The England - Northumberland - Around Alnwick - Mini Venture

Day 1 - Northumberlandia

Pay a visit to Northumberland’s Lady of the North. Wander over the ‘world’s largest human landform sculpture.’ Explore her various contours using well graded paths. Climb to the top of her head for wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Northumberlandia offers a walking experience like no other. 

Day 1 - Northumberlandia Extension

Extend your visit to Northumberlandia (the world’s largest human landform sculpture) by walking a circuit to the north of the site. Ramble through an area that was previously used for opencast mining and that has now been reverted to fields. There are plenty of birds about and so bring your binoculars. The walk offers interesting views of the Northumberlandia sculpture. 

Day 2 - Damp Druridge Bay

A walk along a section of Druridge Bay linking Druridge Bay Country Park and Hauxley Nature Reserve. Circumnavigate Ladyburn Lake and enjoy its birdlife. Some wonderful beach walking with a view to Coquet Island. Take the opportunity to have a wander around the excellent Hauxley Nature Reserve. Finish the day with a visit to a very unusual pillbox (involves a 15 minute drive down the coast).

Day 2 - Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre

Coastal nature reserve based around one large lake with islands. There’s an excellent variety of birds to watch. Hides are scattered around the perimeter of the lake and they have good views of the birds. There is a well made trail around the lake (note that about 400m of this is grass and so it can get muddy if there has been a lot of rain). Incorporate a visit to the reserve with a coastal walk to the Druridge Bay Country Park where further birds can be spotted (see Damp Druridge Bay). 

Day 3 - Ballifgate Museum

Alnwick’s museum hosts a fine collection of local and regional artefacts. Learn about Northumberland from the use of Mesolithic flints to the end of the mining era. The artefacts are well presented with informative associated notes. Wince at the sheep castration tool and shed a tear or two listening to Stephen Murray’s dulcet tones in ‘Any Man’s Kingdom. The top floor may contain an art exhibition. A great way to pass a few hours. 

Day 4 - Woodhorn Museum

Woodhorn Museum is based amongst the remaining buildings of the Woodhorn Colliery that closed in 1981. Buildings hosting machines, such as fans and engines, can be visited. The blacksmith’s building and stable block is open too. Most of the mining artefacts are held in the modern museum which charts the history of mining from its origins to the modern day. A gallery displays the excellent photographs of local photographer Mik Critchlow, who documented the local area and the final days of Woodhorn Colliery. The second gallery displays some of the paintings of Ashington mineworkers who were encouraged to use their own lives as the subject of their art. Both museum and galleries provide an in-depth insight of coal mining in the northeast of England. 

Day 5 - Hulne Park Yellow And Red

Picturesque walk around Hulne Park on the edge of Alnwick. Follows the well signed Yellow and Red routes around the estate. Visits the impressive Brizlee Tower and Hulne Abbey. Dramatic views of the distant Cheviots. Opportunity to see deer and plenty of birdlife. Includes delightful walking alongside the River Aln.