Summer might be drawing to a close, but don't let that deter you from unleashing your wild spirit and having some fun. Northumberland has everything you need for a great autumn break.
We've picked five activities and events to get you started.
Pay your respects at the Weeping Window
Woodhorn Museum and Northumberland Archives will host the very first installation of the iconic 'Weeping Window' poppies sculpture from the World War I commemorative piece, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red.
Originally on display at HM Tower of London August-November 2014, the 888,246 handmade ceramic poppies were displayed to honour every death in the British and Colonial forces of the First World War.
The haunting cascade of several thousand poppies will be on display at Woodhorn from Saturday 12th September until Sunday 1st November.
Attend a stargazing session
The vast expanse of skies above Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park has officially been the largest area of protected night sky in Europe for two years.
The autumn and winter months are the best time to stargaze. Make the most of skies as dark as those above Death Valley National Park in California and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona by taking a stargazing session at Kielder Observatory. Stay at eco-friendly Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant and stargaze at their onsite observatory – the first of its kind. If you prefer things a little more relaxed, stay at one of the dedicated Stay and Gaze self-catering cottages found throughout Northumberland.
After all, Northumberland is just as good with the lights off!
Skinny dip for charity
Officially the wildest way to enjoy Northumberland, celebrate the summer and welcome the winter by stripping down to skin at sunrise and running wild and free into the North Sea with hundreds of other people.
This year, the 4th Annual North East Skinny Dip will be held at Druridge Bay. A stunning seven mile-stretch of wide golden beach, the bay runs from Amble in the north, with its bustling harbour and shops, to the little seaside hamlet of Cresswell.
Profits from the event go to the mental health charity, MIND.
Gorge on Northumbrian delicacies
The 3rd Annual Morpeth Food Festival will play host to over 100 local food and drink traders with stalls taking over the market place, Town Hall and the main street of this bustling historic market town in south east Northumberland.
Local chefs will be taking to the demonstration kitchen on the Market Place to show off their culinary skills, including how to make a proper cooked breakfast with Geordie Bangers and cake decorating with the former pastry chef of The Ritz.
School children will have the opportunity to show off their baking skills in a 'Great British Bake Off'-style event.
Carve a pumpkin and break a record
Head to The Alnwick Garden for some frighteningly good fun among the flora this Hallowe'en.
Witches young and old should break out the broom and don the hexing hat to converge upon The Alnwick Garden on Hallowe'en day. They're attempting to break the Guinness World Records TM title for the largest number of people dressed as witches in one place.
Whilst there, with the help of the resident witches, little ghouls and goblins (children) can scoop and carve a pumpkin to use on the scariest night of the year.
All of this and more is why Northumberland is a nominee in the Best UK Holiday County/Destination category of the British Travel Awards.
