The List

The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre

What's On @ The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre

Introduction to Navigation

Introduction to Navigation

11 Oct 2025 - 11 Oct 2025

Our Introduction to Navigation course is your key to getting started in countryside and moorland walking. No experience of hill walking required to attend this Introductory course because the content of the course is aimed at beginners. This days course is aimed at creating an interest in navigation and to give you more confidence to explore other areas on your own. You will learn and practice some useful navigational techniques, including map and compass work, in an informal and relaxed environment. You will cover up to 5 miles with plenty of opportunity for questions and answers. Maps and compass will be supplied. If you do have some experience of hill walking but are not confident about planning walks, navigating and understanding the equipment required, then this introductory course is an ideal way to learn. This event is deal for anyone following the NNAS programme as an introduction. Look out for out for Bronze and Silver Award training events in the future. Please dress for changeable weather. It is essential you bring a packed lunch, snack and plenty of fluids for the event. Having the right clothing and equipment can quite literally be a lifesaver if conditions are really bad, but even in less extreme weather, it can mean the difference between having an enjoyable or a miserable day out in the hills. Find out more about being equipped for hill walking here. [https://www.mountaineering.scot/activities/hillwalking/getting-started/essential-kit] Dogs are not permitted at this event. Duration: Participants should expect to finish at 4 4.30pm to allow for instruction, discussion, and practice. Distance: 5 miles Category: Moderate Tickets cost 40 per person. By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Parks Booking Terms and Conditions, which can be found here. [https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/refunds/]
Walk to Wellbeing - Hadrians Wall East of The Sill
Our Walk to Wellbeing Programme is the easy way to get out and get healthy in Northumberland National Park. West Tynedale Health Walk Leaders and National Park volunteers have designed and are leading walks suitable for people wanting an easy introduction to the inspirational landscapes of Northumberland National Park. This is a walk which unashamedly cherry-picks some of the most iconic parts of Hadrians Wall and the National Trail. It includes the only section where walking on top of the Wall is still allowed. Well meet at The Sill before taking the AD122 bus to Housesteads Roman Fort, perhaps the most photographed fort on the Wall, where the walk will start. Well walk back to our starting point at The Sill. On the way, we pass Roman milecastles, crags and of course Sycamore Gap to see the new signs of life emerging from the base of the tree. This is a walk steeped in historic and scenic importance. Throughout the walk there are wide views across the Tyne Valley and into barbarian lands to the north. Once back at The Sill there will be time for an exploration of the landscape, any temporary exhibition and even a cuppa. Distance:.3.5 miles. Terrain:The walk follows a National Trail. It is a good footpath over open ground. There are a few short sections of steps and one longer descent approaching Sycamore Gap which is locally moderately steep. Much of the walk is exposed if there is rain. Meeting place/walk start point: Meet at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre to catch the 10:22 bus to Housesteads where the walk will start. The bus fare is not includedif you have a bus pass bring it. Please be punctual; even for us the bus will not wait. Postcode: NE47 7AN; What Three Words///scout.talent.resonated Getting there: AD122 Hadrians Wall country bus Additional information: Booking essential. Please ring The Sill National Landscape centre for further information: 01434 341 200. Dress for changeable weather and wear suitable footwear. There will be a lunchbreak. Bring snacks or a packed lunch and water for the break. Sorry, dogs are not allowed on these walks By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Park's Booking Terms and Conditions, which can be found here. [https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/refunds/]
Home Education: Pennine Way Anniversary and Map Reading
Celebrate 60 years of the Pennine Way with a fun, hands-on home ed session! Well learn basic map reading skills, follow in the footsteps of famous walkers, and discover what makes this National Trail so special. Date: Wednesday 22nd October, 2025 Timings: 11am 12.30pm Location: The Sill Landscape Discovery Centre Price: 5 per child. Adults free with accompanying child. Please email [email protected] if have any questions. By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Parks Booking Terms and Conditions, which can be found here.
Mini Makes: Bug Hotel

Mini Makes: Bug Hotel

28 Oct 2025 - 28 Oct 2025

Join our ranger team this October half term for a creepy-crawly craft Bug hotels! We will first explore The Sill grounds, foraging for pinecones and fallen leaves. We will then head inside to construct your very own bug hotel to take home with you and give the creepy-crawlies in your garden a place to stay! Timings: Morning session 11am 12pm Afternoon session 1pm 2pm Booking is essential. Usual parking charges apply. This event is most suitable for ages 6+. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear for foraging outside. By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Parks Booking Terms and Conditions.
Mini Makes: Fallen Leaf Art

Mini Makes: Fallen Leaf Art

30 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2025

Visit us at The Sill this October half term for an autumnal craft workshop fallen leaf art! Join our Learning Producer and create your very own leafy art picture. We will explore The Sill grounds to collect fallen leaves, which you will use to create your own autumnal art! Sessions:- Morning: 10.30am 12pm Afternoon: 2pm 3.30pm 3 per child, accompanying adult goes free. Please wear weather appropriate footwear and clothing for foraging outdoors. Booking required. Usual parking charged apply. This event is most suitable for ages 5+. Parental supervision is required at all times. By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Parks Booking Terms and Conditions.
A Walk Along the Wall

A Walk Along the Wall

29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Starting at The Sill, we climb up to Steel Rig and then east along the wall, past The Gap, Hotbanks, and then on to Housesteads. We walk as far as Kings Wicket, before turning back and walking west along the low moors to the north of the wall. This lower path, less traversed by tourists, offers a tranquil journey back along the wall, from which vantage point we can look back at the Whin Sill cliffs we have just walked along! Dress for changeable weather and wear suitable footwear. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and a drink for the break. Dogs are not permitted at this event. Duration: 5 hours Distance: 8.5 miles Category: Stren 8 Under 18s free with accompanying paying adult. Why not take advantage of our group discount, and arrange to travel to the start point in one vehicle? 2 Adults (with up to 3 Children in 1 Car) Meeting place/walk start point: The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre From Hexham, driving west along the A69. Next right turn after Bardon Mill turning (which is on the left). Follow country road past collection of houses, then take next left turn onto Park Lane. Follow road to end, then turn right. Follow this road, past Vindolanda, until you see left turn for The Sill car park (before hitting the Military Road). Parking charges apply. For those wishing to use GPS/Sat-Nav to find walk start points please note that, particularly in open-country, postcodes cover a large area, so, whilst the postcode will get you to the right general area, you will still need to follow the detailed directions to locate the actual Walk Start Point. By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Parks Booking Terms and Conditions.
Waxcap Wander

Waxcap Wander

5 Oct 2025 - 5 Oct 2025

Join Ranger Shaun to hunt for 'Ballerina' and 'Parrot' waxcaps - wonderful species of grassland fungi found close to the Sill along Hadrian’s Wall. Waxcaps are brightly coloured, waxy topped toadstools which can be found on short, moss- rich grassland where there has been no ploughing and very little artificial fertiliser used. Shaun will point out how to spot these ancient grassland jewels and share with you why they are such a special addition to the Hadrian’s Wall habitat. The walk will be gentle, cover around 2 miles and start from the Sill at 2pm. Booking recommended. Suitable for all interested in the natural world. Recommended for older children (12 upwards) and adults. Please wear layered clothing and strong footwear suitable for walking over rough grassland. For further information: Tel: 01434 341200. Email: [email protected] By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Park's Booking Terms and Conditions, which can be found here. [https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/refunds/]
High Point of the Wall

High Point of the Wall

22 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2026

Join this guided walk to see the 'Mare and Foal' and enjoy superb views from the highest point on Hadrian's wall! This walk affords a chance to have a look at our Landscape Discovery Centre, The Sill, before heading west on Cranberry Brow to the Milecastle Inn formerly known as the Commonhouse Inn. The return route passes the 'Mare & Foal', the remains of a prehistoric stone circle, before joining Hadrian's Wall. We then walk east to its highest point, where we can enjoy extensive views of the surrounding landscape. Start time: 10:30am Duration: 4 hours Distance: 7 miles Category: Strenuous 7 Find more information to ensure this walk is right for you on our Walking Checklist page here. [https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/discover-explore/things-to-do/get-active-outdoors/walking/walking-checklist/] Pricing Individual adult ticket: 6.00 Group ticket: 10.00 Under 18s free with accompanying paying adult. Additional information Dress for changeable weather and wear suitable footwear. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and a drink for the break. Dogs are not permitted at this event. Directions: Meeting place/walk start point: The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre Postcode: NE47 7AN Grid Ref: NY752668 W3W: ///opera.educates.riding From Hexham, driving west along the A69. Next right turn after Bardon Mill turning (which is on the left). Follow country road past collection of houses, then take next left turn onto Park Lane. Follow road to end, then turn right. Follow this road, past Vindolanda, until you see left turn for The Sill car park (before hitting the Military Road). Parking charges apply. For those wishing to use GPS/Sat-Nav to find walk start points please note that, particularly in open-country, postcodes cover a large area, so, whilst the postcode will get you to the right general area, you will still need to follow the detailed directions to locate the actual Walk Start Point.
Papercraft Workshop: Flowers of the Pennine Way
The Pennine Way boasts a huge variety of wildflowers throughout the seasons. Join us to learn how to craft two of these beautiful flowers in paper wild Primula and Rough Hawksbit. With expert guidance from artist Fiona McKeown, you will learn the skills of paper flower sculpting, and the techniques of paper cutting, petal shaping, inking and working in 3D to create a truly unique piece of art. All materials will be provided and no previous experience is necessary. You will also be given a bud vase in which to display your creations. Fiona McKeown, founder of Folly + Bird, is a paper artist and florist based in Newcastle. She works with natural materials and paper to sculpt flowers and foliage, evoking the beauty of the natural environment. Her creations are based on native flora. She creates her own paper using natural fibres and petals. Price: 25 per person Timings: 1.00 3.30pm Complementary hot drinks and biscuits for all participants. Free parking for attendees plus a 10% off voucher to use in our once brewed caf. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to our booking terms and conditions which can be found here. [https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/refunds/]
Fused Glass Lantern Workshop

Fused Glass Lantern Workshop

8 Mar 2026 - 8 Mar 2026

Join us for a fused glass lantern workshop with artist Natalie Yates. Be inspired by Northumberland's dark skies and make a lantern to light your home or decorate your garden! Participants will learn basic fused glass techniques. This course is suitable for beginners but those with experience will also enjoy the class and stretch their skills. All tuition and materials included. Pieces will be taken away and fused then returned to The Sill for collection a week later. Postage can be arranged for a small fee if this is preferred. Price: 45 per person plus booking fee (booking is essential). Timings: 12.30pm 3.30pm Complementary hot drinks and biscuits for all participants. Free parking for attendees plus a 10% off voucher to use in our once brewed caf. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to our booking terms and conditions which can be found here. [https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/refunds/]
Natural Wreath Workshop

Natural Wreath Workshop

30 Nov 2025 - 30 Nov 2025

Join us at The Sill this festive period to make your own Christmas wreath! Make a natural willow ring, then let your creativity flow by decorating it with freshly cut seasonal greenery. You will work under the guidance of experienced willow artist Liz Beech, a member of the Northumbria Basketry Group. Expert tuition, materials, and equipment all provided. Bring your own secateurs if you have them! Morning session - 10:30am - 12:30pm Afternoon session - 1:30pm - 3:30pm Cost: 35 per person (plus booking fee) Complementary hot drinks and biscuits for all participants. Free parking for attendees plus a 10% off voucher to use in our once brewed caf. By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Parks Booking Terms and Conditions, which can be found here. [https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/refunds/]
Printed Textiles: Northumbrian Landscapes
Join us for a full-day workshop with textile artist Louise Goult. You will learn how to make your own print blocks to build texture and the basis of your landscapes. Once the printing is complete, details will be built up using hand stitching to embellish your unique landscapes! The print blocks are yours to take home, all materials are included. The workshop is suitable for people of all levels of embroidery experience, including beginners and the more accomplished embroiderer. Please bring an apron or wear clothes you do not mind getting paint on that may not come out. This is a full day workshop, and thus spans lunch time. Feel free to bring your own packed lunch, or visit The Sill cafe and enjoy 10% off! Date: Sunday 8th February Timings: 10:15am - 3:30pm Location: The Sill, Landscape Discovery Centre Tickets: 45 per person (booking is essential). Included with your ticket: Complementary hot drinks and biscuits for all participants. Free Parking10% off voucher for our caf By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to Northumberland National Parks Booking Terms and Conditions

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