park with free public access and 4 miles of footpaths on and around the landform. ... Group benefits: Free entry, on-sit
Discover Northumberland’s Horticultural Heritage 2016 sees the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, world famous landscape gardener who was born into humble beginnings in Kirkharle, Northumberland. To celebrate we have put together suggestions for a refreshment stop-off, half day and 3 full day itinerary ideas, all based around Northumberland’s beautiful and unique gardens to help you plan a horticultural-themed visit.
Refreshment Stop - Northumberlandia Northumberlandia, the ‘lady of the North’ is 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.A stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady, she is 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long. Far from being a rigid manicured art form Northumberlandia is a living part of the countryside that will mature over time and change with the seasons. What you see when you visit is only the start of something that will evolve through generations.
Tours available: No, however staff and volunteers are around most days to give information. Group benefits: Free entry, on-site coach parking is £15 – booking essential, café on site. Recommended visit time: 1.5 hours Open: All year round Distance from A1: 2 miles
Half Day - Cragside Enter the world of Lord Armstrong - Victorian inventor, innovator and landscape genius. Cragside house was truly a wonder of its age and continues to amaze visitors today. Discover the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. It is crammed full of ingenious gadgets – most of them still working. The gardens are incredible. One of the largest rock gardens in Europe leads down to the Iron Bridge, which in turn leads to the formal garden. A network of paths and tunnels make up Nelly’s Labyrinth which is cut out of a vast area of rhododendron forest.
Tours available: No Group benefits: Free entry for National Trust members, free minibus service between key features on the site, on-site coach parking
Recommended visit time: 3 hours Open: Mid Feb – End Oct, Nov & Dec open Friday-Sunday Distance from A1: 11 miles
Full Day Itinerary The Alnwick Garden One of the world’s most contemporary gardens, The Alnwick Garden’s enchanting landscape offers adventure and intrigue in the heart of Northumberland. Scale the treetops in Europe’s largest wooden treehouse, lose yourself in the mysterious Bamboo Labyrinth, steal through the Poison Garden or gaze upon the Grand Cascade. Transformed across seasons, no two days in the garden are ever the same, as it greets all visitors with a cacophony of colour and geometric designs, including a traditional ornamental garden and innovative water sculptures, as well as a varied programmes of music, arts, theatre and interaction.
Tours available: Yes, including an exclusive tour with Head Gardener including interactive demonstrations for groups of 20+.
Group benefits: Gift shop discount, free admission for organiser, driver and Blue Badge Guide, free meal voucher for driver and Blue Badge Guide, free parking with easy drop-off & pick up, discounted refreshment packages.
Recommended visit time: 2.5 hours Open: Throughout the year, Poison Garden open April-October. Distance from A1: 2 miles Distance between venues: 7 miles
Howick Hall Gardens The home of Earl Grey and his namesake tea, Howick Hall Gardens are deliberately aimed at garden lovers with a wide variety of plants throughout the year. Howick awakens with the Snowdrop Festival in February and due to its wide variety of plants there is always something in bloom. Explore the Woodland Garden, formal gardens and the Bog Garden which is mostly planted with plants grown from seed collected in the wild. The season continues with brilliant autumn colour through to November. Take a break at the Earl Grey Tea House and experience Earl Grey Tea as it was intended – blended for the water at Howick.
Tours available: Yes, free tours are available to garden visitors on Mondays and Fridays at 2pm between 1st April and 31st October. Group bookings with free guided tours are also welcomed at other times.
Group benefits: Drivers and organisers are given free admission Recommended visit time: 2 hours Open: February to Mid November Distance from A1: 5 miles
Full Day Itinerary Wallington Discover Wallington, gifted to the National Trust by Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, Socialist MP and ‘illogical Englishman’, this 13,000-acre estate has something for everyone. The Trevelyans loved being outdoors and close to nature. The house is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland, just waiting to be explored. Wander through the West Wood, looking out for red squirrels, stroll by the river or refresh your mind among the flowers. Don't miss the hidden walled garden, nestled in the woods. It was beloved by Lady Mary Trevelyan and remains a beautiful haven whatever the season. Enter through Neptune's Gate, sweep down the stone staircase by the Mary Pool and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Wander past colourful borders and enjoy the scent of the flowers in the Edwardian conservatory. The walled garden is also believed to have links to Capability Brown.
Tours available: Yes, on board coach welcome, introductory talk and special interest tours including a garden-themed tour.
Group benefits: National Trust members free, free entry for group leader, on-site coach parking, coach driver receives free entry and voucher for the Clocktower Café . Open: Gardens and grounds open all year, House from mid Feb to end of October. Recommended visit time: 3.5 hours Distance from A1: 20 miles Distance between venues: 3 miles
Kirkharle Set beside the Lake inspired by Capability Brown’s original plan, Kirkharle promises creativity and culture in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside. Explore the inspirational landscape and 18th century courtyard at the birthplace of the most famous of British heritage landscape gardeners. Home to many crafts and a diverse range of arts, Kirkharle Courtyard is a truly unique shopping experience in the relaxed atmosphere of an historic farm courtyard, just thirty minutes from Newcastle upon Tyne. Here you can have the rare opportunity of speaking to the artists and designers on site, seeing the products being made and sold in a beautiful rural setting where you can also enjoy refreshments in the on-site coffee house.
Tours available: Yes – history of Kirkharle, birthplace of Capability Brown. Group benefits: Exclusivity – only 1 coach party at any one time – booking is essential. On site coach parking.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours Open: All year round Distance from A1: 18 miles
Full Day Itinerary Whalton Manor Gardens One of Northumberland’s hidden gems, Whalton Manor Gardens is an exclusive venue – open only to groups by appointment. Historically significant, this 17th century house with its three-acre garden is bursting with inspirational planting and magnificent architectural structures, such as the charming Lutyens-designed, Italianate summerhouse, game larder, pergolas and vast stone-paved courtyard.
Tours available: Yes – guided tour by the owner, Penny Norton who has nurtured the garden for many years
Group benefits: Exclusivity – private tours tailor-made to your requirements with max 50 people at any one time, home cooked lunches & cream teas available, free admission for drivers and operators. Booking is essential.
Recommended visit time: 1.5 hours Open: April to October Distance from A1: 5 miles/13 miles depending on route Distance between venues: 4 miles
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens Lose yourself at Belsay with its unique combination of Grecian architecture, medieval ruins, formal terraces and lush jungle-esque Quarry Garden. Explore Belsay's vast and varied grounds which provide a magnificent setting for the castle and hall. Meander through lovingly restored Grade I heritage gardens, beautiful formal terraces and beds which are packed with an impressive array of shrubs and flowers which change with the seasons. The high point of any visit to Belsay is the Quarry Garden, a truly unique fantasy of ravines and pinnacles filled with ferns and exotic plants.
Tours available: Yes – tour with the Head Gardener Group benefits: Free entry for drivers and tour leaders, on-site coach parking, free entry to English Heritage members.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours Open: All year round, weekends only Nov-Mid Feb. Distance from A1: 7 miles/11 miles depending on route
For help planning your itinerary in Northumberland, more information or introductions to the group travel representative for each attraction contact Natalie:
[email protected] 
