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A Grand Day Out in NorthumberlandThe Mail Online unveil the delights of Belsay Hall and Castle in Northumberland as a great weekend break. WHAT'S TO SEE? An extraordinary group of buildings - a 14th-century medieval tower house, with the ruin of a 17th-century manor house attached, and the neoclassical Belsay Hall, which the Middleton family built in the 19th century, in the style of a Greek temple. Some 35 acres of formal gardens and 80 acres of woodland walks, perfect for picnicking in the sunshine with the lake, and rare red squirrels for company. There are plenty of exhibits in Extraordinary Measures, a show of cutting-edge contemporary art running here until September. As well as art, they also put on plays here, too - the summer season includes Pride And Prejudice, The Importance Of Being Earnest, and Alice Through The Looking Glass (and special events include longbow lessons). ACCOMDATION - Characterful family-friendly, five-star B&B 17 miles away at Thistleyhaugh Farm (www.thistleyhaugh.co.uk). Belsay is also running a competition to win a break with Marriott Hotels in Newcastle (see www.english-heritage.org.uk). Belsay Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland NE20 0DX (01661 881 636; www.english-heritage.org.uk), open Mon-Sat. Admission (inc exhibition, until Sept 26): adult £8, child £4; concessions £6.80; family £17. |
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