A NORTHUMBERLAND village has been named on Visit England's 2026 'hotlist' as it prepares for a landmark year marked by a major centenary and the long-awaited reopening of a historic castle.
Kielder is set to take centre stage in 2026 as it marks 100 years since the first tree was planted at Stannersburn, laying the foundations for what is now England's largest forest.
To commemorate the anniversary, Forestry England will plant a special tree near the original site in April - close to where the very first sapling was planted in 1926 - creating a symbolic full-circle moment for the vast forest.
Today, Kielder Forest is home to more than 150 million trees, all planted by hand, supporting both timber production and extensive wildlife and natural habitat zones.
The celebrations will coincide with the reopening of Kielder Castle, which has been closed since summer 2025 while undergoing major improvements.
The castle is expected to reopen in August following a £1.5 million redevelopment, which includes an expanded café and upgraded toilet facilities.
The return of on-site catering will mark the first time the castle has offered year-round refreshments since 2020, restoring its role as a central hub for visitors to the area.
Mark Holroyd, head of recreation and communications (North) at Forestry England, said: "These improvements will enhance the visitor experience and ensure this iconic landmark continues to be a place the local community and visitors can enjoy for years to come."
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Alex MacLennan, recreation and public affairs manager for Forestry England in Northumberland, said the organisation was "thrilled" to be celebrating the centenary year.
"We have a really busy events programme planned for 2026, which will be announced by early February," he said.
"One highlight will be a larger Forestry England display at this year's Northumberland County Show, where we are working with organisers to put on something special.
"Added to this, Kielder Castle will reopen during the summer with its café open all year round, making it a really exciting year for visitors."
Kielder's growing profile has been boosted further by its inclusion on Visit England's 2026 hotlist, with recent exposure - including filming linked to Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later - attracting a new audience to the area.
"This all comes at an important time to keep showcasing Kielder and supporting rural tourism and local jobs," Alex added.
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