Spring brings Bank Holidays galore, with Mothers Day and Easter to top off the celebrations. With so many things to do and see, why not take advantage of these extra days off with a luxury long weekend at Walwick Hall Hotel or a countryside retreat at our self-catered Chesters Stables?
There are a million reasons to visit this spectacular region and endless possibilities of things to do in Northumberland this Spring. Whether you’re a lover of the natural world looking to entertain your family, an intrigued historian visiting with friends, or a couple looking to bask in the romance of the countryside with a luxurious stay for two, Northumberland boasts an impressive reputation as one of the best places to visit in England during Spring.
To inspire your visit and help you plan your special UK holiday with us, we’ve compiled a list of just some of the best things to do in Northumberland this Spring.
See the Spring flowers in bloom
Northumberland is truly one of the prettiest places to visit in England and in Springtime, it becomes that extra bit special. As the air slowly starts to warm as we leave behind winter, new shoots and windflowers begin sprouting from below, littering the ground with stunning shades of vibrant yellows, pinks and purples.
Take a day trip to Warkworth Castle where a host of golden daffodils illuminate the castle grounds that dominate the cobbled streets below. Younger guests will enjoy exploring the castle’s shattered ruins and paddling in the nearby sea, while the grownups will fall in love with the distinct charm of this idyllic Northumberland village and the romantic River Coquet that flows nearby.
Spring at The Alnwick Garden also offers some spectacular sights with Japanese Taihaku Cherry Blossoms adding a burst of colour to its enchanting grounds. Marvel at the blooming Rhododendron display at Cragside or visit the nearby Quarry Garden at Belsay Hall to uncover an array of exotic plants and trees from across the globe.
Enjoy an animal adventure
As a wildlife haven, during your visit to our region, you’re sure to be impressed by creatures both big and small. In Spring, ospreys return to Kielder Water, and you can catch a rare glimpse of the freshly-hatched, fuzzy-haired pufflings on The Farne Island and Coquet Island.
Of course, we couldn’t talk about Spring without mentioning the adorable sights of newborn lambs. For those joining us for a UK family holiday this Easter, flock to Whitehouse Farm, one of the biggest and best farms in the North-East, for a fun-packed Easter Eggstravaganza between 6th – 22nd April.
Enjoy seasonal dining
After a long winter, there’s nothing more welcome than celebrating Spring with the sights and flavours of new seasonal ingredients.
Spring is the perfect time of year to indulge in so many different ways, from heartwarming feasts for chilly events to colourful, veggie-packed dishes for those sunnier days. Plus, not to mention our seasonal favourites – pancake day, Mother’s Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
At The Dining Room, we believe that as the British seasons change, so should your food choices. With menus focused on achieving success on your palate and plate, our chefs use a mix of ingredients from our very own kitchen garden and respected local suppliers to bring you one of the best places to eat in Northumberland.
Enjoy the best of British food with our new Dinner and Tasting Menu or luxuriate your senses with our famous Walwick Hall Afternoon Tea seated in The Drawing Room, or our newly renovated restaurant with a view across Northumberland.
Discover a wander’s paradise
For lovers of the great outdoors, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained during a visit to our Northumberland country house hotel. Home to the vast forest, rolling hillsides, and the UK’s most sparsely populated National Park, it’s clear to see why so many have labelled Northumberland as a wanderer’s paradise. For the little legs in need of frequent rest and ramblers in search of a short, historical adventure, we have rounded up two of our favourite Northumberland walks for you to enjoy this Spring.
Wander in the footsteps of the Roman soldiers once positioned across this highly celebrated North East attraction. Stretching 73-miles from coast to coast and located just a stone’s throw away from our luxury self-catered Stable Suites lies Hadrian’s Wall. Passing some of Northumberland’s best-preserved Roman ruins and a glacial lake, it’s no wonder this four-mile circular route is such a popular choice with those near and far.
With this year marking the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall, there’s never been a better time to visit! A special year-long celebration will see a packed programme of hundreds of events and activities taking place across the wall to commemorate this unique, historic milestone.
A wild rugged area rich in mythology and ancient history, a wander along the distinctive Simonside Hills is one you won’t want to miss too. A 4.5-mile circular route entailing some short, steep ascents leads you to an awe-inspiring 360-degree view, encompassing the iconic Cheviot Hills and The North Sea coastline. As a Special Area of Conservation, the Simonside Hills teams with wildlife, including the curlew, red grouse, mountain bumblebee, and even red squirrels in the forest below.
Enjoy a luxury Northumberland Spa day
What better way to begin the new season than with a Spring awakening at the luxury spa at Matfen Hall? Enjoy an exhilarating dip in our pool complete with glass ceiling, or breathe life back into your skin with a luxury Germaine De Capuccini facial to supercharge your skin, revealing a beautiful dew like complexion.
Whether you’re treating the special lady in your life to one of our many Spa packages this Mother’s Day, or you’re looking for an indulgent Spa day for yourself, you’ll find everything and more at our boutique spa Hotel.
With so many things to see and do, it’s fair to say that Northumberland is pretty spectacular in Spring. To begin planning your visit, please click here.