5 natural sights in the North East that look best in winter

You don't need blazing sunshine to relish the beauty of northeast England. Discover 5 natural spots that look especially lovely in winter.



Where:  Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2SH

Price:  free to visit the island; castle ticketed but only open in summer

Lindisfarne is one of our most famous (and famously beguiling) sights. Capped by the imposing ruins of Lindisfarne Castle, this proud, barren island has a timeless beauty matched only by its historical significance.

Iconic – and worth a visit at any time of the year. But in winter, we'd argue, it goes from "top-tier" to "unmissable".

Why? Two reasons. First, the island looks especially gorgeous in the cold months. Haven't seen Lindisfarne silhouetted against a golden winter sunset? You haven't lived.

Secondly, it's much less busy than it is during peak season. That means you can enjoy the island's lonely beauty without haste or distraction. Sublime.

One word of advice. Lindisfarne is accessible only by a causeway from the shore. During high tide, the causeway is submerged. Make sure to plan your trip carefully to avoid getting stranded.

2. Coquet Island: seal-watching and seabirds galore

Where: off the Northumberland coast, near Amble

Price:  sailing trips cost around £20 for adults

Northumberland's Farne Islands are perhaps the North East's most famous seal-watching spot. Unfortunately, however, boat trips to the islands are suspended during the winter months.

Not to worry. Around 20 miles south of the Farnes, you'll find Coquet Island. This pint-sized wildlife paradise is served by tourist boats all year round.

Coquet Island is home to an all-season seal colony. Visit in winter and you can gaze all you want at these beautiful creatures while avoiding the summer crowds.

But seals are just the start. Coquet also hosts large seabird colonies. There are fewer in winter than in summer, but you could still spot fulmars, kittiwakes and nesting gulls.

Wildlife lovers, stick this one on your "must-see" list.

3. Bamburgh Beach and Castle: romantic coastal vistas

Where: Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7DF

Price: beach is free to visit; castle costs £19.95 for adults

An 11th-century castle? With its own beach? All wrapped up in the crisp, clear light of a winter afternoon? Be still, our beating hearts.

Yes – Bamburgh Beach and its accompanying castle are as alluring as alluring gets. The beach is vast, sandy and flanked by pretty, gorse-knotted dunes. To the southwest, the castle stands guard as steadfastly as it did 900 years ago – all high, thick walls and sandstone parapets. Move aside Hollywood power couples – this is what real romance looks like.

But there's a third character in this love story: the views. When you stand on the sands and look out to sea, you're rewarded with a heart-swelling horizon where mammoth skies meet ink-blue waters. In winter, when the crowds are tucked up indoors, it's particularly special.



4. High Force: a mighty waterfall at its most impressive

Where: Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham

Price:  £4.25 for adults

High Force is Britain's biggest waterfall. Here, a great, white sheet of water crashes unceasingly over sturdy dolomite cliffs. At 21 metres (70 feet) tall, it's a real sight to behold.

In particularly cold winters, High Force has been known to freeze – most famously in 1929. Photos from the time show an eerily still, snow-blanketed curtain instead of the usual churning froth.

You'd have to be very lucky to see it – there hasn't been a full freeze since. However, the waterfall is at its most powerful and impressive in winter, so it's well worth visiting in any case.

Be warned that you can't drive right up to the waterfall itself. You'll have to take a gentle, 10-minute stroll from the car park to reach it – or tackle a half-hour circular route if you're feeling fit. Don't be put off, though – the payoff is well worth it.

5. Weardale: tumbling, snow-covered hills

Where:  visitor centre at Castle Gardens, Bishop Auckland DL13 2FJ

Price:  free

Weardale is a particularly beautiful valley on the east side of the Pennines in County Durham.

In summer, the scenery is dominated by grassy green fields separated by dry stone walls – like a patchwork quilt hewn by Mother Nature herself. In winter, however, it's a whole different story. Think snow-dusted fells, moorland silhouettes and the stark beauty of a wide valley under low winter light.

If you're a fan of peace, quiet and breathtakingly barren scenery, we guarantee you'll fall in love with the place. And good news for drivers: the journey is just as awe-inspiring as the destination.

Need transport? We've got you covered.

Maybe you're visiting the North East by plane, train or bus. Or perhaps you're a local with a licence but no wheels to get you from A to B.

Either way, you can still enjoy these natural beauty spots with a little help from MVH Rental.

We're an independent car hire firm that has served the area since 2002. Locals trust us for our friendly, flexible service and our very affordable pricing. In fact, if you find a better price locally, we'll match it* – simple as that.

Let's make it a winter sightseeing adventure to remember. To get started, browse our range of cheap car rentals in Newcastle (all fully valeted, by the way). Or why not get in touch with our team for a chat and a quote?