Often described as England’s last frontier, Northumberland is a wild and open landscape that is almost indescribably beautiful. Completely unspoiled apart from the odd ancient ruin or fortified castle and serving up endless picture postcard beaches, rugged windswept bays, and miles and miles of panoramic open skies, it is often surprising to chance upon a village or evidence of other human beings!
Much of the county is a national park and throughout the county there are stunning ancient or historic sites worth visiting. This is because the region was at one time part of the Roman Empire and w
as also the site for endless battles and wars between the English and the Scots. Consequently it has more castles than any other county in England. Some of the best, and worth a visit, are Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh and Alnwick Castles. In addition, the majority of the intact sections of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site are located in Northumberland as are its five excavated forts looking out over the county’s dramatic vistas.
Most famous of all, however, is Lindisfarne Castle, on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Lindisfarne was where the UK’s early Christian heritage was formed and from here it was distributed out to the rest of Pagan Northumberland. Lindisfarne Priory was the home of St Cuthbert and produced the famous Lindisfarne Gospels which can be seen (in an electronic version) in the heritage center there. The castle was built much later in 1550 by Henry VIII to protect Holy Island from the Scots and is now run by the National Trust.
Many people come to Northumberland not for the history, however, but for the scenery, and it is easy to see why. The landscape is quite simply magical, moving from the castles to the rugged moorland, the rolling hills, the golden sandy beaches and endless tranquil spaces. Home to 405 acres of protected landscape, Northumberland National Park runs down through the gorgeous valleys of the rivers Beamish, Coquet, Rede and North Tyne, to the splendid Cheviot Hills and Otterburn. The Northumberland Coast and the North Pennines have also been declared Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. No trip north is complete without a visit to to Northumberland.
O2 Academy, Newcastle upon TyneAlthough best known through their seat in Alternative Music's class of 2005, Kaiser Chiefs originally began life as the less successful Parva in 1996. Their reinvention a decade later saw them take the country by storm, and with the combined song writing talents of Nick Hodgson and the natural stage presence of front-man Ricky Wilson they showed that they were a force to be taken seriously - despite their tongue-in-cheek attitude and songs such 'Everyday I Love you Less and Less'. After Mercury nominated debut 'Employment' the band went on to three more album, their latest - 'The Future is Med…
The Cluny 2, Newcastle Upon TyneBritish singer-songwriter Charlene Soraia is best known for her cover of “Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling when it was used in an advert on television for the tea brand Twinings. After its release on iTunes it reached No.3 in the UK Singles Charts. Charlene is set to release her debut album ‘Moonchild’ on 21 November 2011, which will feature “Wherever You Will Go” as a bonus track. The singer-songwriter was noticed and promptly promoted when her version of “Wherever You Will Go” was sung by X Factor contestant Sophie Hababis in 2011. Charlene will be finally headlining her own UK tour star…
Noel Gallagher is an English musician and singer songwriter famous for his backing vocals and song writing for the band Oasis, which was formed with his brother Liam Gallagher in 1991. Noel’s time with Oasis had always been turbulent especially during the Britpop scene in the 90’s. In 2009 just before a gig, a fight began between the brothers and Liam was reported to have broken Noel’s guitar and stormed off. This concert and their European tour was cancelled and a statement was released saying the “band doesn’t exist anymore”. Noel has now formed a new band called Noel Gallagher’s High Flying…
Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle upon TyneAchieving second place on ITV's The X Factor in 2009, Olly Murs debut single named Please Don't Let Me Go' hit the top spot on the UK's Singles Chart, and his second single Thinking of Me reached number four. Of Latvian descent, Olly signed a joint deal between Epic Records and Syco Music in 2010, and will shortly be co-presenting the eighth series of The Xtra Factor, the companion show to the X Factor.…
Don't miss The Wanted as they embark on their first UK tour. Hear all the hits from their self titled debut album including the Number 1 charting, All Time Low…
City Hall, Newcastle upon TyneAustralian Pink Floyd is the band to see when it comes to Pink Floyd tributes. More than just an average cover band, Aussie Pink Floyd meticulously strives to recreate the ground-breaking work of the iconic band and put on mind-blowing live stage shows. Lasers, lights, on-screen visuals, and huge inflatables give lucky audience members a chance to really feel like they're at an authentic Pink Floyd concert. In 2011 they became the first band to debut a new stereoscopic 3D element as part of their show and 2012 is sure to bring more jaw-dropping innovations to the delight of their large fan bas…
Fresh from her new TV series on Living TV, Britain's best loved celebrity psychic returns following her sell-out show here in February. Sally has used her gift over the years to help many people, and is most famous for her work with the late Princess Diana. Sally now brings her amazing abilities to the stage with a unique theatrical experience, which is both hugely entertaining and enlightening.…
Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle Upon TyneAmerican stand-up comedian 'Reginald D Hunter' works mainly in the UK and originally began his time here studying at RADA for a career on the stage. It seems that his ability to make audiences laugh changed that career path after doing a stand-up stint as a dare. He is a regular panellist on 'Have I Got News for You' and 'Would I Lie To you?' and TV appearances also include 'Live at the Apollo'. His DVD 'Live' is due for release Nov 2011.…
Digital, Newcastle Upon TyneRizzle Kicks are a hip-hop duo from Southend in London. The duo consists of Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens and Harley “Sylvester” Alexander-Sule . They released their debut album ‘Stereo Typical’ on 31 October 2011. Rizzle Kicks have been making music together since they attended school in Sussex. They realised that their style fitted together when Alexander-Sule sang over one of Stephens’ tracks. A promotional single ‘Miss Cigarette’ was released in December 2010; they then released their debut single ‘Prophet (Better Watch It) in May 2011, which was offered as a free download on their website. The…
Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle upon TyneThe industrial genre is typically full of acts that are very dark and brooding, and while Rammstein has these qualities it is also not without a sense of humor. The band tends to do a lot of different pyrotechnics sets in addition to other forms of entertainment while playing their music, and this adds a great deal to the band's appeal with fans. To say that they have a great fan base would be an understatement, this is a group that has an international following after the release of the hit album Sehnsucht. Once that album was released hit singles such as Ich Wil Dich among others gained a…
Live And Unsigned Auditions NewcastleSunday, 19 February 2012Auditions for Bands and Singers Thousands of unsigned bands singers entered last year and this year it's set to be even bigger! Live and Unsigned is the UK's largest national music competition for original unsigned acts and bands. Over 10,000 acts
Other concerts, music and gigs in Northumberland are:
Shop and Rock 201219 Feb, Newcastle upon TyneCharlene Soraia21 Feb, Newcastle Upon TyneTheory Of A Deadman22 Feb, Newcastle upon TyneNoel Gallagher23 Feb, Newcastle upon TyneRizzle Kicks29 Feb, Newcastle Upon TyneKilling Joke13 Mar, Newcastle upon TyneThe Four Tops amp; The Temptations17 Mar, Newcastle upon TyneThe Dirt Daubers25 Mar, Newcastle Upon TyneJack Bruce31 Mar, Newcastle upon TyneWestlife15 Jun, Newcastle upon Tyne
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Sport in Northumberland
City HallOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is City Hall, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. See what shows and performances are on this week at City Hall.
Corbridge Roman Site and MuseumExtensive remains include Stanegate Road and impressive granaries. Open: All year round but check for winter opening). …Location: Corbridge
Some other fun family days out in Northumberland are:
Corbridge Roman Site and MuseumMorpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum
Chillingham CastleThis remarkable castle with its alarming dungeons and torture chamber has, since the twelve-hundreds, been continuously owned by the family of the Earls Grey and their relations. You will see active restoration of complex masonry, metalwork and ornamental plaster as the great halls thrive with d…Location: Chillingham
Some other notable historic attractions in Northumberland are:
Paxton HouseTanfield RailwayCorbridge Roman Site and MuseumTemple of Mithras - Hadrians WallCorbridge Roman Site and MuseumCragsideMorpeth Chantry Bagpipe MuseumPrudhoe CastleWallington House Walled GardenAlnwick CastleHousesteads Roman Fort
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Portmeirion - a taste of Italy in WalesSource of inspiration for many writers and producers, Portmeirion is one of the top tourist attractions in North Wales, and well worth visiting for a little taste of Italian style. Lucy Middleton takes a closer look at this popular village.
The biggest films of 2012A long time ago the ancient civilisation The Mayans predicted that 2012 would bring cataclysmic events to earth - and while we all wait in anticipation for the end of the world, what better way to spend your final days than to watch one of 2012's blockbusters, coming to a silver screen near you this year. Good job there's no apocalyptic movies in our list!
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The Witchcraft Trials of EssexEssex is infamous with its involvement in the witchcraft trials that took place around 400 years ago. We look at case histories and the accusations that caused mass hysteria, showing the amazing stories behind the considerable loss of life.
