Many people flock to the United Kingdom for London. With it’s iconic landmarks & vibrant city life, we can understand the attraction. & whilst London should definitely be on your UK bucket list. The real beauty of the UK can be found in it’s picturesque countryside. You’ll find no better example of this than in the rural northern English county of Northumberland.
Sitting just south of the Scottish Border, nestled in the tranquil corner of England’s north-eastern countryside, Northumberland holds an enchanting tapestry of natural wonders, historical treasures, & timeless charm.
Unlike much of the UK, it has remained relatively untouched by the bustling pace of modern life. This county is a true hidden gem packed with rugged coastlines, unspoiled wilderness, ancient castles, & expansive national parks.
Whilst a four day road trip is a perfect amount of time, to immerse yourself in everything Northumberland has to offer. We can guarantee you’ll leave, itching for more. So, join us as we embark on this adventure through Northumberland, highlighting exactly how to spend your time in this incredible part of England.
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Can I visit Northumberland without a car?
Yes, you could, but you wouldn’t get very far & would likely need more than four days to navigate the public transport. We strongly recommend that you visit Northumberland with a vehicle. As this will allow you to reach all the best attractions & remote corners of the county. Plus, who doesn’t love a road trip?
If you are an overseas visitor it would be a good idea to rent a car, & self drive. We would recommend making your way to Newcastle, either by train or air & renting a vehicle from there. Newcastle is Northumberland’s capital city & you will find all the usual rental companies. From Newcastle, you’ll only be a short drive to all the spots we are going to mention in this blog post.
We use sites such as Rentalcars.com, Expedia & Booking.com to book car rentals across the world.
Where to stay?
From the coast to the countryside, there are many gorgeous towns & villages to base yourself during your time in Northumberland. There are also many different styles of accommodation on offer. From camp sites & glamping, to hotels & Airbnb’s. We would recommend looking for accommodation in these areas: Amble, Hexham, Alnmouth, Rothbury, Craster, Morpeth & Bamburgh.
We stayed on a beautiful farm overlooking the Northumbrian countryside & coast, called ‘Hillside Huts & Cabins‘. They are located just south of Morpeth & have a selection of classic rustic shepherd’s huts, with wood burning hot tub. We highly recommend you experience a stay in a shepherd’s hut at least once.
We loved that we were able to soak in the hot tub whilst enjoying the sounds of nature, with stunning sweeping views. There was also a sky light in the roof, over the bed. Meaning we could star gaze, before falling asleep under the stars. Northumberland has the most pristine dark skies in all of England. If you like to watch the stars, this is definitely the place to do it!
Day 1 – Wilderness & Ruins
You’ve made it to Northumberland & now it’s finally time to get into the good stuff, exploring!
Northumberland National Park
You are going to start the day in the southern section of the county. Drive out towards Hexham. More specifically into Northumberland National Park & navigate to Steel Rigg Car Park. The car park is £3 for 3 hours, which should be enough time to visit this part of the park.
From this car park you’ll be able to access the infamous ‘Sycamore Gap‘ & walk along a section of the historical Hadrian’s Wall, in the footsteps of the Romans.
The wall that still stands today, was built by the Romans in AD 122, to defend their empire in England, from the Scottish tribes just north of the border. It is a fascinating piece of English history & a must see on a trip through Northumberland.
As you follow Hadrian’s Wall towards Sycamore Gap. You will get the opportunity to experience some of the best countryside views in Northumberland & the whole of England (in our opinion!) Along the way, you’ll also encounter the ruins of ancient Roman fortresses. You can’t help but imagine what life would have looked like out here in the wilderness all those centuries ago.
Once you reach Sycamore Gap, you’ll find a Sycamore tree wedged perfectly between two hillsides & the wall. It makes for a really unique photo opportunity, especially at sunrise or sunset. The walk to this spot is a 2.7km circular route & should take roughly 45 minutes.
Vindolanda Roman Fort
Due to Northumberland’s important role in defending Britain during Roman times, the county is littered with historical Roman sites. Great if you’re into archaeology! Vindolanda is located super close to the Sycamore Gap walk, so you should definitely stop by, if this interests you.
On your visit here, you’ll get the chance to walk around an original Roman village & fort. They also have a museum, with artefacts that have been discovered at the site by archaeologists. The site boasts the largest & most important collection of Roman artefacts, anywhere on the Roman frontier.
There is also a small café, so if you forget lunch, do not fear! You can find more information about Vindolanda & plan your visit on their website.
Entrance fees: Adult – £12.50 Child – £6.00 Family – £32.00
Day 2 – Castles
Northumberland can boast 70 castles, making it the county with the highest density of castles in England. This is the perfect opportunity to stick your teeth into some of the best castles, England has to offer.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Located near the small fishing village of Craster on a remote headland, overlooking the North Sea. You will come across Dunstanburgh Castle. As you approach the village, you will be able to see the castle from miles away, it is huge!
The castle came into existence during a period marked by the deteriorating relationship between King Edward II and his formidable baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster. In 1313, Lancaster began building the castle.
Recent archaeological findings would suggest that he erected it on a much more impressive scale than initially acknowledged. The sheer size of the castle may have served as a symbolic gesture of his opposition to the monarch, rather than merely a military stronghold.
To reach the castle you will need to park in Craster, either on street (if available) or in Craster Quarry Car Park. From here you can only access the castle on foot. Follow the track that hugs the coastline, with the castle directly in front of you (you can’t miss it). The walk should take approximately 30 minutes each way.
Once you reach the castle, definitely allow enough time to explore all areas. The site is pretty big & requires a fair bit of walking. Also note, the castle is mostly ruined & open to the elements, it would be wise to wear wind proof clothing at all times of the year.
Entrance fees: Adult – £6.80 Child – £3.60 English Heritage/National Trust Members – Free
Opening times can be found here & do change seasonally, so always double check before making the journey.
Alnwick Castle & Gardens
If filming locations is more your scene then you won’t want to miss Alnwick Castle. This iconic Northumberland castle has been used in the first two Harry Potter films, as well as Downton Abbey, Transformers & Robin Hood.
Alnwick Castle is set in acres of beautiful grounds & gardens that are also open to the public. With more than nine & a half centuries of history to explore, Alnwick Castle’s roots trace back to the Norman era.
The castle is ranked as the United Kingdom’s second-largest inhabited castle. & it has played diverse roles throughout it’s existence. Serving as a military stronghold, an educational institution, a sanctuary for evacuees, a film set, & more notably, a cherished family home.
Whilst on a visit here, make the time to explore the interior of the castle, learning about it’s long history as you go. We highly recommend that you also check out the enchanting gardens. It is here that you’ll have a unique experience, to visit the ‘Poison Garden’.
This eerie gated garden contains plants from around the world that can kill! With around 100 intoxicating & narcotic plants to feast your eyes on, but don’t get too close. You can visit the garden only with a guided tour, which run throughout the day. Entry to the garden is included in your admission fee.
Alnwick Castle entrance fees: Adult – £20.50 Child – £10.75 (cheaper if you purchase in advance on the website).
Alnwick Gardens entrance fees: Adult – £18.50 Child – Free (cheaper is you purchase in advance on the website).
More information & opening times for Alnwick Castle can be found here. Note that Alnwick castle is not open all year round.
More information & opening times for Alnwick Gardens can be found here.
Information up to date as of September 2023.
Warkworth Castle
We didn’t find this castle as impressive as the other two mentioned, however it is still a beautiful castle, with some great views.
Set in the quaint village of Warkworth, you’ll notice the castle sitting high above, looming over the village. The castle is partially in ruined & when it was built is actually unknown.
We recommend that you purchase an audio guide for your visit, as it explains much more about the origins of the castle & it’s history. Without an audio guide, there isn’t too much information about the castle available.
Entrance fees: Adult – £8.60 Child – £5.00 Family – £22.50 English Heritage member – Free
Opening times for Warkworth Castle can be found here.
Day 3 – Coast & (more) Castles
Northumberland has 40 miles of wild & untouched coastline spanning across England’s eastern seaboard. You’ll find some of the most remote beaches in this region & plenty more castles along the way too.
Bamburgh Beach & Castle
This has to be our favourite spot in the whole of Northumberland, the time we spent here often lives rent free in our minds. Your visit to Northumberland really isn’t complete until you’ve spent time in the iconic Bamburgh.
Bamburgh beach has to be one of the most magical beaches in the entire United Kingdom. It is the perfect opportunity to go for a windswept walk along this huge stretch of unspoiled & wild sand. But what makes this beach truly special, is the ancient Bamburgh Castle that dominates the skyline, sitting just behind the dunes.
If you have the time & energy, we strongly recommend that you make the effort to visit Bamburgh Beach at sunrise. If you get good conditions, we promise you will not regret this decision.
The way the soft golden light bounced off the castle walls & danced across the sand, is a memory that is permanently imprinted in our minds forever.
Once you’ve spent time admiring the castle from the outside, it’s time to head back in time & step inside. You will notice as you approach Bamburgh Castle, it is humongous & has a great way of making you feel small.
You must pay to enter Bamburgh Castle, once you do you’ll follow a circuit that will walk you through the history of the castle & it’s importance through turbulent times. The entire walk around should take you around 1.5 hours. Finishing outside on the castle walls with incredible views across Bamburgh Beach & the North Sea.
Entrance fees: Adult – £14.10 Child – £6.95 Family – £37.10
You can find out more information & opening times here.
Holy Island/Lindisfarne Castle
Only a 30 minute drive from Bamburgh is Holy Island & Lindisfarne Castle. This is another absolute must see on your visit to Northumberland & is an incredibly unique experience.
To reach the island you will have to cross the ocean causeway by car, which during high tide becomes completely submerged by the ocean. Meaning, you can only access the island at certain times of day. You must also be wary of tide times for coming back across the causeway to the mainland, as you don’t want to get stuck overnight.
Always check tide times before making the journey! You can find all the information regarding accessing Holy Island via the causeway here.
Holy Island or Lindisfarne was an important centre for early English Christianity. Irish monks settled here in 635 AD & founded the monastery, that you can still visit today. Holy Island was also the site of an infamous Viking raid that took place in 793 AD & shocked the Christian world, marking the beginning of the Viking age in Europe.
Today the island is a picturesque nature reserve, home to many medieval buildings & of course the 16th century Lindisfarne Castle. You can take a walk out to the castle that will take you approximately 30 minutes from the car park, the castle is also open to the public.
This is another amazing spot to get some photos. The castle is pretty unique sitting on top of a mound on a remote headland, it makes for a rather impressive backdrop.
Whilst you are on the island you should also make time to visit the Priory built by the first settlers of monks. There are also many nature walks to enjoy around the island, as you take in the dramatic & wild coastal scenery.
Entrance fees for Lindisfarne Castle: Adult – £8.50 Child – £4.25 Family – £21.25 National Trust Member – Free
Pre booking is recommended & you can find opening times here.
Entrance fees for Lindisfarne Priory: Adult – £8.60 Child – £5.00 Family – £22.20 English Heritage Members – Free
More information & opening times can be found here.
Note that there is very little in the way of infrastructure on Holy Island. You cannot take your car past the car park, so walking is required. There are a few cafe’s & pubs, but it is limited. We would say it is best to take a picnic with you.
Alnmouth
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Alnmouth is a great town to spot by on your way up the coast. Pastel-coloured houses lined up along the River Aln, welcome you to the coastal town. Moreover, there is a diverse range of wildlife to be spotted amongst the sand dunes & a tranquil beach to enjoy.
Take a walk down the high street & you’ll discover an array of cafes, restaurants & gift shops. Maybe even pop in for some classically British Fish & Chips on your visit.
Day 4 – Inland Heritage
On your final day in Northumberland, make time to head a little further inland close to the village of Rothbury.
It is here that you can find Cragside House another National Trust property. Cragside is a Tudor country home is the creation of William Armstrong an inventor who had a vision to make this place into a beautiful fantasy mountain landscape.
Cragside was also the very first home in the world to be powered entirely by hydro-electric power, using man made lakes & underground piping.
The grounds of the country home are absolutely break taking & well worth exploring. With lakes, streams, waterfalls & woodland to discover. If you are a photographer like us, the you will be in heaven here!
If you don’t fancy walking around the property, then you can also take the ‘Carriage Drive’ in your car, which takes you around the full estate in a circular route. So you can admire the gorgeous Northumbrian countryside from the comfort of your own car.
The house is also open to the public. & features an open museum where you can admire the many grandeur rooms & furniture. This is a great opportunity to take a peak inside a Tudor country home.
Entrance fees: Adult – £22.00 Child – £11.00 Family – £55.00 National Trust Members – Free
More information & opening times can be found here.
After your visit to Cragside, you could also make time to take a walk around the quaint village of Rothbury, which is only a 5 minute drive away. It is very picturesque & has some cute boutique shops to take a peek into.
That wraps up this Northumberland travel guide. Wherever you choose to explore in this enchanting county will no doubt leave you in awe. With plenty of things to see & attractions to visit, you’ll be in for a busy time. If you have any further questions about Northumberland then you can leave your comments below or message us via Instagram.
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