Constituent country - England
No. of Areas - 1
Population - 320,274
Area - 5,013 km2
Pop. Density - 64 km2
Official Website - https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Home.aspx
Northumberland is a historic county in the northeast of England, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. Here are some key facts about Northumberland County:
Geography: Northumberland is the northernmost county in England, bordering Scotland to the north. It has a diverse landscape, including the Cheviot Hills, North Pennines, and a long coastline along the North Sea.
County Town: The county town of Northumberland is Alnwick, famous for its castle, which has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including the Harry Potter series.
Hadrian's Wall: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall runs through Northumberland, marking the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. It's a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts.
Northumberland National Park: Covering a large area of the county, Northumberland National Park is England's least populated national park. It offers breathtaking landscapes, including moorlands, forests, and valleys.
Dark Skies Park: Northumberland is home to Europe's largest area of protected night sky, designated as the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. It's a haven for stargazers and astronomers.
Castles: Apart from Alnwick Castle, Northumberland boasts numerous other historic castles, such as Bamburgh Castle, Warkworth Castle, and Dunstanburgh Castle, showcasing the county's medieval heritage.
Coastline: Northumberland's coastline stretches for around 64 miles (103 kilometers) and is characterized by sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages like Seahouses and Craster.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne: Accessible via a causeway at low tide, Lindisfarne is a tidal island with a rich history, including the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and the Lindisfarne Gospels.
Northumberlandia: Known as the 'Lady of the North', Northumberlandia is a unique land sculpture of a reclining female figure, created from the land's restoration of a former coal mine.
Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): Designated for its exceptional landscape, wildlife, and cultural heritage, the AONB encompasses much of the county's coastline and hinterland.
Northumberland Wildlife: The county is home to diverse wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, puffins (on the Farne Islands), and the critically endangered Northumberland white-beaked dolphin.
Northumberland's Border with Scotland: Historically, Northumberland has seen numerous conflicts due to its proximity to Scotland, with battles such as the Battle of Flodden in 1513, where the English suffered a significant defeat.
These facts offer just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that Northumberland County has to offer.