-Northumberland Historic Houses

An estate with 14th century castle, 17th century manor house and 19th century neoclassical hall set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds. The hall was designed by the legendary Newcastle architect, John Dobson, and is exactly 100ft (30m) square. Its present unfurnished state gives even greater emphasis to its bold architecture which is now regularly used to display contemporary artworks.

Belsay Hall houses 30 acres of magnificent formal and informal gardens including the famous quarry gardens with their distinct micro-climate. Here rhododendrons may be found in bloom even in the middle of winter. The Cragwood Walk is especially popular in February when it has a carpet of snowdrops.

Belsay, NE20 0DX Tel: 01661 881636

Cherryburn

Exhibition of the life and works of wood engraver Thomas Bewick.

Cherryburn, Mickley, Nr Stocksfield NE43 7DD Tel: 01661 843276 Email

Cragside House

Victorian house situated in 900 acre grounds which may be visited separately. Built by industrialist Lord Armstrong and mainly designed by Norman Shaw, the house was the first in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity. It is now a showcase of Victorian art (especially paintings and wall coverings), architecture and technology.

Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX Tel: 01669 620333. Email

Seaton Delaval Hall

Splendid, though unfurnished English baroque house, partially destroyed by fire in 1822. Regarded as the crowning achievement of architect Sir John Vanbrugh, most well known for Castle Howard in Yorkshire.

Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay NE26 4QR Tel: (0191) 237 1493

George Stephenson's Birthplace

17th Century stone cottage where George Stephenson was born.

Wylam NE41 8BP Tel: 01661 853457

17th Century stone cottage where George Stephenson was born.

Wylam NE41 8BP Tel: 01661 853457

Wallington

17th Century mansion, home of the Trevelyan family, with beautifully furnished interiors including a fine collection of dolls houses. The central hall is decorated with a stunning series of murals by William Bell Scott, depicting the history of Northumberland. The Hall also has strong associations with the poet Swinburne.

Set in magnificent parklands and gardens which may be visited separately. There is an adventure playground in the West Woods.

Cambo, Morpeth, NE61 4AR Tel: 01670 773600 Email