places to visit in northumberland national park

Top Things to Do in Northumberland National Park - Northumberland National Park Must-See Attractions

Things to do in northumberland national park, explore popular experiences, tours in and around northumberland national park.

Northumberland Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Hire Land Rover Defender Camper To Tour Northumberland and Beyond

Hadrians Wall tour full day

Half Day Hadrian’s Wall Guided Tour

A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour

3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

Farm Attraction

2 Hour Guided Tour of Hadrian's Wall

1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

Top attractions in northumberland national park.

Other Top Attractions around Northumberland National Park

What travellers are saying

• Cragside House and Gardens
• Brinkburn Priory
• Sycamore Gap
• Rothbury Riverside Walk
• Fontburn Reservoir
• Simonside Hills
• Hindhope Linn
• Caistron Trout Fishery
• Thrunton Woods
• Cragend Farm & Hydraulic Silo

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A complete guide to Northumberland National Park, England

Updated On 17th April, 2022

Northumberland National Park is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in England , it’s even a strong contender for the best places to visit in the UK.

Northumberland National Park is the northernmost National Park in England , and covers more than more than 1,050 square kilometres (410 sq mi) of stunning landscapes in north-east England, right up by the Scottish border (making it the perfect National Park to visit if you’re planning a Scotland road trip !). 

If you’re the type of traveller that seeks stunning country walks through dramatic hillside landscapes, but without the crowds that you might get at Scafell Pike or Mount Snowdon, Northumberland National Park is going to be right up your street. It’s one of England’s least populated and least visited National Parks, and, despite the very English weather I’ve experienced there (rain), it’s not taken away from the beauty and fun I’ve had in this UK National Park.  Home to some of England’s clearest air and cleanest rivers, it’s a great place to go walking in England.

In this Northumberland National Park travel guide I am going to share with you the best places to stay in Northumberland, the best things to do in Northumberland and my favourite adventures so far.

From walking or cycling along Hadrian’s Wall to seeing the Northern Lights, from visiting The Sill at Hexham to marvelling at Hareshaw Linn waterfall, or from trying Hepple Gin to taking on the Otterburn mountain bike trail – my time in Northumberland has been nothing short of adventurous! 

UK National Parks Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my adventure. You’re welcome.

This Google Map Legend includes:

• Best walks, hikes, viewpoints and activities
• Lochs, lakes and waterfalls to visit
• All my wild camping spots
• Our favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner
• Things you must add to your bucket list!
• Road trip tips (campsites, laundrettes, lunch spots)
• Travel guide links within each location

Other National Park blog posts you might be interested in…

• Which UK National Park should you visit next? 
• Lake District National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• Yorkshire Dales National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• South Downs National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• Peak District National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• Snowdonia National Park: my guide and the best things to do

Northumberland National Park: my complete guide

Where is northumberland national park.

If you came here wondering ‘where is Northumberland National Park’, ‘where is Northumberland’, or ‘what does a map of Northumberland National Park look like’ you’re in the right place. Northumberland National Park is in the north-east corner of England, right up by the Scottish Border. The equally beautiful, but separate Northumberland Coast AONB is just a 40-minute drive away.

To drive to Northumberland National Park, it’s about six hours from London and the South East, 2.5 hours from Manchester or Leeds , two hours from York, 2 hours from Edinburgh and just 30 minutes from Newcastle. If you’re using a Sat Nav, pop in the postcode of your accommodation or one of these car parks .

If you want to take public transport to Northumberland National Park, you’re best bet is getting to Newcastle. While it’s not in the National Park itself, it offers great train and coach connections across the UK, and from there you can take the Tyne Valley Line into the southern part of Northumberland National Park. Book your train tickets online on  thetrainline.com .  

Check out this map of Northumberland National Park to see where in England it is:

Where to stay in Northumberland National Park:

Where to stay in Northumberland really depends on what type of accommodation you’re looking for, and where you want to be based.

For example, if you want to stay in a hostel in Northumberland National Park, there is the YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall : the perfect option for budget accommodation with close access to Hadrian’s Wall and other attractions such as Sycamore Gap and Vindolanda.  Book your stay at YHA The Sill here.

Check out  booking.com  or  Airbnb  for more hotels or apartments in the area, or get inspiration and recommendations directly from the Northumberland National Park website here .

There are also lots of campsites in Northumberland National Park for camping. Check out my camping packing list here.

If you’re looking for campsites in Northumberland National Park (for tents and caravans), check out the list of campsites on the Northumberland National Park website here.

The best things to do in Northumberland National Park...

1. walk along hadrian's wall..

Perhaps one of the most famous things to do in Northumberland National Park, and even one of the most popular things to do in England , is to walk (or cycle) along Hadrian’s Wall.

Many people think Hadrian’s Wall is in Scotland. It’s on the England-Scotland border, but the wall and the 84-mile long National Trail along it are actually in England. Building started in AD 122 and it took over six years to build the coast to coast barricade.

Get a taste of Roman Britain as you walk along your chosen part of the trail and admire the architecture of the wall and the views of the surrounding area. A large part of the walk is in Northumberland National Park, and there are several trails that you can try to see it for yourself, including the Steel Rigg and Crag Lough walk . 

2. Take on one of the many walks and hikes in Northumberland National Park.

There are so many walks and hikes in Northumberland National Park… it really is one of the best places to go walking in England and even in the UK . with breathtaking views of the rolling English countryside, it’s enjoyable come rain or shine! 

With 72% of the park classed as open access land and more than 1,140km of public rights of way, there are loads of walks and hikes in Northumberland National Park for you to try, no matter whether you’re a beginner hiker or if you’re looking for a bigger challenge. (If you’re a beginner hiker, check out my hiking top tips here !).

Northumberland National Park is also home to a variety of landscapes, so whether you want hills or woodlands, waterfalls or moorland, there’s something for you here. With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that walking and hiking are some of the best things to do in Northumberland National Park.

Some of the best places for hikes and walks in Northumberland National Park include: 

• Hadrian’s Wall
• Breamish Valley & Ingram (go for a paddle in the river while you’re there)
• The Cheviot hills (keep an eye out for the wild goats!)
• Hareshaw Linn
• Drake Stone and Harbottle

Check out some of the best walks and hikes in the UK here.

3. Visit The Sill discovery centre in Hexham.

The Sill in Northumberland National Park is the UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre. Their vision is to reinspire people to connect with the area, the landscape and with nature and to change the generations to come. It’s open every day, the exhibitions are free, and allow you to learn more about the Northumbrian culture and heritage.

4. Marvel at the beautiful waterfalls in Northumberland National Park.

One of my best things to do in Northumberland National Park has got to be seeing the waterfalls. They’re absolutely gorgeous!

Two of the most popular waterfalls in Northumberland National Park are Hareshaw Linn and Linhope Spout. 

One the walk towards Hareshaw Linn you’ll cross bridges, walk through ancient woodland, see rare ferns, red squirrels (and maybe woodpeckers, badgers and bats!) and then of course be treated to the absolutely stunning waterfall after about 3 miles. The grey and green growths on rocks and trees in Hareshaw Linn are lichen, and the area surrounding the waterfall is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for its rare ferns and lichen.

Linhope Spout is located within the Northumberland Dark Sky Reserve. This spectacular waterfall tumbles 18 metres down a rock face to the plunge pool below. Take a picnic with you to enjoy when you get there, but make sure the red squirrels don’t take your snacks!

5. Take on the mountain bike trail around Otterburn.

If you’re looking for active things to do in Northumberland National Park, why not try mountain biking?! The cycling trail around the Otterburn Ranges and Coquetdale is an exhilarating ride along superb military roads. It boasts stunning panoramas, views of ancient bastle houses, Roman forts, and modern day rusting tank hulks. It’s not an easy ride, but perfect for anyone ready for a challenge!

6. Visit Sycamore Gap.

The Sycamore Gap Tree is one of the most photographed trees in England. It stands in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall, and one of the best things to do in Northumberland National Park is to see it for yourself! You can either take the short walk from the Steel Rigg car park, or go for a longer walk in the area to get there.

7. Go stargazing in Northumberland National Park.

There’s something spectacular about staring up at the sky when it is completely dark and looking at all the twinkling stars. This can be hard to do in city centres where there is a lot of light pollution, but England is home to six international dark sky reserves.

Northumberland National Park forms part of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park which it is also the UK’s largest area of protected night sky and the second largest in Europe. 572 square miles of the county have been awarded Gold Tier status for their dark skies. At night most of the park is completely free from light pollution at night and it’s the perfect place to snuggle up under the stars and make a wish. 

8. Try Hepple Gin.

Hepple is a small village on the edge of Northumberland National Park, and one of the best things to do while you’re here is to try a local G&T! Juniper thrives in a purity of the Northumbrian Hills so be sure to try a glass (or two!) while you’re here.

9. Get a beer from the Twice Brewed Inn brewery in Once Brewed.

Yes… you read that correctly. Try saying that after your beer!

In the village Once Brewed, there is a brewery called Twice Brewed Inn, and with its close proximity to Hadrian’s Wall and other points of interest in Northumberland National Park, it’s the perfect pitstop for a pub lunch and a drink.

10. Grab some shelter in a bothy.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in England , staying in a bothy in Northumberland National Park should definitely be on your list. Northumberland boasts seven of the remaining eleven bothies in England. They are maintained by volunteers and free to stay in (if you can find them!).

Bothies are far from five-star accommodation and far from the glamorous hotel life! This is where to stay if you want a genuine experience of camping in a rural location. Bothies act as free shelters from the elements for brave walkers looking for total isolation.

You can also find paid/bookable bothies (well, bothy-like accommodation) to stay in online, if you’d prefer to guarantee your location and bed for the night!

What are your favourite things to do in Northumberland National Park?

Where are your favourite places to visit in Northumberland National Park? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Passionate about adventure and creativity. Currently enjoying the sunshine while teaching English in southern Italy.

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

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Northumberland National Park

Home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest air, the darkest skies and The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.

Covering an area of more than 410 square miles between the Scottish border in the north to just south of Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage site, Northumberland is the least populated of all of the UK’s 15 National Parks.

The least populated of all of the UK’s 15 National Parks, the diverse landscape of Northumberland attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the heritage, history and culture of this ancient, unspoilt place.

• northumberlandnationalpark

Key activities

Nestled within the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage site, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre is your gateway to a National Park experience.

England’s darkest skies are the perfect place to stargaze. Discover our many dark sky sites where you can see millions of stars, far away from light pollution.

Our walking routes are some of the best ways to uncover our wide skies, dramatic landscapes and glorious history.

Special qualities

10 reasons why Northumberland National Park is a special place

Northumberland National Park is the northernmost national park in England. It covers an area of more than 1,050 square kilometres (410 sq mi) between the Scottish border in the north to just south of Hadrian’s Wall, and it is one of the least populated and least visited of the National Parks.

The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre is situated at Once Brewed next to the most iconic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Sill was one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by an English National Park. Its aim – to help more people access and learn about the park landscapes, geography and habitats – is enjoyed by around 140,000 each year and features a fully accessible Whin Sill Grassland roof walk and rich programme of activities, events and exhibitions.

In December 2013 the International Dark Sky Association conferred Dark Sky Park status on an area including Northumberland National Park; it is the largest protected Dark Sky Park in Europe. Dark Sky viewing platforms can be found across the National Park including Walltown and Cawfields on Hadrian’s Wall.

From prehistoric rock art and hill forts to the ruins of medieval castles and bastles, or fortified farmhouses and UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall, the 10,000 year history of human habitation in our historic landscape reflects its frontier past. A third of North East England’s 1,389 scheduled monuments are found in the park, which also has 229 listed buildings and structures.

The Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom owns much of the land in the national park as the Otterburn Training Area. Some parts of this training area are off-limits; others can be accessed only at certain times or with permission. The training area accounts for 23% of the Northumberland National Park. There are 75 Scheduled Monuments within the Otterburn Training Area, England’s second largest military training area established in 1911.

Four out of the five of the cleanest rivers in Britain are sourced in Northumberland National Park. All these rivers tumble down from the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland National Park. They are home to migrating salmon and sea trout, which swim upstream from the sea to lay their eggs, and to otters and other wildlife such as dippers and the water crow-foot, a floating member of the buttercup family.

Northumberland is the most remote and least populated of all England’s national parks, with a population of only around 2,000. This equates to just 0.02 persons per hectare – 10 times less dense than any other national park. It is also officially the most tranquil National Park.

The variety of landscapes mean that almost a third of the park (32,758 hectares) is made up of priority habitats, which are recognised for their national and international environmental importance and wildlife, while 10,000 hectares are sites of special scientific interest.

Not surprisingly, walking is the top activity for visitors, with 72% of the park classed as open access land and there are more than 1,140km of public rights of way. Hugely popular are walks around Hadrian’s Wall and in the stunning scenery and solitude of the Cheviot Hills. With everything from waterfalls to woodland, you can’t fail to find the most beautiful backdrop to your adventures in the countryside.

Around 70 per cent of Northumberland National Park is open moorland covered with grasses that feed sheep and cattle from more than 200 farms located within the Park. In areas like Simonside and Cheviot Hills, where sheep grazing has been restricted, purple heather cover abounds, a habitat found few other places in the world. The curlew, Britain’s biggest wading bird, breeds on the wet edges of the moors in spring.

Did You Know?

Come to the land of the far horizons for breathtaking landscape, intriguing history and a warm welcome in England’s most tranquil corner. We have more than 400 square miles of scenery in which to escape from the everyday.

The iconic ridge of the Whin Sill with Hadrian’s Wall striding along its crest stretches along our southern boundary. To the west lies the beguiling valley of North Tyne with hay meadows and waterfalls. It neighbours the wild valley of Redesdale, site of ancient battles and defiant moorland.

In our centre is Coquetdale, with the landmark Simonside Hills and the beautiful villages of Harbottle and Holystone. To the north towards the border with Scotland, the landscape changes again. Here are the rolling moors and grasslands of the Cheviot Hills, with their ancient hillforts and pristine rivers.

Hadrian’s Wall

The most iconic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall can be explored by a short walk or drive from The Sill. Walk to Steel Rigg and Sycamore Gap, following the wall as it snakes through the Whin Sill landscape. Travelling west you can visit Cawfields and Walltown where you will find toilets, picnic sites and dark sky viewing platforms.

Simonside Hills

Walk along the top of Simonside where you have a 360 degree view of the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland coastline. This distinctive ridge, with its craggy profile, teems with wildlife such as the curlew, red grouse, wild goats, and red squirrels. Ancient cairns mark the summit of the ridge and below the ridge lies Lordenshaws hillfort.

The Cheviots

The Cheviots are a range of rolling hills straddling the Anglo-Scottish border between Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. Check out the dramatic waterfall of Linhope Spout or tucked-away ponds of Wooler Common and for those seeking adventure you can walk to the summit of Cheviot, Northumberland’s highest point.

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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

Things to Do in Northumberland National Park - Northumberland National Park Attractions

Things to do in northumberland national park, explore popular experiences, tours in and around northumberland national park.

Northumberland Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Hire Land Rover Defender Camper To Tour Northumberland and Beyond

Hadrians Wall tour full day

Half Day Hadrian’s Wall Guided Tour

A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour

3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

Farm Attraction

2 Hour Guided Tour of Hadrian's Wall

1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

Top attractions in northumberland national park.

Other Top Attractions around Northumberland National Park

What travelers are saying

• Cragside House and Gardens
• Brinkburn Priory
• Sycamore Gap
• Rothbury Riverside Walk
• Fontburn Reservoir
• Simonside Hills
• Hindhope Linn
• Caistron Trout Fishery
• Thrunton Woods
• Cragend Farm & Hydraulic Silo

Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

12 best hikes in Northumberland National Park

The best hikes in Northumberland National Park reveal an underappreciated but utterly delightful expanse of English countryside

Amid the ancient rolling hills between the Scottish border and England’s industrial northeast, you will find Northumberland National Park. England’s most northerly national park is also the least visited in Britain and the least populated in England and Wales with just over 2,000 residents.

Covering an area of 1,049km 2 , this rugged, isolated landscape is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall that slices across England’s countryside from coast to coast.

But there is more to Northumberland than ancient milecastles and crumbling forts. This timeless landscape is home to the rolling Cheviot Hills straddling the Anglo-Scottish border; the UK’s most photographed tree; and Kelder Forest, England’s largest manmade woodland.

As far as wildlife goes, roe deer, wild goats, red squirrels, moorland gamebirds and the rare black grouse can all be seen inside the park.

What’s more, in 2013, it was designated a Dark Sky Park which means it is protected from artificial light pollution to promote astronomy in the region. In fact, it is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe making it one of the UK’s best places to stargaze.

Over 1,100km of trails make the park one of England’s choice walking destinations. Here, we share the best hikes in Northumberland National Park – 12 unique ways to explore England’s remote north.

Best hikes in Northumberland National Park

We’ve chosen the best hikes in Northumberland National Park to suit every ability, from gentle undulating day trips to challenging multi-day treks.

For more information on things to do and where to stay in Northumberland National Park, visit the  national park website .

1. Sycamore Gap

Distance:  4km (2.5mi) Duration:  1-2 hours Difficulty : Easy

In the well of a striking dip along the Hadrian’s Wall Path once sat the 2016 English Tree of the Year (yes, there is a tree of the year ). Planted between 1860 and 1890 by the previous landowner, John Clayton, the sycamore tree was one of the most photographed trees in the country . You may recognise it from the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves as the sycamore tree that the boy Wulf climbs to evade Guy of Gisborne and his men.

Tragically, in 2023, the tree was cut down in what police believe was a deliberate act of vandalism. The toppling of the tree led to an outpouring of anger and astonishment. While there is some hope nature may respond and the tree could grow back , this will take centuries.

The trail has now become something of a pilgrimage but remains a pleasant walk in its own right regardless of the loss of the tree. It is also the perfect introduction to Northumberland National Park and its most famous landmark, Hadrian’s Wall. The short but sweet journey has the bonus of starting and finishing at the Twice Brewed Inn , a pub known for its home-brewed ales and hearty Northumberland sausages.

2. Greenlee Lough

Distance:  5.5km (3.6mi) Duration:  1-2 hours Difficulty : Easy

Greenlee Lough is the largest natural lake in Northumberland and the surrounding wetlands make for an idyllic setting, particularly during spring when the cotton grass and yellow flag iris burst to life.

The footpath is also a great place for birdwatching. The shallow Greenlee is brimming with perch, which makes it an easy hunting ground for osprey. The birds of prey often hang around for a couple of weeks during their annual migration southwards in late summer and early autumn.

3. Otterburn Ranges

Distance:  13.5km (8.5mi) Duration:  4-5 hours Difficulty : Moderate

Now we’re talking. This transborder hike takes in the deserted Otterburn Ranges. There are outstanding panoramic vistas to be found on the summit of Brownhart Law, before the trail drops and crosses into Scotland.

The pinnacle of the hike is Blackhall Hill summit which offers the best views of the neighbouring hills and valleys, onwards across the Cheviot Hills and north into Scotland.

The British military has used the range for training exercises for over 100 years. If red flags are flying, then there will be certain areas off-limits. Always stick to the designated footpaths.

4. ALWINTON AND HARBOTTLE

Distance:  7.5km (4.5mi) Duration:  2-3 hours Difficulty : Easy-moderate

The highlights of this meandering circuit include two tranquil villages linked by footpaths crossing unspoiled meadows, and a quiet country road passing the ruins of Harbottle Castle.

Once captured by Robert the Bruce, the 12th-century sandstone Harbottle Castle was built to overlook the River Coquet and Coquet Gorge. The route passes the Drake Stone (also known as the Dragon Stone or Draak’s Stone), an oversized erratic boulder believed to have been used by druids.

5. Upper Coquetdale

Distance:  14km (9mi) Duration:  3-4 hours Difficulty : Moderate

The green ridgelines and steep-sided valleys of Upper Coquetdale and the Cheviot Hills are a wonderful step up from the above village route. This wild walk quickly leaves civilisation behind and gains some ground as the trail fords its way north towards the Scottish border.

The high point of the walk is near Saughy Hill at 465m, from where the Scottish border can be seen on the northern horizon. As above, the hike begins in the village of Alwinton where Walter Scott wrote his famous novel, Rob Roy , taking inspiration from the surrounding countryside.

6. Simonside Hills

Distance:  12km (7.5mi) Duration:  3-4hours Difficulty : Moderate

Crags, conifer forests, heather moorland and fairies define this hike to Simonside summit where a 360° view of the Cheviot Hills and the North Sea coastline await. En route, various ancient cairns and distinctive crags mark the multiple high points of the undulating ridge.

The Simonside Hills are also the subject of several folklore legends of ‘fairies’ and ‘little people’, the most famous of which are the Duergar. According to Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable , the Duergar were ‘dwarfs who dwell in rocks and hills; noted for their strength, subtlety, magical powers, and skill in metallurgy.’ Keep your eyes peeled.

7. Hareshaw Linn Waterfall

Distance:  5km (3mi) Duration:  1-2 hours Difficulty : Easy

Waterfalls never fail to delight and Hareshaw Linn is the region’s finest. The short hike begins at Bellingham, once the site of an ironworks.

The trail follows the Hareshaw Burn (river) as it winds its way through a wooded valley. No fewer than six bridges cross the Hareshaw Burn at various stages before the track arrives at the 10m-high Hareshaw Linn.

Depending on the time of year (and day), red squirrels, woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers, badgers and bats can be seen in the woodland.

8. College Valley

Distance:  8km (5mi) Duration:  2-3 hours Difficulty : Moderate

The broad College Valley is about as tranquil a place as one can imagine. The flat trail roams alongside the College Burn southwards before crossing the burn and returning northwards on the adjacent side.

The river twists and turns its way along the wide unspoilt valley with interlocking moorland hills ever-present on the horizon. The nearby native woodlands provide shelter for roe deer, hares and wild Cheviot goats, which are frequently seen on the hillside near Hethpool Mill.

9. Elsdon Burn

Another wonderful river walk, the Elsdon Burn route is a popular option for families.

Points of interest include the 12th-century church at Elsdurn which is reputed to hold the dead from the 1388 Battle of Otterburn , the relics of a motte-and-bailey castle, a medieval Pele tower (one of several built along the Scottish borders), a pub and an Impromptu Tea Room (that is actually its name) at The Old School House .

10. Greenhaugh and Thorneyburn

Distance:  4km (2.5mi) Duration:  1-2 hours Difficulty : Easy-moderate

The Greenhaugh and Thorneyburn loop trail enjoys some delightful views across the Tarset Valley. En route, there are several ‘bastles’ – fortified farmhouses – that were built during the 16th and 17th centuries to repel the raids along the Anglo-Scottish border.

In late spring and summer, the hay meadows of Boughthill Farm will be in full bloom with an array of wildflowers such as ox-eye daisies, orchids, buttercups, yellow rattle, ragged robins and melancholy thistle all on display.

11. Hadrian’s Wall Path

Distance:  35km (22mi) Duration:  2 days Difficulty : Moderate-hard

The full 135km (84mi) Hadrian’s Wall Path follows the defensive fortifications of the Roman province of Britannia that defined the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. Construction began in 122 AD under the reign of the emperor Hadrian to keep the ‘Barbarians’ to the north at bay.

Today, the clearly waymarked hiking trail is one of Britain’s most popular coast-to-coast routes. The 35km section that traverses Northumberland National Park could, in theory, be covered in a single day. However, it’s far more enjoyable to spread the course across at least two days.

The trail takes in Sycamore Gap as well as a considerable chunk of the Northumberland Pennine Way.

12. Pennine Way

Distance:  102km (64mi) Duration:  4 days Difficulty : Hard

Opened in 1965, Britain’s oldest national trail crosses some of the finest upland landscapes in England. It is by far the most famous and one of the most popular of Britain’s long-distance footpaths .

The Pennine Way begins in the Peak District and runs 431km (268mi) northwards, all the way across the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, to the village of Kirk Yetholm, just inside the Scottish border.

The final section passes through Northumberland National Park and takes in many of the above hikes including a significant section of the Hadrian’s Wall Path. In doing so, it showcases the very best of the national park from the ancient sites in the south to the Cheviot Hills to the north and everything in between.

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The insider guide to Northumberland – the UK’s most overlooked national park

Northumberland offers beautiful landscapes, ancient history and uncrowded adventure – our expert reveals how to make the most of it

If you asked a child to design a place of empty landscapes, big skies, hills and rivers, dotted with picturesque villages and an extinct volcano thrown in for good measure, they would end up with something that very much resembled Northumberland National Park.

Of the 13 national parks in England and Wales, Northumberland is the most northerly, most remote, and least visited. It’s the least populated of all the UK’s 15 protected landscapes.

Covering an area of 410 square miles between the Scottish border and Hadrian’s Wall Unesco World Heritage site, this is a land of unimpeded views. The stirring rivers Rede and Coquet rush south from Scotland creating desolate dales in their wake; the Tyne, the most northerly of the great English rivers that incise the Pennines, gathers its strength here.

It’s thrilling, often elemental, as befits a region that bumps up hard against the Scottish border. The hamlets of Harbottle and Alwinton, gateways to the Upper Coquetdale, can feel like frontier posts set against true wilderness.

The national park is also England’s Empty Quarter. Designated in 1956, a great deal of thought went into its boundaries: the county’s dramatic coast was excluded, as was most of Kielder Forest and any significantly-sized settlement. Consequently, Elsdon, a pretty stone-front village with a parish church and barely 50 homes, is the largest settlement – bigger villages such as Bellingham and the attractive town of Rothbury sit outside the boundary. Few other places in England have such dark skies.

Nevertheless, the park is popular with holidaymakers (1.27 million visits in 2021) and often held up as an exemplar of the value of empty places: a 2013 report found Northumberland National Park contributed £81million to the regional economy. Here’s how to make the most of a trip.

Where is Northumberland National Park?

Shaped a little like an uneven stack of books, the park covers an area running southwest to northeast in the west of its namesake county. It’s bordered to the south by the A69, to the east by the A697, while the A68 bisects it. To the west much of the park rubs shoulders with the England-Scotland border. The town of Hexham lies to the southeast but Newcastle is the nearest major city. In the middle of the park area – but technically outside the boundary – is Otterburn. The far northeast of the park is bordered by the town of Wooler, while Kelso and Coldstream sit to the north.

Although all major settlements are excluded from the park, six million people live within an hour’s drive.

What is Northumberland National Park known for?

Remoteness can be an overused word in England but travel around Upper Coquetdale and Redesdale, where twists and turns in single-track roads wind between high hills and open up views of hay meadows and landscapes devoid of human habitation and you feel a long way from anywhere.

Above all, it’s the atmosphere that can clutch you: it’s easy to get carried away with the clanking ghosts of Picts, Romans, Scots and English soldiers who have all passed this way, along with smugglers and other ne’er-do-wells.

The Romans left a hefty footprint here and Hadrian’s Wall, designed to protect the empire from the Barbarians further north, runs east-west along the southernmost boundary. Here, around Housesteads, is where you will find the most important remains, in the form of forts, milecastles, reinforced escarpments and museums.

The park is a place of huge, unimpeded views, perhaps most spectacularly of all from the top of the Cheviot, the highest point in the Northumberland National Park at 815 metres; 400million years ago the Cheviot was a volcano the size of Mount Etna and many of the surrounding hills are formed from ancient lava flows.

Wildlife is special too, with several national nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest to explore. Look out for red squirrels, lapwing, curlew and black and red grouse. Dippers bounce and bob their way along rivers and streams while hardy breeds of hill sheep, such as Blackface and Swaledale are at home here; the traditional Cheviot breed gravitates to more sheltered slopes. In the far north, the feral Cheviot goats of College Valley are said to descend from a herd released in the Middle Ages by the monks on Lindisfarne.

What do to in Northumberland National Park 

Best for history lovers .

Important Roman history includes Housesteads , the most complete Roman Fort in Britain, and Milecastle 42, a fortified outpost sited at one of the highest points of the surviving wall.

Nearby is Vindolana , an excellent museum on the site of another former key military post. Away to the north, the old Roman army camp of Chew Green is less substantial but enjoys a stunning location in wild, empty Upper Coquetdale. You can step back further in time in the Breamish valley and around the stone-built hamlet of Ingram, exploring an amazing concentration of prehistoric hillforts, such as Brough Law, Middle Dean and Wether Hill made of earth and stone ramparts, along with burial site of Turf Knowe.

Best for families

Linhope Spout waterfall is a chute 18m high in the Breamish valley and a delightful spot for a picnic. Children can look for red squirrels in the surrounding woods. Good short walks include the meander to Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall, which is featured in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves (make sure you take them to the nearby The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre , an excellent historical and geological interpretation centre) and up and around the crags of Simonside (the woods here are also good for red squirrels).

Best for walkers

With more than 1,100km of footpaths and 72 per cent of the park classified as open access land, you are spoilt for choice. Walk up the Cheviot or walk the stiff three miles from Kindale Law up to the Border ridge in Upper Coquetdale. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Lake District and even, some claim, Edinburgh. Explore Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve, a land of blanket bog and mires fed by the River Rede and its tributaries. The landscapes here are so desolate that the Wildlife Trusts describes walks here as “vigorous”.

Best for adventure seekers

Despite frequent pummelling from the army, Otterburn military training area is a land of great beauty, brimming with nature and 23 ancient, semi-natural woodlands. Access is restricted at certain times, though these are posted well in advance . Spend an exhilarating day cycling through the Otterburn ranges and Coquetdale . Hardier cyclists could tackle the 190km Sandstone Way from Berwick to Hexham, which frequently cuts through the park. Organised tours can assist with this, such as a three-night package with Pedal Power , from £445, including accommodation and luggage transfer.

Best for dark sky lovers

The largest protected area of dark sky in Europe, the park can be mesmerising when nightfall arrives and stargazing activities regularly take place. The park has several designated dark sky discovery sights, such as Ingram, accessible to the public and considered ideal for stargazing. Dark Sky events are held at the visitor centre at Walltown country park near Greenhead and at Cawfields car park near Milecastle 42 on Hadrian’s Wall.  

How to get there 

Newcastle is 30 miles to the southeast, Edinburgh is 55 miles to the north, Manchester is 155 miles south and London is a six-hour drive. Access from the south is generally by the A69, A98 and A696; from the north by the A68 and A697.

The Hadrian’s Wall Country bus runs between Carlisle and Newcastle along the south of the park and Go North East runs other services into the park from Newcastle. The 16A runs twice daily, Monday to Friday, from Rothbury to Alwinton in Coquetdale and the 808 runs daily from Newcastle to Otterburn, Monday to Saturday. Traveline is consistently the best means of planning a combined journey of rail and bus to the park.

There’s no rail line through the national park but the Carlisle-Newcastle service runs along its southern border linking Newcastle to gateway towns and villages including Hexham, Bardon Mill and Haltwhistle.

Where to stay 

Although the raison d’être of the national park was to exclude areas of significant human habitation, there is plenty of choice within its boundaries or at the periphery.

Wallwick Hall is an elegant boutique country house with a spa and a highly regarded double rosette restaurant serving food sourced from its kitchen garden, (from £342 per night, B&B). The Pheasant Inn is a 17th century former coaching inn that lies just south of Kielder Water. A low-slung, byre-like structure with an interior of oak timber beams and exposed stone walls, this is a wonderfully atmospheric pub that sells local ale, good wines and decent food, (from £145 per night, B&B). Elishaw Farm has two cosy barn conversion cottages near Otterburn suitable for families. Expect striking views across Redesdale, a pizza oven, hot tub and garden swing, (three nights from £500).

On a budget 

YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall is an excellent hostel with a mix of high-spec dormitories (£15), private (£105) and family rooms (£99).

The Boe Rigg in the national park just north of Bellingham is a campsite with a difference – in addition to tent pitches (£35 night/ family of four), there is a couple of family-friendly rooms (£126 per night) and a café that turns into a licensed restaurant.

For the glamping, try PoSHHuts , two Shepherd’s huts in Kielder Forest, fitted with soft furnishings, bathroom, kitchen and fire pit (£125 per night). Another good campsite is Hadrian’s Wall Campsite on the southern boundary at Melkridge with options for both campers (£25 per night) and glampers (from £65 per night).

When to visit  

In summer, rare upland hay meadows, such as those around Greenhaugh, are transformed into sparkling colour, bursting with wildflowers, such as yellow rattle, melancholy thistle and wood cranes-bill. Winter is best for night skies, and though snow is common the frost-tipped vast landscapes are unforgettable. Spring and autumn bring bird migrations. The national park runs guided seasonal walks throughout the year.

For further inspiration discover the UK’s greatest national park, according to science, here.

What are you top tips for visiting Northumberland? Leave you thoughts in the comments below.

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11 Interesting & Beautiful Places to Visit in Northumberland

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From beachside castles to unspoiled wilderness, those looking for places to visit in Northumberland have a wide range of choices.

Northumberland is most known for its wild scenery and many historic fortifications, but that’s not all there is to discover.

In this post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for places to visit in Northumberland, including the famous Hadrian’s Wall.

We hope you enjoy learning about this strategically important region and be sure to let us know in the comments which Northumberland must-sees we should add to our list!

The town of Alnwick is one of the most popular Northumberland destinations, partly because it’s home to the beautiful Alnwick Castle.

Alnwick Castle is the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland and has been used as a filming location for a number of films and television series.

It famously represented Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films and has also been used for filming Downton Abbey.

There are three main museums within the castle, as well as plenty of activities for Potterheads!

Next door to Alnwick Castle is Alnwick Garden, a stunning complex of formal gardens constructed around a main water cascade. There’s an incredible treehouse just outside the garden, that’s the largest wooden treehouse in the world and hosts weddings or other events. Alnwick Garden is also famous for its rose garden, cherry blossom garden and poison garden.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is another impressive castle in Northumberland and is one of the most-visited Northumberland tourist attractions.

Northumberland was always an important region for defence, both during Roman times and later when England fought wars against Scotland. There are many fortifications and castles remaining to this day, one of which is the impressive Bamburgh Castle.

Built on a dolerite outcrop, there was a fort in the location before a castle, which passed between hands a number of times before being destroyed by the Vikings. It was then rebuilt by the Normans, before being bought by the Victorian-era industrialist Baron William George Armstrong.

Today the castle is open to the public with a number of museums and displays to explore inside, as well as stunning views of the coast from the battlements. You can also just go for a walk on Bamburgh Beach to take photos of the castle for free!

Lindisfarne

Also known as The Holy Island, Lindisfarne is one of the most interesting places to go in Northumberland for a variety of sights and history.

The island has been an important centre of Christianity since at least the 6th-century AD and is strongly associated with four different saints, three of which served as Bishops of Lindisfarne. Many visitors head to Lindisfarne to see the ruins of the priory and castle, or to birdwatch in the reserve surrounding the island.

Lindisfarne is a tidal island, meaning it’s possible to walk across at low tide. There’s a small village where people live on the island, with a number of pubs, cafés and accommodation options to explore. It’s particularly famous for a mead that was originally made by the monks using a secret recipe. You can try the mead at St. Aidan’s Winery.

Seahouses is a charming seaside village and one of the best places to visit in Northumberland for a seaside break.

Located about 20km north of Alnwick, Seahouses is a colourful and historic fishing village with a bustling harbour and plenty of shops to explore. It makes a great base to stay in while exploring nearby attractions like Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne, as well as the nearby Farne Islands.

The Farne Islands are a cluster of islands just off the coast near Seahouses, and the biologist/TV presenter Sir David Attenborough has even declared them his favorite spot to see nature in the UK! A boat trip to the islands makes for a wonderful day trip of spotting seals, dolphins, puffins and more.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

One of the most unusual places to visit in Northumberland is Berwick-upon-Tweed, as it’s the most northerly town in England and sits just below the Scottish border.

Since it’s so close to the border, the town itself has changed hands between English and Scottish rule many times in the past. Nowadays the residents famously can’t agree whether they are truly Scottish or British!

Notable sights include the medieval town walls, a Georgian Town Hall, Elizabethan ramparts, and Britain’s earliest barracks buildings. The Royal Border Bridge (pictured below) is another popular attraction. It’s a Grade 1 Listed viaduct with 28 arches spanning the River Tweed.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall actually makes up a number of exciting Northumberland attractions, as there are different sections to find all along the route where this defensive fortification once stood.

Originally built around AD 122, the wall once ran the entire width of England and assisted with the defence of the Roman Province of Britannia against the unconquered region of Caledonia to the north. Today there are many sections still intact where visitors can explore Roman forts, towns and museums.

The longest stretch of the wall is located in Northumberland, so there are many spots to visit it while you’re in the region. In Corbridge, the remains of a Roman town can be discovered, while there are forts at Housesteads and Birdoswald, along with the remains of a Roman Bathhouse at Chesters.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  Many of the sites feature museums, visitor information and fun activities, so it’s just a matter of deciding which one, or ones, you want to visit! Check out this page for more info on Hadrian’s Wall sites in Northumberland.

Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park is the northernmost national park in England, as well as being both the least-populated and least-visited of the country’s national parks. But that’s all the more reason to visit!

If you want to truly experience some of the wildest and most untouched landscapes in England, this is the park to do it in. The Northumberland National Park is also interesting in that it covers a number of different areas, including hills, moors and forests. The central section of Hadrian’s Wall is also located in the most southern part of the park.

The famous Pennine Way runs through Northumberland National Park, after starting in Edale in the Peak District. It’s often called the best known and toughest of Britain’s walking trails, eventually finishing up just below the Scottish border.

Located within Northumberland National Park is the Kielder Water and Forest Park, which contains the largest man-made forest in England, as well as the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe!

The forest is made up of different conifer trees and is managed by Forestry England to provide timber for different uses while also protecting native wildlife. Kielder Forest is one of the best places in England to spot red squirrels as around 50% of the population lives there.

Other must-see spots in the area include Kielder Castle; an 18th-century hunting lodge built by the Duke of Northumberland which is now a great base to get information on things to do in the area, and the Kielder Observatory.

Kielder Observatory is an environmentally-friendly observatory powered by solar panels and a wind turbine. It’s also the best place in the UK to view the Milky Way, particularly since it’s located within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park.

Hindhope Linn

The waterfall of Hindhope Linn is definitely one of the most beautiful things to see in Northumberland. It’s located within Kielder Forest and is reached by a lovely round-trip walk.

The Hindhope Linn Walking Route actually stops at two waterfalls, Hindhope Linn and the difficult-to-pronounce Blakehopeburnhaugh Waterfalls. Both feature spectacular falls cascading into lush green dells, and the walk itself is not too taxing.

Along the way, walkers will get to see ancient Scots Pine and larch, while enjoying tranquil bird calls. The walk is often called Kielder Forest’s best-kept secret. There’s a small car park where the walk begins with a public toilet that’s not always open, so don’t rely on it.

Not to be confused with Ambleside in the Lake District, Amble is a sleepy harbour town located on the Northumberland coast at the mouth of the River Coquet.

The town is filled with places to eat yummy seafood, with brightly coloured beach huts and shops inside curved wooden pods. Amble is the perfect spot in Northumberland if you want a coastal holiday, as it’s right on the breathtaking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that stretches up the coast to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Amble is all about endless beaches, drifting dunes and quiet bays, plus there are plenty of options for fun activities in the area. Boat trips will take you out to spot puffins, you can cycle along the Northumberland Coast Path or go Stand-Up Paddleboarding past nearby Warkworth Castle!

Amble is also famously called the friendliest port in England after the town’s residents sent a telegram to the RMS Mauretania on her final voyage to the breaker’s yard in the 1930s. The town sent a telegram saying “still the finest ship on the sea” to which the Mauretania replied, “to the last and kindliest port in England, greetings and thanks”.

Morpeth is a historic market town in Northumberland which offers many interesting sights, as well as ample opportunities for shopping, drinking and dining.

Even though there are some very modern and upmarket shopping arcades in Morpeth, they have been built to fit in with the ‘old market’ style of the historic town. While many visitors head to Morpeth for some retail therapy or fine dining, there are also a number of historically significant buildings to explore.

The 13th-century Chantry Chapel houses an interesting bagpipes museum while the Grade 1 Listed Morpeth Castle (pictured below) is now a holiday rental home that you can actually stay in!

Morpeth is also home to numerous stunning estates and gardens, including the must-visit Carlisle Park, which is a Tudor-style garden that’s home to one of only four working floral clocks in the UK.

Have we missed any of your favourite places to visit in Northumberland?

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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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A long history of fishing makes the popular village of Seahouses both fascinating and beautiful. Experience local wildlife and gorgeous beaches, enjoy fresh fish and chips and crazy golf, and take a scenic walk along the harbour.

With its colourful houses, wildlife aplenty, and tranquil beach, Alnmouth sits within one of Northumberland's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There's always an opportunity to appreciate the coastline here, be it walking, cycling, or horse riding.

A high street framed by a 12th-century church and a magnificent castle, artisan shops, and incredible views, it's no wonder why this ancient village is a must-see. Warkworth is small, but it contains a wealth of history just waiting to be discovered.

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The famous smoked kippers popular with the Royal Family, the ruins of what was once a magnificent fortress, local art, a tranquil cove, and bird spotting are just a few of the things that will make your visit to the fishing village of Craster so memorable.

A pristine beach, drifting sand dunes, snug eateries tucked away on street corners, and a magnificent castle view everywhere you turn. These are just a few of Bamburgh’s draws, not to mention its coastal setting in the county's AONB.

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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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