To the East of Cumbria and the North of County Durham, in the North East of England lies the County of Northumberland. Bordering Scotland, this largely untouched area of natural beauty has been the scene of many battles between the English and the Scottish.
Although it's boundaries have changed over the years, Northumberland is known historically as 'the cradle of Christianity' because of its proximity to Lindisfarne, a famous island inhabited by Monks who spread the gospel. Due to its troubled past, it is home to some of the United Kingdom's most treasured castles, including Bamburgh Castle which was built by the Britons on the coast of Bamburgh in the 5th century.
While the foundations of that first castle are all that remain of the original structure after it was razed by the Vikings in the 10th century, what stands today results from the castle the Normans built on the same site before the Norman Conquest.
The rich coal-mines and collieries in the area played a significant role in providing this valuable resource to certain areas of the country in the latter half of the 18th century, effectively helping fuel the Industrial Revolution which played a momentous part in the country's technological and economic growth.
Today, Northumberland is the least populous of all counties in Britain and has managed to retain its topographic and historic beauty. From picturesque ruins to the magnificent and still functioning Northumberland Castles, this is one of the most idyllic parts of the country to visit. Many castles are owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage, members of either get in for free.
For those who aren't members, the costs vary from place to place, but are generally quite reasonable with discounts for children and those with concession. For the true enthusiast or anyone wishing to take a break in grand surrounds, some places do offer accommodation. For the kids, a tour of the dungeons and, if they’re lucky, maybe even a chilling encounter with one of the regular ghosts of local legend.
