Attractions and Places To See around Whittingham - Top 20

For several centuries, the bridge at this point has allowed travelers to effortlessly cross the River Aln. Although the distance from source to mouth is only about 40 kilometers, the river lends its name to both the town of Alnwick and the castle perched on a hill. Symbolically, the bridge structure is guarded by an elegantly crafted stone lion, which also serves as the heraldic animal of the local noble Percy family.

Climbing Cochrane Pike with a height of 335mtrs might not be the biggest climb around, however, it can be physical and needs determination. Towards the summit is exposed land where wind conditions tend to be harsher. Low level cloud can restrict distant visibility. The surface does have sections of peat / bogland but it is easy to pick a better, firmer ride line around the edges of worse spots. Once at the top the following downhill section is great to ride on. Fast flowing, but on some slightly rocky double tracks, your speed picks up and then vision diminishes due to excessive vibration. Keep the brakes on if you chose as picking a decent ride line and seeing potential parts of the track that you need to avoid, can be difficult on this high speed downhill section.

Evidence of prehistoric settlements suggests Rothburys importance stretches back millennia. During the medieval period, it became a vital part of the Barony of Warkworth, changing hands between various noble families like the FitzRogers, Claverings, Percys, and Ogles. A key turning point came in 1291 when King Edward I granted Rothbury a market charter. This solidified its position as a commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region, particularly for cattle and wool. The town's newfound prosperity, however, attracted unwanted attention. The 15th and 16th centuries saw a period of unrest as Rothbury became a target for Border Reivers. These Scottish raiders were notorious for plundering towns along the Anglo-Scottish border, and Rothbury, situated at a crucial crossroads with a ford over the River Coquet, bore the brunt of their attacks. Despite facing these challenges, Rothbury persevered. Today, the town's historic core reflects its layered past. Buildings showcase diverse architectural styles, each whispering a tale from a different era. The impressive All Saints Parish Church stands as a prominent example. This church, with its Saxon cross nestled beneath the font and Victorian restorations, embodies the town's enduring legacy.

The Rothbury War Memorial is a Grade II listed building located on High Street in Rothbury. It was built in 1923 to commemorate those from the parish who died in World War I. The memorial is made of sandstone and bronze. It features a square stone pedestal with a stepped plinth, surmounted by a stone cross with a bronze sword attached. The pedestal contains the names of the fallen on the front and rear sides, with an inscription on the third side. The inscription on the front reads: "TO THE MEMORY OF/ THOSE OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE/ THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY/ 1914-1918/ (NAMES)". The inscription on the rear reads: "TO THE MEMORY OF/ THOSE OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE/ THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY/ 1939-1945/ (NAMES) KOREA 1952/ (NAME)". The inscription on the side reads a famous excerpt from the poem "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon. The simple yet striking design reflects the strong local ties to those who died in the wars. The memorial also includes the names of those who died in World War II and the Korean War.

Constructed in 1775 by John Adam, the Lion Bridge gracefully spans the River Aln in Alnwick. This stone bridge boasts four elegant arches, with a commanding focal point - the intricately crafted Percy Lion - gracing its center on the eastern side. The bridge's design is a castle-like aesthetic, harmonizing seamlessly with the presence of Alnwick Castle that stands sentinel nearby. Once a vital artery, the bridge bore the weight of the old Great North Road as it traversed the river Aln. This historic bridge has rightfully earned its Grade 1 Listing.

Very pretty city to explore.👍😎

There are some really nice walks by the river both in town and the surrounding countryside

Lordenshaws is an ancient Iron Age hill fort built around 2000 years ago. There is also evidence of a Bronze Age burial mound. The cup and ring marks on this great stone are thought to be rock art etched into the stone by Neolithic and Bronze Age people between 6000 and 3500 years ago. It's well worth running up here from the car park before starting a loop of the Simonside Hills to have a look at this ancient monument and take in the views of the hills you're about to run. It's also on the St Oswald's Way long distance trail or on the way to the Simonside Hills from Rothbury.