Wild, spacious and steeped in history, Northumberland is England’s northernmost county and one of its least crowded. Its long coastline of golden beaches is guarded by dramatic castles, its hills are crossed by Hadrian’s Wall, and its forests sit under some of the darkest night skies in the country. From a holy island cut off by the tide to puffin colonies, stately homes and fortified market towns, there are more places to visit here than most people can fit into a single trip — and you’ll rarely have to share them with crowds.
Top things to do in Northumberland
- Bamburgh Castle – Rising from a basalt outcrop above one of the finest beaches in Britain, Bamburgh is the coast’s most famous landmark, once the seat of the kings of Northumbria. Explore the restored state rooms, then walk the dunes below for the classic view back to the castle.
- Alnwick Castle & The Alnwick Garden – Home of the Dukes of Northumberland for centuries, Alnwick Castle is familiar to film fans as a Harry Potter location. Next door, The Alnwick Garden features the Grand Cascade, a Poison Garden and one of the world’s largest treehouses.
- Lindisfarne (Holy Island) – Cradle of early English Christianity, Holy Island has the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and the small, picturesque Lindisfarne Castle. The island is reached by a tidal causeway that floods twice a day, so always check the official safe crossing times before you set off — vehicles are regularly stranded by people who ignore them.
- Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort – Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall is at its most dramatic in Northumberland, striding along the crags of the Whin Sill. Housesteads is one of the best-preserved forts on the Wall.
- The Farne Islands – Boat trips from Seahouses take you to this rocky archipelago, home to grey seals and huge seabird colonies including puffins in the breeding season. It’s one of the best wildlife experiences in England.
- Kielder Water & Forest Park – Northern Europe’s largest man-made lake sits within England’s largest forest, offering cycling, walking, water sports and wildlife spotting. Kielder is part of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, and Kielder Observatory runs stargazing events under exceptionally dark skies.
- Cragside – The Victorian home of inventor Lord Armstrong near Rothbury was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. Its estate has woodland walks, lakes and one of Europe’s largest rock gardens.
- Berwick-upon-Tweed – England’s most northerly town changed hands between England and Scotland many times, and its Elizabethan ramparts are among the best-preserved town walls in the country. A walk around the walls gives fine views of the Tweed and its three bridges.
- Dunstanburgh Castle and the Northumberland Coast Path – The coast path links fishing villages, beaches and castles along the Northumberland Coast. One of its best short walks runs from Craster to the haunting ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Getting to Northumberland
Northumberland is well connected despite its remote feel. The East Coast Main Line between London, Newcastle and Edinburgh runs through the county, with stations at Morpeth, Alnmouth (for Alnwick) and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The Tyne Valley line from Newcastle to Carlisle serves Hexham and Haltwhistle, handy for Hadrian’s Wall. By road, the A1 runs north up the coastal side of the county to Berwick and the Scottish border, while the A69 follows the Tyne Valley west. Newcastle International Airport, on the county’s southern edge, has domestic and international flights. A car makes it far easier to reach the national park, Kielder and the smaller coastal villages.
Best time to visit
Late spring and summer are the most popular times. Long days suit coastal walks and beach trips, and the seabird colonies on the Farne Islands are at their liveliest. Many attractions, boat trips and castles open on a seasonal timetable, so check before travelling outside the main season. Autumn brings quieter roads, seal pups on the coast and golden colour in the forests. Winter is the best season for stargazing at Kielder and across the Dark Sky Park, when the long dark nights give superb views of the Milky Way. Be ready for changeable weather whenever you visit, especially on the hills and exposed coast.
Where to stay
For the coast, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell and Craster are popular bases for the castles, beaches and Farne Islands boats. Alnwick and the nearby village of Alnmouth combine a central location with good rail access. Berwick-upon-Tweed suits trips to Holy Island and the border country. Inland, Hexham and the villages of the Tyne Valley are ideal for Hadrian’s Wall. Rothbury makes a good base for Cragside and the Coquet Valley, and Bellingham and the Kielder area appeal to walkers, cyclists and stargazers. Accommodation ranges from coastal cottages and country inns to farm stays and campsites.
Food and drink
Northumberland’s larder leans heavily on the sea. Craster is famous for its oak-smoked kippers, still cured in the village’s traditional smokehouse. Crab, lobster and fish and chips are staples in the harbour villages. On Holy Island, look out for Lindisfarne Mead, a honey-based drink made on the island. Inland, country pubs serve local lamb and game, and a growing number of local breweries and distilleries supply the bars. Pair a visit here with the rest of North England, and check our listings of upcoming events in Northumberland to plan your trip.
