19 March 2008

Discover the past in North East England

History presents itself in North East England where travellers can visit ancient castles still occupied by Lords, Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, with one, the Duchess of Northumberland, [pictured right] having visited Sydney recently and been interviewed by The Mole and in fact this region has more castles than any other in England................but not Wales!

Alnwick Castle, located close to the Scottish border, has housed Dukes and Lords since 1309, with The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland currently residing in the Castle and open their home to the public during April to October, making it the second largest inhabited castle in Europe.

Untouched by the modern world, Alnwick Castle has been used as a film location for Robin Hood: Prince of Theives as well as the famous Harry Potter films, providing an ancient setting that takes audiences and travellers back in time.

The grounds of Alnwick Castle are also home to the UKÃ¢â¬â¢s famous Alnwick Garden, established in 2002, by The Duchess, with The Alnwick Garden, described as EnglandÃ¢â¬â¢s most popular public garden offers interactive, educational and contemplative areas for the public to enjoy.

It is also home to the largest treehouse used as a restaurant, a Poison Garden and stunning water features.

The garden, which welcomes over 600,000 visitors per year, is a scenic location not to be missed when travelling to North East England.

Travellers to North East England, or visitors passing through the ancient landscapes on their way to Scotland, can expect to feel as if they have walked back in time on their journey, with Raby Castle, located in the Durham region of North East England, the home of the Barnard Family since 1626 and one of EnglandÃ¢â¬â¢s most famous medieval castles.

Travellers can not only tour the castle to learn how the Barnard family experience everyday life within the castle, but also visit a 200 acre deer park, walled gardens and an ancient adventure park for children.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe Castles that are located throughout North East England are a retreat from the city, a way to step back through time and appreciate the architecture and design of ancient timesÃ¢â¬~ states Stacy Hall, Director of Communications & Tourism at One NorthEast.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœTravellers have a wide range of experiences that welcome them when travelling to North East England. Visiting these historical places is a wonderful way to experience the life of a Duke and Duchess; and the spacious castles that they still occupy todayÃ¢â¬~ said Stacy.

North East England also has a huge range of stunning golf courses Ã¢â¬' many of which boast dramatic castles as their markers.

To visit a castle that is still lived in and maintained as a home is an experience that is hard to come by in the modern society.

Bamburgh Castle, home to the Kings of Northumbria, is a costal Castle located in northern Northumberland. Completely restored in 1900, Bamburgh Castle has been a royal centre since AD547 and is now the home to inspiring collections of china, porcelain, armour and rare paintings dating back through the centuries.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe historical castles that define North East England and the sights these Castles offer to travellers is not only a lesson in the past but a genuine experience not to be missed,Ã¢â¬~ added Stacy.

A Report by The Mole