While you’d probably expect to travel further north for an epic whisky experience (we’re talking Highlands territory), Northumberland also loves a dram. Now an epic Anglo-Saxon Museum and whisky distillery is set to paint the town red in the spirit of the area’s 200-year-old distilling tradition.
Ad Gefrin is the latest addition to the UK’s collection of 40 whisky distilleries and opens to the public on Saturday (March 25). The attraction in the small town of Wooler invites tourists to learn about ancient Northumbrian kings and queens, and their impeccable hospitality.
Millions of pounds have been spent on the project, which will see the production of the region’s first legal whisky for more than two centuries. Visitors can take a tour of the Great Hall and museum or treat themselves to a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour and tasting session.
The name of the attraction means ‘by the hill of goats’ and comes from the ancient Anglo-Saxon royal power base four miles away in the hamlet of Yeavering. The British Museum has also loaned Ad Gefrin treasures from the time the royal fort would attract important visitors from across Europe and North Africa (around 1,300 years ago).
We named the attraction one of the UK’s best new things to do in 2023. So, what are you waiting for? Tickets are available to pre-book on its website now. There might even be some lovely gold goblets to drink out of. Cheers to that!
Stay in the loop: sign up to Out There, our free newsletter about all the best stuff to do across the UK.