Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, is emerging from her winter hibernation and bursting into a blaze of colour.

With the long-awaited arrival of longer, lighter days and sunset’s ‘golden hour’ nudging past 8pm, the county is enticing visitors with open arms to experience its symbolic reawakening with a packed calendar of events.

Join our Lifestyle and Leisure Editor, Sharon Cain, on a journey of castle, coastal and garden treasures starting at Alnwick and ending at the sacred sanctuary of Holy Island.

Garden of Paradise

Our first stop is Alnwick Garden whose evolution is an outstanding example of inspiration.

The vision of the Duchess of Northumberland saw the former derelict site undergo a £15 million transformation into a 12-acre premier visitor experience which opened in 2001.

There is nothing ordinary about this destination whose centrepiece Grand Cascade, a tiered water feature with 120 jets, reminded me of a mini version of the fountains at the exquisite Gardens of Versailles.

An eye-watering 250,000 gallons of recycled water perform half hourly shows, with jets tumbling over the walkway in synchronised displays to squels of delight from those a tad too close.

Additional showstoppers include the world’s largest Japanese Cherry Orchard with over 300 Taihaku trees which are at their most radiant in Spring and Autumn. Every year local Japanese residents gather for Hanami, (‘flower-viewing’) and picnic in the glorious setting.

The heady waft of aromas from over 16,00 European plants in the Ornamental Garden, is intoxicating, and The Rose Garden’s 3,000 shrub roses and climbers are lush.

In a stark contrast from the heavenly to the deadly, the venue's most macabre feature is The Poison Garden, where 100 deadly toxic and narcotic plants thrive. Drawing on the gardens of the Medici family - who used poisoned plants to see off their enemies - this fatal attraction is closely guarded and only accessible via tours.

Visitors can dine at the garden’s 6,000 sq. ft treehouse with rope bridges and wooden walkways. We opted for a quick bite at The Pavillion Café with great views of the Grand Cascade.

Icon Of Medieval Architecture

Less than a five minute walk away is the garden's stately neighbour, Alnwick Castle, home to the 12th Duke of and Duchess Northumberland.

Set in nine magnificent acres, the castle ground designed by prominent landscape architect, Capability Brown, affords sweeping views across the countryside.

World Leading Beaches

We are now travelling north for 30 minutes to Bamburgh’s golden sands, recently ranked third best in the world’s ‘one of a kind’ beaches.

A designated Aera of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1958, they form part of Northumberland’s 62-mile Coastal Path which stretches from Cresswell, North of Newcastle, to Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Scottish border - our next stop.

Northumberland boasts more castles than any other English county. Reigning over Bamburgh beach with breathtaking views stretching to The Farne Islands is Grade 1 listed, Bamburgh castle, a former royal seat of Northumbrian Kings.

Spring also heralds the arrival of puffins on nearby Farne islands, with the peak breeding season in May and June. A National Trust webcam near burrows and clifftops captures the magic from dawn to dusk until August.

Most Fought After Border Town

Berwick-upon-Tweed is unique in many ways. With a bellicose past and a duel Scottish/English identity, it changed ownership a dizzyingly 13 times before finally being recaptured by the English in 1482.

The number of lives sacrificed over this border town is horrific - 17,000 soldiers were killed in ‘The Sack of Berwick’ alone when English forces captured the town in 1296.

The market town has fired the imagination of artists, actors and authors including Sir Walter Scott and Lowrie, who has a walking trail dedicated to him.

Despite a sleep-deprived stay at the local campsite situated directly below the incessant thunder of trains speeding to Edinburgh, I loved the town’s gritty nature and backdrop.

Casting aside memories of its war mongering past; it was lovely to enjoy a relaxing stroll around the Elizabethan walls and castle ramparts. Outdoor activities and trips include fishing, golf, cycling – and a ‘must see’ visit to Holy Island - our final destination.

Holy Island : ‘Cradle of British Christianity’

Shining bright among the jewels in Northumberland’s magnificent medieval kingdom is Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, where Vikings spilled the blood of Saints.

Just 11 miles south of Berwick-upon-Tweed and close to Scotland, a causeway connects the tidal island to the mainland.

Known as the ‘Cradle of British Christianity’ after Northumbrian King Oswald bequethed it to the church, I felt the island's strong sense of spirituality.

From here founder St Aidan, his disciple St Cuthbert, and the monastic community spread Christianity throughout Northern Britain. The priory also inspired the world famous Lindisfarne Gospels.

The priory's golden age was tarnished by vicious Viking raids when monks were slaughtered, drowned or used as slaves and treasures were plundered. Its demise was sealed in 1537 by Henry VIII’s dissolution of England’s monasteries.

An imposing Grade 1 listed Castle built on the highest point of the island is also attention-grabbing. Constructed around 1550, it became the property of the National Trust in 1944.

Hold Island in Spring is bathed in the beauty of 200 species of flora and 25 different trees. The delightful pit stops dotted around include my favourite, The Barn at Beal Café, with spectacular views.

I hope you have enjoyed this 40-mile Spring sojourn in a magical season when emerald, sun-dappled woodlands, bracing golden beaches framed by enduring castles - and gardens dressed in their season’s finery, are eagerly waiting to welcome you.



KEY FACTS

Information about spring in Northumberland and accommodation here
Information about Alnwick Garden and events here
Information about Alnwick Castle and events here
Information about Bamburgh and events here
Information about Berwick-upon-Tweed and events here
Information about Holy Island here