Northumberland is England’s most northern county, sitting just south of the Scottish border. This county is the most underrated in the country for many reasons. Offering visitors wild and remote countryside, beautiful beaches, plethora of ancient castles and epic dark skies. If you are looking for an authentic English adventure, then you are in the right place.
Unlike much of the United Kingdom, Northumberland has remained relatively untouched by the bustling pace of modern life. 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 and 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 and 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, and self-drive. We would recommend making your way to Newcastle, either by train or air, then renting a vehicle from there. Newcastle is Northumberland’s capital city, and 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.
When booking car rentals, we always use Discover Cars. They offer the most competitive rates and compare rental companies for you. Plus Discover Cars has very affordable full insurance packages (sometimes as little as £2 per day).
Where to stay?
From the coast to the countryside, there are many gorgeous towns and villages to base yourself during your time in Northumberland. There are also many different styles of accommodation on offer. From camp sites and glamping to hotels and Airbnb’s. We would recommend looking for accommodation in the following areas: Amble, Hexham, Alnmouth, Rothbury, Craster, Morpeth and Bamburgh.
We stayed on a beautiful farm overlooking the Northumbrian countryside and coast, called ‘Hillside Huts & Cabins‘. They are located just south of Morpeth and 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 look up, this is definitely the place to do it!
Day 1 – Wilderness & Ruins
You’ve made it to Northumberland and 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 and 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‘ and 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 and 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 and 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.
Unfortunately, the beloved Sycamore tree that you see in the photo above was illegally felled as an act of vandalism in 2023 and is no longer there. However, efforts have been made to regrow the tree as it was such an iconic place for many people across the world.
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 very 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 and fort. They also have a museum, with artefacts that have been discovered at the site by archaeologists. The site boasts the largest and 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 and plan your visit on their website.
Entrance fees: Adult – £14.40 Child – £6.75 Family – £36.00
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!
Dunstanburgh 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 – £8.00 Child – £4.50 English Heritage/National Trust Members – Free
Opening times can be found here and 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 and Robin Hood. Alnwick Castle is set in acres of beautiful grounds and gardens that are also open to the public. With more than nine and 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. Moreover, it has played diverse roles throughout its existence. Serving as a military stronghold, an educational institution, a sanctuary for evacuees, a film set, and more notably, a cherished family home.
Whilst on a visit here, make the time to explore the interior of the castle, learning about its 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 and 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 – £23.95 Child – £12.75 (cheaper if you purchase in advance on the website). More information and opening times for Alnwick Castle can be found here. Note that Alnwick castle is not open all year round.
Alnwick Gardens entrance fees: Adult – £22.00 Child – £16.50 (cheaper is you purchase in advance on the website). More information & opening times for Alnwick Gardens can be found here.
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 ruin and 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 and its history. Without an audio guide, there isn’t too much information about the castle available.
Entrance fees: Adult – £13.00 Child – £8.00 Family – £34.00 English Heritage member – Free
Opening times for Warkworth Castle can be found here.
Day 3 – Coast & (more) Castles
Northumberland has 40 miles of wild and untouched coastline spanning across England’s eastern seaboard. You’ll find some of the most remote beaches in this region and 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 is 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and step inside. You will notice as you approach Bamburgh Castle, it is humongous and 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 and its 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 and the North Sea.
Entrance fees: Adult – £19.95 Child – £10.00 Family – £55-58
You can find out more information & opening times here.
Holy Island & Lindisfarne Castle
Only a 30-minute drive from Bamburgh is Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle. This is another absolute must see on your visit to Northumberland and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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. 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 and wild coastal scenery.
Entrance fees for Lindisfarne Castle: Adult – £8.50 Child – £4.25 Family – £21.25 National Trust Member – Free
Prebooking is recommended and you can find opening times here.
Entrance fees for Lindisfarne Priory: Adult – £14.30 Child – £7.15 Family – £35.75 National Trust Members – Free. More information and 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 and 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 and a tranquil beach to enjoy. Take a walk down the high street and you’ll discover an array of cafes, restaurants and gift shops. Maybe even pop in for some classic British Fish and 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, 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 manmade lakes and underground piping.
The grounds of the country home are absolutely break taking and well worth exploring. With lakes, streams, waterfalls and woodland to discover. If you are a photographer like us, 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. Meaning, you can admire the gorgeous Northumbrian countryside from the comfort of your own car. The house is also open to the public; it features an open museum where you can admire the many grandeur rooms and furniture. This is a great opportunity to take a peek inside a Tudor country home.
Entrance fees: Adult – £29.70 Child – £14.90 Family – £74.30 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 and has some cute boutique shops to take a look at.
Final thoughts on Northumberland
Northumberland is a county that is bound to surprise you in all the best ways, leaving you in awe and enchanted by the English heritage on display here. We hope that this guide has equipped you with everything you need to know before your visit. However, if you have any further questions about Northumberland, then you can leave your comments below or message us via Instagram.
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