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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.

Things to do in Northumberland

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A haven for hikers, cyclists and art lovers, this wild nature reserve has an outdoor sculpture trail and stargazing observatory.

Explore Kielder Water and Forest Park

raineyrebs

Female hiker with a backpack and walking poles, hiking through the countryside of Kilder in Northumberland at sunrise
Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland

This ‘holy island’ attracts pilgrims from all over the world: it’s a peaceful spot, cut off from the mainland at high tide.

Plan your trip to Lindisfarne

VisitBritain

Man leaning against 4x4, holding camera
Lindisfarne, Northumberland

Combine tangible history with breathtaking walks, museums and glorious countryside along these ancient Roman ramparts.

See what’s on at Hadrian’s Wall

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

View along Hadrian's Wall at sunset
Hadrian’s Wall

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabited castles.

Get your tickets for Bamburgh Castle

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach
Bamburgh Castle

On the border between Scotland and England, these rolling hills attract hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and more.

Find adventure in The Cheviots
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The Cheviots, Northumberland

This expert-led hiking, climbing and orienteering company will take you to Northumberland’s wildest locations.

Book North East Guides

VisitBritain

Girl leaping into the air with raised arms near stone wall
North East Guides

Saddle up! Northumberland’s wide sandy beaches and beautiful dunes are ideal for exploring on horseback.

Go horse riding on the Northumberland coast

VisitBritain/Hilary Dunn

Three people riding ponies along the beach
Horse riding on the Northumberland coast

Take your pick from fresh Lindisfarne oysters, beer-battered haddock, locally-caught lobster – and more.

More about The Potted Lobster Bamburgh

VisitBritain

Close up of person holding plate with whole lobster
The Potted Lobster Bamburgh

With its golden-sand beach, thriving foodie scene and hilltop castle, this town is a joy to explore.

Plan your trip to Bamburgh

VisitBritain

Rear view of man standing in a landscape looking at a castle
Bamburgh

Hike to this famous sycamore tree, which is surrounded by pristine countryside – right beside Hadrian’s Wall.

More about Sycamore Gap

VisitBritain

Person standing underneath a tree near stone wall
Sycamore Gap

Thanks to its minimal light pollution and wide open skies, this is one of Britain’s top stargazing spots.

Visit Northumberland International Dark Sky Park

Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park

Set in a historic train station, this bookshop features a cafe, ice cream parlour, and log fires in winter.

Step inside Barter Books

VisitBritain

Man sitting on a sofa, reading a book at a bookshop
Barter Books

A haven for hikers, cyclists and art lovers, this wild nature reserve has an outdoor sculpture trail and stargazing observatory.

Explore Kielder Water and Forest Park

raineyrebs

Female hiker with a backpack and walking poles, hiking through the countryside of Kilder in Northumberland at sunrise
Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland

This ‘holy island’ attracts pilgrims from all over the world: it’s a peaceful spot, cut off from the mainland at high tide.

Plan your trip to Lindisfarne

VisitBritain

Man leaning against 4x4, holding camera
Lindisfarne, Northumberland

Combine tangible history with breathtaking walks, museums and glorious countryside along these ancient Roman ramparts.

See what’s on at Hadrian’s Wall

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

View along Hadrian's Wall at sunset
Hadrian’s Wall

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabited castles.

Get your tickets for Bamburgh Castle

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach
Bamburgh Castle

On the border between Scotland and England, these rolling hills attract hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and more.

Find adventure in The Cheviots
Awaiting image
The Cheviots, Northumberland

This expert-led hiking, climbing and orienteering company will take you to Northumberland’s wildest locations.

Book North East Guides

VisitBritain

Girl leaping into the air with raised arms near stone wall
North East Guides

Saddle up! Northumberland’s wide sandy beaches and beautiful dunes are ideal for exploring on horseback.

Go horse riding on the Northumberland coast

VisitBritain/Hilary Dunn

Three people riding ponies along the beach
Horse riding on the Northumberland coast

Take your pick from fresh Lindisfarne oysters, beer-battered haddock, locally-caught lobster – and more.

More about The Potted Lobster Bamburgh

VisitBritain

Close up of person holding plate with whole lobster
The Potted Lobster Bamburgh

With its golden-sand beach, thriving foodie scene and hilltop castle, this town is a joy to explore.

Plan your trip to Bamburgh

VisitBritain

Rear view of man standing in a landscape looking at a castle
Bamburgh

Hike to this famous sycamore tree, which is surrounded by pristine countryside – right beside Hadrian’s Wall.

More about Sycamore Gap

VisitBritain

Person standing underneath a tree near stone wall
Sycamore Gap

Thanks to its minimal light pollution and wide open skies, this is one of Britain’s top stargazing spots.

Visit Northumberland International Dark Sky Park

Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park

Set in a historic train station, this bookshop features a cafe, ice cream parlour, and log fires in winter.

Step inside Barter Books

VisitBritain

Man sitting on a sofa, reading a book at a bookshop
Barter Books

Places 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

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

Mensen die fietsen en skateboarden op een pad langs rivier de Tyne bij Newcastle

From the tip of England’s tallest peak to the nation’s deepest lake, this national park is stacked with super-sized scenery.

VisitBritain/Ryan Lomas

Lake District, England

Rear view of young woman on a hillside with two dogs

Small and mighty – York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking

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.