurs and meerkats.
Drive north via the A1 for approx. 20 miles to return to the comfort of Doxford.
Day three: Cragside House, Gardens & Estate, approx. 22 miles
Approximately 22 miles from Doxford Hall you’ll find Cragside House, Gardens and Estate, the original family home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and industrialist and the birthplace of green energy. The first building to be lit by hydroelectricity is now a National Trust property offering a truly awe-inspiring day out. From the ingenious gadgetry in the main house including fire alarm buttons, telephones and a passenger lift to the estate itself with more than 30 miles of paths, lakeside walks, play areas and a Trim Trail, it’s a much-loved day out. During the school holidays there are usually additional children’s trail activities to complete. Entry is free of charge to National Trust members.
Book now and benefit from the best choice of rooms at the best prices – and with the best perks. And because we understand that even the best-made plans can change, we’ll also include free cancellation up until 48 hours before your arrival.