Top Things to do in Northumberland
Top Hotels in Northumberland
- 1. The Beaumont Hexham, Hotel
- 2. Premier Inn Berwick-Upon-Tweed Hotel
- 3. Derwent Manor Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 4. Marshall Meadows Manor House
- 5. Langley Castle Hotel
- 6. The Commissioners Quay Inn
- 7. The Victoria Hotel
- 8. The Bamburgh Castle Inn
- 9. Premier Inn Ashington hotel
- 10. No.1 Hotel & Wine Lounge
Countries
Things to do in Northumberland, England: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Northumberland, United Kingdom including St Robert of Newminster, Blanchland Abbey, St Oswald's Church, Temple of Mithras Carrawburgh Fort, St Michael's Church, St George's United Reformed Church Morpeth, St Aidans RC Church, Brocolitia, St Peter And St Paul, Longhoughton.
Restaurants in Northumberland
1. St Robert of Newminster
2. Blanchland Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Whenever we are in the area we love to drive to Blanchland to stroll in the attractive stone village and look at this lovely church. The church was once part of a much bigger abbey and it is perhaps worth considering the general history. The abbey at Blanchland was founded as a Premonstratensian priory in 1165 by Walter de Bolbec II, and it became an abbey in the late 13th century. And for those who might be interested - my understanding is that Premonstratensians are the Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as the Premonstratensians or Norbertines. In the British Isles however they have tended to be known as the White Canons because of their plain, undyed robes. The Order was founded by St. Norbert in the early 12th century and is still going today, and is a group of Roman Catholic priests, brothers and sisters. And another note of interest is that the 16th century former Abbot's house is now the rather grand Carew Arms hotel. But back to the Abbey! With a building of such an age, there is clearly a lot of history to it, and the location near the Scottish Borders means that it was always vulnerable to a bit of sacking and pillaging. One legend that particularly appealed to me (perhaps because I’m a Scot!) is that during one raid in the area, the monks prayed that the abbey would be spared. Subsequently, a mist descended which shielded the valley and monastery from view and it was overlooked by the Scottish raiders, who passed by. The foolish monks upon hearing this, proceeded to ring the abbey bells in celebration, and to signal to everyone in the valley that it was safe and that the dreaded Scottish invaders had passed. Clearly they hadn’t passed too far however and, upon hearing the celebratory bell ringing, they duly turned around and ransacked the Monastery. There’s a lesson there somewhere! Over the years the population of the Abbey reduced and by the early 16th century there were only 8 canons, and the Abbey was finally suppressed in 1539. The abbey church was considered far too large for the inhabitants of the village so a small chapel was built onto the tower to serve worshippers and the remainder of the church was simply left to decay. John Wesley preached in Blanchland churchyard in 1747 and noted in his diary that 'There seems to have been a large cathedral church by the vast walls which still remain'. 5 years after Wesley's visit Blanchland became a parish in its own right and the estate trustees transformed the decaying ruins of the abbey church into the present parish church and built a vicarage. And what we have now is a delightful parish church in a beautiful and peaceful village setting. So whether you are interested in history or not, it really is a lovely place to visit.
3. St Oswald's Church
4. Temple of Mithras Carrawburgh Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By rebeljenn - Ruislip, United Kingdom
Parking is next to the old fort, which is buried beneath soil and has not been escavated, but the temple of Mithras lies at the bottom of the valley. It's a 5-minute walk from the parking. It is in good condition and worth a visit. The temple was used by soldiers as many of them followed this cult of Mithras
5. St Michael's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
St Michael's is the Anglican parish church of Alnwick. The Grade I listed building has its origins in Saxon times, and was handsomely rebuilt in the 14th, 15th and 19th centuries. It is open for visitors, and holds regular services, to which all are welcome.
6. St George's United Reformed Church Morpeth
7. St Aidans RC Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By MECM2 - East Kilbride, United Kingdom
Found this little church by accident in the holy island. Popped in to pay a wee visit, say a prayer and light a candle. Beautiful windows and very peaceful. Also, very nice to find a church that’s left open for visitors. Mass was well sign posted. Thank you.
