Northumbria
Long ago, Northumbria was a land at the very edge of a great empire. And even today, the wind sweeping across the hills still seems to carry the distant sounds of Roman legions marching along Hadrian’s Wall. The scenery is as unspoilt as it was in those far-off times: it will certainly appeal to those wanting to discover high and lonely places and untouched beaches. The National Trust owns a range of historic buildings in the area including Lindisfarne Castle, Wallington, Cragside and the shore- based Souter lighthouse.

Wallington
The Wallington estate was laid out in the 18th-century by Sir Walter Blackett, helped by William Joyce, Thomas Wright and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who went to school in the estate village. Original formality underlies the ‘natural’ landscape in which walks offer a variety of lawns, shrubberies, lakes and woodland enlivened with buildings, sculpture and water features. In a sheltered valley beyond the China Pond is the beautiful walled garden with its collection of plants and the abundant conservatory. The National Trust Farm shop is open 7 days a week.

National Trust places nearby: Cragside, Gibside. Shop and pub: pub in Middleton 4 miles, shop at Scots’ Gap, 1½ miles. Tea/shop/café/restaurant: restaurant at Wallington .
Beach: approximately 30 miles.
Other attractions: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Garden, Newcastle, Northumberland National park. Activities: walking, horse riding, shopping.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 81