Craster Tourist Information Centre

General information

Northumberland is a magical place filled with ancient castles; hidden gardens; unspoilt beaches; rolling hills; rugged moorland; sweeping views; friendly little market towns and a cultural heritage all of its own.

The Northumbrian Dialect:

The earliest surviving Old English texts were written in Northumbrian: these are Caedmon's Hymn and Bede's Death Song. Also in Northumbrian are the Leiden Riddle and the glosses in the Lindisfarne Gospels (mid 10th century). This rich, lively and expressive language bares similarity to the Geordie accent of Newcastle, which has been voted as ‘UK’s friendliest accent’. Despite heavy influence from the Viking invasion in the south, as a means of communication within the Northumbrian community the local dialect has survived for around 1,500 years.
A county of contrasts, Northumberland is a place where unrivalled scenery is often marked by a turbulent, bloody past as this land has been violently fought over for more than 2,000 years; the evidence of which can still be seen today in the form of battlements and forts. Visit Northumberland today and you’ll find beauty, peace and tranquillity in every corner. As the most sparsely populated County in England, a local joke has been born that “Congestion means you can see another car and heavy congestion means you had to brake to let some sheep past.” Despite this, there is a huge range of activities available in this idyllic setting so whether you’re planning some vigorous, outdoor activity, a gentle walk on the beach or a cosy meal in a country pub, we’ve got it all in Northumberland.

Northumberland and Fame:

As a result of its diversity, history and astounding natural beauty, Northumberland has been used as a set for several well known films and TV series. These include; Blackadder, Robin Hood and the Prince of Thieves, Harry Potter, Billy Elliot, Alien III, Elizabeth, Women in Love, and many more. Bamburgh Castle is the star of many Ford cars advertisements. In fact, Richard Burton shot some scenes on Bamburgh beach for his 1964 role in Becket, and brought Elizabeth Taylor with him for a visit to the surrounding area. The local wildlife, too has seen its moments in the limelight. We are proud to say that Northumberland is one of the last homes for the British Red Squirrel which can be seen in abundance at Cragside, Hulne Parks, Thrunton Woods and other forested areas. Surplus to this, the Farne Islands, located off the shore at Seahouses , are a favourite nesting and breeding spot for grey seals, puffins and other rare seabirds and has appeared on BBC’s Really Wild Show and saw Simon King reporting live from the in 2005’s Springwatch