So many things to do, so many things to see, but here are a few suggestions.
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club is on the doorstep, but also within easy reach, are Seahouses, Bamburgh, Alnmouth Village, Alnmouth Foxton and Alnwick. The prestigious Matfen Hall is a fifty minute drive and Slaley Hall a little over an hour.
Of these we are truly spoiled. Dunstanburgh, (a 15 minute walk from Spitalford), Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, Warkworth, Edlingham and Alnwick are all within a 20 mile radius of Spitalford.
Trips to the Farne Islands leave from Seahouses and the booths for booking are dotted along the harbour. They tend to run from Easter to October. Some boats have licences to land on some of the Islands, although this may be restricted during the nesting season in May/June.
Alnwick Garden, the largest new garden in Europe for over a century, Howick Hall, a real gardeners' garden, the home of Earl Grey tea and beautiful woodland walks leading down to the beach at Howick. Spoil yourself with tea at The Earl Grey Tearooms situated in the Old Orangery. Like stepping back in time with tea strainers, étagères and delicious cream teas. Visit the Getrude Jekyll designed garden at Lindisfarne Castle.
Cragside and Wallington Hall are National Trust properties within a 45 minute drive.
With more than 30 miles of beaches and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Northumberland coast is simply stunning.
There are miles upon miles of golden sandy beaches, perfect for a long walk with the dog or a day building sandcastles and paddling in the sea, for those who prefer a rocky coastline, there are plenty too, a walk along the volcanic coastline from Howick to Craster is highly recommended!
Embleton in North East England is a fairly exposed beach break that has quite consistent surf. Winter and spring are the best times of year to visit for surfing. The quality of the surf isn't affected by the tide. When it's working here, it can get crowded. Click here for the surf forecast for Embleton beach.