‘Why on earth would I come to Northumberland of all places, to get into cold water?!’ you might be wondering! Well this is where I live, so there’s that, but seriously, there are many, many reasons to put it at the top of your ‘places to see’ list. I’m not a Blue Badge Guide, and won’t be sharing the usually touristy facts – I’m all about the hills and wild waters (and looking after you out there), but some of the reasons I love Northumberland are because:
- It’s quiet. When the Lake District is heaving, which it quite often is (my late husband Rich was a Cumbrian lad), you’ll often have the the Cheviots to yourself.
- It feels wild. I like the Lake District (when it’s quiet), but the Cheviots often feel that much wilder and remoter, and it’s good to wild.
- There are lots of stunning waterfalls and river pools. I’ve spent years exploring up here, and still haven’t seen them all.
- It officially has the darkest skies in England. So come look at the stars.
- The people are friendly. I miss the random conversations with strangers when I’m away from here.
- The accent is endearing. And I say this as a woman with a strong South Wales lilt.
- The Northumberland National Park covers 405 square miles. That’s a lot of walking. And swimming.
- We have 30 miles of beaches, many of which you’ll often hardly see a soul on.
- They make good pies up here. So much so that strangers will often stop you on a hill to talk about them. Unfortunately I’m coeliac so there’s less choice for me, but don’t go home without trying a pie.
- Or fish and chips. Which must be eaten whilst looking at the sea. That’s the law.
And in case you’ve never heard of the North Pennines before
They’re that bit between the Yorkshire Dales and the A69.
As someone recently asked me if Northumberland was in Cumbria, I’m guessing you’re even less likely to have heard of the North Pennines. But they’re lovely. Yes I’m biased, but I’m also extremely honest.
- They’re quiet too. Can you see a trend here? Oftentimes, they’re even quieter than the Cheviots.
- They’re easily accessible from Cumbria.
- They too have lots of hidden stunning waterfalls and river pools. If you want “wow!” moments, we have them in spades.
- It’s a different accent – more Yorkshire (please don’t ever ask me to mimic accents, as I’m terrible at it), but just as endearing as Northumbrian and Geordie.
- The North Pennines AONB is 2,000 square km, the second largest National Landscape in England. Again, that’s a lot of wild.
Even if you don’t want peace and quiet, at least not all the time, there’s summat for everyone oop ere. I’m not usually a city gal (even though I spent 13 years living and working in London, in a previous life), but I do have a soft spot for Newcastle, probably because it’s a very walkable city.
Northumberland and the North Pennines also have thriving food and arts scenes. From Japanese wood block printing courses to sushi making (yes another theme of mine – all things Japan), there’s a lot to draw folks of all ages and inclinations in.
Just think of the Pootles as the icing on the cake!
