Hidden Gems

Right across North East England, hidden gems lie waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

Delicious aromas lead to restaurants and gastro-pubs where local produce is literally sourced from down the road. Secret walled gardens enchant with rare plantlife and living mazes beckon you to find yourself within.

Take a boat trip to the Farne Islands to see its puffin and seal colonies. Curl up with a very special read at Barter Books or Seven Stories , or shop for original art at The Biscuit Factory .

Visit hidden villages such as Blanchland , the setting for many films and novels due to its picture perfect looks. Or try a Craster kipper , still hand-smoked by the Robson family in their original 130-year-old smokehouses.

And at the end of a day of discoveries? Stay in a real castle, at one of our luxury castle hotels.