top 10 places to visit northumberland

15 top things to do in Northumberland, from beaches to Hadrian's Wall

Feb 11, 2022 • 11 min read

Hadrian's Wall is just one of Northumberland's historic wonders © Duncan Andison / Getty Images

The northernmost county in  England has an off-the-radar feel that’s rare to find on this otherwise bustling island. Much of the pristine coastline of Northumberland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its edge-of-the-world light has drawn in travelers for centuries, from early Christian saints to great Romantic painters.

The county’s interior is no less beguiling: a place of vast, untouched landscapes, remote walking paths, and gloriously dark skies. But don’t be fooled by all this tranquility – Northumberland played a pivotal role in English history, and its battle-filled past is borne out by its catalog of ancient ruins and crumbling castles.

These days, invading Romans and Vikings and feuding royal families have been replaced by visiting horticulturists, hungry foodies, hikers and Harry Potter fans, lured by the region’s cameos in the movie franchise.

When planning your trip, be aware that many attractions go into hibernation during the chilly winter months. The arrival of spring is the time to pull on your sturdy walking shoes and get stuck into the best things to do in Northumberland.

Behold Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle ’s ramparts, watchtowers, and storybook keep sprawl over a dolerite bluff overlooking a beautiful sweep of beach. This Norman fortress could have gone the way of the region’s other time-toppled strongholds, but 19th-century industrialist Lord Armstrong snapped it up for a bargain price, then spent a fortune on its restoration. His descendants still live within its hefty stone walls. 

Visitors can enjoy a fascinating glimpse into Northumberland’s battle-sieged past by touring the staterooms, dungeons and grounds. Book the elegant self-catering apartment in the bell tower and you can stay in chambers that once hosted medieval kings and queens. Be sure to clamber over the grassy dunes below the bluff – the view of the castle from the powder-soft sands is one of England’s loveliest vistas. 

Seek seals and puffins on the Farne Islands

Piercing the North Sea a couple of miles off the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands have provided sanctuary to shipwreck survivors and saints over the centuries. Today, these isolated isles are an important haven for wildlife – inquisitive seals, clown-billed puffins, and some 100,000 other seabirds come to these soot-colored outcrops to breed.

To get close to this photogenic crowd, board a boat in the village of Seahouses. Trips run all year, weather permitting; tours with Billy Sheil and Serenity are popular choices. Although the waters are invariably choppy, and a windproof coat is nearly always needed, you can enjoy a gentler ride from May to August, with almost guaranteed puffin and seal sightings.

From April to September, it’s possible to spend an hour exploring the National Trust-managed island of Inner Farne on foot – just bring a hat as protection from swooping Arctic terns.

Take a pilgrimage to the Holy Island

The tiny tidal island of Lindisfarne, cut off from the mainland twice a day by the rhythms of the sea , became the unlikely center of English Christianity during the Early Middle Ages. Still known as the Holy Island, the isle is dominated by the mottled medieval ruins of Lindisfarne Priory marking the spot where St Aidan founded the island’s original monastery in 635 CE. Reaching Lindisfarne today involves walking or driving along a narrow causeway that is submerged at high tide; check crossing times before traveling. 

On the other side of the harbor, a steady trickle of cagoule-clad daytrippers flows uphill to lovely Lindisfarne Castle . Sure-footed walkers can continue to the secluded northern beaches, but it's just as rewarding to take a gentle stroll around the Gertrude Jekyll Garden , past the sheds fashioned from upturned herring boats near the harbor, and on through the island's single picture-postcard village. Pause for a warming flat white at Pilgrims Coffee and stock up on Lindisfarne Mead at St Aidan’s Winery before the sea sweeps back across the causeway.

Experience the magic of Alnwick Castle

Dating back to 1096, Alnwick Castle (pronounced AN-ik) boasts parklands landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and paintings by several Italian Old Masters. But it’s arguably more famous for its role as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. The imposing fortress has proudly embraced its celebrity status, with castle tours highlighting filming locations; budding wizards can even undergo broomstick training in the same spot where Harry learned to fly.  

Developing the 4.8-hectare plot next door was a labor of love for the current Duchess of Northumberland. Alnwick Garden is now a separate attraction, with an enchanting web of contemporary, bloom-filled enclosures. At its heart is a spectacular 21-tiered water feature, which occasionally drenches admirers with its dancing jets. The garden’s other showstoppers include a sinister poison garden, a bamboo labyrinth, and the inviting Treehouse restaurant .

Feel a warm glow in Alnwick’s town center

While in the area, swing by the handsome cobbled center of Alnwick (or make it your Northumberland base). The people of the North East are known for their warmth and friendliness, and there are few better places to put this to the test than in one of the town’s cheery, hop-scented pubs. Close by, friendly volunteers welcome families to the Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery with kid-friendly trails and hands-on activities. Housed in the old rail station, Barter Books also offers snug shelter from the rain; buy a second-hand novel to read by the store’s open fire as miniature trains rattle over the shelves. 

Stroll the coastal path to Dunstanburgh Castle

The crumbling twin towers of 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle can only be reached on foot, but it's a lovely walk. Start at the fishing village of Craster, and follow the Northumberland Coast Path north through flat, grassy farmland dotted with cows and sheep. As you spy the romantic ruins brooding in the background, you’ll understand why JMW Turner kept returning to this strip of coast in his atmospheric watercolors. Keep binoculars handy in case seals or dolphins are bobbing about in the sea.

Although the two-mile walk is the main draw, you can buy tickets to enter the English Heritage-managed castle and scurry up one of the castle towers for sweeping views. Carry on across the splendid horseshoe beach of Embleton Bay for a fresh crab sandwich at the Ship Inn , or turn back towards The Jolly Fisherman at Craster. 

Feast on some of England's freshest seafood

The North Sea’s cold, mineral-rich waters produce some of England’s finest seafood. Keep your eyes peeled for menu entries involving Craster crabs and Lindisfarne oysters. A good place to slurp them down is The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh. Over in Craster, you’ll find another regional delicacy: Craster kippers. For over a century, L Robson & Sons has produced these cured fish in traditional smokehouses.

The little food van by the village car park serves them glistening with butter in a soft bread bun. For fresh-off-the-boat seafood, make a beeline for Amble, where The Old Boathouse and its sister restaurant, The Fish Shack, plate up elegant fish and chips and piled-high sharing platters. 

Dilly-dally in Amble

Come to Amble for the delicious seafood, but stay to enjoy the family-friendly sights around the River Coquet estuary. By booking ahead, you can join a puffin cruise around lighthouse-topped Coquet Island. Afterward, take a stroll around the harbor, admiring its pastel-colored beach huts, and browse the wooden retail pods , which sell everything from local crafts to cheese.

A playground hides to the south of the harbor, and kids will also be delighted by the award-winning ice cream at Spurreli . Grown-ups may be equally pleased by the fresh craft ales at Brewis Beer Co . 

Bask (or at least wander) on the North East's epic beaches

Coming to Northumberland without visiting a beach would be like going to Paris and not setting foot in a pavement cafe. Bamburgh and Embleton Bay, with their romantic castle vistas, are two of the most popular choices for sand-seekers, yet you may find them occupied by only a handful of families and the odd dog walker. For variety, test out the soft sands of pretty Alnmouth, head south to pristine Cresswell Beach, or decamp to painter L S Lowry’s favored strands at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

Overlooking the golden swoop of Beadnell Bay Beach are three 18th-century lime kilns; once the haunt of smugglers, they’re now where fisherfolk stash their lobster pots. To taste the day’s catch, check in for Lobster Night at the Bait at Beadnell on Thursdays (except over winter). The bay’s sheltered waters are a good spot for sailing and watersports; KA Kitesurfing Adventure Sports offers kitesurfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and more, with plenty of activities aimed at kids. 

Hike along Hadrian’s Wall

In 122 AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian decided to make clear to the Picts in the north where his authority began. The result was a 73 mile-long stone frontier lunging from coast to coast across northern England (well south of the modern Scottish border). Northumberland is home to the longest surviving stretch, which tilts its way through captivating landscapes, with some fascinating fort and temple ruins en route.

It’s possible to ramble the entire Hadrian’s Wall National Trail . If that sounds a tad ambitious, start out with the dramatic section at Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum within Northumberland National Park. Enthusiasts can continue the deep dive into history by continuing to the nearby live excavation site at Vindolanda Roman Fort & Museum . 

Explore Roman ruins and sup craft beer in Corbridge

A couple of miles south of Hadrian’s Wall are the ruins of Roman Corbridge , once the most northerly town in the Roman Empire. It’s still possible to tramp down its timeworn high street, gaining a sense of how the local craftspeople, traders, and soldiers lived side by side in this cosmopolitan hub two millennia ago. The excellent onsite museum is home to the Corbridge Hoard, a collection of arms and armor that represents one of the most significant Roman finds in England. 

A short stroll along the banks of the River Tyne will bring you to the modern-day town. Snoop around its independent book, antique, and craft stores, then duck into The Pele Tower for a pint of local ale. This three-storied micropub feels a bit like a Game of Thrones prop, and it was once a fortified medieval vicarage.

Marvel at the ingenuity of Cragside

Set atop a rugged hill and framed in June by a kaleidoscope of rhododendrons, Cragside House is impressive enough from the outside, with its magnificent Arts and Craft exterior. Yet, the inside is even more astounding. This was the first house in the world to be powered by electricity, and its pioneering owners stuffed it full of every possible Victorian invention, running off an innovative hydroelectricity system. Keep an eye out for an early dishwasher and a water-powered rotating spit in the kitchen. 

It’s possible to spend an entire day touring the house and its 1000-acre grounds. All the same, try to stop by the nearby town of Rothbury with its lovely high street, crammed with independent stores. Bewicks Kitchen & Coffee House is a great place to recharge. 

Dig down into mining history

A trip to the Woodhorn Museum is a great way to delve into the region’s industrial past. Located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth II County Park , on the site of what was once the largest pit village in the world, the museum's interactive exhibits and immersive mock-ups give a powerful sense of what life would have been like for the 2,000 coal miners who worked below ground here.

Be sure to look out for artworks by the "Pitmen Painters," an amateur art group who created a striking record of life in Northumberland’s mining communities in the mid-20th century. With its mix of indoor galleries and dog-friendly outdoor spaces, Woodhorn is a great choice for a day of changeable weather – something fairly common in this part of the country.

Admire surprising artworks at Kielder Water and Forest Park

Kielder Water and Forest Park is home to the largest man-made lake in northern Europe and it's a scenic summer playground for watersports fans. But culture vultures flock here too, lured by the large-scale art installations that litter the 26-mile shoreline.

Hire a bike if you want to see them all, although manageable walking trails take in some of the highlights. Perhaps the most memorable work is Silvas Capitalis by American art collective, SIMPARCH – this giant wooden head screams out from the forest and you can enter its mouth and peek from its haunted eyes.  

Stargaze at Northumberland International Dark Sky Park

The night skies above Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water and Forest Park have been awarded gold tier status by the International Dark-Sky Association , making this the largest International Dark-Sky Park in the UK. On clear nights in autumn and winter, you have only to gaze upwards after sunset to be wowed by the shimmering show.

Kielder Observatory runs expert-led events if you need some help navigating the galaxies (book well ahead). Alternatively, sign up for a stargazing night at Twice Brewed Inn – you can eat supper, marvel at twinkling constellations at the onsite observatory, then return for a pint in the cozy bar before heading upstairs for bed.

You may also like: Bards and Roman baths: best places in England The ultimate guide to hiking Hadrian's Wall 8 best hikes to discover England's beautiful countryside

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Top 16 Enchanting Spots in Northumberland

A wild, unspoiled, and remote corner of England, it is the most unpolluted place in the country in terms of noise, air, and light (so it makes a fantastic place to go stargazing)! Sparsely populated, it possesses a timeless, almost unearthly feel! 

Expect empty, endless beaches punctuated by the odd ancient castle perched on a rocky outcrop and wonderfully untamed rugged landscapes. From my many visits, here is a guide to my favourite spots…

1. Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

This tranquil spot is located off the coast of Northumberland, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which holds a special place in the history of the UK.

The mysterious island is only accessible by a causeway and has long held an important religious significance as this is where the Christian message was said to have flourished throughout the world.

The imposing Lindisfarne Castle, built in the mid-1500s, is teetering on the coastline and houses exhibits from different eras.

Just to the north of the castle is the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, a small but pretty flower garden designed by Edward Hudson in 1911. Explore the historic Lindisfarne Priory and St. Mary’s Church, both ancient and important places associated with holy pilgrimages.

I would recommend walking on the remote beaches of North Shore and Sandham Bay or spending the evening exploring the charming village shops and cafes; there’s much to see on this serene island! 

2. Hadrian’s Wall

A legendary landmark of Great Britain, Hadrian’s Wall stands true to the testimony of the Roman Empire. Also known as Picts’ Wall, Hadrian’s Wall sprawls over 70 miles from the North Sea to the Irish Sea.

This is one of the most interesting historic places to visit in England. It was built by the Roman army to serve the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years.

It dips and dives through outstanding landscapes, including beautiful valleys, pristine rivers, ancient forts, spectacular waterfalls, and lush green meadows. The wall itself is so impressive it was said to have inspired the Northern Wall in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. 

Northumberland is home to 33 miles of this intriguing structure, and here you can follow it along, discovering spectacular viewpoints, ancient artefacts, and Roman forts along the way. 

Step back nearly 2000 years by exploring the Housesteads, the best-preserved Roman fort. Explore the archaeological site of Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum and glimpse Roman life.

Visit the remains of a third-century Roman temple in Brocolitia and the Carrawburgh Fort, which features fascinating Roman bathhouses and barracks. The last stopover at this legendary site is a thick stretch of Hadrian’s Wall located in the pretty village of Heddon-on-the-Wall.

3. Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park is the northernmost national park in England. It covers an area of more than 1,050 square kilometres. Cheviot Hills – located in the North of the park – are a range of beautiful hills that also serve as a border that separates England and Scotland.

The stunning hills in the south of the park give way to areas of rolling moorland, and this is also where the ancient Roman wall, Hadrian’s Wall (mentioned above), is located.

This wonderful area is home to some of England’s most pristine rivers, clearest air, and darkest skies. From beautiful valleys, prehistoric hill forts, Roman ruins, and rugged castles to spectacular waterfalls and lush meadows, in my opinion, the park is truly an extraordinary place. 

If you are a nature fan, then definitely include a visit to the gorgoeus Kielder Forest, which is home to northern Europe’s largest man-made lake and England’s largest forest.

The midpoint of the National Park is where you’ll find bubbling River Coquet, rolling moorland, and rocky outcrops. Other highlights include hiking the park’s highest peak, The Cheviots Hills, exploring the hidden forts in the Breamish Valley, or visiting the scenic Linhope Spout waterfall. You’ll also discover peaceful beauty spots as you meander through the park.

The park covers a quarter of the stunning county. I recommend heading here for walks, hikes, cycling, or soaking up the wonderful, unspoiled, unpolluted scenery! 

4. Seahouses

Previously known as Sunderland, Seahouses is one of the most scenic villages  in England. Located 20 miles north of Alnwick in on the Northumberland coast’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Seahouses is both an alluring and beautiful coastal village, complete with a picturesque harbour where you can watch fishing boats gently bobbing in the bracing salty sea breeze.

Home to sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and towering cliffs, you’ll discover historic buildings, attractions, and gardens in wonderful Seahouses. I would suggest taking a boat ride to explore the incredible wildlife at the Farne Islands ( where you can see many beautiful seabirds, including puffins) .

I would recommend wandering around the independent shops or the pretty traditional houses, exploring the pretty Bamburgh Beach and Budle Bay, taking a scenic walk along the harbour, or heading out further and exploring the dramatic stretch of coastline complete with stunning views. 

5. Alnwick Castle

An iconic medieval castle about 85 miles from Edinburgh, Alnwick Castle is a beloved tourist attraction known as one of the best castles to visit in England. Built as a Norman defence in the 11th century, the castle is the residence of the current Duke of Northumberland.

Explore the beautiful grounds surrounding the castle landscaped by the British icon Lancelot Capability Brown, or visit the beautiful garden and enchanting country house located just adjacent to the castle. 

It’s also famous for having scenes filmed here for the Harry Potter movies, so if this castle looks familiar, you will know why. Both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets used this stunning location for shooting.

Learn about medieval history, take broomstick lessons or watch a movie screening; the castle is ideal for a family day out. 

6. Berwick-upon-Tweed

The northernmost town in England, Berwick-upon-Tweed is nestled on the border of England and Scotland at the mouth of the River Tweed on the stunning East Coast. It makes a fantastic base for scenic walks along the Northumberland coast, but it’s also a charming and well-preserved market town that is well worth exploring.

It’s also home to some notable architectural features, including the famous Stephenson’s Viaduct bridge, which is often mentioned as one of the finest in the world.

Notable attractions in the town include Berwick’s Elizabethan walls and castle remains. Visit the historic Georgian mansion full of antiques at the Paxton House or take in the excellent views of the surrounding countryside from the beautiful Old Bridge on the Tweed River.

Brimming with cobblestone streets, castles, and beaches, Berwick has a vibrant cultural centre. The Maltings (a popular cinema and live arts venue) offers a variety of artists. Also worth visiting is the military history landmark of Berwick Barracks and the Main Guard, which displays the Army’s progress from the 17th century.

Make sure you scale the heights of the pretty Elizabethan town walls for seriously beautiful views across the vast beaches, the imposing North Sea, and the Tweed estuary.

Other highlights include nearby Marshall Meadows Bay, The Berwickshire Coastal Parth, and the beautiful sandy beaches accessible from the town (head for Cocklawburn Beach).

7. Bamburgh Castle

A short drive from Seahouses is the magnificent Bamburgh Castle, which has stood on the Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years.

Neighbouring the village of Bamburgh, the beautiful Grade I-listed building, which towers 150 feet above the coast, was said to have been built between 420 and 547.

However, in more recent history, the famously striking castle captured the attention of the Victorian’s greatest inventor, William George Armstrong.

Today, it remains the private family seat of the Armstrongs. The Armstrongs have starred in many films and small-screen productions, from Transformers and The Last Knight to the Netflix hit Frontier and, more recently, the popular Last Kingdom series. You’ll have to pay, but it’s worth it! 

8. Hexham Abbey

A magnificent holy place in the heart of Hexham, Hexham Abbey stands near the confluence of the Rivers North Tyne and South Tyne. From the original building of the 7th century, the Frith stool, to the Night Stair and the Anglo-Saxon crypt, the beautiful Abbey has so much history surrounding it.

One of the most prosperous abbeys in the north of England at the time, Hexham Abbey today depicts several religious scenes and a tribute to the armed forces.

A sanctuary of breathtaking stained glass windows and incredible architecture, Hexham Abbey is a stunning place of pilgrimage and worship. It’s open daily from 10 am to 4 pm for visitors, and I highly recommend visiting, especially if you’re a history fan. 

Although Hexham Abbey is the jewel in the crown, the town itself is also a great place to explore. It’s known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, so stroll around Hexam’s many galleries before you leave!

9. Rumbling Kern

Although it’s small, this is a lovely and pretty beach. It’s in a rocky cove at Rumbling Kern near Howick, south of Cullernose Point. The beach is sheltered behind small cliffs that face inland from the sea. 

Today, a secret smuggler’s cove on the Northeast coastline, the tranquil beach of Rumbling Kern has lots to offer visitors. With plenty of sand, rock pools, grassy dunes and towering cliffs, the beach is revealed during low tide.

Sitting above the wave-battered rocks is the 19th-century Bathing House, a historic holiday cottage that belonged to Earl Grey (from the tea fame!).

A great sunrise and picnic location, the beach gets its name from the hole in the rock, which rumbles as the waves shoot up. The award-winning beach is great for couples, singles, and families who like to be away from the crowds!

10. Morpeth

Love shopping and sightseeing? The historic market town of Morpeth is also a great place to visit. Located in North East England (on the River Wansbeck), e ach street seems to offer something new, and you’ll get a chance to shop at the unique and individual shops dotted all over town.

Highlights include the 13th-century Chantry, which houses the town’s Bagpipe Museum and Northumbrian Arts and Craft Gallery, and the Turner Garden in the park. The garden commemorates a former resident, William Turner, who was the father of English botany.

A wonderful open space, Carlisle Park contains one of the four floral clocks in England. Morpeth’s famous landmarks include the ancient Morpeth Castle, the towering Morpeth Clock Tower, and the ancient Morpeth Chantry on the banks of the River Wansbeck. 

Overall, Morpeth has a unique combination of history, heritage, and stylishness that’s hard to beat! 

11. Wallington Hall

A historic country house located about 12 miles west of Morpeth, near the village of Cambo, Wallington Hall has been owned by the National Trust since 1942. An elegant 17th-century mansion built by Sir William Blackett, Wallington Hall is full of fascinating history.

With beautifully furnished rooms, mammoth paintings depicting 2000 years of local life, and beautiful walled gardens, Wallington Hall is a special and interesting place to explore. After visiting the house, stroll around the estate, which includes a beautiful pond and woodland. 

12. Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are a group of islands located off the county’s coast. Depending on the tide, there are between 15 and 20 islands, but this is a must for all crime drama fans. The first episode of the popular TV detective series Vera  was filmed here! 

Farne is a habitat for seals, dolphins, puffins, and many species of sea birds. Europe’s most important sea bird sanctuary is located on Staple Island, one of the outer islands, and offers the perfect bird breeding ground.

The islands in the Outer Group are Staple Island, the Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Big Harcar, and the Longstone. Staple Sound separates the two groups. The rugged, atmospheric and picturesque area is well worth exploring (you can catch a boat here from Seahouses). 

While the Inner Farne was home to St. Cuthbert for many years, Longstone Island is known for its legendary lighthouse and rocky outcrops. I recommend watching the super-cute seals sunbathe on the slopes of volcanic rocks or even try scuba diving here if you’re daring enough! 

13. Hindhope Linn

I personally think this is the county’s best-kept secret! Hindhope Linn is a spectacular waterfall in a quiet, captivating valley. A peaceful beauty spot tucked away in the old forests on the northeast edge of Kielder Forest past Blakehopeburnhaugh Farm, Hindhope Linn is a waterfall gem.

Connect with nature as you explore the scenic gorge, bubbling riverside, old Scots Pine, and larch trees. Hike to the waterfall, take a dip or enjoy a picnic in this magical location; Hindhope Linn is a perfect place for those seeking solitude in the lap of nature.

First, take the forest road (past Blakehopeburnhaugh Farm) and then walk over the trail (overlooking Blakehope Burn). However, it makes for a lovely scenic walk with friends, family, or pet pooch. 

Blakehopeburnhaugh is located at the northern end of the Kielder Forest Drive, where you will also find two picnic areas, a toilet block, and access to the popular Pennine Way long-distance footpath. 

14. Alnmouth

This is an attractive and characterful seaside village between the River Aln and a golden sandy beach. It was once a bustling merchant port many years ago, but today, it’s a tranquil spot that offers many delights.

Visitors seem to enjoy the fantastic collection of independent restaurants, traditional pubs, quaint tea rooms, an art gallery,  and gift shops.

The main draw is the long, wide, and gorgeous sandy beach; it’s known as Alnmouth Beach and is a popular but not too crowded place for families to spend the day .

When the tide is low, you can even walk along the coast to Boulmer and even further. Walk the miles of beach, cycle, watch the sunsets, or stargaze in the biggest Dark Sky Park; this is truly a wonderful place to visit! 

15. Bolam Lake Country Park

Bolam Lake Country Park is situated in the heart of the county, surrounded by historic landscapes and dramatic views. It’s one of the most beautiful country parks in the county, and the gorgeous scenery includes woodlands, wetlands, and open grassed areas.

It’s located about 9 miles west of Morpeth. Here, you can expect to see a large freshwater lake and a myriad of wildlife.

Stroll around the lake, explore the woodland, picnic, or admire the lovely views; Bolam Lake is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a day with family or friends. 

16. Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay 

This is a wonderful 14th-century fort on the coast of Northumberland in Northern England. It’s between the pretty villages of Craster and Embleton and is surrounded by some of the county’s most gorgeous landscapes and scenery. 

The structure you see today was built by Earl Thomas of Lancaster between 1313 and 1322, so history fans will love this place! Sadly, it’s now in ruins, but it’s still an imposing and photogenic sight and makes a great day out. 

Embleton Bay is a beauty spot overlooked by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, and it is a wonderful place to explore. It’s known for its truly glorious land sandy beach stretching for miles!

It’s popular for water sports, bird watchers, and bathers – in fact, it offers a UK standard of bathing water quality so you can swim safely.

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Best places to visit in Northumberland: top attractions, and places to stay, eat and drink

Here’s our low down of the best places to visit in Northumberland so you can start planning your visit to this historic region in Northern England, known to many as ‘castle country’

The northernmost county in England, Northumberland is a land of big, starry skies, castles, plus plenty of cosy boltholes within whose historic walls you can sit out the changeable weather. Here’s our guide to the very best places to visit in Northumberland.

See the Feb/March 2023 issue of Discover Britain for our 38-page Northumberland travel special or read on for even more ideas for getting the most out of the region.

The best places to visit in Northumberland

A region that bears the marks of its former settlers and inhabitants more than most, in Northumberland you can walk amid Roman ruins, discover Anglo-Saxon strongholds, learn about the trail of destruction left by Viking invaders, and visit the cradle of English Christianity on the ‘Holy Isle’ of Lindisfarne.

Hadrian’s Wall

Top of our list for the best places to visit in Northumberland, and stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, this once formidable barrier was built to protect the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. Now looked after by English Heritage, today, though much of it is in ruin, there are still 20 sites along its length where you can learn about what life was once like for the soldiers tasked with guarding it in the dramatic and often unforgiving landscape.

The Elizabethan Walls, Berwick-upon-Tweed 

One of the best examples of a walled town in all of Europe, Berwick’s mile-and-a-quarter of Elizabethan-era walls still stand proud hundreds of years later, despite Berwick-upon-Tweed being the most contested town in Britain, having switched hands between the English and the Scottish no fewer than 14 times.

Vindolanda Roman Fort, Hexham

Vindolanda was the first Roman frontier in the north and it actually pre-dates Hadrian’s Wall, which lies just north of it. Occupied for over 300 years it was both an important fort and village for soldiers and their families. The Vindolanda site today is one of the best places to visit in Northumberland, with a spectacular world-class Roman museum to explore the story of the people who lived there and see the hundreds of artefacts found at the site, as well as a chance to look around the ‘live’ archaeological site itself.

Ad Gefrin, Wooler 

When it opens in spring 2023, this world-class heritage attraction which somehow plans to fuse Anglo-Saxon history with modern-day whisky distilling, will draw visitors back to when this part of Northumberland was once one of the major seats of power for the Anglo-Saxons. This is set to be one of the best places to visit in Northumberland.

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick 

In recent years it may be best known for training wizards how to use their broomsticks, or for starring in Downton Abbey specials, but Alnwick’s esteemed more than 950 years of history, which has been linked to the Percy family for much of it, has many far more interesting stories and artefacts within its resplendent walls.

In our new issue Jeremy Flint went to the castle to interview the Duke of Northumberland and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the castle. Read the interview here.   

The Alnwick Garden

Created as a separate attraction to the castle by the present Duchess of Northumberland, who began the project in 1997 Alnwick Garden is the third most visited public garden in the UK, covering over 26 acres. With over 4,000 varieties of plants to discover, including a few deadly and dangerous ones in the Poison Garden, this is a delight for all the senses.

Dunstanburgh Castle

Standing on a remote headland along the Northumberland coast, this castle, first build in the early 14 th century, would once have been a grand palace, designed to irk King Edward II by one of his openly hostile barons. Today, it stands in romantic ruin after being besieged twice during the War of the Roses and a walk along the craggy coastal path to the village of Craster can be rewarded with some of the famous local kippers.

Lindisfarne Castle & Abbey 

If you’ve made it all the way to this northern region then there’s really no excuse for not taking the causeway over to the ‘Holy Isle’ of Lindisfarne , one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northumberland and where the famous Gospels were first illustrated at the now ruinous abbey. Another highlight of a visit is Lindisfarne Castle – as close as perfect an Edwardian-style home as you could ever hope to find.

Kielder Observatory, Kielder

Located in Europe’s largest gold-tier protected dark sky park, Kielder Observatory is nestled in the Kielder Water and Forest Park and offers some of the world’s most breathtaking star-gazing. Famed for the ‘Kielder Moment’, the moment that visitors look up at the glittering skies and realise that they’re completely connected to this vast cosmos, this is a must-do on our list of places to visit in Northumberland.

Wild Intrigue, sites across Northumberland

Reconnect with nature again with one of Wild Intrigue’s wildlife experiences and events across Northumberland. Whether its a Dawn Chorus Disco in Newcastle, mixing nature’s dawn orchestra with a silent disco tech, a Bats and Beers night searching for some of Northumberland’s nocturnal wildlife, while enjoying some locally brewed beers, or a Moths and Muffins morning enjoying a delicious breakfast whilst meeting some magical moth species, there is really something for everyone.

Best places to stay in Northumberland

The Coach House, Stay on the Hill 

Set amid the beautiful Northumberland Tyne Valley close to Northumberland National Park, this wing of a Victorian house on a family-owned estate, near Hexham, offers four luxury bedrooms each with a super comfy bed fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets and its own bathroom, which can be hired as a holiday home or as individual rooms. As well as original period features, each room comes with a Freeview TV with DVD player and wifi, and there’s a pretty patio for making the most of the tranquil atmosphere of the estate.

Beach & Quiet holiday cottages, Craster

A stone’s throw from the pretty fishing village of Craster and the spectacular Dunstanburgh Castle, these self-catering holiday cottages are the perfect base for your Northumberland holiday.  Historic Dunstan House, which sleeps up to 18, is Grade II* listed and is bursting with incredible period features, and newly built elegant Hemmel house, which sleeps 6, perfectly combines modern stylings with traditional features. Sleeping four, cosy Stable Cottage is situated in the grounds of Dunstanburgh Castle and, as the old castle stables, and also Grade II listed, is brimming with historic charm.

The Clock Tower, Bamburgh Estate 

Bamburgh Castle is one of the most recognisable landmarks along the region’s coastline and one of the best places to visit in Northumberland. Now you can book a stay in its medieval bell tower, which offers views of Bamburgh beach and the isle of Lindisfarne. Accommodation within the tower’s 1,400-year-old walls is suitably characterful, with velvet sofas, exposed stone walls and antique furnishings complemented by William Morris & Co fabrics and modern artworks. It’s delightfully eclectic and the three-bed holiday home can be booked through the wonderful Crabtree & Crabtree. Best of all? Guests get free entry to the castle’s state rooms, plus access to the castle grounds.

Twice Brewed Inn, Hexham

A post-walk beer-tasting at the Twice Brewed Brewhouse can be followed by a classic home-cooked meal in the comfortable restaurant and new conservatory of the Twice Brewed Inn . There are also some comfortable rooms for overnight stays, with the stargazing, supper and slumber package offering a two-course meal and a stargazing adventure, where you can learn from the experts in the Northumberland Dark Sky Park and use the latest telescopes to watch the night sky from the observatory (available from October to March).

The Walls, Berwick-upon-Tweed

This B&B is set within a gorgeously restored period townhouse perched don the Edwardian Walls quarter of the town. Ask for the Tweed room with views of the river from its Georgian windows and put your faith in Stephen and Louise Scott, who will make you feel right at home.

The Holly Bush Inn, Greenhaugh, Near Kielder

Located within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, this inn, or ‘proper pub’ offers comfortable en-suite rooms, a roaring fire, good grub, and the chance to catch a glimpse of the Milky War, or perhaps even another galaxy.

Eshott Hall, Morpeth 

For something a little grander, try this country house hotel on the outskirts of a quiet rural village. With rolling lawns and woodland that beckons you in (look out for red squirrels), this 17 th -century home has been painstakingly restored by its current owners, Robert & Gina Parker. There are 11 en-suite rooms, while the Drawing Room and Library are perfect for afternoon tea, or a post-amble tipple and the on-site restaurant serves up superb seasonal produce.

The Cookie Jar, Alnwick 

Very well placed for visitors to Alnwick Castle , this boutique hotel is set within a historic building but comes with decidedly modern amenities – think drench showers in all the rooms, Hypnos beds, and Penhaligon’s toiletries. The Bistro is a great spot for dinner after a day’s exploring, and there’s even a firepit on the outdoor terrace for those who wish to enjoy their surroundings (and the night sky) a little longer.

Barrasford Arms, Hexham

Dating back to the 19th century in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country, this charming pub with rooms overlooks the spectacular Houghton Castle and is perfectly located for exploring the area. With cosy, comfortable rooms and award-winning food made using ingredient’s from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, this is a home away from home for your stay.

Crabtree & Crabtree Holiday Lettings, across Northumberland

The undisputed leader in holiday home rentals in Northumberland, Crabtree and Crabtree boast a portfolio of stunning properties across the county. All stylish, self-catered and in stunning, hand-picked locations, the properties range from grand country houses, to sleek barn conversions and old stone cottages. Many properties are dog-friendly too and some even offer at-home beauty and spa treatments and professional catering.

The best places to eat in Northumberland

Hjem, Hexham

In the village of Wall, close to Hadrian’s Wall, Hjem is probably Northumberland’s finest restaurant – it’s certainly it’s most unexpected. Run by a Swedish-English husband-and-wife team, Hjem has been awarded a Michelin star for its ‘high-quality’ Nordic-English cooking and its placement within a charming English inn (which also has rooms), only adds to the wonderful experience.

The Jolly Fisherman, Craster

If there’s one thing the coastal village of Craster is known for, it’s kippers, so it would be remiss to visit the region and not come and sample them. This stone-walled Victorian inn has been a popular place with fisherman for more than a century and a half, so if you want to try Craster kippers, or indeed any other local seafood delicacies, like Lindisfarne oysters, then you couldn’t be in better company, with it all being freshly hauled in from the North Sea each morning.

The Old Boathouse, Amble

If you’re looking for a place that serves seafood platters that will make your mouth water and have the next table ordering what you’re having, then this is it – their platter includes a whole lobster alongside seabream, oysters, you name it. It’s won awards, lots of them so it pays to book ahead. If you can’t get a table, try the Fish Shack nearby.

The Queen’s Head, Berwick

At this atmospheric pub, you dine beneath exposed timber beams, but it’s about more than the warm setting here – the pub takes its food seriously, with all produce coming from local suppliers, and dishes such as pan-fried salmon or seafood stew are better than the fare you find in most pubs.

The Bosk Restaurant, Alnwick

Stunnning architecture, big cosy chairs, handmade chandeliers and rustic, elegant interiors welcome you into this friendly, stylish restaurant in the Beamish valley. Serving up delicious food, including homebaked pizzas, fresh coffee and an excellent selection of wines and beers is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the beautiful Northumberland countryside.

The best places to visit in Northumberland: a tour of castle country

New issue: issue 232 of Discover Britain is out now!

Alnwick Castle: an inside tour with the Duke of Northumberland

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Places to visit in Northumberland

Historical sites to take you back through time, vast landscapes to explore, and wildlife to make you go ‘aw’. That’s Northumberland. Countless Northumberland castles jostle for attention - ‘proper’ castles with battlements and portcullises, ghostly ruins guarding endless sandy beaches, and ones that echo with ancient footsteps. There is a plethora of things to do in Northumberland for history fans, hikers, mountain bikers and romantics alike, from ambling along the Northumberland coast to glamping and camping in the county’s endless countryside, but one of the best places to visit in Northumberland of all is the Farne Islands, where dozens of puffins await to melt your hearts. At night, turn your gaze upwards to see millions of stars pinpricking the famed dark skies in Northumberland’s National Park.

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Gold winner: Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages

Go off-grid with a luxury self-catering break in Northumberland National Park – winner of the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Award 2023.

Gold winner: Grey Seal and Seabird Cruise, Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours

Winner of the Experience of the Year Award 2023, jump aboard a boat tour to spot wildlife around the unspoilt Farne Islands.

7 things to do on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Uncover mystical history at Lindisfarne Castle or spot seals on the secluded North Shore Walk during a trip to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Explore captivating Alnwick Castle

Walk through history and admire world-class art at this fascinating castle, then stroll through spectacular floral displays at The Alnwick Garden.

Location: Alnwick, Northumberland

Star gazing like a Roman at Cawfields Roman Wall

Built in AD122, Hadrian’s Wall was once the largest frontier in the Roman Empire and remained that way for 300 years.

Location: Haltwhistle, Northumberland

Lose yourself in the Allen Valleys

Strap on your walking boots and explore a countryside full of contrasts. Prepare to be blown away by this picturesque part of the North Pennines.

Location: Allendale, Northumberland

Enjoy dog friendly days out at Belsay Hall

Explore the magnificent gardens of this dog friendly attraction with your four legged friend.

Location: Belsay, Northumberland

Stay in a cottage built by an amazing Victorian inventor

Experience Cragside in Northumberland as many have never seen it before – by staying in the spectacular and dramatic grounds of the Cragside Estate.

Location: Rothbury, Northumberland

Sip Earl Grey where it was created: Howick Hall

Earl Grey tea is enjoyed – usually at around 4pm – all over the world, but few know it was invented in Northumberland for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey.

Location: Howick, Northumberland

Discover a seaside shopping paradise

Amble is a shopper's paradise, a haven for lovers of local produce, crafts and gifts. Perfect for presents, but don’t forget to treat yourself!

Location: Amble, Northumberland

Get kippered in Craster

Craster is the acclaimed home of the kipper – a breakfast favourite of the Queen. But there’s more to Craster than fishy tales.

Location: Craster, Northumberland

Discover Howick’s heavenly history

With a famous cup of tea, a stunning garden and its very own bathing house, the haven of Howick Hall is one of Northumberland’s true hidden gems.

Birds, boats, batter and beer at Seahouses

Visit the 1843 original Fisherman’s kitchen, sup a pint of Farne Island Ale in a beer garden or indulge in Robson Green’s favourite ice cream.

Location: Seahouses, Northumberland

Build sandcastles at Bamburgh Beach

Do you know your cockles from your winkles? St. Aidan and Grace Darling certainly did. And what better place to learn than on Bamburgh Beach.

Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland

Admire the picturesque views from Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads is the most iconic of all the Wall sites and the views and Roman remains are spectacular.

Location: Housesteads, Northumberland

Walk the Wall at Steel Rigg

Take a walk around Steel Rigg and Crag Lough to see how the Romans used the natural landscape to maximise the strength of the Empire's frontier.

Location: Steel Rigg, Northumberland

Dig for buried treasure at Roman Vindolanda

See live archaeological excavations before your eyes at the ancient fort of Vindolanda.

Location: Vindolanda, Northumberland

Discover a secluded fortified manor house at Aydon Castle

Over 900 years old and pretty much unaltered since then, Aydon Castle sits proudly upon its crag; a true survivor of some rough times and visitors.

Location: Corbridge, Northumberland

Dine like Lords and Ladies at Langley Castle

For those with a taste for the finer things in life, Langley Castle Hotel near the historic market town of Hexham is the ideal gastro getaway.

Location: Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland

Enjoy a guilt-free weekend away with serious green credentials

Going green can be romantic... so spoil your other half with a romantic weekend break at Battlesteads, ‘Northumberland’s greenest hotel’.

Location: Wark, Northumberland

Walk through sand dunes to Bamburgh Castle

This seat of the former Kings of Northumbria tells a spellbinding tale from its awe-inspiring position on the edge of Northumberland’s coast.

Camp next to Hadrian's Wall

This isn't just any wall, this is an impressive piece of roman architecture.

Location: Melkridge, Cumbria

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Visit Farne Islands to see thousands of seabirds and a huge Grey seal colony.

Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland

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5 secret, pretty places to visit in Northumberland

By Rob Crossan

Not content with fighting Thuggee cults and disrupting Egyptian Nazi dig sites in the course of his long career, Dr Indiana Jones will, as of 2023, be captured prowling around the environs of an infinitely less exotic, but notably colder, landscape.

Bamburgh Castle , perched in its exposed and lofty position on the Northumberland coastline, is one of the locations used for filming the fifth in the long-running series of archaeologically-themed rum-do adventures.

So don’t be surprised if a glut of fans in fedora hats, aping the headwear of Harrison’s Ford character, descend upon the far northeast coast of England imminently. In the meanwhile, however, if you head beyond the well-known getaways of Holy Island, Hadrian’s Wall and, of course, Bamburgh itself, you’ll still be able to find a wealth of lesser-known, but equally raw and beautiful spots where knowledge of Hollywood action flicks is entirely unnecessary… at least for now.

Known to locals as ‘the gateway to the Farne Islands’, the bijou coastal town of Seahouses is often skipped by visitors keen to get to the natural wilderness of the uninhabited islands for a day trip sailing tour.

Yet sometimes the island’s animal population come to the town; most notably in the case of Freya, a juvenile female walrus who swam across to sunbathe on the rocky beach last year for a few weeks; it was only the second time a walrus has ever been spotted on a stretch of mainland English coastline.

A rustic slew of stone cottages , ginels (local slang for cobbled alleyways) and creaking, wood beamed pubs make Seahouses a perfect spot for a stroll. Head down the narrow ginel of South Street (follow your nose if you can’t find it on a map) and you’ll find the ancient warehouse that’s home to the Swallow Fish smokehouse . Here lies the very last survivor of what were once numerous smokehouses in the town; curing kippers amid an aroma of wood, sea salt and brine. You can also stock up here on homemade mackerel pates and potted shrimp.

Bed in at the Olde Ship Inn , a wonderfully atmospheric old fishing inn, now spruced up with soothing pale colour schemes and a menu rich in locally sourced seafood such as crab soup and, yes, naturally, smoked kippers.

The little town of Wooler was completely rebuilt in the 1860s after a fire razed it almost in its entirety. The stone terraced streets are given a serious uplift in spirit, however, by the views beyond of the mighty Cheviot – Northumberland’s highest point.

From the centre of Wooler, it’s a four-hour hike up and about three to get back down again so pack your sturdiest boots for a walk high in the wildness of the Anglo-Scottish border where amid paths that sometimes get rather wet and boggy (also beware of low cloud that can smother you on overcast days with little notice) you’ll pass clefts and scatterings of rock with names like Hanging Stone and Bloodybush Edge; all testament to times when this was a battle-scarred frontier.

You’ll usually have these hills almost entirely to yourself so if you need some company back in Wooler then check into the Tankerville Arms , a coaching inn dating back to the 17th century that features an open fire, black pudding bon bons, lamb shank sourced from nearby Glendale on the bar menu and seventeen light, bright and simple rooms. The owners will even dry your walking boots for you overnight.

Fifteen pounds a year plus a barrel of fish delivered each Sunday probably wasn’t such a bad salary in the 15th century, but for George Lancaster, there were drawbacks to his stipend.

Mainly, as the ‘hermit of Warkworth’, he was (seemingly through choice it should be added) confined to a chapel hewn out of the chalk cliffs in Warkworth Hermitage located downstream from the village of the same name on the banks of the River Coquet.

The hermitage was abandoned by the late 1500s, not long before the adjacent Warkworth Castle was badly damaged in the English Civil War. The substantial remains are well worth exploring, however, particularly if you make it to the keep. Here you’ll discover the story of Henry Percy, the first Earl of Northumberland. He had a son named 'Harry Hotspur,' who was mentioned by Shakespeare in Henry IV, Part I and it was young Harry’s rebellion against the King that resulted in the Percy family losing Warkworth Castle, though it was later restored to them and their descendants still own it today.

The Percy family were not to be trifled with in these parts in centuries past. As well as Warkworth, the family also owned Alnwick Castle where today you’ll find Old Master paintings, staterooms and silks inside while the outside will be instantly familiar to any fans of quidditch as the castle doubled up as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films .

There really is a street called Pottergate in the main town of Alnwick itself, a cobbled charmer of a market town with wool shops and tailors like Jobsons who provide the kind of tweedy outdoor wear you last saw on the backs of James Herriot.

In the old railway station, you’ll find Barter Books , one of the biggest second-hand bookshops in the country complete with an immense miniature train set which chugs around the top of the shelves. You can order tea and cake while you read your purchases too.

The Cookie Jar is a discreet sandstone building off the high street that looks minuscule but opens up to reveal a modishly converted boutique hotel with one room converted from what was once a convent chapel, plus funky chandeliers made from birdcages and, the rarest of things, a blue accented, sunny public living room downstairs that you’ll want to sit in whilst nibbling on tea and cake.

Rothbury and Cragside

Rothbury’s zenith as a tourist beacon came in the Victorian era when trippers would converge for walks in the nearby Simonside Hills, rich then, as they are now, with quiet burns, ridges and forests.

But the main reason to head here is to visit Cragside , an astonishingly vast Victorian testament to what you could do with your spare cash if you happened to be a leading potentate in the arena of arms manufacturing and shipbuilding.

That was the case with Sir William (later Lord) Armstrong who built a Tudor-style fantasy home that looks bewilderingly incongruous set against the atavistic Northumberland landscape. The house is so large it even contains a lift- an unheard-of luxury in the 19th-century domestic sphere. There’s a Renaissance-style marble chimneypiece, William Morris stained glass in the library and gardens lined with terraces, lakes, conifers galore and the remnants of the pump room Armstrong had built to make Cragside the first house in Britain that was lit by hydroelectric power.

More simple, but also less overwhelming slumbers can be found at Tosson Tower Farm , ten minutes drive from Cragside and Rothbury. A stylishly converted 18th-century farmhouse and barn conversion, rooms are bedecked with solid wood furniture, sunny and bright colour shades and a sleigh bed in one of the barn rooms. Breakfast (made by owner Ann Foggin) is a belt loosening affair with eggy bread, omelettes and local kippers.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 12 Best Places to Visit in Northumberland

12 Best Places to Visit in Northumberland

If you really want to escape the crowds in England, Northumberland is the place to run to. Fewer people live in Northumberland than in many London Boroughs, and yet it’s the sixth-largest county by area. With no cities, Northumbrians live in fishing ports, distinguished market towns and far-flung hamlets in the deep valleys of the Northumberland National Park.

Castles are almost ten-a-penny here, and a lingering reminder that battles and sieges were a part of life in this region for hundreds of years. Some like Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle are family-friendly days out with quirky re-enactors, while many others are spectral ruins that complement the untamed countryside perfectly.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Northumberland :

A market town full of poise, Alnwick has terraces of limestone flat-fronted townhouses with second-hand bookshops, coffee shops and pubs.

The big sight is the town’s castle, which is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK, after Windsor.

You’re free to poke around in the summer, and there’s extra incentive for Harry Potter fans as the property was Hogwarts in the movies.

You’ll also be spellbound by The Alnwick Garden, landscaped hedges and flowerbeds around a water cascade.

To arouse morbid curiosity there’s a Poison Garden growing hemlock, foxglove and the plants to make ricin and strychnine.

Also, make excursions to the castles at Chillingham, Edlingham and Dunstanburgh and to experience the awesome beachscapes at Low Newton and Embleton Bay.

2. Berwick-upon-Tweed

England’s northernmost town is a couple of miles short of the Scottish border at the mouth of the Tweed.

You’re left in no doubt that this community has been wrested from both English and Scottish grasp down the centuries.

When Richard I captured Berwick from the Scots in the 1300s he built the town walls, which were adapted to withstand artillery in the 1500s during Elizabeth I’s reign.

Most of these defences are still here, which is very rare for English towns.

There’s much more to see, from the three sandy beaches to the Tweed Estuary, crossed by Stevenson’s imposing Royal Border Railway Bridge.

The Berwick Barracks date to the early-1700s, at the time of the Jacobite risings and have enthralling exhibits about the last conflict fought on British soil.

3. Lindisfarne

This beautiful, mysterious and ancient island can be reached on foot via an ancient route known as the Pilgrim’s Way, but obviously you’ll need to keep an eye on the tide times before you set off.

At Lindisfarne you’ll encounter a priory that was first established in the 600s and then resurrected by the Normans a few centuries later.

At this site you’ll be going back to the earliest years of Christianity in Britain, but also the English language, as a biography of the 7th-century St Cuthbert is the oldest surviving English text.

The English Heritage centre has astounding Celtic religious carvings, and recounts the violent Viking raids that wrecked the island in the 800s.

4. Northumberland National Park

The least-inhabited national park in England encompasses 400 square miles of remote uplands littered with abandoned historic sites.

In the north are the Fleck Towers, small fortresses standing as watchtowers and beacons in the Scottish Marches in the middle ages.

And slicing across the south is the bulk of Hadrian’s Wall, with fragments of the forts that were stationed every few miles along the route.

Meanwhile, walkers, horse-riders, mountain bikers and anyone else aching for peaceful open spaces can fill their boots in this far-off land.

At night the skies are darker in the park than anywhere else in the country, another happy consequence of the lack of large settlements and literally heavenly for stargazers and amateur astronomers.

If you want to know more about Northumberland in Roman times, you couldn’t pick a better place than Hexham, which is directly on the wall.

The only trouble will be knowing where to start, as the forts in this part of the county, like Vindolanda, Cilurnum and Housesteads, are in good condition considering their antiquity.

The Roman Army museum adds another layer of interest and the Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh is a reminder of just how much activity there was in this land 2,000 years ago.

Newer but no less enthralling is Hexham Abbey, with Early English Gothic architecture from the 12th century.

Go below to investigate the crypt built entirely with Roman stones that still bear their ancient inscriptions.

6. Seahouses

On the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Seahouses is an uncommonly pretty fishing village with a working port.

Many of your activities will be centred on the handsome harbour, where you can climb aboard boats for seal-spotting trips or adventures to the Farne Islands just offshore.

And after all that crisp sea air you can retire to the warmth one of the village’s inns for a pint and meal.

There are sand dunes and enormous sandy beaches both up and down the coast, and if you’ve ever fancied horseback riding you can saddle up for a ride here by the water in the most romantic setting imaginable.

A cultivated town in the south of the county, Morpeth has kept hold of most of its historical buildings.

Among them is the clock tower from the 1600s and Morpeth Chantry, a 13th-centruy chapel that holds the tourist information centre.

Harmonising with the elegant townscape is the Sanderson Arcade, a shopping gallery that looks like it could be 100 years old but was completed just a few years ago.

Young ones can make some animal friends at Eshott Heugh Animal Park and the Whitehouse Farm Centre, while there’s culture too at Belsay Hall and Wallington, two acclaimed country piles minutes outside the town.

8. Bamburgh

Also in the Northumbria AONB, Bamburgh draws holidaymakers for St Aiden Beach, hilly sand dunes and an exceptional castle.

This mighty landmark stands on a volcanic plateau and was the throne of the Norse Kings of Northumbria, boasting medieval Norman architecture, but with a tale that begins as far back as the 400s.

There’s another angle to Bamburgh’s allure: The village has a museum for a Victorian resident, Grace Darling who was the daughter of the Longstone Lighthouse keeper on the rocks off the coast.

In 1838 she helped rescue nine people from the wreck of the Forfarshire paddle steamer, becoming a national folk hero in the process.

In the county’s remotest western fringe, the village of Kielder is about as far as you can be from civilisation in England.

And yet despite (and because of) this remoteness there’s a great deal going on.

Near the crest of Black Fell, Kielder Observatory is an Eldorado for amateur astronomers, and if you’re new to the science there are even volunteers to show you how to use the telescopes.

In the village, Kielder Castle is actually a hunting lodge constructed by the Duke of Northumberland in 1775, but has an informative visitor centre.

And for total seclusion there’s Kielder Forest Park, which was only planted in the 1950s when it became the largest man-made forest in Europe at 250 square miles in size.

On the southern cusp of the Northumberland AONB, Amble is a cute old seaport where the Coquet empties into the North Sea.

Nature-lovers arrive in summer for cruises to Coquet Island, when 35,000 puffins jostle for space to make their nests.

The cute waterside village of Warkworth has a boundless sandy beach, as well as a tremendous landmark in Warkworth Castle.

During the Anglo-Scottish Wars in the 14th century this was a much-coveted stronghold and came under siege twice by the Scots.

And if you’re willing to go the extra mile you can go on a quest to discover Warkworth Hermitage, a medieval chapel that is cut from the cliffs on the Coquet and can only be reached by boat.

11. Corbridge

Right away something that might excite you about Corbridge is that many of the buildings are made from recycled Roman stone from the abandoned town of Corstopitum.

You can go and see what’s left of this garrison, which is still one of the most complete archaeological sites on Hadrian’s wall, and furnished with information boards to bring the foundations to life.

There’s medieval history to uncover at Aydon Castle, a medieval manor house that owes its defensive appearance to centuries of conflict along the Scottish border.

Put the first weekend in June in your diary, for the Corbridge Festival, which has street theatre, market stalls, a real ale talent competition and an excellent lineup of live music.

12. Ashington

Up to the 1840s Ashington was little more than a hamlet, but the area’s coal seams were soon exploited and the town grew to become one of the largest settlements in Northumberland.

This being a working town the blockbuster attraction is the heritage colliery at Woodhorn, moments east of Ashington.

Very little of this turn-of-the-century mine has been altered, and the winding house, towering headframes, engine house and a great ensemble of original outbuildings are as good as new.

For smaller visitors there’s the Woodhorn Railway, that uses two locomotives that had industrial uses, one at the Seaham Colliery and another at the Channel Tunnel.

12 Best Places to Visit in Northumberland:

• Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Lindisfarne
• Northumberland National Park

Northumberland Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Northumberland Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this beautiful English county. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Northumberland!

Let’s plan your trip to Northumberland

With more castles than any other county in England, a stunning coastline lined with sandy beaches, pretty towns and villages, a tidal island with a rich cultural history and heritage, the remains of a Roman wall which marked the northernmost boundary of the Holy Roman Empire and a national park which boasts of the cleanest air, cleanest rivers and the darkest skies in England Northumberland in the North East really is the county with it all!

What you will find in this complete Northumberland Travel Guide

Northumberland Travel Guide – Map

Attractions and things to do in northumberland, accommodation in northumberland, when is the best time of year to visit northumberland, what do i need to know to plan the best trip to northumberland, how to get to northumberland, best tours to northumberland, books to read about northumberland, uk travel guides.

10 PRETTY TOWNS TO VISIT IN NORTHUMBERLAND

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO & SEE IN THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND

GUIDE TO DRIVING THE NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL ROUTE

GUIDE TO VISITING THE HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE

THINGS TO DO IN ALNWICK

GUIDE TO THE BEST CASTLES IN NORTHUMBERLAND

BEST PLACES TO STAY

IN NORTHUMBERLAND

BEST COASTAL COTTAGES IN NORTHUMBERLAND

You can find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

FAQs – Planning your visit to Northumberland

The weather in Northumberland can be unpredictable in every season. It can be cold and windy all year around so it is essential to pack accordingly.

Whilst the summer months can be hot there is always the possibility of a sea fret (a cool mist that covers the coast) and temperatures will drop considerably.

• Carry change for car parking! Prepare to arrive early in the day to secure parking at popular spots (or you may find you have to park some distance away)
• Check for low tide if you are planning to visit Holy Island.
• If you are visiting in summer prepare to enjoy the longer daylight hours (sunset can be as late as 9:50 in the evening!) Longer days means you can fit more into your itinerary!
• Enjoy some traditional food and drink including Craster kippers, Earl Grey tea, Newcastle Brown Ale, ham and pease pudding stotties and pan haggerty.
• Locals are called Geordie and have a very distinct accent.

Option 1 – By car/train/coach from London

Northumberland is England’s northernmost county. It is approximately 470 kms from London and takes around 5 hours by car (I would recommend stops in a number of other destinations on the way though!)

Tip – If you are planning a road trip around the UK the Northumberland Coastal Route is a beautiful drive and very popular especially during the summer months.

The train journey from London ( King’s Cross ) to Newcastle takes around 3 hours and is a lovely trip (stop off in York on the way)

Click here for timetables and prices of train tickets from London to Newcastle .

National Express Coaches travel regularly every day from Victoria Coach Station to Newcastle. This will be the cheapest but also the slowest option.

Option 2 – By car/train/coach from Edinburgh

Driving from Edinburgh to the Northumberland coast only takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, take the train from Edinburgh to Newcastle (around 2 hours) and pick up a hire car to explore Northumberland.

There are also day tours available from Edinburgh (see below for recommendations) which visit a number of top sights and attractions in Northumberland.

Click here for timetables and prices of train tickets from Edinburgh to Newcastle.

Option 3 – Fly into Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport is the nearest international airport for visitors to Northumberland. Pick up a hire car at the airport if you plan to explore Northumberland as it is the best way to get around the county.

Read – How to get around the UK (a complete guide to transportation)

If you prefer to take a day tour to the North East of England there are trips available from Edinburgh

• Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour – Discover the highlights of Roman Britain and Hadrian’s Wall on this small group tour from Edinburgh.
• Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria – Take a scenic, coastal route into the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria. This tour includes a visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne which once the most important centre of religious learning in the British Isles and the medieval market town of Alnwick.
• Alnwick Castle & Scottish Borders Day Tour – Cross the Scottish border into England and admire the beautiful scenery of the Borders and explore magnificent Alnwick Castle and its gardens.

Read more – Best books about (or set in) Northumberland

Find more practical tips, resources and inspiration for your UK travel adventures in my UK Travel Guides.

• Durham Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• York Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Cotswolds Travel Guide
• Bath Travel Guide
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Dorset & the Jurassic Coast Travel Guide
• The 9 Regions of England (An essential guide for itinerary planning)
• Best UK Staycations (Top Destinations for 2021 & beyond)
• 12 Best Day trips from London by train (+logistics, tips & maps)
• 12 pretty towns and villages in England (+ map & travel tips)

Feeling overwhelmed with the planning process? My step-by-step planning guide is the place to start!

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

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The Best 10 Things To Do in Northumberland

The northern county of Northumberland borders Scotland to the north, Cumbria to the west and both County Durham and Tyne and Wear to the South. This most northerly of England’s counties is a stunning mix of glorious and very often wild coastline, a magnificently little populated National Park and a quite stunning Dark Skies location for star spotting. The history here is awe-inspiring, brutal and the legends riveting. There are incredible castles – there are more than 70 castles in Northumberland – beautiful gardens and unrivalled scenery. We love Northumberland and we’ve pulled together – and boy was it tough – the top 10 things to do in Northumberland. We may have cheated slightly, there may be a few bonuses in there, but that’s simply because picking just 10 of the best things to do in Northumberland is really, really tough.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

The Top 10 Things to Do in Northumberland

How long you stay in Northumberland will really dictate how many of the great things there are to do here, and the fabulous foods to eat in England’s most northerly county.  And so for us, that’s the first bonus.  Because the first thing you must do in Northumberland is to stay.  Whether you pick a gorgeous Northumberland coastal cottage. a holiday hideaway in Northumberland’s National Park or a fabulously friendly Northumberland bed and breakfast you have lots of choices.  Pick a central spot to what you want to see in Northumberland or the Northumberland attractions you want to visit.  Or even make your visit to Northumberland a multi-centre stay.  Here are some of the best places to stay in Northumberland.

Stay in Northumberland

I’m not counting staying in Northumberland as one of my top 10 things to do in England’s most northerly county, but nevertheless, it is something that you should do.

Northumberland has some of the most magnificent places to stay – from remote cottages to town apartments. You really truly won’t experience the real Northumberland until you’ve stayed around for a while and here are some of our favourite places to stay in Northumberland.

Greysteads Old Church, near Kielder Water, Sleeps 8

Stay in a converted church in Northumberland: This glorious deconsecrated church is just 4 miles from Kielder Water and has been stunningly converted. Gresteads Old Church sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms, is in a fabulous location and has been appointed luxuriously. Check availability and book your stay now!

Stay at the Retreat, North Farm, Northumberland

Stay at the Retreat on North Farm on Northumberland’s Coast. There are a range of Northumberland cottages on North Farm near Embleton Bay, where you can walk to Dunstanburgh Castle and the village of Craster. All the cottages are detached, tastefully decorated with their own facilities and a shared swimming pool! – Find perfect Northumberland Coastal Cottages her e

Stay At Grade II Listed Algernon House in Alnwick

The Grade II listed Algernon House in the centre of Alnwick is the perfect location for a family holiday in this magical town. There’s an open fire, off-road parking, a delightfully decorated house and facilities. Plan your holiday in Alnwick and book this gorgeous townhouse now!

Where to stay in Northumberland really depends on the places that you’ll visit, and there are heaps of options, from hotels, B&Bs, apartments, cottages, tents, and holiday parks.

Now we’re not counting staying in Northumberland as one of the best things to do in Northumberland so let’s get started with our countdown of the 10 best things to do in Northumberland.

1. Visit the Farne Islands in Northumberland for a Unique Experience

The Farne Islands are a group of 15-20 islands off the coast of Northumberland.  The number of islands depends on the state of the tide and the islands are located from 1 ½ miles to 4 ¾ miles from the shore.  The Farne Islands are managed by the National Trust, but boat trips to the Farne Islands are run by private organisations, mainly local companies from Seahouses, Northumberland.  (check out our guide to all there is to do in Seahouses here ). Find out more about other Northumberland National Trust properties here.

The Farne Islands are home to a huge population of birdlife and sea life and a trip there is unique and glorious. We recommend taking a Farne Island Boat trip that allows landing on Longstone Island in order to visit the Longstone Lighthouse which was the home of Victorian-Era heroine Grace Darling, who, along with her father led a rescue from the wreck of the steamship the Forfarshire to save 9 people from certain death.

The wildlife around the Farne Islands is stunning and unique to this area of Northumberland.  You’ll also want to make time to visit the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) museum in Bamburgh and understand more about the life of Grace Darling and what you can do to be safe in the waters off the coast of Northumberland. Visiting the Farne Islands is one of the top days out in Northumberland – find more here.

2. Visit a Castle in Northumberland

Northumberland is at the border with Scotland, and boy have there been a lot of skirmishes and battles, and that means there are a LOT of castles in Northumberland.  There are more than 70 castles in Northumberland.  What you need to do is pick your castle.  Or castles.  We wrote about the 12 most magnificent castles in Northumberland here , but if you’re only going to visit ONE castle in Northumberland here’s our shortlist of 3 and why we picked each one.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland: It’s gorgeous, it’s stunning, the gardens are amazing and Harry Potter was filmed there.  If you have kids, it’s most likely the best castle to visit in Northumberland.

Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland:  The castle at Dunstanburgh is a ruin and you can only get there on foot but it’s a glorious coastal Northumberland walk.  It’s atmospheric and moody and for me, it’s my favourite castle in Northumberland (despite breaking my wrist while visiting there) and that is primarily because of its location, right on a rocky coastline.  Dunstanburgh Castle is managed by English Heritage on National Trust land – members get in for free. ( join now and save money here ) . I’d put Dunstanburgh Castle at the top of my list of castles to visit to see in Northumberland. And I say that despite having broken my wrist here!

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland:  The castle at Bamburgh holds an amazingly beautiful position, right on the Northumberland coast and inside the grounds of Bamburgh Castle there are a HUGE amount of things to do there (you’ll need a LONG day to see it all) and it’s also located right next to the BEST BEACH in Northumberland and possibly IN THE ENTIRE WORLD.  There’s more on what to do in the village of Bamburgh here.

3. Visit Holy Island, Northumberland

Holy Island or Lindisfarne is one of the must-see places in Northumberland.  The island of Lindisfarne is accessible only via a tidal causeway and remains cut off for most of the tide.  Holy Island dates back to the 6 th century and became an important centre for Christianity with Saint Aidan recognised as bringing Christianity to this part of England. 

Walking to Holy Island – across the sands on the Pilgrim’s Path – is a glorious way to get here – and you can join a small group tour and ensure that you make the walk safely.

The ruined Lindisfarne Priory is beautiful and contains a huge amount of history in the heritage centre here.  The priory at Lindisfarne is managed by English Heritage and members get in for free (you can join English Heritage here – use code EH2020 for a 15% discount).  Lindisfarne Castle is also a must-visit on Holy Island – managed by the National Trust, there are stunning views from the castle walls and the garden design is quite incredible.  As the access to Holy Island is only via the tidal causeway it’s absolutely essential to plan your visit here based on the tides.  Our guide to Holy Island details everything that you need to know.

For a seriously local experience on Holy Island, you should stay overnight and see what the island is like after the day-trippers leave. There are a variety of places you can stay, from bed and breakfasts to hotels and holiday cottages.

4. Visit Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland

Hadrian’s Wall stretches from Wallsend on the East Coast of England to Bowness in Cumbria and was built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to protect the areas of England that the Romans controlled from those who might attack it (primarily at this time the Picts).  One of the great ways to see Hadrian’s Wall is to walk the 73 miles (135 kilometres) from coast to coast, but if you don’t have enough time for that, then there are a variety of other ways to see this Northumberland UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The BEST way to see Hadrian’s Wall is to take a short walk along it. It’s even better with a local guide to explain the history and really bring it to life. This EASY two-hour walk is a fabulous, but short explainer, and a great way to get into the park. It often sells out, so you’ll want to book your tickets early.

Housesteads Roman Fort is set on an escarpment and flanked by dramatic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall.  There are some incredible views here and as you tour the fort site, you can learn about life here as a Roman soldier.  There are ruins of the barracks block, hospital, Commander’s House, granaries, and communal toilets.  Once you head into the museum, though, you can see the fort brought to life in film with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings.  The museum also houses a collection of Roman finds.  The Housesteads trail lets you explore some of the glorious parts of Northumberland National Park.  Younger (or older, we’re not judging) visitors can also dig into the dressing up box and act out what it was like for the Roman soldiers here.  Buy your ticket to Housesteads Roman Fort here.

Corbridge Roman is an English Heritage managed site that enables you to walk through a Roman town ruins. The museum explains how life was here in Roman times and you can also explore the weapons and armour of Roman soldiers.  There are more details about Roman Corbridge here. Interpretive guides and walks let you walk around the ruins of the Roman town and understand how life was here.

Our full guide to the best places to see Hadrian’s Wall is here.

Vindolando was also an important border fort and is a unique location where you can watch live excavations.  Some of the unique findings are displayed in the museum here .

For the best places to stay near Hadrian’s Wall we put together a guide and you can find it here.

5. Take a Walk in Northumberland

Whether you like to walk for a short time or take multi-day hikes, Northumberland has it all.  The Hadrian’s Wall Walk stretches 73 miles and goes from the coast in Wallsend through Northumberland and into Cumbria to end on the west coast.  It’s a truly glorious and often wild hike that takes several days.  The Northumberland Coastal Path is truly one of the most gorgeous coastal walks in Europe.  The coastal path in Northumberland stretches along the coast of Northumberland for 62 miles (100 kilometres) from Berwick upon Tweed (check our awesome guide of what to do in Berwick here ) in the north down to Cresswell in the south.  There are beaches, rocky headlands, cosy villages and stunning castles.  We love the stretch that runs between Bamburgh and Amble. 

Talking a walk in Northumberland has to be our favourite of the free things to do in Northumberland and, if you plan your walk, it can take you to some of the best places to visit in Northumberland.

There are hundreds and hundreds of miles of public footpaths throughout Northumberland and into the National Park – the best way is to navigate them is with an Ordnance Survey Map – although we prefer the digital version – you can download offline maps with the OS Map from £2.99 a month > try it for free for a week here.

The path to Holy Island across the sands has been a pilgrimage route since 635AD. The road to Holy Island wasn’t constructed until 1954 and the tall vertical poles were the only markers to the island.  Following the Northumberland Pilgrim’s Way from the mainland to Holy Island is a unique walk in Northumberland.  You MUST take great care when taking this route – and be especially mindful of the tide times – always walk on a FALLING tide and let others know when you are leaving and what your expected arrival time is. You can always join a small group tour and walk the Pilgrim’s Path safely.

6. Explore Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park is one of the least visited in England, there are low levels of population and a huge amount of wildness.  England’s least populated National Park is excellent for hiking with more than 1100 kilometres of public footpaths through the park and it’s the most magnificent of places in Northumberland to visit for free.  Our guide to the Northumberland National Park is here . Water sports feature heavily too, with Kielder Reservoir providing for water skiing, sailing and canoeing.

Perhaps because of its remoteness, the National Park is superb for planet and star spotting.  It also means that there are things to do in Northumberland National Park after dark. Northumberland National Park is an official Dark Skies site – where you can both star spot independently and attend organized guided events.

It is easiest to explore Northumberland National Park by car and it’s easy to access, the A696 from the A1 near Newcastle will take you straight to the park.  Bus services operate during the summer months only with the AD122 bus linking the major attractions in Northumberland National Park.  Northumberland National Park makes an appearance in the openings of a novel by Sharon Bolton – it’s one of our must-read books set in Northumberland – and there are more books about Northumberland here.

7. Take in World Class Gardens in Northumberland

Four of the UK’s most stunning gardens are to be found in Northumberland – they’re a great combination of art and nature.  Some are formal, some are more natural, they’re all beautiful outdoor spaces in Northumberland that you should explore at some time in your trip.  Here’s our pick of Northumberland’s best gardens – there’s more in our full guide here.

• The Gertrude Jekyll Garden at Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island was created in 1911 when the castle was overhauled by architect Lutyens to turn it into a private residence. Managed now by the National Trust, the walled garden combines annuals, heritage vegetables and colourful perennials in a year-round oasis. There are 8 National Trust Properties in Northumberland, which makes it worth looking at membership options .
• Belsay Hall Gardens: located within the grounds of Belsay Hall and Castle, these gardens are recognised as a Grade I listed property.  They’re a glorious mix of formal and natural and it’s well worth visiting in different seasons because they constantly change.  There’s a designated walking route through the gardens with explanatory notes about what you’re seeing.  Our favourite is the Quarry Garden, which feels like you’re entering a secret world. You’ll rarely see a crowd here and that makes it one of the most glorious Northumberland places to visit.  The gardens at Belsay are managed by English Heritage and entrance for members is free – join here now to save. 

• The 12 acres of magnificent gardens at Alnwick Castle are a fabulous outdoor location for all the family to enjoy. The world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard combines with waterfalls, a treehouse restaurant and the poison garden for a unique day out.  The Alnwick Garden also comprises a rose garden and a number of seasonal activities throughout the year. Combined with the Castle itself and the connection with the Harry Potter film franchise this makes it one of the stunning must see places in Northumberland. There are HEAPS of things to do in Alnwick, read our guide here.
• There are few Northumberland destinations more stunning than Cragside , one of the top things to see in Rothbury. This was the first private house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity and the gardens were then and are not equally innovative.  Start by exploring the formal gardens, visit one of the largest rock gardens in the world and step into the Pinetum and see the conifers that were planted more than 140 years ago towering above you.  This combination of gardens is truly magical and has been managed by the National Trust since 1977. There’s even a holiday cottage available just over the wall from Cragside, we’ve covered it in our guide to the best places to stay in Rothbury.

8. Try and Spot Unique Wildlife in Northumberland

In a county that has low population density, there’s little wonder that Northumberland is a fabulous place for wildlife to thrive.  And there are ample opportunities to see some of England’s more unique species in their natural habitat.  Make a plan to find some of Northumberland’s favourite residents. Many of these can be seen in Northumberland National Park, which means that you can combine some of the best walks in Northumberland with wildlife spotting.

The Native Red Squirrel – constantly under threat from the bigger and more aggressive grey squirrels, England’s native red squirrels have found a home in Kielder Water and Forest Park.  You can join professional naturalists in Kielder on a Red Squirrel Safari ( check times and details here ) or simply explore yourself and be sure to report any sightings.  Explore all there is to do in Kielder in our guide here.

Chillingham Wild Cattle – this herd of around 90 cattle are the sole survivors of herds that once roamed the ancient forests of Britain.  They’re said to be rarer than Giant Pandas and are one of the unique things to see in Northumberland. You can see them at Chillingham Castle .

Grey Seals and Birdlife – take a trip from Seahouses out to the Farne Islands and you’ll see a huge amount of both birdlife and grey seals who make their homes on this group of islands.  Boat owners from Seahouses are great at pointing out specific species and varieties for an educational and fun trip.

10. Eat Northumberland Specialities. Drink Local Stuff too.

You can’t come to Northumberland and not eat some of the regional specialities.  There are lots of great restaurants and cafes in which to try some of Northumberland’s best food.  Here are two things to eat in Northumberland. And two things to drink. And read more about what to eat and drink in Northumberland here.

Ham and Pease Pudding Stotties :  You can buy the ingredients for this from any supermarket in Northumberland (and much of the North East of England).  A stotty is a large round flatbread that’s usually cooked in the bottom of the oven.  It’s dense and has a dent in the middle.  Cut your stotty in half, spread with butter and pease pudding (a smooth paste made from boiling split peas) and layer on chunks of cooked ham.  It’s filling, fabulous and usually a love or hate relationship.

Smoked Kippers from Craster Northumberland :  Kippers are smoked in the curing sheds and using secret century-old recipes in both the Swallowfish and L Robson & Sons smokehouses.  Smoked kippers are traditionally a breakfast dish in Northumberland, eaten with chunks of homemade butter brown bread.  You can buy them from the Robsons restaurants and takeaway in Craster, or the Swallowfish delicatessen in Seahouses.

Lindisfarne Mead :  Mead from Lindisfarne is a fortified honey wine combined with local spring water, fermented grape juice, hers and spirits.  Legend has it that the monks who lived on Holy Island made it.  You can taste before buying at St Aidan’s Winery on Holy Island and then buy bottles of various flavours and types to take home with you.

Have a cup of Earl Grey Tea in Northumberland :  Prime Minister, the Earl Charles Grey not only passed the 1832 Great Reform Bill, which introduced major changes to the electoral system in England and Wales, but he also was responsible for the creation of Earl Grey Tea.  The tea was blended specifically with bergamot oil to offset the strong taste of lime in the water at his seat, Howick Hall and Gardens.

There’s a whole lot more to eat and drink in Northumberland – check out our guide to the counties best dishes here .

10. Pick at least one of Northumberland’s Magnificent Beaches to visit

There are more than 30 miles of beaches in Northumberland.  Some are in seaside towns like Seahouses and are easy to get to.  Others like those on Longsands Island on the Farne Islands are visitable only by boat and specific permission.  There are beaches within Nature Reserves, like those at Budle Bay and rock and crab pools all along the coast.  Dog walkers are welcome on many beaches in Northumberland, horse riders too.  You’ll find miles and miles of hard-packed sands hidden behind dunes.  What’s perfect about beaches in Northumberland is that you’ll always be able to find a place for yourself.

Our favourite beach in the entire world is in Northumberland and it’s very easy to get to.  The beach at Bamburgh is vast, wild and gloriously wild for most of the year.  Come along some time and experience it.  On a fine sunny calm day, the beach is stunning, but we love it too when the wind is howling and the sea is wild, there’s definitely never anyone else around then…

If you do spend the day on the beach be sure to secure your valuables . We use and recommend portable travel safes.

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TRAVEL NORTHUMBERLAND ESSENTIALS These are the resources and booking sites that we use when we’re exploring Northumberland. BOOKS ABOUT NORTHUMBERLAND – Read about Northumberland in these incredible books BOOK BUSES & TRAINS to and from Northumberland with Omio RENT A CAR in Northumberland with Discover Cars ACCOMMODATION IN NORTHUMBERLAND : Book holiday cottages with Sykes Cottages & Holiday Cottages Find a glorious Northumberland Hotel or B&B with Booking.com Explore Northumberland’s Hostels with the YHA JOIN ENGLISH HERITAGE and explore Northumberland’s Castles & More WALK NORTHUMBERLAND with the Ordnance Survey App and maps BOOK ATTRACTIONS & NORTHUMBERLAND TOURS Use GetYourGuide for great Northumberland Attractions

Final Words on the Top 10 things to Do in Northumberland

It is difficult to reduce the top things to do in Northumberland to just 10 things and we’ve probably cheated a little bit here.  We hope that we’ve given you a sense of what to do in Northumberland. As one of England’s most northerly counties, Northumberland has an amazing combination of coastline, mountains, a superb National Park and the friendliest of people.  There are castles galore here – more than 70 of them – stately homes, hiking trails wildlife and a stunning location in which to view the stars in a recognised Dark Skies location.  There’s history, great food and, we think, one of the world’s best beaches.  Come on up, Northumberland is glorious and is waiting for you!

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Sarah Carter

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Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Northumberland

October 4, 2021

I’m originally from Northumberland, and I’ve spent loads of my life in the place.

I was born in the Northumbrian town of Cramlington, which isn’t particularly beautiful (unless you like shops or roundabouts), but it’s an excellent gateway to lots of Northumberland’s more remote, attractive and exciting areas.

Hugely underrated, not enough tourists come to Northumberland, but the place is a playground for anyone who likes hiking, cycling, beaches, castles and remote adventures in rural regions. The most northerly county in England, it borders Scotland, and it’s one of the nation’s least-populated areas (apart from all the sheep).

In this article, I’ve compiled the most beautiful places in Northumberland. I’ve included lots of the obvious places you probably already know about.

But I’ve also added plenty of genuine hidden gems that me, my friends and my family all love exploring.

I’ve included towns, villages, hikes, castles, beaches, coastal towns, weird stuff and loads more.

If you’re looking for stuff you probably won’t find anywhere else on the internet, there’s lots of it in this article, you lucky little boys and girls. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most beautiful places in Northumberland…

Hiking Spots

Beaches and coastal settlements, towns and villages, other adventure areas, get yourself to northumberland.

Hiking is my favorite thing to do in Northumberland (well, it’s my favorite thing to do anywhere). Here are some of the places you can find the the best hikes in Northumberland :

1. Simonside

Simonside is probably the most well-known casual hiking spot among Northumberland locals, because the views here far outweigh the effort required to get them.

The popular walk here is the round-trip hike from Lordenshaws car park up and along the jagged, rocky ridges of the Simonside Hills. Depending on which of the (all very similar) routes you take, the hike measures in at around 5 miles (8km) and only takes 2 or 3 hours. It’s a great hike, but it gets more popular all the time, so don’t expect the famous Northumberland solitude here.

If you prefer hikes with a little more seclusion, there are plenty in and around the area. Try walking from Rothbury to Scots Gap, or from Rothbury up to the Simonside ridge. Both walks are much less popular, but they’re both almost as beautiful. The entire area is brimming with craggy rocks, heathery fields , working farms, far-reaching views and barely-trodden tracks.

While you’re near Scot’s Gap, consider the Wannie Line Walk, an easy but excellent circular route which takes hikers along two now-unused railway lines. It takes you past rivers, farms, lime kilns, big cows, countless sheep and plenty more. It’s a very flat walk, and it measures in at around 6 miles (9.5km).

This entire area is also massively popular with rock climbers, offering lots of accessible but challenging routes.

2. Hadrian’s Wall – And Other Long-Distance Adventures

When most people think about hiking in Northumberland, they think about Hadrian’s Wall.

Hadrian’s Wall Walk is massively popular because it combines lots of excellent perks into one attractive little package – you get great towns and villages, barren stretches of wilderness, walks both long and short, excellent landscapes and some of the most historically-significant sites in the whole of the UK.

A Roman wall built under the guidance of Emperor Hadrian from AD 122 onwards, Hadrian’s Wall was designed for keeping the northern barbarians out of England.

Now, it’s the location of many of Northumberland’s best walks.

Some highlights along the way include the lone tree of Sycamore Gap (probably the most photographed site in Northumberland), the Roman Fort of Housesteads and endless milecastles, wall fragments and historical sites.

If you’re going to walk only one stretch of the wall, go for the sections north of Haltwhistle and Bardon Mill.

For hardcore hikers, you can tackle the entire Hadrian’s Wall route from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, a long-distance epic that measures around 84 miles (135km). Lots of the walk is in Northumberland (and the best bits are), but many parts creeps into other counties too.

Check out my detailed guide to the Hadrian’s Wall Path here.

If you prefer traveling by bike, consider Hadrian’s Cycleway, probably the most easy and accessible coast to coast cycle route in the whole of the UK.

If you’re looking for other famous long-distance hikes and bike rides in or near Northumberland, consider the C2C bike ride , The Reivers Route, The Pennine Way , The Coast and Castles , and The Northumberland Coastal Path (but more on those last two soon).

For lesser-known long-distance trails, consider St. Oswald’s Way and St. Cuthbert’s Way, both of which end on the isolated and unusual island of Lindisfarne. The former is 97 miles (156km) and runs from Heavenfield (along Hadrian’s Wall) while the latter is 62.5 miles (100km) and runs from the Scottish border town of Melrose. They’re both pilgrimage routes, making them sort-of Northumbrian alternatives to the Spanish Camino de Santiago.

While most of St. Cuthbert’s Way is in Northumberland, all of St. Oswald’s Way runs through the county. Both are obscure and remote, perfect if you like walking in proper solitude and serenity.

3. The Cheviots

If you want rugged, go to The Cheviots, home of the highest peak in Northumberland. This highest peak lends the range its name, and clocks in at a lofty altitude of 815 meters.

The entire area is barren, boggy and packed with moors, with lots of excellent trails to explore. The most popular is the walk along Harthope Valley and up to the Cheviot itself. Other options include a loop-shaped traverse of the entire ridge, taking in other small peaks including Hedgehope, and the ascent up to Hedgehope from the pretty and popular waterfall of Linhope Spout.

Behind Harthope Valley, the most popular part of the Cheviots, is College Valley, which I haven’t explored myself, but I’ve heard it’s amazing. If you want the Cheviots experience but with even more remote wilderness, you’ll find it there.

4. Upper Coquetdale

Upper Coquetdale is one of the most remote parts of Northumberland, and it’s absolutely the least explored hiking area on our list. The region is a roughly-defined area close to the England-Scotland border, along the river Coquet, the length of which actually jostles through lots of the towns, villages and areas in this article.

Anyway, if it’s close to Alwinton, Harbottle and Barrowburn, and if it’s east of Kielder and southwest of The Cheviots, it’s probably in Upper Coquetdale. But no matter what you want to call it, the region is outrageously beautiful, brimming with farms, animals, ridges, wildflowers, moorland, meadows, exposed wilderness and strange ancient sites.

There are a huge number of hiking highlights in Upper Coquetdale, including the Drake Stone Walk, The Barrowburn Circuit and some excellent trails right along the silent and serene Scottish border.

5. Other Hikes in Northumberland

Other good hiking spots include Kielder (but much more on that place later), along with Thrunton Woods, Chopwell Woods (which is also great for mountain biking), Holywell Dene, Bolam Lake (perfect for gentler jaunts), the Morpeth to Bothal walk along the River Wansbeck, and the hugely-underrated wander from Edlingham Castle to Lemmington Hall via the old Rothbury to Alnwick railway line.

Northumberland’s beaches are some of the best in England – some of the region is an officially-designated Area of Natural Beauty, and you can’t argue with that. My favorite beaches and coastal settlements in Northumberland include…

1. Druridge Bay

Less remote than most other entries on this list is Druridge Bay, a lengthy stretch measuring in at around 7 miles (12km). One of the longest sandy beaches in the area, its seas and sands are massively popular with hikers, surfers, dog walkers, families, birdwatchers, swimmers and everyone in between.

It’s always quiet here, and even on a busy day, there’s plenty of space to find solitude. The area has sandy dunes, rock pools, excellent wildlife and lots of nearby woods and meadows.

2. Craster and Embleton Bay

Famous for its kippers (bright yellow fillets of smoked herring, if you’re interested), Craster is a tiny little coastal village plonked right in the middle of the Northumberland coast.

It’s ridiculously charming, with its diminutive port, rudimentary fishing boats and close proximity to the towering ruins of hefty Dunstanburgh Castle. If you’re looking for a great mid-distance coastal walk, wander from Craster to Seahouses, a hike that measures in at around 10 miles (16km).

It’s my favorite stretch of the Northumbrian coast.

Part of this stretch includes Embleton Bay, a wide, golden, dune-backed beach that seems to stretch on forever. It’s one of the best beaches in Northumberland.

3. Seahouses

Speaking of Seahouses, it’s lovely, and offers varied attractions including mini golf, fish and chips, boat trips, day trips and nearby nesting puffins on the remote and unpopulated Farne Islands.

And if looking at cute little puffins isn’t appealing, I don’t know what’s wrong with you.

For family fun, Seahouses is the best coastal destination in Northumberland, with a great combination of adventurous excitement and handy conveniences. Around 2.5 miles (4 km) south of Seahouses is Beadnell Bay, one of my favorite beaches in Northumberland.

4. Northumberland Coastal Path

The Northumberland Coastal Path is without doubt the best way to see loads of the highlights along the Northumberland Coast. A long-distance walking trail that takes hikers all the way from Cresswell to Berwick, it covers a huge amount of the stuff I’ve already mentioned in this guide.

Measuring in at 100km (62 miles), it takes in Warkworth, Amble, Alnmouth, Craster, Seahouses, Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, Berwick and loads more. If you want to see lots of Northumberland’s most popular coastal highlights in one long stretch, it’s absolutely the best way to do it.

If you’d prefer to see it all by bike, consider the Coast and Castles cycle route , a long-distance cycling trail that measures in at 200 miles (320km) or 170 miles (275km), depending on which route you take. It stretches from Newcastle to Edinburgh, and takes in some of Northumberland’s best spots and scenery (including, unsurprisingly, lots of coasts and castles).

5. Other Coastal Spots in Northumberland

Other good options include Blyth Beach, Seaton Sluice (which has a beautiful little harbour), Bamburgh Beach, Low Newton Beach and the incredible fishing village of Alnmouth (which has some excellent walks).

Northumberland is one of the most castled regions in the world, with more than 70 castles in the county, ranging from crumbling ruins to massive complexes. They’re a great insight into lots of the region’s history and heritage, but loads of them are great just because they’re beautiful buildings in beautiful places. Here are some of the best castles in Northumberland :

1. Bamburgh Castle

This is my favorite castle in Northumberland. I’ve never been in it (I think going in castles is boring), but it’s by far the most scenic and picturesque castle in the county, looming starkly on the brow of a cliffy hill.

The best viewpoint of Bamburgh Castle is from the golden shores of the beach north of the complex. From here, the castle dominates the skyline, making it one of the most popular photography spots in the entire county.

Bamburgh itself is a charming and tiny little town, made up of a smattering of houses and a big green field. If you’re interested in maritime history, check out the town’s Grace Darling Museum.

2. Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle imposes itself on the town that surrounds it, rising up on a big lump of a hill that overlooks the area.

There are lots of coastal walks and riverside walks in the area, many of which offer excellent views of the castle’s massive ruins.

The town of Warkworth itself is a nice place to explore, and it’s full of pretty buildings and nearby farms and bays. The beach is great, and there are lots of cute cafes, eateries and architecture. It’s one of the bigger villages in the area.

3. Alnwick Castle

One of the biggest castles in Northumberland (it’s actually the second-biggest inhabited castle in England), Alnwick Castle is now most famous as one of the filming sites of Harry Potter. But if you’re not 5 years old and you don’t care about imaginary wizards, there’s plenty more to explore and enjoy here.

The building is beautiful, the interiors are incredible, the gardens are even better, and the landscape surrounding the entire complex is just as good. If you want to visit a traditional English castle, this is as good as you’ll find anywhere.

When you’re checking out Alnwick Castle, make sure you go to the nearby Barter Books, one of the best second-hand book shops in the UK. The town of Alnwick is also a great place to explore, with its labyrinthine web of narrow lanes and cobbled streets.

4. Other Castles (and Old Buildings) in Northumberland

Another highlight is Chillingham Castle, allegedly one of the most haunted castles in the world (if you believe in all that stuff).

For smaller castles, try Mitford Castle (the walk from here to Morpeth is great), Prudhoe Castle, Etal Castle and Aydon Castle. Again, make sure you check out Dunstanburgh Castle, close to Craster.

Northumberland is also packed with manor houses and other ancient buildings. Some of the best include Wallington Hall, Cragside, Howick Hall, Matfen Hall and Belsay Hall.

Northumberland is brimming with loads of picturesque, diminutive settlements. Here are some of the prettiest towns and villages in Northumberland :

1. Rothbury

With a beautiful riverside location, some great places to eat and drink and lots of nearby hikes, Rothbury is an excellent location for anyone wanting to explore outdoor adventures in Northumberland.

It’s an excellent base for exploring Simonside and other nearby areas, the riverside walk through and beyond the town is excellent, and it has lots of options for accommodation.

If you want a rural but convenient base for exploring the northern parts of Northumberland, Rothbury is an excellent choice. Aside from all the walks, popular trips from Rothbury include Brinkburn Priory, Cragside and Fontburn Reservoir.

2. Otterburn

Otterburn is brilliantly located for exploring the wilder parts of Northumberland, and it’s ridiculously beautiful, with endless farmland, countless sheep, a cute bridge and a handful of charming little houses.

Otterburn is a sort-of rural crossroads for exploring lots of the wider area, with the Cheviots and Upper Coquetdale to its northeast, and Kielder and Hadrian’s Wall to its southwest. And because it’s situated right on a main road, Otterburn is convenient for driving in and around Northumberland.

Otterburn is smaller and less well-equipped than Rothbury, but it’s a perfect place for people who like overnighting in really rural places. There are a very small number of eateries and shops here, but nothing major.

If you want conveniences, don’t stay in Otterburn, but if views and location are your priorities, you won’t find any better.

3. Morpeth (and More)

Morpeth is one of the biggest towns in the northern part of Northumberland, along with Berwick, Alnwick and Hexham.

You should use one of these four as a base if you want somewhere close to rurality but with all the amenities and conveniences you need on a longer trip. If you want good restaurants and bars, or if you’re traveling with kids, these towns give you enough comfort and conveniences to keep everyone happy.

Morpeth is my favorite of them all, as it’s the best compromise between pretty and convenient.

It’s well-located for outdoor adventures, it’s linked to Newcastle-upon-Tyne by train, and it’s relatively attractive. If you’re traveling with kids, check out Carlisle Park, Whitehouse Farm and Northumberland County Zoo, all of which are in and around the town.

1. Hareshaw Linn

The waterfall of Hareshaw Linn isn’t mind-blowing, but it’s a great gentle jaunt for families, couples and people who can’t be bothered with anything intense. The round-trip walk from the village of Bellingham measures in at around 3 miles (5km).

The walk to the waterfall takes you over bridges, through forests and beyond lots of rare mosses, lichens and birds. Bellingham itself is a pretty little town – it’s small and cosy, and it’s a good place to spend a couple of hours.

If you like waterfalls, also consider Linhope Spout (near The Cheviots), and Crammel Linn.

Kielder is lots of things.

It’s cycling, it’s hiking, it’s beautiful and it’s one of the biggest areas of officially-designated dark sky in Europe. But more than any of that, it’s home to the biggest reservoir (by volume) in England.

For mountain biking, Kielder is one of the best destinations in England, with lots of excellent trails both long and short.

If you prefer slightly gentler rides, Kielder’s Lakeside Way is incredible – it’s a 26-mile (40km) circuit that runs around the entire perimeter of the reservoir, and it’s the best way to get acquainted with the entirety of the region.

For stargazing, Kielder is genuinely one of the best places on the planet. If you come here on a clear night, you’ll see more stars than you’ve probably ever seen .

The observatory here is packed with excellent equipment, and the staff are massively knowledgeable. Want to look through an industry-strength telescope while someone points the planets out to you? At Kielder, you can.

Check out my big list of the best things you can experience in Kielder .

3. Lindisfarne

I know this sounds like a horrendous cliché, but Lindisfarne is like something from a fairy tale. Imagine a remote, rugged, ancient, sacred place that you can only access depending on the flow of the tides, and you’re imagining Lindisfarne.

Linked to the mainland by a sometimes-unusable causeway, Lindisfarne is of huge religious significance, and it’s more commonly known as ‘Holy Island’. St. Aidan came to this tiny, isolated island to build a monastery in AD 635, and it’s probably hardly changed since.

It’s a beautiful place for a stroll, the drive from the mainland is ridiculously unique, and the whole island feels like it’s frozen in time. If you like a combination of beautiful and bizarre, you’ll love Lindisfarne.

On the mainland, close to Lindisfarne, is St. Cuthbert’s Cave, a mysterious, wooded and rocky sandstone cavern that’s supposedly the burial place of St. Cuthbert.

See – I told you Northumberland is packed with lots of ridiculously beautiful places. And that’s only a few of them. I could have written about loads more, but you were probably already wondering when on earth this big long boring article was gonna end.

Instead, you can check out my compilation of all the things that Northumberland is famous for !

Anyway, make sure you go to Northumberland. It’s genuinely one of the most underrated regions in the UK, and it’s full of remote, rural, beautiful places.

Want to know anything else about traveling in England? We have lots of guides on our site, including articles on the C2C bike ride , the Coast to Coast walk , the Pennine Way and the most unique things to do in the north . We also have city guides on Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool.

Whatever you want to know about traveling in the UK or England, we have it right here on our site. Stick with us!

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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Enjoy Northumberland

Places To Visit in Northumberland

Northumberland, a county in the northeast of England, is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness. With its stunning landscapes, ancient castles, and charming villages, Northumberland offers a unique and diverse experience for travelers seeking a blend of history and nature. In this blog post, we will explore some of the must-visit places that make Northumberland a captivating destination.

Top 5 Places To Visit in Northumberland

• Bamburgh Castle:

Perched on a rocky plateau overlooking the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle stands as an iconic symbol of Northumberland’s rich history. Dating back to the 6th century, this medieval fortress has witnessed centuries of battles and royal visits. Visitors can explore the castle’s imposing exterior, wander through its opulent state rooms, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from its battlements. The surrounding village of Bamburgh, with its quaint cottages and welcoming pubs, adds to the charm of this historic location.

• Alnwick Castle and Gardens:

Known as the “Windsor of the North,” Alnwick Castle boasts a fascinating history and is still the residence of the Duke of Northumberland. The castle’s grand architecture and opulent interiors have made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including the famous Harry Potter series. Additionally, the adjacent Alnwick Gardens offer a delightful escape with beautiful landscaped areas, a stunning water feature, and a treehouse restaurant that provides a unique dining experience.

• Hadrian’s Wall:

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Hadrian’s Wall is a journey back in time. Built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches across the Northumberland countryside. Walking along the wall provides a sense of awe and a connection to the past, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The Roman forts, such as Housesteads and Vindolanda, along the route offer further insights into the life of Roman soldiers stationed on this northern frontier.

• Holy Island (Lindisfarne):

Accessible by a causeway that is covered by the tide twice a day, Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, is a place of spiritual significance and natural beauty. The Lindisfarne Priory, founded in the 7th century, showcases the island’s medieval history and the beautifully preserved ruins. The serene beaches and coastal walks make Holy Island an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection to nature.

• Farne Islands:

A short boat trip from Seahouses takes you to the enchanting Farne Islands, a group of rocky islets teeming with wildlife. From puffins and seals to a variety of seabirds, the islands provide a unique opportunity for birdwatching and wildlife photography. The untouched beauty of the Farne Islands, combined with the refreshing sea breeze, creates a memorable and immersive experience.

Northumberland’s blend of history, nature, and cultural richness makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a diverse and immersive experience. Whether exploring ancient castles, walking along Hadrian’s Wall, or discovering the wildlife on the Farne Islands, Northumberland offers a journey through time and nature that will leave a lasting impression. So, pack your bags and embark on a memorable adventure in this picturesque corner of England.

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10 beautiful places to visit in Northumberland England

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 6, 2023

Northumberland is the northernmost county of England and borders Scotland to the north and the English countries of Durham, Tyne and Wear and Cumbria. With a population of 320,000 and no major cities, Northumberland is the least densely populated county in England.

The site of many battles between the Scots and the English Northumberland has more castles than any other county. While some castles are in ruins others remain inhabited to this day including Alnwick and Bamburgh Castles. If you are a Harry Potter fan you may recognise Alnwick Castle as it made an appearance in two of the films.

With its wild and rugged coastline and beautiful moorlands, gardens, beaches and quaint market towns you are spoilt for choice with so many wonderful places to visit in Northumberland. 

It can be quite overwhelming to decide where to visit when there is so much to see and do. You may be wondering…

1. Where are the best days out in Northumberland?

2. When is the best time to visit Northumberland?

3. Which castles are the best to visit in Northumberland?

4. Where should we stay in Northumberland?

5. How to plan a drive along the Northumberland Coastal Route ?

In this article, you will find answers to all these questions. As well as recommending 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Northumberland there is additional practical information at the end to help you plan your trip.

1. Alnwick Castle and Garden

2. the farne islands off the northumberland coast, 3. visit morpeth, 4. dunstanburgh castle.

• 5. Walk Hadrian's Wall

6. Howick Hall & Gardens – home of the Earls Grey

7. bamburgh castle, 8. the holy island of lindisfarne, 10. visit northumberland national park, recommended tours of northumberland, accommodation options in northumberland, enjoy your stay in beautiful northumberland, top 10 places to visit in northumberland.

By Kathi Kamleitner from Watch Me See

I visited Alnwick Castle & Garden as part of a day trip from Edinburgh , but even though I had been to other places around Northumberland before, it was and still is my absolute highlight in the region!

The oldest parts of the castle are as old as the 11th century and as if a thousand-year-long history was not enough, it also featured in a variety of movies and TV shows, like Harry Potter, Robin Hood and Downton Abbey. So whether you are a history buff or a film tourist, you will love laying your eyes on this medieval beauty!

The castle is owned by the Duke of Northumberland and inside the castle you can see photographs and memorabilia of the family dotted between antique furniture and art. The castle may have been remodelled a few times to accommodate a few comforts of modern life, but it still has a very medieval feel to it.

I loved walking around the castle grounds inside the massive walls. It is where Harry Potter and his friends first learnt to fly and Potter fans can go into full wizard/witch mode by taking one of the broomstick training sessions offered by the castle.

Alnwick Garden is the brainchild of the Duchess of Northumberland – a widespread landscaped garden with several themed areas. There is a cherry orchard with swings between trees, a fenced off section filled with poisonous plants, a beautiful rose garden and the impressive Grand Cascade at the centre.

The entrance fee is a bit hefty, particularly if you get a combi ticket for the castle and garden, but there is so much to explore and discover, you can easily spend an entire day between the two attractions!

Read more about things to do and see in Alnwick.

by Sarah Carter from   Northumberlands Best

How could you not visit Sir David Attenborough’s favourite place in the UK? The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the Northumberland Coast, most commonly visited from the town of Seahouses .

Even on a boat trip, without landing on the islands you’ll be able to spot up to 23 varieties of seabirds – from razorbills to puffins and guillemots. The island group is also home to Atlantic seals – housing the largest breeding colony in England with around 1,000 pups born here each autumn.

The islands are owned by the National Trust , so there is a fee to pay to land on them, although this is waived for trips to the Longstone Lighthouse.  Here (and in the museum in Bamburgh) you can follow the story of Victorian heroine  Grace Darling .  

At just 22 years of age, she, with her father William, who was the keeper of Longstone Lighthouse, rescued survivors of the stricken steamer SS Forfarshire in 1838.

Visit the Farne Islands and you’ll see national history, women’s history and also natural history.  It’s a beautiful place and a stunning natural environment .

by Ron and Michele of Legging It

Morpeth is a town not to miss on your visit to Northumberland, nestling on the banks of the River Wansbeck you can meander along it’s banks enjoying the beautiful parklands and the views across to the town. There are now plenty of bridge crossings but if you are after a bit of history you can use the Steppe Stones to take you across from one side to the other.

If you like gardens the William Turner (the Botanist not the Painter) Gardens and Millennium Gardens are both nice places to stop of and enjoy the flowers and visiting birds.

Another famous resident was suffragette Emily Davison , you can find a memorial to her in St Mary’s Church and she is buried in the family plot there.

The Chantry Bagpipe Museum (yes there are bagpipes outside Scotland) is also worth a visit as it gives you an interesting insight into the history of bagpipes.

If you are visiting around October they also have a food festival where you can enjoy a huge variety of local food and entertainment. Morpeth is a great little town, it is big enough to keep you busy for a couple of days while still small enough that you are not surrounded by people all the time, this makes it the perfect base to explore more of Northumberland.

by Heather and Pete from The Conversant Traveller

Northumberland isn’t short of castles , so it can be hard to choose which to visit during your stay.

One of our favourites is Dunstanburgh Castle , a mysterious and dramatic ruin standing proudly on a remote windswept headland, just a half hour easy walk from the tiny and beautiful fishing village of Craster .

Built at the beginning of the 14th Century, Dunstanburgh Castle survived sieges and fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses , and was captured more than once, but later fell to ruin and today is one of the most iconic sights to visit in Northumberland.

The twin-towered keep is perhaps the most impressive remaining feature, with superb views along the coast towards Bamburgh Castle. Yet the best views are from afar, as you approach Dunstanburgh along the coastal footpath.

Whilst you’re exploring the castle, don’t forget to check out the towering cliffs and seabird colony behind the castle, it’s a great spot for a picnic and endless views out to sea.

The castle is free to National Trust and English Heritage members, and parking is in Craster Village. Incidentally, it’s worth spending some time in Craster after your castle visit, to watch the fishermen bobbing about in their boats, and to try the famous kippers, apparently a bit of a favourite with the Royal Family!

5. Walk Hadrian’s Wall

by Laurence from Finding the Universe

A long time ago, the Romans built themselves a big empire across Europe. They did pretty well at conquering large swathes of the continent, but somehow the wild north of the UK – which we call Scotland today – managed to elude their grasp.

The war-like Pictish people were having none of it, and after some failed attempts at conquest, the Romans decided that maybe a fairly damp corner of the British Isles wasn’t worth losing men over, so they decided to wall it off.

Hadrian’s Wall was the result – a spectacular metres high eighty mile long fortified wall that stretched from one side of England to the other, and which marked the northern boundary of the Roman empire in the UK. It was named for the Roman Emperor of the time, Hadrian, and took less than six years to build.

This wall stood as an effective barrier for 300 years, until the Roman Empire fell. In that time it was home to tens of thousands of people, responsible for defending the wall from invaders, as well as all the people whom such a mass of people attract, from market traders to tradespeople, and more.

With soldiers and slaves sourced from the entire empire, it was also a truly multi cultural location, even if it wasn’t exactly a popular posting thanks to the weather.

Today, much of the wall has gone, but parts remain. A popular hike follows the path of the wall from end to end, and there are various archaeological sites along the route where you can see the remains of Roman encampments. It’s a must for anyone visiting Northumberland, or taking a UK road trip .

Do you enjoy Earl Grey tea? Howick Hall is the residence of the Earls Grey and the birthplace of the tea that bears its creator’s name. Take a stroll through the gardens and arboretum before retiring to the Earl Grey Tea House which is exclusive to visitors to the Hall.

Pour yourself a cup of tea which was especially blended for the 2nd Earl Grey by a Chinese mandarin to suit the water from the spring at Howick.

Apparently, the bergamot was added to counter the taste of lime that was in the local water. The tea proved popular and the rest is history! Apparently, as the family did not register a trade mark for Earl Grey they have made not a penny from it!

Howick Hall is not open all year round so do check the website for further details. Season tickets are available which cost £28 single and £48 double. Alternatively, pay £7.70 for adults and £6.60 for the over 60’s. Children are free.

by The Chaotic Scot

As you enter the sleepy Northumbrian village of Bamburgh , prepare to be greeted by an epic castle staged on a chunk of volcanic rock. Bamburgh Castle is a beautiful, imposing structure which looks good from every angle; grab a photo with the village’s cute cottages and street lanterns in the foreground, or wander over the sand dunes for a view from the beach.

There are mentions of a wooded fortress on the site as far back as the 6 th century, however the striking stone castle you see today came much later. 

Over the years, the castle has seen many an interesting character within its walls: Vikings, ancient kings and the Normans . After seeing a ‘for sale’ ad in the newspaper, Lord Armstrong of Cragside bought Bamburgh Castle in 1894 and spent the last years of his life restoring it.

Today it is the ancestral home of the Armstrong family, and is one of Northumbria’s most impressive castles. Wander through the stunning Kings Hall, watch a live archaeological excavation and learn about the castle with a guided tour or audio tour.  

Lindisfarne or Holy Island as it is known locally can be accessed via a causeway. It is important to check tide times prior to visiting the island or you may find yourself unable to drive to the island or back onto the mainland!

Famous for the Lindisfarne Gospels the island was repeatedly plundered by the Vikings. Lindisfarne Priory is acknowledged as one of the most important centres of early Christianity. The initial resting place of St Cuthbert and home to the most celebrated illuminated books in the world Lindisfarne should be a definite on any itinerary to Northumberland.

Purchase some locally brewed mead on the island and stroll to Lindisfarne Castle which was built with stones from the Priory (demolished during the dissolution of the Monasteries)

Learn more – Things to do on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Hexham is a thriving market town in Northumberland and also the place of my birth!

Hexham Abbey is the main historical attraction in the town. It was built in AD474. The crypt of the original monastery survives and incorporates many stones taken from Roman ruins in the area. Hexham as a border town has been the site of many skirmishes throughout history.

Hexham is also home to England’s first purpose-built prison built in 1330-3. Take a visit and discover a wide-range of family-friendly activities including the chance to meet the gaoler!

If markets are more your thing then pop into Hexham on market days – Tuesdays and Saturdays weekly.

Begin your adventure by visiting the Sill which is a brand new landscape discovery centre. This will inspire you to explore further and discover more of the land around.

From there visit Hadrian’s Wall a UNESCO World Heritage Site which spans the park from east to west. Stop and walk the ancient roman wall and visit some of the larger sites such as Chesters Roman fort or the remains of a third-century Roman temple Bocolitia.

Northumberland National Park offers amazing stargazing opportunities and forms part of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. The park is also Europe’s largest area of protected night sky and is officially the best place In England to enjoy the heavens.

A number of sites have been identified as perfect Dark Skies Discover Sites such as Cawfields, Stonehaugh and Harbottle.

While walking the park keep an eye out for wildlife including roe deer, wild goats and the beautiful native red squirrel.

And finally a visit to Northumberland National Park would not be complete without a visit to the Sycamore Gap tree . This tree is one of the most photographed in the country and stands in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall in the park. It has (in 2016) won the award for English Tree of the Year from the Woodland Trust.

Tips and things to know when visiting Northumberland

• Alnwick is pronounced “Ann-ick”
• The North-East coast of England can be cold and windy all year round so pack accordingly! It can be hot in summer and when it is there is always the possibility of a sea fret – which is a cool mist that covers the coast and the temperature will drop considerably. If there is a sea fret drive inland! Check out my UK packing guide which suggests what to pack for all season.
• Parking can be extremely difficult in summer particularly in popular places like Bamburgh so go early or prepare to wait a while or walk a long way!
• Be careful of the birds when it is nesting season or you will be swooped! (or pooped on)
• Check for low tide  before you go to Holy Island!
• Carry change for parking!

If you are pushed for time or prefer to take a tour of some of the beautiful places mentioned in this article I recommend some of the following options from Get Your Guide .

Hadrian’s Wall: 2-Hour Guided Tour

Travel back 2000 years to a time when Hadrian’s Wall was a frontier, a place where two cultures collided, on this award-winning tour.

Find out more about Roman history with a local guide, and delight in scenic views of the Northumberland National Park.

Hexham: Hadrian’s Wall and The Romans Full Day Guided Tour

Embark on an award-winning full-day tour that transports you back 2000 years in time.

With an expert guide, explore Hadrian’s Wall, a frontier where two cultures collided, and uncover what life was like for the locals and the Romans at the time.

Alnwick Castle & Holy Island Tour from Edinburgh

Enjoy a full‐day tour that takes you across the Scottish border to the northeast coast of England.

Learn about the historic rivalries, visit the Holy Island, and stop to see Alnwick Castle, made famous by its appearance in the Harry Potter film franchise.

Choosing accommodation for your holiday in Northumberland can be overwhelming with the vast amount of choices available.

Click here for a selection of the best seaside cottages to stay in on the Northumberland Coast.

Click here for the best places to stay in Northumberland for a range of travel styles and budgets.

I am sure you will have lots of ideas for places to visit in Northumberland after reading this article! Whether you are spending a weekend, a week or simply looking for day trip ideas Northumberland is a beautiful destination.

For more planning ideas why not join my free Facebook group?

Join my UK and London travel planning group on Facebook for more tips, inspiration and help from other travelers planning future travel to London and the UK.

I am originally from Northumberland and although I no longer live there I enjoy writing about this beautiful county, You may be interested in reading some of my other articles –

• Planning a drive up the Northumberland Coast

Although this is a wonderful journey by train the best way to see the area is by car. This guide has all the information yo need to plan your trip along the coast of Northumberland.

• A selection of books to read before you visit Northumberland

If you enjoy reading about an area before you visit (like me!) why not check out this selection of books all about the county of Northumberland.

• A guide to 6 Northumberland Castles

With more castles than any other county you can spend a few weeks just visiting them all! This guide tells you about 6 of the best including Alnwick and Bamburgh.

• A visit to Barter Books in Alnwick

Do not visit Alnwick without a trip to this bookshop – arguably the best second-hand bookshop in the entire world!

• The ultimate UK bucket list

100 places to visit in the UK – organised by region. How many have you seen?

• Northumberland Travel Guide

Practical tips to help plan your trip to this beautiful English county

11 Places You HAVE to Visit in Northumberland, England

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Oh wow. Northumberland is AMAZING! I can’t believe it took me so long to visit! There are so many places to visit in Northumberland and it can be pretty overwhelming… don’t worry – I got you!

Northumberland is England’s most northern county (yep, it borders Scotland) and has the lowest population density in England. Its lack of light also makes it a stargazer’s dream – the Dark Sky Park is the largest expanse of protected dark sky in the country.

And in rare occurrences (very rare) you can see the NORTHERN LIGHTS here! WHAT?! Don’t worry, I’m constantly watching the space weather now and when that Kp number goes through the roof, I’ll be taking the 3-hour drive up there! #longhairdontcare

Bamburgh Castle at sunrise

11 Places to Visit in Northumberland

There’s something for everyone – castles, beaches, gardens, countryside, and cute fishing villages.

You can easily everything the best the county has to offer in a long weekend. If you don’t want to rush then opt for a more leisurely week-long getaway.

Most places are kid-friendly and perfect family days out and on the flip side, perfect for a romantic trip for a couple. This is also a great area for a girl’s weekend or for a solo traveler to explore!

1. Angel of the North

I couldn’t not mention this grand sculpture.

Standing tall over the A1, the Angel of the North welcomes you to the north!

The sculpture was completed in 1998 and it’s 66ft tall with wings that measure 177ft across.

There’s a small parking lot (it’s on a one way road, so it’s a little awkward when you are leaving and want to get back on the highway) with some refreshments.

You’re not going to spend all day here! But if you’re driving up from the south it’s a good place to stop and have a coffee or a quick picnic in the shadow of the angel.

2. Alnwick Castle

Did you know Northumberland has the most castles out of any other county in the UK?!

True Story.

So you know I have to include some mega castle envy on here!

Alnwick Castle is one of the most famous castles in England. It’s the second largest inhabited castle in England (second to Windsor Castle) and a major filming location.

Alnwick Castle was built in the 11th century to control and protect the border during Norman times. It is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland and has been since the early 1300s. The Percy family STILL lives in the castle today and still uses most of the staterooms that you get to walk through! (Hence the reason you cannot take photos of the inside).

History aside, I’m sure there’s another big reason you’re visiting Alnwick Castle…because it’s a HARRY POTTER FILMING LOCATION! This is one of my favorite Hogwarts filming locations and is a stop on my popular Harry Potter filming locations road trip !

Alnwick Castle also makes an appearance in Transformers: The Last Knight, Robin Hood, and stars as the role of Brancaster Castle in the Downton Abbey Christmas Special (ALL the staterooms are highlighted here, so you can get a glimpse of what they look like before you visit!!).

When you’re finished with the castle and staterooms, head on over to the perfectly manicured gardens, and don’t forget to take a tour of the infamous poison garden!

Entrance to the staterooms (left), Flying lesson (right)

Tips for Visiting Alnwick Castle

• You should purchase tickets in advance. The castle ticket and garden ticket are SEPARATE and need to be purchased separately with two different entry times.
• If you want to visit the state rooms, you must purchase tickets the day of for timed entry.
• If you want to take the broomstick training, then you need to purchase tickets the day of and reserve your time slot.
• You can take the famous “broomstick flying” photo without taking the lesson. Just get there at opening, turn right and walk around the corner as soon as the castle opens, and have a nice chit-chat with the wizards setting up for the day. They might be nice and let you borrow for 15 minutes while you take your photos!!
• You can also borrow a broom between lessons, but you’ll only get about 5 minutes to take your photo.

3. Bamburgh Castle

It’s VERY HARD to try to pick my favorite castle in the UK… so I’ll just stick with a top five list.

Bamburgh Castle is definitely on my top five list.

This being a hot spot for places to visit in Northumberland, you’ll need to plan ahead.

GET THERE EARLY!

You don’t have to pre-book your ticket, but I HIGHLY recommend it. The line for pre-purchased tickets was longer, but it went by a hundred times quicker than waiting to purchase your ticket.

As soon as you enter the castle you’ll come to the main crossroads. Do not follow the crowd and go to the viewpoint on the right, turn left (almost make a U-turn) and go towards the staterooms in the inner bailey. You don’t need an extra ticket and there’s no timed entry, but if you leave it too late then there will be a long wait because there is only a limited amount of people allowed in the rooms.

Once you exit the staterooms, walk back around to the entrance and go past it. You’ll get a beautiful viewpoint of the ocean and the dunes. In fact, anywhere in the castle will give you amazing panoramic beach views!

You can explore the rest of the grounds, visit the Armstrong and Aviation Museum, and check out the view of Bamburgh Beach from the windmill!

4. Bamburgh Beach

This beautiful beach is in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle.

There are several places to park around here. The closest parking lot to the castle will give you a prime location for sunrise shots and the next car park down will give you a head start to Stag Rock and the rock pools.

Oh yes, I mentioned sunrise.

THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING SUNRISE LOCATION IN NORTHUMBERLAND.

I can say that with confidence.

The tall grass and dunes mixed with the crashing waves and rock pools followed by Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands in the background make for the perfect sunrise combination.

Yes, you have to get up early… BUT WHO CARES?! Suck it up and go see sunrise and then come back and comment here, because I want to know what you thought of it!

That’s how confident I am.

You will be sharing the beach with other keen photographers, but it’s not overcrowded and then you can explore the beach during golden hour… also magical.

If you walk away from the castle and past the “rock pool” area you will run into Stag Rock. No idea who has painted the stag on the rock, but it looks pretty cool, especially if you get the reflection!

The hidden tidal pool behind the lighthouse (left), Stag Rock (right)

If you climb up and walk around the lighthouse then you’ll find a hidden tidal pool during low tide. Only swim in it during the summer, because it’s VERY cold!

5. Seahouses

This is the PERFECT base for exploring Northumberland.

The village is small and super easy to walk around.

In the distance, you can see the Farne Islands, easily accessible from Seahouses. You can take a day trip there or a boat ride around the islands.

The harbor is filled with other day excursions for diving, wildlife trips, and sunset cruises.

If you want some great food, visit the Bamburgh Castle Inn and then enjoy some evening cocktails in their beer garden overlooking Bamburgh Castle. It’s the perfect sunset viewpoint!

Oh hey, another perfect fishing village!

The parking lot is at the start of the village and it’s about a 6-minute walk to the harbor.

Craster is famous for its smokehouse and smoked kippers ( L Robson & Sons specifically). If you’re not a kipper fan then they have haddock, salmon, and cod too! The kipper pate is DELICIOUS!

If you’re looking for the best crab sandwich you’ll ever have – go to the Jolly Fisherman Inn! The kipper scotch egg is amazing too! My mouth is watering just thinking about this place!

If you walk down the side of the Jolly Fisherman, it leads right to the quay. If you walk to the end, Dunstanburgh Castle is perfectly framed.

And if you’re a big Vera fan – season 7, episode 1 (titled Natural Selection ) was filmed here!

7. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was built in 122 to separate the Roman Empire from the wild north. It stretches 73 miles across the country from coast to coast.

The wall drapes over the north’s dramatic landscape, weaving up and down the hills with Roman forts dotted throughout the length.

The most complete Roman fort in the UK is located on the Northumberland section of Hadrian’s Wall at Housesteads. It’s FREE for English Heritage AND National Trust members!

One of the most well-known stretches of Hadrian’s Wall is Sycamore Gap. You might recognize it from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves? Park at the Steel Rigg car park and take a short, easy walk to the tree!

8. Dunstan Steads – Embleton Bay

This beautiful stretch of soft, white sand is surrounded by sand dunes and Dunstanburgh Castle.

Northumberland beaches seem to have the softest sand in the UK… and this bay had my favorite sand! Seriously, my toesies couldn’t get enough!

There’s no car park here and parking spaces are limited! So make sure you get there early or later on in the day. (Parking is free).

The road dead ends at the beach and parking is on the right side only. It looks residential and you won’t be able to see the beach so you might think you have taken a wrong turn – don’t worry, just keep going!

Once parked, you’ll walk through a golf course (be careful!), in between the tall sand dunes, and then the bay opens up.

FYI – I prefer this view of Dunstanburgh Castle over the view from Craster.

9. Rumbling Kern

This is a beach that shouldn’t need an introduction… but since it’s a super secret hidden beach it’s gonna need one! This is one of the most underrated places to visit in Northumberland.

Rumbling Kern is a cove near Howick and south of Craster. There’s no “official” parking lot, so you have to find the gravel patch in front of a farm to park!

Once you park, it’s a short walk to this majestic beauty.

I cannot rave enough about this place.

I would’ve spent HOURS here if I had the spare time… in fact, I’m going back there as soon as I can!

The golden sands are perfect for lounging during high tide with the faint rumbling of the ocean in the background, but the cove comes to life during low tide.

My ultimate guide to Rumbling Kern has everything you need to know about getting there and exploring the cove!

Climb over the rocks that shade the sand area and explore the rocky landscape on the back side of the cove. You’ll see the rumbling kern that gives this beach its name and TONS of rock pools for the kids to explore – or a nice tidal pool for you to lounge in.

That same episode of Vera was filmed here! This is where the dead body is found at the beginning of the episode.

10. Cragside

This National Trust property deserves an entire day to visit!

Spending some time here definitely needs a plan. There are several parking lots to choose from with tons of trails to explore. Each car park has an information board with your location and at least two trails that you can walk.

Skip the visitor center parking lot and head towards the house (turn right and go over the stone bridge). You’ll come to a steep incline with parking spaces. Park on the top tier as close to the house as you can. There are toilets in the courtyard of the house.

*The house is currently closed due to the pandemic

The house looks like it should be part of a fairy tale, peeking through the lush trees on top of a steep hill, surrounded by creeks and bridges, but it’s the mastermind of William Armstrong – scientist, inventor, and philanthropist.

In fact, this house was stuffed to the brim with his inventions and ideas. This was the first house in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity!

FUN FACT: All the lights are STILL powered by hydroelectricity!

But why does this house look sooooo familiar?

Jurassic Park fans will recognize this house as the Lockwood Mansion in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom!!!

Make sure you bring your walking shoes, camera, and a picnic!

11. Holy Island

I really wanted to see Lindisfarne Castle! It looked like one of those magical movie fairy tale castles… an elegant structure built into a small hill on the edge of the beach. I HAD to see it!

It wasn’t what I expected. I thought it was going to be more like St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall where you walk across a causeway onto an island, I was WRONG.

Lindisfarne Castle is on Holy Island, which is a MASSIVE island. Ok, not massive, but you’re definitely not going to walk around the whole thing!

The fastest way to get to Holy Island is driving across the Holy Island causeway. It’s cut off twice a day by high tide and you need to research crossing times and give yourself plenty of time to leave. Once you’re on the island you can lose track of time and you can’t see the causeway or the incoming tide.

Just google “stuck on Holy Island causeway” and you’ll find TONS of images of submerged cars and rescue stories. It was enough to scare the crap out of me.

There’s only one parking lot and prepare to do some walking. It’s one mile from the parking lot to the base of the castle.

Highlights on Holy Island are the castle (of course), Lindisfarne Mead, Lindisfarne Priory, and the Holy Island Beach and harbor. The harbor has some very unique and quirky upturned boats converted into sheds.

Since this is one of the more well-known places to visit in Northumberland, it gets VERY busy!

The parking lot is full ALL THE TIME, and most places on the island are fully booked. I went during the off-season and it was still super busy! So plan ahead, get there as soon as the causeway opens and try to go on a weekday.

Planning your own trip to Northumberland? What are your favorite places to visit in Northumberland? LET ME KNOW in the comments below!

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Tags : Beaches , Castles , England , Northumberland , Seafood

Reader Interactions

Thank you for this wonderful guide! The information on how you get in, how you park etc, when it’s busy, is so vital for a disabled person like me, and surprisingly rare.

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! 🙂

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Top Ten Things To Do With Your Family In Northumberland

Discover the magic of Harry Potter

Take on our broomstick training.

Go on a dragon hunt 

Dress up in medieval costumes, try out a medieval craft, marvel in medieval performances, learn about medieval history, adventure around alnwick, take a trip to the beach.

Explore Alnwick Castle grounds

Go on an adventure around the iconic Alnwick Castle grounds, where you can spot local wildlife and walk in the footsteps of film stars who have  filmed here at the castle , from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, to Dungeons and Dragons, as well as  Downton Abbey  and  Transformers The Last Knight . Find iconic filming locations around the site with our handy  downloadable visitor map , and imagine you are one of your favourite tv or film characters throughout your visit.

Book your family ticket

Did you know that when you buy any family ticket on Alnwick Castle website it automatically becomes a twelve month pass? You and your family can visit throughout the year when the castle is open to the public, meaning a whole year of making family memories ticking off our top things to do list. Visit our tickets page to  buy your ticket  and  plan your visit  to Alnwick Castle. *Please note all events are subject to change and are weather dependent. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of our activities take a look at our ‘What’s On’ board upon arrival or speak to one of our team. The Alnwick Castle team works hard to ensure that everyone in your family receives a warm welcome here at the castle, we suggest that you check each event / activity age recommendation upon arrival. For further information speak to a member of our team.

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From tidal islands to rugged hilltops, North Northumberland has it all; off-the-beaten-track walking routes , rare wildlife and mysterious, historic sites are just a few of its draws. Scattered throughout these hidden gems , are picture-perfect villages , where you can pick up information on your spectacular surroundings and local attractions . You’ll enjoy mile after mile of white sandy beaches , with ancient castles or villages as their backdrop - this whole stretch of coastline is officially designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, which we think sums it up pretty well.  Wander through bustling market towns and uncover hoards of history with lesser-known castle remains, fortified town walls and ancient sites. Once home to the Anglo-Saxon kings of Northumbria, clues to those ancient civilisations can be found in the mysterious rock art that dots the northern part of the county. There is also Yeavering Bell, a hill fort built by ancient people on the edge of the Cheviot Hills . If you're a keen birdwatcher , head to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne where you'll see a variety of rare bird life including the Marsh Harrier and Osprey. Or, head to Seahouses Harbour to take a boat trip to the Farne Islands to see puffins, grey seals and even dolphins.

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