Who could not be inspired by the beautiful Northumberland National Park? We have unique live venues for music and theatre and magnificent works of art. Even indulge in a trip to the cinema and maybe visit some actual film locations too.
The rich history of our Park is soaked in the arts and music.
The landscape and people of Northumberland have inspired a rich history of local folk music and popular music. From legendary North East guitarist Mark Knopfler to maestro of the Northumbrian Pipes Kathryn Tickell, the musical legacy of the Park is as strong as ever with a new generation of folk musicians fronted by the increasingly successful duo The Unthanks.
There’ll always be music to soundtrack your exploration of the Park and plenty of places to see and hear it. Why don’t you check out Queens Hall Arts Centre in Hexham? The 350 seater hall attracts the best international and national artists from music, drama, dance and national touring comedy to non-professional shows put on by local community groups.
Step in to a film set… Northumberland National Park has been used in film and TV for decades. Here are just a few examples:
Nineties blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, was filmed here. Sycamore Gap is home to The Robin Hood Tree.
TV series Vera, about Northumberland detective Vera Stanhope, has filmed here. Locations include Linhope Spout waterfall, Walltown, Steel Rigg above Once Brewed, and Sycamore Gap.
Hadrian’s Wall inspired The Wall in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series of books, now televised as Game of Thrones after he visited in 1981.
With unsurpassed scenery it’s not a surprise that there’s huge canvas of Northumberland-inspired artwork by local artists at galleries throughout the Park.
Join the annual art tour by Network Artists Northumberland, or get involved with the Hexham Art Club if you want to have a go at creating something yourself.
