Things to Do in Northumberland

The vast, desolate beauty of Northumberland National Park is among the county’s wildest places. This is of England’s least-visited national parks. It’s bordered to the south by the Whin Sill, a unique geological formation, with Hadrian’s Wall hugging its crest. To the north, the border with Scotland sits nestled within the rolling moors of the Cheviot Hills. Here, you’ll uncover hidden delights, from hillforts to lonely hills. The Cheviot Hills are also where you’ll find the area’s highest peak, the Cheviot (815 m/2674 ft), offering near-endless views. In between is Coquetdale and the Simonside Hills, dotted with cosy villages.

Your exploration doesn’t finish as the sun sets. The night skies above Northumberland National Park are unimpeded by light pollution. They have been awarded Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status for the clear views of the stars.

Top tip: The longer autumn and winter evenings are especially good for stargazing when the sky is clear.

Buried deep within the lush foliage of Kielder Forest, you’ll find the largest artificial lake in northern Europe. Follow the trails around the tranquil expanse of Kielder Water, or hire a bike to ride around the lake’s 26-mile shoreline.

Alternatively, take to the water for watersports, including canoeing, kayaking and water skiing. There’s wildlife to keep your eyes peeled for, including deer and red squirrels. Admire the scattered art installations around the lake. These were created in response to the environment and the area’s fascinating history. After dark, turn your eyes to the skies. Kielder Water sits within the protected dark sky reserve, meaning stargazing is spectacular.

Top tip: Visit the observatory here to use their powerful telescope to scan the galaxy or join one of their regular events to explore a night sky that’s out of this world.

Perhaps the most defining artificial landmark in Northumberland is Hadrian’s Wall. Built upon the order of Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD, the wall protected the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. It was an impressive defensive fortification that spanned the width of England.

Walk the full line of the wall along the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Alternatively, discover sections while riding Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway, NCN72. If walking or cycling an 129 km/80 mile loop from Bowness to Wallsend seems like too serious an undertaking, head instead to the well-preserved sections within Northumberland. Historical sites to enjoy include Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda.

Here you’ll get a good impression of what Hadrian’s Wall would have looked like as it climbed across the crags and features of the countryside. Discover what life for the soldiers stationed on its ramparts must have been like. There are museums with collections of artefacts at both.

Top tip: Time your visit to coincide with the active excavations at Vindolanda to gain further insight into one of the most important Roman monuments in the UK.

View Hiking Trip   View Cycling Trip

The historic island of Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, sits just off the Northumberland coast. Access is by a narrow causeway you can only cross at low tide. The grassy crag on the island is topped by the remains of a small 16th century castle. The 12th century ruins of Lindisfarne Priory mark the spot where an Irish monk, St Aidan, converted the region to Christianity. St Aidan founded the island’s original monastery in 635 AD.

These days, Holy Island remains an important pilgrimage site. The tiny island is popular with historians, walkers and people interested in wildlife. There are empty beaches to amble along and a pretty village to drift through. Lindisfarne village is where you can pick up locally produced trinkets and mead.

Curious about this unique place? Learn more about Lindisfarne here.

Top tip: Consider the walk across the exposed sands at low tide as a stirring way to reach the island. Remember to check tide times before setting off so you don’t get caught out.

Northumberland boasts the densest population of castles anywhere in England. Bamburgh Castle is first among equals in a long list of impressive fortifications. Bamburgh, with its watchtowers and ramparts, sits atop a prominent bluff. The site overlooks a gorgeous sweeping beach.

The mighty Norman keep and surrounding defensive structures that sprawl across the clifftop date back 1,400 years. They have borne witness to battles and sieges, rebellious royals and the birth of myths and legends. The castle has been carefully restored and maintained since the 19th century. Visitors can get a good impression of life in the castle, with stately apartments, staterooms, grounds and dungeons to discover.

Top tip: Drop down through the dunes to the beach below the castle to look back and soak up the stirring vista. There are also views out to the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne to look for.

While on your tour of Northumberland castles, make time to stop and explore Warkworth, which stands above a loop in the River Coquet. With 800 years of history to discover at this fortress, admire its attractive medieval architecture that still packs a punch. For three centuries the Percy family resided here, and you can see traces of their lives throughout. Combine a trip to both Warkworth and Alnwick castles to fully immerse yourself in their family history.

Top tip: Look out for the Hermitage, although you’ll need to take a boat to reach the remains of the chapel carved directly into a cliff.