Three Northumberland attractions shortlisted for BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards

A trio of Northumberland attractions have been shortlisted for the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2020.
By Ian Smith
Published 20th Feb 2020, 08:52 BST
Updated 25th Feb 2020, 11:07 BST
Northumberlandia.Northumberlandia.
Northumberlandia.

The Alnwick Garden’s Poison Garden, Northumberlandia and Northumberland National Park all now need your votes to win.

The Poison Garden, which has over 100 of the most deadly and narcotic plants locked behind formidable black iron gates, including Deadly Nightshade, the opium poppy, and hemlock, is recognised for its thrilling experience and education of dangerous herbs and flowers.

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Mark Brassell, chief executive of The Alnwick Garden said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been nominated, particularly as this is the first year that The Poison Garden has been recognised in these awards.

The Poison Garden at The Alnwick Garden.The Poison Garden at The Alnwick Garden.
The Poison Garden at The Alnwick Garden.

“Year after year we welcome thousands of visitors to our poison garden where we strive to not only amaze them with the array of ways in which common plants can in fact cause death and illness, but also to educate via our Drugs Education Programme which aims to give young people the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding about drugs and alcohol, empowering them to reach their full potential in society.”

Northumberlandia, near Cramlington, has been nominated for Landmark of the Year.

Alan Carter, director of portfolio management, for the Land Trust, said: “It is great recognition for a site that welcomes thousands of visitors a year and has become a real part of the community since opening in 2012.”

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Northumberland National Park is shortlisted in the National Park of the Year category, which it also won in 2018. It is up against The Cairngorms, Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales and South Downs.

Hadrian's Wall and Crag Lough.Hadrian's Wall and Crag Lough.
Hadrian's Wall and Crag Lough.

Glen Sanderson, chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority said: “I am thrilled that we are shortlisted again in such great company of other beautiful national parks.”

The nominations add to a positive period for tourism in Northumberland, with visitor spending in the county surpassing £1billion in 2018.

Cath Homer, cabinet member for tourism at Northumberland County Council, said: "We would encourage everyone to get behind the county and vote in these awards and show their support for Northumberland."

Voting is open until February 28 at countryfile.awardsplatform.com, with winners being announced online in March.

Related topics:NorthumberlandBBCGlen Sanderson