Long, light days, balmy afternoons and endless, dusky evenings. Summer is your invitation to experience everything Northumberland has to offer.
From world-famous landmarks and spectacular sights to hidden gems and local favourites – our summer itinerary is your invitation to explore the history, beauty and magic of England’s wild border county.
Take time to enjoy it all with a Summer Escape to our historic country estate. Stay 3 nights for the price of 2 to spend your days exploring and your evenings immersed in 5 star luxury to dine and unwind together.
Day 1
Roll into the verdant cool of our tree-lined entrance, arriving to a chilled welcome cocktail and time to make yourselves at home in the peaceful hush and gilded light of The Great Hall.
Your first day is all about you. Spend time relaxing and taking in the parkland views from your luxurious room. Take a refreshing dip and rest travel-weary legs in the sunlit pool and thermal suite of The Retreat, with full spa access included in your stay.
Or, make your first foray into the local area for a relaxed afternoon excursion. Just minutes from the estate are Hexham and Corbridge, postcard-pretty and with independent shops, artisan cafes and historic gems to uncover.
Dating back to 673, Hexham Abbey is the town’s centrepiece, towering over its traditional park and cobbled marketplace. Sample local treats and Northumbrian delicacies at its regular Farmers’ Market and browse the streets to pick up books, records and antiques before enjoying an al fresco coffee and time to watch the world go by. Stop off at the picturesque village of Corbridge on your way back to the estate for a sunny leg stretch along the River Tyne and a refreshing drink at its classic, Northumbrian pubs. If cocktails are more your thing – a trip to The Pele bar, set in a 13th century tower, is a must.
Arrive back at the estate for an evening of elegance. And, for your first night, the Cloisters beckons. Tables are set in the hall’s original courtyard and beneath a glass ceiling – setting the scene for seasonal table d’hote dining beneath pink sunset skies.
Day 2
For day two, Northumberland’s coastline calls. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s home to boundless sandy beaches, endangered wildlife and more castles than you can shake a bucket and spade at.
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Bamburgh was voted the UK’s Best Seaside Destination for four years – and it’s easy to see why. Scale its golden dunes to settle on the sand for a classic beach day and a paddle in the north sea. For history lovers, Bamburgh is a goldmine, from its 3000-year-old castle still standing sentinel over the beach to the RNLI Grace Darling museum – there’s so much to discover.
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track. Beadnell is a secluded haven for wild swimming and watersports. For a sunlit walk on the sands, Embleton Bay is just perfect. Quiet and peaceful, stroll its pristine beach and stop at The Ship in for a cold drink and a perfect view of the afternoon sun glittering on the surf. Or get out onto the water to meet Northumberland’s native birdlife with a boat trip to the Farne Islands to spot its colony of puffins.
Return to the estate for an evening of true indulgence. Refresh and relax in your suite before drifting downstairs for summer sundowners in 1832 bar, served with a view of our 300-acre estate.
Aperitifs enjoyed, it’s time for the main event, an 8 course Tasting Menu in Emerald – Northumberland’s only 3 AA Rosette restaurant. Each course is thoughtfully crafted to bring the flavours of the region’s fields, forests and shores to your plate, paired with wines from the estate’s cellar to curate a truly exquisite evening.
Day 3
An early start to catch the pearly morning light at Hadrian’s Wall. Summer is the perfect time for a morning walk along this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embrace the peace and quiet before the walkers arrive to listen to curlew song, drink in spectacular views of wild moorland and picture Roman legionaries marching among the purple heather.
A little further north is Alnwick. Discover 900 years of history at Alnwick Castle – the location for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Take a peaceful pause and drink in the colours of the season at beautiful Alnwick Garden. And find buried treasure at Barter Books, an iconic bookshop set in the town’s original train station.
Head back for lunch at The Keepers parkland lodge – sink into comfortable chairs on the sun terrace to watch the action on the green. Or settle on the panoramic balcony to enjoy stone-baked pizzas and freshly grilled steaks with a view of the whole estate.
For a touch more indulgence, opt for Afternoon Tea served with Laurent-Perrier Champagne and accompanied by a live harpist in the Drawing Room. Or choose a freshly-made picnic lunch, served amid the bees and butterflies of our abundant Jardin Hollandais.
Spend an afternoon on the estate, teeing off on pristine parkland courses, strolling the grounds with our Garden Trail, indulging in a Germaine De Capuccini spa treatment or simply taking some time to sit back and relax.
When the sun sets, its time to head out once more – this time taking a chauffeured trip to Kielder Observatory for an unforgettable evening. Set in Northumberland’s International Dark Sky Park and with an astonishingly clear view of the cosmos – the observatory offers guided stargazing experiences to see the night sky as never before.
Day 4
The end of your 3 night summer break and after a delicious a la carte breakfast, it’s time to say farewell.
With chauffeured tours and bespoke experiences available, you can turn your Northumbrian break into a holiday you’ll remember for years to come. To begin planning your three night summer escape to our 5 star Northumbrian estate, click here.