Travel

Alnwick is a perfect base to soak up some history in Northumberland, including trips to Hadrian’s Wall, Dunstanburgh Castle and Cragside.

When the Red Army came marching across East Germany in 1945 the local aristocracy had to flee , from across Poland, Belarus and the Baltic States to safer places. They also caused once famous palaces, castles and gardens to be hidden from view for nearly 45 years, while they were employed by the communist regime. Now, after 21 years of re-unification, these properties have now been gainfully re-employed, mostly as hotels, making them more accessible than ever for tourists.

Queen Victoria loved the Isle of Wight so much that she had the vast Osborne House built near Cowes. This whole island is a joy, its fine sandy beaches are ideal for dibbling and dabbling with bucket and spade. Music lovers flock here for the annual festivals (Isle of Wight in June and Bestival in September). Older people, who may have nostalgic memories of holidays many years ago, now come for the superb walking and cycle ways (half the island is designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). And there are numerous sites of historical and natural interest.