Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Northumberland, England

Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier. Explored through reconstructions, objects excavated along Hadrian's Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s inspiring interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film, the museum pays unforgettable homage to Rome's military accomplishments in Britain.

The King of Castles, a fortification has dominated this site since Anglo-Saxon times when it was the capital of the kingdom of Northumbria. The current structure with Keep, curtain walls, towers and ramparts dates from the 1500's to the Victorian restructuring of Lord Armstrong. There are fourteen rooms open to the public including the spectacular Kings Hall, with over 3000 items of artwork, furniture, china and porcelain. The separate Armstrong and Aviation Artifacts museum gives visitors a glimpse into the creativity and industrial genius of Lord Armstrong, with a look at the aviation legacy created by his company after his death. The cafeteria serves great, fresh food and then a wander around the battlements completes a great day out.

This former medieval abbey was built late in the 7th century.

One of the finest examples of an 18th-century Palladian Country house in all of Britain. There are many activities at Paxton House to keep you busy for a whole day, including house tours, boat trips and net fishing on the River Tweed, tearoom and gift shop, extensive grounds and gardens, galleries and exhibitions. We also have different types of accommodation, including an apartment, a lodge and a caravan park if you wish to stay and enjoy Paxton House for longer.

Woodhorn brings to life Northumberland’s proud mining heritage, alongside an ever-changing contemporary arts and event programme – making it a fun and cultural day out. The museum is proud to house the Ashington Group Collection of artworks – commonly known as the ‘Pitmen Painters’. This iconic display showcases what daily life was really like for miners in and around Ashington from the 1930s. It celebrates the people and mining communities of south East Northumberland. Woodhorn has an annual membership charge: £7 - Adult (£6.50 for multiple adults in a group) £6 - Concession Free - 16 and under.

The Maltings (Berwick) Trust is a Registered Charity trading as The Maltings Theatre & Cinema and Berwick Visual Arts. The Maltings is a "mixed-use" venue, presenting both live work (theatre, dance, music, comedy, and more), films & event broadcasts, classes, and visual arts exhibitions. The venue also includes the Stage Door Bar (a bohemian-style theatre bar) and Maltings Kitchen restaurant. Off-site facilities include two galleries in the town: the Granary Gallery and the Gymnasium Gallery.

The RNLI Grace Darling Museum tells the incredible story of Grace Darling, a fearless young woman who became a reluctant celebrity. In 1838, Grace and her father William risked their lives to rescue stranded survivors from a ship wrecked in a fierce storm. This feat of bravery changed her life dramatically. Explore Grace's life and upbringing in the lighthouse, the events of the rescue that propelled her into the limelight and her status as a national heroine. During your visit you'll discover personal items and portraits of the Darling family, including the famous boat that Grace and her father used during the rescue. See if you can light up the lighthouse, and learn more about Grace and other female lifesavers too.

Built in the early 18th century to the design of the distinguished architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, the Barracks was among the first in England to be purpose built. The 'By Beat of Drum' exhibition gives you an insight into the life of the British infantryman from the Civil War to the First World War. A stone's throw away from the Scottish borders and located in a Georgian market town it also boasts a range of other temporary and permanent exhibitions to explore: The King's Own Scottish Borderers museum, the Berwick Gymnasium Art Gallery and the Berwick Museum and Art Gallery (please note that, while 'By Beat of Drum' is open every day, the opening times for the other museums varies).