Northumberland - there's tons to do and some spectacular scenery and lots of routes you

can go on a nice drive.

Barter Books is epic, literally. If you like books you could spend a full day in there. There's a toy train going round the ceiling at the till area, real fire near the entrance where you can sit and enjoy a fresh coffee for only 30p on a comfy sofa. There is a cafe at the far end which is decent and some lovely lounges, jam packed with the original features and character where you can chill with a book. There's an antique shop next door and another just through the cut. The White Swan in Alnwick is famous for it's Olympic Dining Suite. The owner of the White Swan, at the time, bought the dining room from the Titanic's sister ship and reconstructed it in the hotel.

Lots of places have already been mentioned.

If you're into that sort of thing, round that area there is Cragside and Wallington, both National Trust properties and both well worth a visit.

Seaton Delaval Hall is also a National Trust property now. Talking of Seaton Delaval, if you like ice cream there are 2 ice cream places in this area that I can recommend. Arrighi's (Crescent Cafe) in Seaton Delaval, go for the vanilla. On a hot day there is always a massive queue trailing right outside the shop. People come from far and wide just to sample the ice cream, it's an institution.

The other ice cream place that I can recommend is Di-Meo's (Delaval Ices) in Whitley Bay. They are part of the same family, but a family feud saw them split some years ago and establish another shop in Whitley Bay. Luciano makes the ice cream (to the Arrigihi recipe) in fact I prefer it, he has mastered and refined it to a tee. It's simply gorgeous. They've won several awards recently, including the best ice cream in the whole country, and he was recently crowned Champion of Champion's for his strawberry ice cream.

A lot of people rave about the fish and chips at Seahouses.

Near Bamburgh, the food at the Warren House Hotel is excellent.

Ford & Etal is well worth a visit. Stunningly picturesque - User Posted Link

I've barely scratched the surface. It all depends what interests you and how much time you have.

Posted By: Hendrikos, Jul 25, 21:21:30