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Contemporary Heritage and Culture in our Communities

Don't assume that all attractions are historical; some are downright contemporary defining Northumberland's culture even more in our picturesque towns and villages:

Brighton

Brighton is one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario yet it still retains its 19th century architecture. 

Brighton Barn Theatre s a 125 seat, multi-faceted venue located in the Proctor-Simpson Barn behind the Proctor Simpson Museum,

Brighton Speedway is held each Saturday evening in the warmer weather, with thrills and spills.

Country Fixin's located in an old cannery (interesting infrastructure still exists) is adjacent to Memory Junction Train Museum and sells custom furniture, antiques, country gifts, home décor items and more.

The pre-eminent destination for campers and day trippers in the Brighton area is Presqu'ile Provincial Park. It has almost two kilometers of groomed beaches, interpretive programs and two interpretative centres. Over time, it has seen tragic shipwrecks and soldiers from the War of 1812; at one time it was farmed by pioneers, and a centre for rum smuggling in the 1930s.  Today, it is best known as a naturalist's paradise, with 16 km of walking trails which wander through many unique habitats such as marsh, forest and natural beaches. Presqu'ile is one of the prime areas of Ontario to witness waterfowl, warblers and shorebirds as they migrate in spring and fall; bird watchers have recorded over 325 species in this park! The new boardwalk through the marsh surrounds you with natural sites and sounds of birds, frogs and dragonflies. In the fall, monarch butterflies congregate here before they make their epic journey to Mexico. Visitors to the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre will discover cultural history through a talking mannequin, a giant satellite image of the area, a dynamic audiovisual display of the sinking of the Speedy and the environment of native frogs, turtles, snakes and fish. Christmas at Presqu'ile, is a fine arts and crafts show which raises funds to help run programs in the Park. This park is the second most visited of all of Ontario's Provincial Parks!

Campbellford

The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is just 100 metres long but spans the swirling Trent River and joins with Ferris Provincial Park. The bridge is actually quite sturdy but crossing is only made challenging when you look through the steel mesh flooring to see the river beneath you. In the summer, watch for osprey which fish nearby and turtles lazing around on the limestone river ledges! Just west of the suspension bridge are two of the locks of the Trent-Severn Waterway. From late May to Labour Day, the lockmasters are available to answer your questions as boats pass through the system.

Church-Key Brewing Company is a unique microbrewery located in an old Methodist church, circa 1878, located north of Campbellford. Such brands as Holy Smoke, Northumberland Ale, Cranberry Maple Wheat, Ginger and Rosemary Spiced Ale and Decadent Chocolate Porter can be tasted and purchased. Tours can be arranged. Here you'll see hundreds of beer brands collected throughout the world lining the walls!

Westben Arts Festival Theatre is a 'rustic, but sophisticated' musical experience in a specially-designed, 400-seat barn set in a tranquil meadow alongside fields of corn. Performances range from symphonies to chamber music, broadway tunes to jazz and opera. This is a world-class, music-making theatre in a unique rural setting.

Campbellford's colourful Showcase of Lights takes place on the banks of the Trent-Severn Waterway and in the Old Mill Park during the Christmas season. The lights are reflected on the water as one drives along the edge of the Waterway.

World's Finest Chocolate Canada Company is a retailer known for its quality chocolate products at excellent prices. Invariably, there are discounted sales at this outlet store.

The Empire Cheese and Butter Company offers a wide selection of locally made cheeses plus gift baskets. The cheese is made in traditional open-styled vats with no additives. Often, free samples of their different cheeses are available. This is the only cheese co-operative remaining in Northumberland County. Their curds are always squeaky fresh!


Castleton

Kokimo Candleland produces a wide variety of candles with over 100 fragrances for sale. Their candy candles are known world wide. Tours of their environmentally-friendly built factory are available.

Just down the road from Kokimo Candleland is the Castleton General Store. Although it sells everything from lottery tickets to ice cream cones; it also sells electrical extension cords, nails and newspapers. Entering its tall narrow doors is like entering a 19th century general store that sold almost everything! It still has the old fashioned hardwood floors, old wooden bins for various types of nails, and shelves that require a ladder to reach them.

Cobourg

The Art Gallery of Northumberland at Victoria Hall exhibits the works of local artists as well as travelling exhibits.

Christmas Magic of Cobourg is a very showy display of over 100,000 lights in Victoria Park. Each year a different theme is chosen for the display. You may walk amidst the lights. Make sure you see the detail of the figures in the band shell. West on King St., Victoria Hall is richly decorated for the season as well.


The Northumberland Players host the best in musicals, comedies and drama at various venues including the newly-renovated Firehall Theatre directly behind Victoria Hall.

The Victorian Operetta Society provides musical treats ranging from Gilbert & Sullivan operettas to broadway musicals and more, at the Concert Hall of Victoria Hall.

Colborne

The Big Apple Theme Park marks Colborne's northern gateway from Highway 401. Our apple heritage is celebrated in a big way with the world's biggest apple structure looming over the highway. You can climb inside to the top of the apple and read interpretive panels pertaining to our apple history. Adjoining the apple is the gift shop and restaurant where various fruit pies, cheesecakes and candy apples await purchase.

Hoselton Studio Ltd offers timeless aluminum figurines for sale in their showroom. These figurines have a distinctive style; they have been presented as gifts to presidents, royalty and Canada's CEO's. A factory tour can be arranged.

Pieter's Appleyard is owned by the Madamba family who invite you to pick your own apples; 30 varieties are offered.

Grafton

Scott's Barn overlooks both Lake Ontario and the rolling Northumberland Hills. It offers 16 varieties of lavender for sale. The best time to visit is during their Lavender Festival in July.

The Alpaca Vista Ranch produces soft alpaca fleeces from which clothing items are made and sold in their store. Alpaca farm tours are available as well.

Cuttle Cottage Lavender, located at 295 Vernonville Rd, Grafton, consists of 4 acres of gardens and lavender beds which overlook a panoramic view of Lake Ontario. Their store sells a variety of lavender products. This is the same site as the Shelter Valley Folk Festival where music, juried art, wellness, and sustainable living is celebrated on Labour Day weekend.

Ste Anne's Spa, near Grafton, offers the finest in Ontario's health spa treatments. It offers day spas, overnight packages and last minute getaway packages. Recently, it was voted the favourite Canadian spa by readers of two leading spa magazines.

Port Hope

Port Hope may be best known for its antique shopping, but contemporary shopping is most evident when you see consumers flocking to stores like Bibelot and Kenneth Bell for some rather showy bling.

St Mark's Anglican Church, founded in 1822, is an historic gem and is richly decorated inside. In 1959, the Queen and Prince Phillip came to St Mark's to worship. The churchyard contains the grave of our first Canadian Governor General, Vincent Massey, and a member of one of the founding families of Port Hope, Elias Smith. A labyrinth is cut into the grass behind the church. Church tours are available by appointment.

Roseneath

This village was once called Four Corners and on one corner sits Robin's General Store formerly the Queen's Hotel. Anything from bingo dabbers to comic books grace the shelves.

Across the street is Emily's Restaurant serving up breakfast and light lunches which will get you on your way as you take a jaunt down one of the back roads from Roseneath to your cottage destination on Rice Lake.

The Primrose Donkey Sanctuary shelters and rehabilitates abused, neglected and unwanted donkeys. Be amazed at the stories of each donkey and how the health of the animals has improved. The sanctuary is home to several pot bellied pigs, sheep and 'Justin Credible' the dog. Look for the crystal chandeliers in the stalls of this former dairy farm!

Warkworth

Denise Glover, of Glover's Farm Market, sells local produce and other products from cheese to maple syrup, honey to pies as well as quilts, gifts and crafts.

Windebanks Studio and Garden Art is located in an historic barn filled with original paintings by Ron Windebank. Many of his paintings even hang on the outside of his barn. 

Oak Heights Estate Winery is a small winery nestled in the Northumberland Hills. Wine tastings and tours are available in a spectacular setting.

The Main Street of Warkworth has numerous unusual shops for visitors: The Cheeky Bee,  Eclectic Mix, Nature on Main, Mrs McGarrigles, Sprucewood Brands (makers of various types of shortbread cookies), and StoneHouse Gardens,

Schoolhouse Gardens at 404 Concession Road 3, Warkworth showcases four acres of manicured lawns and gardens, including herbs.