Local Attractions and Activities
Not surprisingly, Northumberland is named again and again as one of the best UK holiday destinations! The proximity of Burradon Farm to the spectacular Northumbrian coastline and the centre of NewcastleGateshead makes us the perfect base to explore all of the attractions in the great North East. Whether you are in the area to visit friends or family, see the sights or take part in the Great North Run, our close proximity to city, coast and countryside ensures that a stay at Burradon Farm Houses & Cottages can be a relaxing yet exciting experience for everyone. What are you waiting for?!
Burradon Pele Tower
Our very own Grade II listed Pele Tower (pronounced ‘Peel’) stands at the centre of the farm. The tower is a well preserved ruin built during hostilities with Scotland and was the focal point of the medieval village of Burradon. Today it is enclosed by a stone wall, surrounded by trees and is protected by English Heritage as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, so unfortunately it can only be viewed from the outside, but nonetheless, it is an amazing piece of history right here on our doorstep!
Tower houses are a type of defensible house particularly characteristic of the borderlands of England and Scotland. Virtually every parish had at least one of these buildings. Tower houses were being constructed and used from at least the 13th century to the end of the 16th century. They provided prestigious defended houses permanently occupied by the wealthier or aristocratic members of society. As such they were important centres of medieval life. The need for such secure buildings relates to the unsettled and frequently war-like conditions which prevailed in the Borders throughout much of the medieval period. All surviving tower houses retaining significant medieval remains are normally be identified as nationally important.
Burradon Tower was originally a three storey tower house with a single chamber on each floor reached by a newel stair in the south east corner. The tower is believed to have been built around 1553 by Bertram Anderson and continued in occupation into the 17th century. By the 19th century the tower had become part of an adjoining farm and the lower two chambers had been made habitable by the construction of an internal tiled roof and by the early 20th century the tower stood alone in the present farm complex. The tower was conserved in 1977.
In the grounds of the tower is a circular depression identified as the site of a well – rumour has it that a secret tunnel runs from here to Seaton Delaval Hall!
Burradon Pele Tower
Our very own Grade II listed Pele Tower (pronounced ‘Peel’) stands at the centre of the farm. The tower is a well preserved ruin built during hostilities with Scotland and was the focal point of the medieval village of Burradon. Today it is enclosed by a stone wall, surrounded by trees and is protected by English Heritage as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, so unfortunately it can only be viewed from the outside, but nonetheless, it is an amazing piece of history right here on our doorstep!
Tower houses are a type of defensible house particularly characteristic of the borderlands of England and Scotland. Virtually every parish had at least one of these buildings. Tower houses were being constructed and used from at least the 13th century to the end of the 16th century. They provided prestigious defended houses permanently occupied by the wealthier or aristocratic members of society. As such they were important centres of medieval life. The need for such secure buildings relates to the unsettled and frequently war-like conditions which prevailed in the Borders throughout much of the medieval period. All surviving tower houses retaining significant medieval remains are normally be identified as nationally important.
Burradon Tower was originally a three storey tower house with a single chamber on each floor reached by a newel stair in the south east corner. The tower is believed to have been built around 1553 by Bertram Anderson and continued in occupation into the 17th century. By the 19th century the tower had become part of an adjoining farm and the lower two chambers had been made habitable by the construction of an internal tiled roof and by the early 20th century the tower stood alone in the present farm complex. The tower was conserved in 1977.
In the grounds of the tower is a circular depression identified as the site of a well – rumour has it that a secret tunnel runs from here to Seaton Delaval Hall!
northumberlandia
Close to home, we are just a short drive from Northumberlandia, a unique piece of public art set in a 46 acre community park with free public access and 4 miles of footpaths on and around the landform.
The centrepiece of the park is Northumberlandia, a stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady, known as the Lady of the North. Northumberlandia was built as part of the restoration of the adjacent Shotton surface coal mine. This project has provided a unique opportunity to create a spectacular art form while maintaining the mining process.
Made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil, the Lady is 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long. She is a living part of the countryside that will mature over time and changes with the seasons – what you see when you visit is only the start of something that will evolve through generations.
Northumberlandia is home to many red list bird species such as kestrels and buzzards. The surrounding grasslands are hotspots for butterflies and meadow flowers, and the ponds attract birdlife such as little grebe, tufted duck, mallard and heron as well as being home to great crested and smooth newt.
With its visitor centre, café and raised terrace with views of the bird feeding stations, Northumberlandia is a great place to while away an hour or two – a hidden gem!
northumberlandia
Close to home, we are just a short drive from Northumberlandia, a unique piece of public art set in a 46 acre community park with free public access and 4 miles of footpaths on and around the landform.
The centrepiece of the park is Northumberlandia, a stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady, known as the Lady of the North. Made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil, she is 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long – a hidden gem!
northumberland
Further north, visitors have easy access to Northumberland’s wonderful castles, stately homes and gardens such as Warkworth Castle, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Wallington Hall and Cragside House.
Walkers, cyclists and explorers will love Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Forts and Kielder Water and Forest Park which are all within easy driving distance, as are the beautiful coastal villages of Craster, Bamburgh, Seahouses and the historic Holy Island.
Travelling not too far south, visitors will find Souter Lighthouse, Beamish Open Air Museum and the beautiful City of Durham with its iconic Cathedral.
If the combination of hiking/walking and great food floats your boat, why not get in touch with Fells Kitchen. They provide unique, fully catered adventures in Northumberland with qualified mountain leader and professional chef Chris – a truly memorable experience!
northumberland
Further north, visitors have easy access to Northumberland’s wonderful castles, stately homes and gardens such as Warkworth Castle, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Wallington Hall and Cragside House.
Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Forts and Kielder Water and Forest Park are also within easy driving distance, as are the beautiful coastal villages of Craster, Bamburgh, Seahouses and the historic Holy Island.
Travelling not too far south, visitors will find Souter Lighthouse, Beamish Open Air Museum and the beautiful City of Durham with its iconic Cathedral.
beaches
There are many glorious beaches nearby including Seaton Sluice, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth.
Visit the seaside town of Whitley Bay with its impressive recently renovated Spanish City and promenade, St Mary’s lighthouse (where visitors can climb to the top for magnificent views, or enjoy rockpooling when the tide is out) or enjoy Cullercoats Bay with its sheltered beach perfect for paddleboarding. Tynemouth boasts two beaches – Longsands and King Edwards Bay – along with fantastic beachfront cafes, great surfing and quirky Front Street, all overlooked by Tynemouth Priory and Castle .
A little further North visitors will love the more deserted beaches at Cresswell, Druridge Bay, Alnmouth, Amble, Warkworth, Embleton, Low Newton and beyond, all offering a fantastic way to blow away those cobwebs, dog-lovers favourites!
beaches
There are many glorious beaches nearby including Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth.
Visit the seaside town of Whitley Bay with its impressive Spanish City, promenade and St Mary’s lighthouse, enjoy Cullercoats Bay with its sheltered beach perfect for paddleboarding, or Tynemouth with its beachfront cafes, great surfing and quirky Front Street.
Or enjoy the more deserted beaches at Cresswell, Druridge Bay, Alnmouth, Amble, Warkworth, Embleton, Low Newton and beyond, all offering a fantastic way to blow away those cobwebs, dog-lovers favourites!
NewcastleGateshead
We are a short drive to NewcastleGateshead, with fantastic shopping at Eldon Square and the Metrocentre, Europe’s largest shopping centre.
Gateshead is located on the southern bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle upon Tyne. They are joined by seven bridges across the Tyne, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Gateshead boasts the impressive Angel of the North, Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art as well as some beautiful parks such as Saltwell Park and Gibside.
Newcastle has a vibrant blend of museums, monuments, bridges and art galleries as well as great shopping and dining. With an excellent choice of restaurants, from delicious tapas to the delights of Chinatown, there is something for everyone.
The nightlife is renowned in Newcastle, whether you are looking for a great meal out, comedy clubs or just want to dance the night away, Newcastle has it all!
Newcastle Quayside’s Sunday Market is a unique experience with stallholders selling a diverse range of food and gift items – and don’t forget to visit the container village on Gateshead Quayside for a bite to eat!
NewcastleGateshead
We are a short drive to NewcastleGateshead, with amazing shopping at INTU Eldon Square and INTU Metrocentre, Europe’s largest shopping centre.
Gateshead is located on the southern bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle upon Tyne. They are joined by seven bridges across the Tyne, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Gateshead boasts the impressive Angel of the North, Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art as well as some beautiful parks such as Saltwell Park and Gibside.
Newcastle has a vibrant blend of museums, monuments, bridges and art galleries as well as great shopping and dining. With an excellent choice of restaurants, from delicious tapas to the delights of Chinatown, there is something for everyone.
The nightlife is renowned in Newcastle, whether you are looking for a great meal out, comedy clubs or just want to dance the night away, Newcastle has it all!
Newcastle Quayside’s Sunday Market is a unique experience with stallholders selling a diverse range of food and gift items – and don’t forget to visit the container village on Gateshead Quayside for a bite to eat!
Culture and Entertainment
We are close to major music, theatre and comedy venues such as Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, The Sage, O2 Academy, Theatre Royal, City Hall, Tyne Theatre and The Cluny 2, as well as Whitley Bay Playhouse and the Customs House at South Shields.
Newcastle United fans can visit St James’ Park to experience one of the UK’s largest football stadiums (also hosts to the occasional rugby tournament!).
Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, Sunderland AFC, Gateshead International Sports Stadium and Newcastle Racecourse are also a short drive away.
Culture and Entertainment
We are close to major music, theatre and comedy venues such as Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, The Sage, O2 Academy, Theatre Royal, City Hall, Tyne Theatre and The Cluny 2, as well as Whitley Bay Playhouse and the Customs House at South Shields.
Newcastle United fans can visit St James’ Park to experience one of the UK’s largest football stadiums (also hosts to the occasional rugby tournament!). Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, Sunderland AFC, Gateshead International Sports Stadium and Newcastle Racecourse are also a short drive away.
Markets and Specialist Shopping
Tynemouth Station, magnificently restored to the former glory of its grand Victorian days, hosts a covered market every weekend – a treasure trove of arts, crafts and bric-a-brac with over 150 stalls. Don’t forget the specialist shopping and great dining in nearby Front Street as well as the impressive Priory Castle looking out over the mouth of the Tyne.
Royal Quays Shopping Outlet and Boundary Mills Outlet Shopping are also close by for those who like a bargain!
For an independent shopping experience, wander the streets of Corbridge or visit Morpeth’s Sanderson Arcade, Amble Harbour Village shopping pods, the Milkhope Centre at Blagdon or enjoy browsing one of the largest second hand and antiquitarian book shops in Britain at Barter Books in Alnwick.
Newcastle’s Grainger Market is a bustling indoor market hall dating from 1835, with over 100 vendors selling produce, meat and vintage goods.
Markets and Specialist Shopping
Tynemouth Station, magnificently restored to the former glory of its grand Victorian days, hosts a covered market every weekend – a treasure trove of arts, crafts and bric-a-brac with over 150 stalls. Don’t forget the specialist shopping and great dining in nearby Front Street as well as the impressive Priory Castle looking out over the mouth of the Tyne.
Royal Quays Shopping Outlet and Boundary Mills Outlet Shopping are also close by for those who like a bargain!
For an independent shopping experience, wander the streets of Corbridge or visit Morpeth’s Sanderson Arcade, Amble Harbour Village shopping pods, the Milkhope Centre at Blagdon or enjoy browsing one of the largest second hand and antiquitarian book shops in Britain at Barter Books in Alnwick.
Kids activities
There are loads of things for kids to do – from exploring the Life Science Centre, Hancock Museum or the Discovery Museum, to enjoying the thrills of the ‘Hoppings’, the UK’s largest travelling funfair which comes to Newcastle every June.
Adventurers can tackle a treetop rope course at Go Ape Matfen, try indoor karting in Newcastle or take to the waves surfing, kayaking or paddle boarding at Tynemouth.
Lilidorei at Alnwick Garden opens in 2023 and is already hailed as the world’s largest play structure – the kids are sure to love it!
There are plenty of indoor activities too, such as trampoline parks, climbing, softplay, bowling, multi-screen and independent cinemas, indoor water park, ice skating, or simply relaxing with a book at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books.
Check out our list of activities you and your kids might enjoy during your stay!
Kids activities
There are loads of things for kids to do – from exploring the Life Science Centre, Hancock Museum or the Discovery Museum, to enjoying the thrills of the ‘Hoppings’, the UK’s largest travelling funfair which comes to Newcastle every June.
Adventurers can tackle a treetop rope course at Go Ape Matfen, try indoor karting in Newcastle or take to the waves surfing or paddle boarding at Tynemouth.
There are plenty of indoor activities too, such as trampoline parks, climbing, softplay, bowling, multi-screen cinemas, indoor water park, ice skating, or simply relaxing with a book at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books.
Walking and Cycle Routes
With waggonways and cycle routes from our door we are the perfect base for exploring the local area – you might even come across some hidden art, like the 15ft ‘Eat for England’ Spoon which is tucked away nearby!
We have two secure cycle storage units here at Burradon Farm, each fitting up to 4 bikes, so be sure to reserve your exclusive use of these when you book.
We are located on the Tyne and Wear Heritage Way, an 80 mile route which passes through Burradon Farm, taking in the rich historic and industrial heritage of the area.
The historic 19th century Waggonways network was once used to haul coal to ships on the River Tyne from dozens of coal mines in the borough. They had fallen into disrepair over many years but in 2000 over 30 miles of Waggonways were transformed by North Tyneside Council – to help you explore North Tyneside’s Waggonways, a series of cycle brochures are available to download here.
Reivers Cycle Route (NCN10) – Heading North from Tynemouth Priory this route incorporates sections of the historic Waggonways network passing Percy Main, Cobalt Business Park, Shiremoor, Killingworth and Burradon before leaving North Tyneside via Seaton Burn in the North West of the Borough. More information about destinations can be found here.
Walking and Cycle Routes
With waggonways and cycle routes from our door we are the perfect base for exploring the local area – you might even come across some hidden art, like the 15ft ‘Eat for England’ Spoon which is tucked away nearby!
We are located on the Tyne and Wear Heritage Way, an 80 mile route which passes through Burradon Farm, taking in the rich historic and industrial heritage of the area.
The historic 19th century Waggonways network was once used to haul coal to ships on the River Tyne from dozens of coal mines in the borough. They had fallen into disrepair over many years but in 2000 over 30 miles of Waggonways were transformed by North Tyneside Council – to help you explore North Tyneside’s Waggonways, a series of cycle brochures are available to download here.
Reivers Cycle Route (NCN10) – Heading North from Tynemouth Priory this route incorporates sections of the historic Waggonways network passing Percy Main, Cobalt Business Park, Shiremoor, Killingworth and Burradon before leaving North Tyneside via Seaton Burn in the North West of the Borough. More information about destinations can be found here.
sport
Whether it’s the Great North Run, football, golf, cricket, horse racing or rugby, the North East has many sporting activities to take part in or just enjoy!
sport
There are so many sporting activities to enjoy in the North East.
