LEAVE the city behind and explore the beauty and tranquility of the countryside with the first of our two-part guide to great days out in Northumberland. Set out on the Northumberland Coastal Route – a picturesque 35 mile signed route off the A1, from Druridge Bay to Belford. Follow the white on brown ‘castle and waves’ signs which mark the route. Druridge Bay is perfect for a walk, sandcastles and a picnic – and it also has its own Country Park. North of Druridge there are many attractive fishing villages and little coastal resorts to visit, and the dramatic castles of Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh. The 40 mile stretch of coast from Amble to Berwick-upon-Tweed has been officially recognised as both a Heritage Coast and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – to be conserved on behalf of the nation. Visit the fishing village of Craster and 130-year-old smokehouses which produce the world famous Craster Kippers. From here you can also take a walk to the majestic Dunstanburgh Castle. Download a route for this walk from www.visitnortheastengland.com/walking A short drive inland is the charming town of Alnwick. With its cobbled market place and main street dating back to medieval times, the town has a very historic feel. It also has some lovely old, well preserved buildings containing a fine selection of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Visit Alnwick Castle, one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Look round its beautiful interiors – including the Great Hall. Scenes from Harry Potter films were filmed at the castle. And no visit would be complete without a visit to The Alnwick Garden where you can marvel at the spectacular water displays, exquisite planting and one of the largest tree houses in the world. A little further north is the beautiful Beadnell Bay, with harbour walls and lime kilns surviving from the 1790s. The sandy bay is a beautiful place for a picnic and the waters are very popular with swimmers and wind surfers. North of Beadnell is the beautiful coastal village of Bamburgh, quintessentially English and dominated by the stunning castle on a rocky outcrop high above the village. The castle has been described as the finest castle in England. Take a tour through the magnificent King’s Hall, the Victoria Scullery, the armoury and dungeon. Stroll along miles of golden sands in the dramatic shadow of the castle, watch the cricket and finish a wonderful day out with delicious afternoon tea and scones at one of the cosy tea-rooms or welcoming hotels. Holy Island, north of Bamburgh, is often described as ‘The Jewel of the Northumberland Coast’, reached by crossing the causeway when the tide is out. Lindisfarne Castle is a dramatic Tudor fort with spectacular views and a charming Gertrude Jekyll walled garden, all magnificently maintained by the National Trust. The spectacular ruins of Lindisfarne Priory are also open to the public. The Priory was one of the most important seats of Christian learning and the home of St Cuthbert. Walk in the grounds where brutal Viking raiders plundered the priory, forcing monks into refuge on the mainland. Contact English Heritage for more details on (01289) 389-200. To check the tides, call (01289) 330-733 or check the tables on the posts. Further up the coast is the colourful and lively seaside village of Seahouses. Sample some fish and chips and take a walk along the harbour wall. From Seahouses you can take a trip across to the Farne Islands – the most famous sea bird sanctuary in the British Isles, with a variety of birds including puffins, guillemots and terns. The islands also have a large colony of Atlantic or grey seals. EVENTS Norman Warriors at Lindisfarne Priory takes place tomorrow and Sunday, July 21 to 22. See warriors and nobles attack and defend with a range of arms and armour and see inside the Norman encampment with its displays of living history. The Alnwick Castle Tournament takes place on July 29 with medieval displays and is a great day with lots of activities for all the family. The tournament is held in The Pastures – the name given to the grass meadow area created by Capability Brown beside the River Aln below Alnwick Castle. Contact Alnwick Tourist Information Centre on (01665) 510-665 for more information. Find more inspiration for great days out at: www.visitnortheastengland.com or visit your local Tourist Information Centre. | 
