THINGS TO DO

Explore Northumberland on horseback and enjoy the beauty of this county from a height. With so much space and different choice of treks available – from rural countryside walks to beach canters – whether you’re a novice or experienced rider, you can look forward to an afternoon exploring Northumberland from a different view.

The Sinderhope Pony Trekking Centre is based on a traditional working hill farm in Northumberland and is surrounded by miles of beautiful moorland and wildlife. There are various treks available to suit all ages and abilities, whether you choose to ride over moorland or through dales on their cobs and native type ponies.

Get up close and personal with a range of owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures as part of an experience at the Falconry Days activity centre. Here, you’ll be able to take part in flying a variety of different birds yourself – making for a brilliant hands-on experience that the whole family can enjoy.

For those of you looking to stay active during your countryside retreat, Northumberland offers a range of different pursuits, including hunting and shooting. With trips available to accommodate all skill levels, from beginner to experienced, we can help organise a trip tailored to each individual’s taste.

Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is internationally recognised as Europe’s largest area of protected night sky and, having been awarded Gold Tier designation by the International Dark Sky Association, is officially England’s best spot to enjoy star gazing. Located in the heart of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is Kielder Observatory, a beautiful place where the whole family can come to and explore the night sky using their incredible telescope. With an exciting programme of astronomical events throughout the year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Enjoy some of the best bird-watching spots in the country during your escape to Matfen Hall. Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines are a fantastic place to see black grouse, golden plover and other moorland specialities, and you’ll find crossbills and secretive goshawks in woodlands such as Kielder Water & Forest Park. The county’s rivers are also home to dipper, goosander, common sandpiper and grey wagtail.

Further afield, the Farne Islands are famously home to puffins, in addition to terns, razorbills, kittiwakes, shags and guillemots, and from close-by Coquet Island you can catch a glimpse of Britain’s rarest breeding seabird, the Roseate Tern.

The breathtaking nature, long stretches of quiet roads, and dramatic Northumberland scenery makes our county the perfect place for both adventurous road cycling and leisurely family day rides. For mountain bikers, you can enjoy Northumberland Park’s purpose-built trails or bridleway – or perhaps look to explore Hadrian’s Wall on two wheels. Complete with its dramatic scenery, quiet trails and unique historical sites, there’s certainly no better route.

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The multi award-winning and original forest adventure is set high up in the tree canopy just a stone’s throw away from Matfen Hall. Enjoy two to three hours in the trees, taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings during your fun-filled family adventure.

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With courses as beautiful as the stunning scenery surrounding them, our challenging Northumberland golf courses at Matfen Park are a wonderful place to play for both novices and pros alike. During your stay with us, you can benefit from preferential golf rates. Simply enquire with the Golf Team to book.

An incredible adventure, the Northumberland 250 invites thrill-seekers to drive through rolling hills and alongside captivating coastlines as they explore many of Northumberland’s highlights in a loop spanning 250 magnificent miles.