The Timeless Beauty of Northumberland Coast

• HelloHaway
  [ha-wei]
• GoodbyeTara
  [ta-ra]
• YesAye
  [ai]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/Divvent fret
  [pleez/dee-vent fret]
• Thank youCheers
  [cheers]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon/Wi'aye
  [par-dn/we-ai]
• How are you?Howay man?
  [ha-wei man?]
• Fine. And you?Aalreet. And yersel?
  [aal-reet. and yer-sel?]
• Do you speak English?Divvent ye talk English?
  [dee-vent ye talk ing-glish?]
• I don't understandA divvent ken
  [a dee-vent ken]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseA'd like te see the meny, pet
  [a'd like te see the men-y, pet]
• I don't eat meatA divvent eat flesh
  [a dee-vent eat flesh]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseA'd like te pay, man
  [a'd like te pay, man]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Gan away!
  [gan away!]
• Call the Police!Ring the Polis!
  [ring the polis!]
• Call a doctor!Ring a doctah!
  [ring a doc-tah!]
• I'm lostA'm lost
  [a'm lost]
• I'm illA'm poorly
  [a'm po-or-ly]

• I'd like to buy...A'd like te gan shoppin...
  [a'd like te gan shop-pin...]
• I'm just lookingA'm just hevin a keek
  [a'm just hev-in a keek]
• How much is it?Hoo much is it?
  [hoo much is it?]
• That's too expensiveThon's canny dear
  [thon's can-nee dear]
• Can you lower the price?Can ye deek the price?
  [can ye deek the price?]

• What time is it?Hooay time is it?
  [hoo-ay time is it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's yen o'clock
  [it's yen o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [half past ten]
• MorningMornin
  [mor-nin]
• AfternoonEftahnoon
  [ef-tah-noon]
• EveningEvein
  [eve-in]
• YesterdayYesterdee
  [yes-ter-dee]
• TodayThe day
  [the day]
• TomorrowMorn
  [morn]
• 1Yen
  [yen]
• 2Twa
  [twa]
• 3Thre
  [thre]
• 4Fower
  [fow-er]
• 5Fife
  [fife]
• 6Sikks
  [siks]
• 7Sevven
  [sev-ven]
• 8Eeet
  [eet]
• 9Nyne
  [nyne]
• 10Tin
  [tin]

• Where's a/the...?Wheor's a/the...?
  [wheor's a/the...?]
• What's the address?Hooay's the addres?
  [hoo-ay's the ad-dres?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ye show is (on the map)?
  [can ye show is (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Hooay's the next (bus)?
  [hoo-ay's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (te ....)
  [a ticket (te ....)]

During the 9th century, the Northumberland Coast was frequently raided by Viking invaders. The coastal monasteries, such as those on Holy Island (Lindisfarne), were particularly vulnerable to these attacks. The first recorded Viking raid in England occurred at Lindisfarne in 793 AD, marking the beginning of the Viking Age in Britain.

The Lindisfarne Gospels, an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, were created on Holy Island around 715-720 AD. This masterpiece of medieval art and calligraphy was produced in the context of the island’s monastic community, which was an important center of learning and culture in early medieval Northumbria.

The Battle of Flodden, fought on September 9, 1513, near Branxton in Northumberland, was one of the bloodiest battles in British history. The conflict was between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, ending in a decisive English victory. The death of Scottish King James IV and many of his nobles marked a significant turning point in Anglo-Scottish relations.

Bamburgh Castle, perched on a volcanic outcrop overlooking the North Sea, has a history dating back to the 6th century when it was the royal capital of the kingdom of Northumbria. The current structure, largely rebuilt in the 19th century, stands as a testament to the strategic and political importance of the site through various historical periods.

Dunstanburgh Castle, built in the early 14th century by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, was intended as a stronghold against King Edward II. The castle played a role during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century but fell into ruin after this period. Its dramatic coastal setting inspired many artists, including J.M.W. Turner.

The village of Seahouses has a long history tied to the fishing industry. In the 19th century, the development of the fishing port and the herring industry brought economic growth to the area. Today, Seahouses serves as a gateway for tourists visiting the nearby Farne Islands, known for their abundant wildlife.

The Farne Islands are famous for their association with St. Cuthbert, a 7th-century monk and hermit who lived on the islands. St. Cuthbert is credited with establishing the first bird protection laws in the world, prohibiting the killing of birds during the nesting season. The islands are now a protected nature reserve, home to puffins and seals.

Alnwick Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in England, has been the seat of the Duke of Northumberland for over 700 years. The castle gained modern fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter series, serving as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Its rich history includes roles in various conflicts and as a symbol of noble power.

The Northumberland Coast is located in the northeast of England. The nearest major airport is Newcastle International Airport, approximately 40 miles away. From Newcastle, you can take a train to Alnmouth, which is a convenient base for exploring the coast. Alternatively, you can drive along the A1 road, which runs parallel to the coastline, providing easy access to various towns and attractions.

Public transportation along the Northumberland Coast includes trains, buses, and taxis. The East Coast Main Line serves Alnmouth, and from there you can take local buses to coastal towns like Seahouses, Bamburgh, and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Renting a car offers greater flexibility, especially for visiting remote beaches and historic sites. Cycling is also popular, with numerous scenic routes along the coast.

The official currency is the British Pound Sterling (£). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller shops and rural areas. ATMs are available in most towns along the coast. Contactless payments are commonly used, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are increasingly popular.

The Northumberland Coast is generally very safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is wise to take basic precautions. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant, especially in larger towns like Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest major hospital is in Alnwick, but smaller medical facilities and pharmacies are available in most towns. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local coastguards are available for emergencies at sea.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing. The weather can be unpredictable, so layers are advisable. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in small villages. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer seats to the elderly. Don’t be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile or a 'hello'. Don't be overly familiar. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and delicacies. Don't leave a tip in pubs; it is not customary.

To experience the Northumberland Coast like a local, visit the local pubs and seafood restaurants in towns like Seahouses and Craster. Take a walk along the coastal paths for stunning views and hidden beaches. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's rich history. Visit markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Don't miss iconic sites like Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne (Holy Island), and the Farne Islands for birdwatching and seals.