The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Stannington

Northumberlandia (Lady Of The North) 115.3m P55.3 (378ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 16083) [JNSA 23759] County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.

The "Northumberlandia" project owes its origins to open-cast mining: The earth lying above the mineral resources to be mined (e.g., coal seams) – known in technical terms as "overburden" – is typically stored on a so-called "overburden dump." Europe's largest artificial mountain, "Sophienhöhe," was created this way in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. As a landscape project, the overburden was used to create a reclining female figure called "Northumberlandia." However, from a ground perspective, little will be visible on site. To experience the outline of the sculpture of the lady, also known as the "Lady of the North," there is a plan sketch on the official website, which I have imported into the komoot image gallery (source: https://www.northumberlandia.com/ ).

Some nice shops in there.

The Chantry Footbridge replaced an older two-arch bridge from the 13th century. An iron footbridge was built on the site in 1869, and it was refurbished in 2004. The bridge connects Bridge Street with Hill Gate on the south side. At the north end of the footbridge is the 13th century All Saints Chantry, which was restored in 1980 and is now a tourist information center, craft center, and museum. Just upstream from the bridge is a weir.

The Telford Bridge replaced an older medieval bridge and connects the two halves of the town. It was designed by John Dobson, although Thomas Telford is often credited due to the inscription on the parapet. Telford chose the location and oversaw the construction. St George's United Reformed Church is located on the north side of the bridge, while the Court House is on the south side.

Northumberlandia is an area where wildlife is a subject, insects and similar. There are some man made funny shaped hills that have loads of walking tracks. It is a public area with a dedicated car park, there is a cafe also.

The Morpeth Clock Tower, situated near Market Place in Morpeth, is an impressive structure with a height of 60 feet and walls measuring 3 feet 6 inches in thickness. Adjacent to the Morpeth Town Hall and the YMCA buildings, the tower is a Grade II* listed building. Constructed between 1604 and 1634, the Clock Tower boasts a weathered appearance due to its use of recycled Medieval stone. While it was believed that the stone originated from a gatehouse at the west end of Oldgate, it is more likely that it was sourced from the nearby ruins of Newminster Abbey, which was dissolved in 1537. In 1706, the tower acquired a set of six bells cast by renowned bell founder Richard Phelps from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. These bells were originally intended for the Parish Church of Berwick-upon-Tweed but were presented to the Corporation of Morpeth by Major General Edmund Maine, MP of Morpeth, after the people of Berwick failed to elect Maine as their member of parliament. This led to the local saying, "Berwick Bells are heard in Morpeth." The bells were restored and placed in a new cast iron frame in 1951 by John Taylor & Co to commemorate the Festival of Britain, as they had fallen into disrepair over the years.

St. George's Church in Morpeth has a rich history that spans centuries. Originally established as a Presbyterian ministry in 1693, the congregation held its first services in a tannery loft before constructing a chapel in 1721. In 1850, they seized the opportunity to acquire the Old Mill, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, and embarked on the construction of a new stone church. This magnificent building, completed in 1860, showcased an early English architectural style and boasted a striking stained glass rose window. The church played a central role in the community, attracting individuals from diverse occupations in the mid-19th century. However, it underwent significant changes over time. In the early 1960s, the church was divided horizontally to accommodate a church hall, kitchen, and meeting rooms above, altering the external appearance. Despite initial opposition, these modifications provided a new space for various community groups and activities. Throughout its history, St. George's Church experienced challenges, including a major flood in 2008 that left the building unusable for six months. However, the congregation demonstrated resilience by sharing services with the Morpeth Methodists and utilizing the valuable church hall. The church's enduring presence and commitment to the community have been exemplified through initiatives such as the 150th-anniversary celebrations, which featured a graphic created by local artist Anji Allen. Today, St. George's Church remains a cherished place of worship and a vital hub for the community. It continues to host numerous activities, including the St. George's Community Players, the church's ceilidh band 'sgurc', country dance clubs, music groups, and more. The church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and history of Morpeth, serving as a place where faith, culture, and community intersect.