subject: Stunning Countryside Surrounding Choppington [print this page] Choppington village can be found in the North East of England in the county of Northumbria. Northumbria is an extremely beautiful county with stunning countryside and one that is steeped in history. Invaded from the very earliest times, the county is rich with historical sites and places of interest that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It also has a proud industrial heritage being particularly famous for its coal-mining past. Northumbria is very well connected in travel terms having good mainline railway links to Scotland, London and beyond. Along with the rail network it sees several main artery motorways and A roads running through the county meaning it is easy to commute to other parts of the country. Newcastle offers an international airport and cruises and journeys by ship are also close by.
Choppington is situated close to other main towns and villages, lying North of Bedlington and South East of Morpeth. The major city of Newcastle is a short travel distance which has many attractions, countless eateries and public houses and great shopping districts. The Metro Centre, one of Europe's most famous shopping centres, is within easy reach.
If speaking to older residents of Choppington, you might be bemused to hear them say they worked at A, B or C. This refers to Choppington's history as one of the three biggest Northumberland collieries of Ashington, Bomarsund and Choppington.
This heritage means that some of the country's finest great houses can be found in the district and offer many opportunities for days out. Belsay Hall in particular stands out with its 14th century castle and its Grade I listed gardens. At Tynemouth, the remains of the ruined Priory can be seen as well as the Blue Reef Aquarium. Washington Hall, the ancestral home of George Washington is a beautiful Grade I listed Jacobean manor.
There are a number of important museums in the area including Beamish, which operates as a working Victorian open air museum that features a mine and streets of Victorian houses and shops and the North East Aircraft museum. The regions rich archaeological heritage means there are many Roman sites such as the Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum offering a fascinating insight into that period.
The sea itself is a great draw of the area and sandy beaches and stunning coastline await. Nearby Souter houses the world's very first electrically designed and run lighthouse. Special to the region is also Lindesfarne, or Holy Island, which houses a monastery said to have seen the very first Viking invasion. When the tide is right, visitors can walk or drive to the island over a causeway to enjoy the views, the history and the mead that is brewed there. They need to make sure they have checked the times of the tides for their return however!
The village itself is quiet and rural, offering a traditional pub that offers ale and food. It also has a thriving welfare centre akin to the working men's clubs. Surrounding villages have a selection of shops and local schools.
