Historic Buildings in Northumberland

Berwick Barracks were built in 1717 to a design by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, making it one of the first purpose-built military barracks in Britain. Construction took place between 1719 and 1721, and produced a barracks large enough to house 600 men with 36 officers.
The Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England, TD15 1DF

Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: Just off Church Street. Seasonal opening only.
Website: Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks
English Heritage
Location map
OS Grid NU001531
Nearest attractions and accommodation 
   Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Black Middens is a ruined 16th century fortified farmhouse, of the type known locally as a 'bastle'. Such bastles were common in the Northumberland region in the long centuries of border raids and turmoil between the English and the Scots in this area. Bastles were most common in the 16th century.
Greenhaugh, Northumberland, England

Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: Open access site. Accessed by way of a narrow minor road north of Greenhaugh village.
Website: Black Middens Bastle House
English Heritage
Google map
OS Grid NY772899
Nearest attractions and accommodation 
   Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

A small stone cottage and farmhouse near the River Tyne, the birthplace of naturalist, artist, and engraver Thomas Bewick (1753–1828). Bewick was inspired by the landscape near his home, and grew to become Northumberland's best known artist. The house is filled with memorabilia and displays telling the story of Bewick's lfe and work. Visitors can also learn the traditional techniques of woodblack engraving and hand priniting.
Station Bank, Mickley Stocksfield, Northumberland, England, NE43 7DD

Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: Seasonal opening.
Website: Cherryburn
National Trust
Location map
OS Grid NZ075626
Photo Credit: Mike Quinn, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence
Nearest attractions and accommodation 
   Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Alternately described as a castle, manor, or vicar's pele, Elsdon Tower is a 14th or 15th fortified house, probably built for the vicar of Elsdon. It stands on a small mound, or knoll, overlooking the village green. It was originally four stories in height, but was altered into 3 stories in the 17th century. The tower is in private hands, with only limited public access.
Elsdon, Northumberland, England

Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: In the village of Elsdon, on the B6341 about 3 miles east of Otterburn
Google map
OS Grid NY936933
Photo Credit: Phil Thirkell, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.
Nearest attractions and accommodation 
   Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Railroad pioneer George Stephenson was born in this simple whitewashed miner's cottage in 1781. The cottage has been refurbished to appear as it would have in that year, with the entire family living in one room.
Wylam, Northumberland, England, NE41 8BP

Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: Seaonal opening
Website: George Stephenson's Birthplace
Email: georgestephensons@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone: 01661 853457
National Trust
Location map
OS Grid NZ125649
Photo Credit: Ken Brown, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
Nearest attractions and accommodation 
   Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

A beautifully complete late 14th century pele tower. Preston Tower presents a vivid reminder of what life was like for those who dwelt in the battleground that was the border with Scotland. Visitors can ascend to the top of the tower for wonderful views, and see many of the original rooms. A later addition is a large clock, which was inserted in 1864.
Chathill, Northumberland, England, NE67 5DH

Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: In the village of Chathill
Website: Preston Tower
Historic Houses Association
Location map
OS Grid NU184254
Nearest attractions and accommodation 
   Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts