Visitors wondering what to do, where to go and what to see when in the North East need look no further than Northumberland National Park Authority’s new spring event guide for inspiration.
The comprehensive, 32-page guide contains stacks of information about the landscapes, culture and heritage of Northumberland, as well as a diverse events programme designed to encourage visitors to ‘get stuck in’ and really experience what the county has to offer during their visit.
Running from April to June 2018, the events programme boasts something for the whole family to enjoy; from nature trails to Easter egg hunts, to guided walks and ‘Meet the Maker’ events, where visitors can learn more about some of the region’s fantastic artisan produce, direct from the people who make it.
Duncan Wise, visitor development and marketing manager at Northumberland National Park Authority, said:
“Our new events programme offers something for everyone, finding the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor events that visitors of all ages can get involved with as we transition from our winter programme into spring.
“Some of last year’s sell-out events, such as ‘Wild Wednesdays’ for young explorers are back by popular demand, while we also have a host of brand new experiences for visitors to enjoy.
“New for the 2018 calendar, we have performance events with local artists and musicians and an out of this world ‘Dark Sky Disco’ for children taking place at The Sill. We also have a wider variety of guided walks on offer which will take in some of the lesser-known and historically significant areas of the National Park.”
Tourists to the region, or locals looking for a day-out with a difference will find additional information contained in the guide about the different areas of the National Park, as well as recommended places to visit to experience the best of Northumberland. Topping the list of springtime attractions unsurprisingly is The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
Having recently welcomed its 100,000th visitor, the National Park Authority is taking full advantage of the popularity of its new £14.8 million visitor centre and YHA youth hostel at Once Brewed on Hadrian’s Wall to attract even more people to the region over the coming months.
Dr Sarah Glynn, manager at The Sill, said:
“From the earliest planning stages, our vision for The Sill was to create a completely unique attraction that would enable more people to explore and enjoy the landscapes of Northumberland, which is something we feel we have really achieved.
“Although we have events taking place across the length and breadth of the National Park, The Sill has provided us with a fantastic new base for some of our more family-orientated events.
“Because of the added benefit of having a café and gift shop on site, as well as our interactive exhibitions, visitors with young children can really make a day of a visit to The Sill if they’re taking part in one of our organised events.”
The result of an innovative partnership between Northumberland National Park and YHA (England & Wales), and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through a £7.8m grant made possible by National Lottery players, The Sill, which officially opened its doors last July, is one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by a National Park Authority.
The visitor and events guide is available to collect for free from The Sill and various other visitor information points across the National Park.
A full list of National Park events and activities can also be found online at www.nnpa.org.uk/whats-on.