The waters along the stunning coastline are home to seals, dolphins and a wide array of sea creatures, while vast areas of unspoilt countryside are home to ospreys, red squirrels and much more. If you’re looking for something a little more unusual is what you’re looking for, lemurs, meerkats and other exotic animals and birds can be found in the county’s zoos. Here is a flavour of what Northumberland has to offer…
5. Ospreys, Kielder Water and Forest Park
2021 is the 13th successive year of ospreys breeding in Kielder Forest. Following the return of the ospreys to Kielder this spring, there are now 19 eggs in at least six nests. For the third season in a row, there are four eggs in Nest 1A, which is unusual. Visitors enjoying the grounds of Kielder Castle will be able to watch all the live action from Nest 7 from a screen at The Sea Diner catering unit. Pictured is an osprey pair with their three chicks at Kielder. Photo: Kielder Water and Forest Park
6. Chillingham wild cattle
Chillingham's wild white cattle inhabit a very large park that has existed since the Middle Ages. The herd has remained remarkably genetically isolated for hundreds of years, surviving despite inbreeding depression due to the small population. Guided tours take you close, but not too close, to these extraordinary animals. Photo: Jane Coltman
7. Arctic Terns on the Farne Islands
Without doubt the species with the most presence on the islands are the Arctic Terns. By the beginning of June, the majority of the terns are down on eggs and a few weeks later we will begin to find the newest generation of this truly remarkable species. By the end of the year, some of these birds will be somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Photo: Kimberley Powell
8. Whitehouse Farm, near Morpeth
Whitehouse Farm Centre is Northumberland’s largest family run farm attraction spread over 40 acres, located south of Morpeth and just a mile off the A1. Among its attractions are wallabies, meerkats and Marmoset monkeys. The attraction reopen on April 12, 2021, after being shut by the Covid pandemic. Pre-book tickets is now essential until 9am on the day of your visit via their website, https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/
For same day visit enquiries (after 9am), call 01670 789998 in case there are any slots, subject to availability. Photo: Jane Coltman