Photo by Mike Sowden

Walking. There are quite a few long distance paths which cross the country up here. The main one being the Pennine way.  It runs for some 400 kms from North Derbyshire, into Northumberland and along the Border Line of the Cheviot Hills to end in Kirk Yetholm just into Scotland.

In addition to this you have Hadrian’s Wall footpath which is very popular with charity raising events. At just over kms long the walk is traditionally done east to west. Starting at Newcastle the Wall follows the valley of the River Tyne but generally keeping to the higher ground of the Whin Sill. The Wall has recently found itself being used in popular films such as King Arthur and the Eagle of the Ninth. St Cuthberts Way which has a strongly religious basis runs from Melrose across the Cheviot Hills to end at the Tidal Island of Lindisfarne.

The Cheviot Hills. Based around the core of a long extinct volcano the gently rounded slopes of the Cheviot offer days of walking and wonderful views. Arguably the best parts are within the College Valley. Here you have over 12,000 acres of private wilderness. With vehicle restrictions in place you know that you won’t have some of the traffic problems which plague places like the English Lake District.

Redesdale. The Valley of the North Tyne runs down from Scotland into the heart of Northumberland. Down this valley came the Scottish raiders during the days of the Border Reivers. Here walked William Wallace and his army followed behind. Here you will find fortified farm houses now called Bastle houses. The northern part of the Valley was requisitioned by Sir William Churchill as a military testing range some eighty years ago. This has naturally restricted development and the whole area looks unchanged for at least one hundred years.

Hadrian’s Wall. Some 80 kms the Wall ran from coast to coast and was built in 122 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is now a Unesco world heritage site and very popular with walkers. Some of the exposed sections are very dramatic and the archaeological sites and museums can offer a great day out. The main attractions are found at Vindolanda and Housesteads.

Travelling around the National Park

Most of the National Park is only really accessible by car. However there are sections, particularly around Hadrian’s Wall where a combination of train (Newcastle to Carlisle line) and the Hadrian’s Wall 122 bus can get you around quite well. For the more adventurous there is also good cycling up here. Whether you chose to take a mountain bike across the many miles of paths on the Cheviot Hills or maybe a touring bike along the quiet green lanes you can be sure of a lovely holiday.

Article written by Colin Corlett for Northumbria-byways who have been welcoming visitors to Northumberland for over 15 years.

The post The Northumberland National Park – the least visited of all the English National Parks appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by InterContinental Hong Kong

1. Blakes, London

A luxury hotel in Kensington, Blakes has had a large of celebrity guests, and was designed as one of the world’s first boutiques. Part of a chain of Victorian Houses, Blakes is particularly notable for the Eastern influence on its design, as well as for its bohemian atmosphere and opulent furnishings. Luxury suites will set you back a considerable sum of money, but are more than recommended for their King sized beds and hand crafted fabrics. Recommended for a sizable budget and for someone who wants boutique accommodation in the centre of London.

2. Burgh Island, Devon

Detached from the mainland on its own tidal island, the Burgh Hotel has been a fixture of the English social scene since the 1920s and retains an art deco glamour. Offering outstanding views over the sea, Burgh House themes its rooms and suites around legendary figures of the Jazz Age, and represents an excellent choice for honeymooners looking for something a bit different from their holiday.

3. La Sablonnerie, Channel Islands

Enjoy the remoteness and romantic luxury of the island of Sark with La Sablonnerie, which provides classic English accommodation with fresh local produce and country style rooms. Sark itself is ideal for a quiet honeymoon, which include puffin watching, as well as wild flower walks, boat charters to England or France, and fishing trips. Easy access to the mainland consequently allows you to enjoy the island while also crossing over to enjoy the coastland on either side of the Channel Islands.

4. Newick Park, Sussex and Surrey

A hotel and country estate, Newick Park represents a Georgian manor house, and provides extensive country experiences. Rooms are tailored around an aristocratic atmosphere, making Newick ideal for Downton Abbey lovers. The estate also has an on site spa, and walks around the grounds.

5. Hotel du Vin and Bistro, Bristol

A boutique period house in Bristol, the Hotel du Vin and Bistro contains 40 bedrooms and offers views over the waterfront. A secluded courtyard and links into the local entertainment scene in Bristol. The rooms themselves feature drench showers and all facilities, as well as drinking and dining options within the hotel.

6. St Davids Hotel and Spa, Cardiff

Recommended for trips into Wales, the St Davids Hotel and Spa in Cardiff Bay is particularly ideal for honeymoon suites. The hotel offers a full marriage and honeymoon package, and also features excellent bars and dining. Special offers include a residential spa, and the chance to save money on your wedding package as a whole by booking through the hotel.

Currently returning to the United Kingdom after his trip to france, Matt Mynors is a travel enthusiast writing for Room For Romance. He’s currently blogging and writing on his experiences and his plans to travel the world.

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St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

Sitting atop a tidal island of the same name, St. Michael’s Mount is a great place to visit for anyone staying at campsites in Cornwall. As you can see from the pictures, it bears more than a slight resemblance to Mont St. Michel in Normandy, France because of its remote location. However, it is linked with the coastal village of Marazion by a narrow causeway composed of granite, much like the island itself. The castle is where Lord St Levan currently resides.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

Stokesay Castle, Shropshire

For anyone wanting to go camping in the uninterrupted beauty of rural Shropshire, a visit to Stokesay Castle is well worth doing. Its origins as a dairy farm go back all the way to the 12th century, and it’s has the honour of being the oldest manor house in the whole of England. If you thought that there was very little to do in Shropshire, this castle will prove you wrong.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Chris Walsh

Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire

Within a short distance of many top campsites in the nearby Yorkshire Dales, this castle lies within the popular market town of Skipton. Built in 1090 by Norman baron Robert de Romille, it has stood for over 900 years and remains in great condition. Having been under the ownership of the Clifford family from the 14th century all the way until 1676, today it’s a popular tourist destination as well as a private residence, which can be put down to the immaculate way in which it has been maintained.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Afshin Darian

Leeds Castle, Kent

Although you’d think it was in the large Yorkshire city, Leeds Castle actually lies just to the east of the small village of Leeds in Kent. It dates back to 1119, having previously been the site of a manor house as early as the 9th century. Leeds Castle enjoys a good reputation as a local tourist attraction, which is largely down to its striking looks.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marc Evans

This article was brought to you by UK camping experts Pitchup

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