Howick Hall was the home of Earl Grey, former prime minister and tea supremo. Although the hall is closed, the gardens are open to the public and are perfect for a wander in late spring. They include wild flower meadows, the woodland garden, rockery, herbaceous borders and bog garden. After a pot of Earl Grey tea in the old Ballroom, we like to finish by taking 'The Long Walk' through the arboretum which leads down to the beautiful Northumberland shore.

Howick Hall Gardens, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3LB
www.howickhallgardens.org
+44(001665 577285
Google map: bit.ly/kwvg5o

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

At the Alnwick Garden you can sway across the wooden bridge to Britain's largest treehouse; find out how medieval monks purged themselves on bulbs in the poison garden; admire the thousands of matching purple tulips growing beneath the cherry blossom; get enjoyably soaked by the water sculptures, and still have time to pop back to the castle where you might meet Hagrid and Dumbledore. Tickets last for, and happily fill, two consecutive days and allow you back into Alnwick town for lunch if you don't want to eat in the garden's own restaurant.

www.alnwickgarden.com
+44(0)1665 511350
The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
Google map: bit.ly/mIBOgS

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It is amazing how exposed it is walking along the coast up north and I am always taken by surprise when I get up there.

Along the Northumbrian coast.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I stayed at this seaside cottage in Boulmer, Northumberland last year. There's a pub with good sea food down the road and the beaches are empty. My favorite day? Crab sandwiches at Craster followed by a walk along the coast to Dunstanburgh castle. Bliss.

www.beachholidaycottage.com
Near Alnwick in Northumberland

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I visited Northumberland as I have an interest in Christian history and I know this place has over a thousand years of it. I was keen to visit castles and other ancient monuments, and Northumberland was recently awarded top 10 tourist destination in the world which it deserves.

The religious history of the place, particularly around Holy Island was spectacular and thoroughly recommended.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends