27 Incredible Places to Visit in Northumberland

Northumberland has to be one of the most underrated places in England. This northern county, bordering Scotland on one side, has so much to offer. From magnificent castles to stunning beaches and coastline, plus a national park with lots of options for hiking, Northumberland has it all. I’ve been a number of times, and each time I return I’m wowed. Here is my guide for visiting Northumberland and all the best places to see here!

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Where is Northumberland?

Northumberland is located in the north of England. The northern border forms the border between England and Scotland, and the eastern border is the North Sea. To the west is Cumbria, and County Durham is located to the south. It’s about a 6-hour drive or 3-hour train north from London. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

How to Get Around Northumberland

A number of destinations in Northumberland, such as Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnmouth, are located on the East Coast main line for trains between London and Edinburgh. While other train and bus connections can get you around other towns and villages, it’s definitely easiest to explore with a car. This is particularly true if you want to go hiking in Northumberland National Park, as trailheads are rarely accessible by public transport. Many of the starting points for hikes in the national park are accessed on narrow single-track roads.

Considering a tour of Northumberland? Check out options below!

Where to Stay in Northumberland

Budget: YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall – this large hostel has clean and comfortable shared dorms and private rooms in an unbeatable location right near Hadrian’s Wall

Mid-range: The Star Inn, Harbottle – comfy rooms with a lovely outdoor area facing the garden await at this friendly pub in Harbottle

Boutique: The Cookie Jar – this boutique property in the heart of Alnwick has spacious, luxe rooms, a tasty breakfast, and a complimentary jar of cookies

Boutique: Lord Crewe Arms Hotel – a historic and cozy pub with plush rooms in Blanchland, with a highly rated restaurant

Luxury: Matfen Hall Hotel – Northumberland’s only 5-star hotel, there are 65 luxurious rooms here, plus an on-site spa, five dining options, and golf course

The Best Places to See in Northumberland: History & Culture

Lindisfarne (Holy Island)

This is one of my favorite places in Northumberland. Lindisfarne, also known as the Holy Island, is a tidal island that’s only accessible by a tidal causeway. Be sure to check the safe crossing times in advance when planning your trip! Driving this road is so fun – but DO NOT risk it outside of the safe crossing times, as people can and do get stuck and require rescue.

On the island, you can see the beautiful ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, which dates back to the 12th century – although monks first settled on the island in 635. The site is run by English Heritage today. Visit Lindisfarne Castle, dramatically perched on a hill on the southern part of the island, which is operated by the National Trust. The castle originally dates to the 1550s, but was substantially renovated in the early 1900s. Be sure to see the unique boat sheds around the harbor on Lindisfarne.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

This pretty town is right next to the England-Scotland border, and has changed hands at least 14 times. The last time was when the English (the future King Richard III, in fact) took it over in 1482. A number of the top sites to explore in town are related to the town’s military history. Visit Berwick Castle, walk the town walls, and explore Berwick Barracks, which were built in the 1700s. Be sure to see the Berwick Border Bridge, a railway bridge across the River Tweed.

Bamburgh

Bamburgh is an absolute stunner. The massive castle looms over the town – it’s especially impressive as you drive through town underneath it. Bamburgh Castle is a must-see, with 1400 years of history that you can discover walking through the state rooms and magnificent King’s Hall. Bamburgh Beach is one of the best beaches in the entire country – and certainly one of the best in the Northeast. The 1.5-mile stretch of sand extends down the coastline, with views to Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands. Be sure to explore the sand dunes here, too. Elsewhere in town, visit Bamburgh Walled Garden and the RNLI Grace Darling Museum.

Dunstanburgh Castle

While this castle is mainly ruins now, it makes a spectacular sight on the Northumberland coast. It’s only accessible by walking the coastal path, which is easiest to do from Craster – a 1.3-mile walk. The castle dates back to 1313, and started to decline in the 15th and 16th centuries. The site is operated by English Heritage. Check opening times and prices in advance so you don’t walk all the way there only to find it closed!

Alnwick

Alnwick is the jewel in Northumberland’s crown. This gorgeous market town is one of the best places to visit in the country, without a doubt. See the spectacular Alnwick Castle, which is the second-largest inhabited castle in England – the same family, the Percys, have lived in the castle for over 700 years. It has also been used as a film location in a number of movies, most notably as a stand-in for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. The Alnwick Garden is a lovely spot, especially in spring and summer – don’t miss the Poison Garden. Wander the pretty cobblestone streets of Alnwick, take a walk by the River Aln, and browse the 300,000-plus books at Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand bookstores in Britain which is housed in the old train station.

Warkworth

This pretty village is graced with a magnificent medieval castle, which dates back to about 1200. There is a pretty riverside walk you can take along the River Coquet to the Hermitage, a chapel that’s carved into rocky cliffs and only accessible by boat across the river. The ancient church here dates back to the 12th century.

Amble

Amble is a cute coastal village, where the River Coquet meets the sea. There are the ubiquitous colorful beach houses, plus tasty seafood at the Fish Shack or the Old Boathouse. You can do a puffin cruise here, to see the seabirds on Coquet Island nearby.

Ford & Etal

Ford and Etal Estates are comprised of castles, charming cottages in villages, and a scenic railway. While not open to the public, Ford Castle has an impressive arched entrance. Etal Castle is open seasonally. Wander around the villages and admire the picturesque buildings.

Cragside

Operated by National Trust, Cragside is one of the best days out in the Northeast. The house is full of innovative engineering – it was the first place in the world to be lit with hydroelectricity, and the ingenious technology here is impressive. Beside the fascinating house, the grounds are extensive, with lots of walking trails and gorgeous gardens.

Corbridge

Corbridge is a pretty village in Northumberland, with a number of interesting spots to visit. St. Andrew’s Church is one of the oldest in the country – with parts supposedly dating back to 774 – and you can go even further back in time with a visit to Corbridge Roman Town, where you can walk down an old Roman street. The site is run by English Heritage and is a short detour from Hadrian’s Wall Path. Take a walk along the River Tyne and visit the Pele for a coffee or a drink.

Chillingham Castle

Supposedly Britain’s most haunted historic castle, Chillingham Castle is a 13-century castle with expansive grounds. See the dungeon and great hall inside the castle, then head out to explore the beautiful gardens, which date to 1828. You also have the option of booking a tour to see the wild cattle that inhabit the estate – this herd is the only wild cattle herd in the world. You can also stay overnight at the castle, if you dare!

Hexham

Hexham is another fantastic destination in Northumberland. The town is centered around Hexham Abbey, a beautiful abbey that dates mostly from the 12th century. There are plenty of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants here – I love Cogito Books – plus you can visit Hexham Old Gaol, a museum housed in a 14th-century jail.

Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads Roman Fort is one of my favorite places in all of Northumberland – I first visited in 2014, and loved returning when I walked Hadrian’s Wall! There are extensive ruins of the Roman fort here (run by English Heritage), but head out on the trail to enjoy sweeping views of the countryside from Sewingshields Crag and at Crag Lough. Sadly, the tree in Sycamore Gap was felled by vandals in 2023. It’s still a pretty spot to visit, although the iconic view with the tree was a well-known film location and is sadly gone forever.

Vindolanda

Learn all about Roman history in the area with a visit to Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum. It was an important Roman site which was occupied for over 300 years, and you can walk around the ruins today, even watching excavations taking place. It’s a must for history buffs interested in Hadrian’s Wall.

Chesters Roman Fort

Yet another historic Roman fort on Hadrian’s Wall Path, Chesters Roman Fort is the best-preserved Roman calvary fort in the country. It was once the home of 500 calvary troops, and has Britain’s best military bath house. It’s located in Chollerford and also has a small museum – the site is run by English Heritage.

Blanchland

Blanchland catapulted to Instagram fame in the last five or so years, with honeycomb-colored stone cottages and pretty cobblestone streets. The pub, Lord Crewe Arms Hotel, is one place you can’t miss here, although there’s also a tearoom and a cute village shop. It’s a beautiful place, right between Northumberland and Durham in the North Pennines National Landscape.

The Best Places to See in Northumberland: Nature

Farne Islands

One of the best things to do in Northumberland is a boat trip out to the Farne Islands. You can see wildlife like grey seals, but the real draw here are the seabirds – puffins in particular. Some 43,000 breeding pairs nest here between May and July, and it’s one of the top spots to see puffins in the UK. Take a boat trip out that includes a landing on Inner Farne, if possible, and see these cuties up close.

Kielder Forest

Kielder Forest is the biggest forest in England, and is home to the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe. There are so many hikes to do here, or visit at night to see the stars from Kielder Observatory. Visit Kielder Reservoir or Kielder Village in between stargazing and spotting wildlife like ospreys, red squirrels, deer, and otters. This is one place in Northumberland I still haven’t visited and I’m dying to go!

Alnmouth

Alnmouth is a charming coastal village in Northumberland, with a few shops, cafes, and pubs. But the real attraction here is Alnmouth Beach, a picturesque stretch of sand where the River Aln meets the sea. Depending on the tides, walk across the estuary to Church Hill, and admire one of the most incredible views in Northumberland.

Caw Gap and Cawfields Quarry

This is a particularly scenic section of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, with a pretty lake at the quarry. There’s a nice 3.5-mile hike you can walk in a loop in the area. Caw Gap was a highlight of this part of Hadrian’s Wall for me, with sweeping views across the countryside.

Northumberlandia

Northumberlandia, also known as the Lady of the North, is an enormous public artwork just off the A1. The land here was shaped to form the body of a woman, with several miles of walking trails around it. It’s hard to tell from ground level, but drone views of the site are stunning!

The Best Hikes in Northumberland

The Cheviot (10 miles)

Hiking the Cheviot from Langleeford is one of the best walks in Northumberland. At 815 meters, it’s the highest point in Northumberland National Park, and sits right on the border between England and Scotland. You can stand on a stile with one foot in England and the other in Scotland! The route goes through Harthope Valley and passes a pretty waterfall before ascending up to the Pennine Way and to the trig point. I’ve only done this walk in very poor visibility – but I’m sure the area is beautiful!

Linhope Spout (3 miles)

Linhope Spout is a gorgeous 60-foot waterfall in Northumberland National Park, accessed on a relatively easy 3-mile walk. The views over the hillside here are superb – I loved this part of Northumberland so much! Parking here is limited to a handful of spots in a layby, so try to avoid visiting at peak times. I had no problem parking on a sunny Friday morning in November.

Hareshaw Linn (3 miles)

Hareshaw Linn is another waterfall walk in Northumberland you won’t want to miss. It’s 3 miles total, going through peaceful forest and woods to reach the waterfall at the end of the gorge. The walk starts from Bellingham.

Simonside Hills (4.5 miles)

This area has spectacular views for hikers from the ridgeline, particularly if you visit during the end of summer when the purple heather is in bloom. There’s a great 4.5-mile loop up to the ridge, with 360-degree panoramas, before descending into the forest again. Start at the Forestry England Simonside car park.

College Valley (5 miles)

I loved my hike around College Valley, which was just under 5 miles. I was lucky enough to see the wild goats close to the trail! Park at the free car park in Hethpool, as vehicle access beyond this point is by permit only.

Hadrian’s Wall Path (84 miles)

I visited some of the best places in Northumberland on my journey walking Hadrian’s Wall Path, an 84-mile trail that I did over six days. The route travels past scenic spots teeming with ancient history between Newcastle (Wallsend) and Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria. This was the first multi-day trail I did, and I loved it! If you’re looking for a fun adventure, hit up a number of spots on this list by walking Hadrian’s Wall.

Northumberland is such an incredible part of the UK to explore. There is so much history here, plus epic walks and superb opportunities to see wildlife. Somehow, it still seems to fly under the radar (especially for international tourists), but it’s easily one of my favorite parts of the country. I hope this post helps planning your trip to Northumberland!

Have you visited Northumberland? What were your favorite places?

You might also like my posts:

A Northumberland Coastal Road Trip Itinerary

Puffin Heaven: A Guide to the Farne Islands, Northumberland

A 6-Day Itinerary for Hiking Hadrian’s Wall

Why You Should Visit Alnwick, Northumberland

A Guide to the North Pennines AONB: What to See and Do

30 Incredible Places to Visit in the Lake District

30 Amazing Places to Visit in the Peak District

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