Northumberland is beautiful at any given time. From the chocolate-box perfection of the coast in summer to the haunting beauty of the windswept moorland in winter, you're guaranteed to see something different with each visit.

But Spring is a special time when the county bursts into life, wildlife returns and we can look toward the warm summer months.  Make the most of it with plenty of events across both Bank Holiday weekends in May.

May Day Bank Holiday

Begin the adventure at Hadrian's Wall.  Between Saturday 30th April and Monday 2nd May 11am-5pm, head to Chesters Roman Fort for their Falconry of Roman Britain weekend.  Discover the Roman mythology of birds and see how early Britons used birds of prey for hunting.  Be sure to pop into the Chesters Tearoom for a locally-sourced bite to eat!

The celebrations for the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown's birth continue at his birth-place Kirkharle.  Join the party at the Summer Food & Flower Fayre on Sunday 1st May 11am-4pm.

The annual Riding of the Bounds takes place on Sunday 1st May.  This historic ride out began in 1609 to protect the Berwick-upon-Tweed from Scottish raiders by securing the boundaries of the town.  See riders of all abilities, ages and backgrounds gather together to carry on this important Northumbrian tradition. 

On Bank Holiday Monday, join in the Georgian-themed family fun at Seaton Delaval Hall.  Hear tall tales from the eccentric Georgian cook, play dress-up with costumes and enjoy Georgian games.  Be sure to try the family fun trail.

A May Day Bank Holiday visit to Northumberland will not be complete without a visit to The Cherry Orchard at The Alnwick Garden.  Planted in 2008, it is possibly the largest orchard in the world to feature the Tai-Haku Cherry Tree, also known as the 'Great White'.  The large snow-like clusters of bloom appear at the same time as its coppery foliage, creating a truly mesmerising canopy.

Spring Bank Holiday

Can't make a trip to Italy or Greece this bank holiday weekend?  Celebrate the Year of the English Garden with the next best thing: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens.  From Saturday 28th to Monday 30th May, step into Belsay's Grand Adventure to meet performers who will bring the inspiration behind Belsay's stunning gardens to life and take you on a time-travelling mystery tour, including music and fashions from the time.

From Saturday 28th May, the Amble Puffin Festival celebrates everything puffin!  A week of fun and activities in Northumberland's 'Friendliest Port' takes place at the best time of year to see the newly-hatched pufflings at nearby Coquet Island.  From guided nature walks and bird watching to boat cruises from Amble Harbour, there will be events to interest all age groups.

Get back to nature with an early evening Osprey and Wildlife Cruise at Kielder Water & Forest Park on Sunday 29th May. Beginning at Tower Knowe, enjoy a trip around Kielder Water accompanied by knowledgeable Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteers to help you spot local wildlife, such as the magnificent ospreys that nest in the surrounding forest.

No-one knows the best places to walk in the Northumberland National Park better than their team of dedicated volunteers, so you'll never be short of local history, stories, and viewpoints.  Get off the beaten track on Monday 30th May with a guided walk from the River Coquet to Tosson Hill.   

All of these events and more can be found at www.visitnorthumberland.com