Cross the Causeway and See the Stars

You'll want to get up early today as you've a big day ahead of you. Your first port of call will require you to navigate your own way to Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island.
But fear not, you don't need any sailing expertise for you'll be making your way on four wheels. The island has a three-mile causeway that emerges between tides, and takes around ten minutes to drive. It's a unique, almost eerie, driving experience but one that comes with a wonderful reward on the other side.
Just make sure - and it must be stressed how important this is - to check the times for safe crossing before you go. There have been occasions where naive tourists have ignored those times and tried to take on nature. It's not a good idea unless you own an amphibious car.
Thankfully the windows of opportunity throughout the day are wide and as long as you check in advance you'll have no issues. Check the latest causeway times here.

Following the ten-minute crossing, you'll have no problem locating the island's main car park. It's on the only road coming in to the island. Once you're parked you're less than ten minutes away from the island's heritage centre and main attractions.

The island's 16th-century castle is worth the 20-minute walk not only to admire the fortress that was dramatically refurbished in the early 20th century by famed architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, but also because the gentle walk - via the beach and harbour - is the best way to take in the spectacular coastal panoramas offered on Lindisfarne.
The walk and the views often suffice for most visitors to the island, but if you're keen to see inside the castle - which is looked after by the National Trust - you're best off pre-booking a ticket online as sales are limited. You can do so here.

If you’re visiting the island in the summer, when crimson hollyhock and a rainbow of vibrant chrysanthemums are in full bloom, this garden is a must-visit.
Although this walled garden forms part of the castle, no ticket or pre-booking is required for entry. As the name suggests, in 1911 it was created by garden designer, writer, and artist Gertrude Jekyll, who was a close friend of Edwin Lutyens.

You can't leave Lindisfarne without trying its most famous product.
This fortified wine is made on the island at St Aidan's Winery, using a blend of fermented grapes, herbs, honey, and natural water from the island's well.
Head back into town to grab a bottle (or two) from this popular shop. The bottles are a great keepsake and make a perfect souvenir of your trip.

As you might expect, the menu at this friendly pub is dominated by the sea. Along with starters that include pan fried scallops and mains featuring teriyaki salmon, there's also the option to pick a selection of seafood tapas.
If you're feeling especially peckish then plump for another of the restaurant's specialities - Carlos' paellas. Note you'll need a minimum order for two people, and it's also available for takeaway.

Holy Island has been a place of pilgrimmage since 635, when King Oswald asked St. Aidan establish a monastery off the Northumberland coast.
This family-run roastery takes inspiration from that history, offering ethically-sourced coffee beans with names like Daily Bread and Holy Grail. It's also powered by renewable energy.
Its coffee shop doesn't only do mighty fine coffee but plenty of sweet treats to go with it, including fresh scones and homemade cakes (do try the carrot cake with cream cheese icing).

Once you're fully refuelled with lunch, coffee, and cake, it's time to get back to the car. Don't delay - you've a train to catch!

Steam trains are a rare treasure these days and the Heatherslaw Light Railway is the most northerly steam railway in England.
There's old-world charm here in abundance, with the 15” gauge railway pulled by locomotives called Binky and Lady Augusta. The 25-minute journey between the two stops runs along the banks of the River Till. It's a hit with kids and adults alike.
There's no advance booking so just pay on the day. The cost of the ticket includes the return trip. The trains from Heatherslaw usually run on the hour between 11am-3pm, while the return from Etal is every half hour from 11:30am-3.30pm. Just make sure to double-check the times before your trip, you can do so here.

Once you alight the train in the small village of Etal, you might want to grab a light refreshment at the Black Bull. It's the only thatched pub in Northumberland, and it has a large beer garden that catches the sun's rays for a pleasant pit stop.
Etal Castle is also only a two-minute walk away should you want to squeeze in a visit before your return journey.

It's time to make the steam journey back, and remember the last train is usually 3.30pm, but do check the times here to be sure.
If you're enjoying the village of Etal so much that you do miss the last train back, don't fret! It's an easy 15-minute walk back to your car via a paved country road.

This Rothbury pub makes an ideal halfway point on your way west to Kielder. Serving up hearty pub grub fare, it's another Northumberland alehouse that comes with a beautiful beer garden from which to enjoy the scenery.
Make sure you tuck in because you've got a late night ahead of you. The good news is there is plenty to choose from, with a menu boasting award-winning Rothbury bangers and mash, homemade chef's pie, and battered haddock and chips with mushy peas.
There's also a sumptuous dessert menu featuring gingerbread cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, and lemon posset.

The Pheasant Inn will be your lodging for the night, offering eight en-suite rooms including a family room which can sleep up to five.
A cooked Northumberland breakfast is also included. It's best to check in now because you'll not be returning until late in the night. Then pack a bag for a night under the stars.

The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is the second largest area of protected night sky in Europe, and this observatory in Kielder is the best way to immerse yourself in it.
The observatory runs regular stargazing events throughout the year, guided by expert local astronomers. The tours usually begin around 8pm and last for three hours, giving visitors the chance to observe Jupiter, Saturn, and even the Milky Way. Keep an eye out for shooting stars!
The events are popular, so book your tickets in advance from the observatory website.

It's a late finish but your date with the cosmos will have been worth it! Breakfast is served in the morning between 8am-9.30am, after which the Northumberland 250 adventure continues into its final day!