Northumberland's reputation for stunning landscapes, its remote and rugged natural beauty and independent spirit is well established. 

 But England's most northerly county is also an incredible gateway to adventure.

 Whether you are a walker, bird watcher, cyclist, golfer, horse rider, water sports enthusiast or fancy brushing up on your broomstick riding skills at the very spot which doubled as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, you can do it in Northumberland.

 The sheer diversity of experiences to enjoy in Northumberland is being celebrated in an £82k national campaign launched to promote the county as a dynamic adventure destination hot-spot.  Part of VisitEngland's three year 'Growing Tourism Locally' campaign, funding is provided by the Regional Growth Fund.

 Northumberland Tourism's Active Spirit campaign celebrates Northumberland's unique adventure characteristics, where daytime pursuits with the spectacular backdrop of coast and castles, hills and moors are complemented with the best in sightseeing, spa and shopping opportunities.

 And the Northumberland experience doesn't stop when the sun goes down – the skies above Kielder Water and Forest Park and Northumberland National Park are officially classed as the darkest in England and attract stargazers from across the UK.

 Northumberland Tourism's Jude Leitch said: “We've a raft of activities for you to unleash your active spirit here in Northumberland, whether you're on a quest for high octane opportunities or family friendly experiences.

 “There literally is an activity for everyone, whatever your age, or fitness levels. Northumberland offers the freedom to create your own itinerary in surroundings you will never forget.

 While celebrating Northumberland's already popular draw with walkers, wildlife and bird watchers, cyclists and golfers, Active Spirit lauds the many opportunities to get off the beaten track in Northumberland and try quirky activities you won't find anywhere else.

 Kids will love discovering life as a Roman soldier on Hadrian's Wall or honing their knight's skills at one of Northumberland's stunning castles. Or how about coasteering? Thrill seekers can explore the rugged Howick coastline by swimming and scrambling through its caves and tunnels.

 The coast has caused a splash with divers as well as kitesurfers, windsurfers, surfers and canoeists, while inland, Kielder Water – Britain's biggest manmade lake – offers more water sports opportunities. Riding schools dot the county's coastline and rural areas, offering equestrians the opportunity for an exhilarating gallop along the beach or a trek through hills and moorland.

 Take a boat trip to the Farne Islands to spot grey seals and puffins, or improve your handicap at one of the many links and parkland courses that have turned the county into a must-visit destination for golfers.

 You can discover the splendour of Northumberland's National Park via cycling or hiking, or try a quadbike safari through the stunning scenery, join in a painting balling session or test your aim clay pigeon shooting.

 ENDS

MEDIA: Please contact Claire Thorburn on 01668 214 863 / 07980 284 061 or email claire.thorburn@impactpr-m.co.uk for more details.

Notes to Editors:

Northumberland Tourism is the official destination-marketing organisation for Northumberland.

Northumberland Tourism is the voice of tourism in Northumberland working with businesses and public agencies to achieve the vision for Northumberland, to promote the area and ensure visitors

have the best possible experience.

www.visitnorthumberland.com

Free images are available for download from www.marketingnorthumberland.com

• Northumberland Tourism has received funding of £82,000 from the Regional Growth Fund through Visit England to roll out the national campaign which will direct visitors to www.visitnorthumberland.com/active

• The campaign has the backing of tourism businesses across the county who have leapt to become Active Spirit partners, offering members of the media press trips and adventure experiences through public relations and social networking activity.

• The campaign is part of a three-year drive to boost tourism in Northumberland increasing visitor numbers and spend by 6%, boosting the economy and creating over 100 jobs.

Northumberland: Our Active Spirit

• Northumberland boasts a great cycle offer with six long distance routes, two 'cycle hubs' at Wooler and Haltwhistle and nationally acclaimed mountain biking trails at Kielder Water and Forest Park

   

• Northumberland is home to Europe's largest Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park

• The Tyne is widely considered England's finest salmon river

• Northumberland boasts championship golf courses and at many courses, like Bamburgh, you can play with spectacular views of the North Sea.

• Sir David Attenborough listed Northumberland's Farne Islands during the breeding season as his favourite place in the UK to see wildlife

• With two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and England's least visited National Park, Northumberland is packed with rare wildlife including red squirrel, otters and black grouse.

• Northumberland offers walks for all abilities, from rambles along the seashore and beaches to hillside hikes or the challenge of the famous Hadrian's Wall Path.

Northumberland Tourism are delighted to offer a member of your editorial team an Active Spirit press trip tailored to their adventure levels to celebrate the launch of their Active Spirit campaign.

Active Spirit reader / listener competition prizes are also available.

Please contact Claire Thorburn on 01668 214 863 / 07980 284 061 or email claire.thorburn@impactpr-m.co.uk for more details.