Northumberland
Why we love Northumberland
It’s always a great time to visit Northumberland. In spring, thousands of puffins flock to its islands, resulting in one of Britain’s greatest wildlife spectacles. In summer, its beaches are glorious: much of the coast is a nature reserve, with grass-topped dunes and wide golden sands. Autumn brings leaf-crunching walks through Northumberland National Park, plus festivals and fireworks galore. As for winter, simple pleasures abound: long pub lunches, frost-nipped trails and some of the best stargazing on Earth.
Northumberland is England’s northernmost county, and it sits right on the border with Scotland. It’s historical hot property, a land long fought over by kingdoms and invaders – evident in its many castles, citadels and the 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall.
From Roman fortresses to enchanting isles, here’s where to go on your Northumberland holiday.
Explore an ancient wonder
Built by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the world’s greatest feats of ancient engineering – and Northumberland is home to the biggest section. Hop on the AD122 Country Bus to tour its spine-tingling Roman relics, or try a long-distance challenge: the Hadrian’s Cycleway serves up 174 miles (280km) of glorious countryside and historic gems. Or discover the history of Hadrian’s Wall on a full-day tour with a local guide dressed in authentic costume of the era.
Walk the wild coast
While Northumberland is famous for its wide sandy beaches, the shore is also dotted with castles and nature reserves. The 62-mile (100km) Northumberland Coast Path encompasses pretty seaside towns, wildlife-rich dunes and bracing clifftops alike, with welcoming B&Bs along the way. It takes 3–7 days in total, though the shorter sections are rewarding too.
Find your next adventure
Want to try something new? How about horse riding on the beach, scuba diving with seals, or paddleboarding on the England-Scotland border? Maybe you’ll dive into wild waters on a coasteering trip, explore the North Pennines moors, or try Viking-style axe throwing at an outdoor activity centre? If you live for adventure, you’ve come to the right place.
Make a feathered friend
Puffins ahoy! The Farne Islands, just off the coast, are famous for their year-round wildlife show: from newborn grey seal pups in October, to the springtime spectacle of 35,000 breeding puffins. Meanwhile Lindisfarne, or ‘Holy Island’, is rich in Christian history – with a 12th-century priory and crumbling Lindisfarne Castle. It’s connected to the mainland at low tide, so you can even walk there.
Travel back in time
Northumberland’s fortresses bring its rich history to life – whether you’re dressing up as a Medieval monarch at Bamburgh Castle, being entertained by jesters at Alnwick Castle, or watching knight battles and falconry at Warkworth Castle. Throughout summer, they host outdoor cinema and theatre shows in their atmospheric grounds too.
Look to the stars
On clear evenings, the skies above Northumberland are filled with stars, and the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy are even visible without a telescope. Welcome to Britain’s largest Dark Sky Park, which hosts astronomy events year-round: check out Kielder Observatory’s expert-led talks, or visit the Northumberland Dark Skies Festival in February.
Newcastle Half Day Walking Tour
Spend an afternoon is the North East’s biggest city. Take a break from wandering in the countryside to tread the streets of Newcastle on a guided tour.
Things to do in Northumberland
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Featured things to do
Island escape
They look serene from a distance, but the Farne Islands are a colourful cacophony of seals, puffins, eider ducks and razorbills. Spring is a great time for wildlife cruises.
Learn more about the Farne Islands
Make waves
When the sun is out, hit the beach: Northumberland’s coast is famous for its wide, sugar-soft sands. It’s also a windsurfing hotspot, so why not give it a go?
Learn more about Northumberland’s beaches Party time
’Tis the season for live music. In September, Lindisfarne Festival brings a star-studded line-up of DJs, bands and more to Northumberland’s coast.
Learn more about Lindisfarne Festival Art walks
With its huge sculptures and lofty lookouts, Kielder Water’s art trail is always spectacular, but winter’s frosty paths make it extra magical.
Learn more about Kielder Art & ArchitecturePlaces to stay in Northumberland
Holiday cottages
Make yourself at home: you’ll find self-catering cottages throughout the countryside, beside the sea, and in Northumberland’s market towns.
Glamping getaways
For the joy of the great outdoors with a few little luxuries, take your pick from woodland cabins, shepherd’s huts, yurt tents – and more.
Pubs with rooms
Pubs aren’t just for drinking and dining: many of them offer accommodation too, with cosy bedrooms, hearty breakfasts and a warm local welcome.
Explore nearby
Getting to Northumberland
Northumberland is located on the boundary between Scotland and England – but you won’t need to show your passport if you’re crossing the border by land. If you’re travelling by public transport, Newcastle provides excellent train links via the East Coast Main Line, with the fastest train from London taking around two hours 40 minutes, and Edinburgh 40 minutes. The closest international airport is in Newcastle.
Getting around
Taking the bus is cheap, easy and convenient – with local services running all over Northumberland, and even to Lindinsfarne (Holy Island) when the tide allows. By train, the Tyne Valley Line connects Newcastle with Carlisle, and runs along the south of Northumberland National Park; check the website for local walks and attractions accessible from its stations.
By bike
From short trails to long-distance routes, there are countless cycling trails to explore – and bike hire is available all over the region. Contact Carrylite for luggage transfers.
By car
For the ultimate flexibility, hire a car and follow a scenic road trip like the 39-mile (62km) Northumberland Coastal Route. Local electric charging points are plentiful too.
By bus
Northumberland is served by multiple bus operators, such as Go North East, which offers a 25% discount for two people travelling together. Traveline provides real-time bus info.
Want to know more?
Delve deeper into Northumberland’s best things to do and beautiful places to stay, by visiting its official website.