Northumberland is a county like no other. Studded with majestic castles, swathed in amazing natural scenery and blessed with a wild and romantic coast, it is an exciting destination for a holiday.
There’s no question of running out of things to do in Northumberland – around every corner is a new adventure and we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite experiences and places to visit on your trip. If you’ve already set your heart on a holiday in the northernmost county of England, browse our collection of cottages in Northumberland…
Cottages in Northumberland
…otherwise, read on to see what delights await!
Discover ancient Bamburgh Castle
Northumberland is full of amazing castles, from atmospheric ruins to goliath constructions which would have struck fear into the hearts of invaders. One of the most iconic, and arguably most impressively located, is spectacular Bamburgh Castle.
Standing guard over the Northumberland coastline, set atop a rocky plateau, it is a formidable sight and makes for a day out full of interest and intrigue. With ghost stories and legends aplenty, learn about its role as a Norman stronghold and Royal Seat, and discover the fascinating collection of inventor, industrialist and philanthropist William George Armstrong.
The awe-inspiring views alone are enough to secure this sprawling historic landmark a position on your holiday itinerary!
Walk Hadrian’s Wall
The epic barricade of Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in AD122. Peppered along its almost 80-mile length were castles, barracks and settlements, some of which are now important historic sites and open to visitors.
There are numerous walking routes in Northumberland which take in some of the ancient attractions, snaking through wild countryside and offering up astonishing views to reward your efforts. If you are serious about completing the various stages of the walk, you can collect a Hadrian’s Wall Walkers Passport to be stamped at waypoints en route.
Some of the must-visit sites along the wall include Housesteads, the best-preserved Roman fort in the country; Vindolanda Roman Army Museum and Segedunum, the most Eastern fort on the wall.
Go island hopping in the Farne Islands
A wildlife-rich cluster of between 15 – 20 islands lies off the coast of Northumberland, some fully submerged at high tide. The Farne Islands are a veritable haven for seabirds, home to 23 species and an astounding 43,000 pairs of puffins. The endearing black and white birds with their vibrant beaks and large orange feet are a fascinating sight, even for the novice birdwatcher.
Other inhabitants include terns which plunge into the water to pick off fish just below the surface in the summer months around Stable Island. There are also seals and a fluffy, roly-poly bundle of seal pups born every autumn. Razorbills, guillemots and eider ducks are just a few of the other birds which make up the seasonally changing population - it's one of the best places to spot wildlife in the UK.
A visit to the islands is a true adventure, and sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday.
Location: Off the coast near Seahouses.
Information: Inner Farne open April – October, Staple Island open May – July. Four private companies offer trips from Seahouses, landing on Inner Farne and Staple Island. Golden Gate Farne Island Tours are the only boat allowed to land at Longstone Island.
Stay nearby: Riley’s Retreat, Seahouses | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
You might also like: Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Coquet Island
Admire the incredible Alnwick Gardens
Whether you’re green-fingered yourself or simply appreciate a beautiful garden, there’s little better for the soul than a wander through a flourishing idyll. The Alnwick Garden is just that – and more. A magnificent 12 acres of carefully tended gardens, encompassing a Taihaku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade and a humongous treehouse – the stuff of fairytales!
The garden is divided into several areas, including the Rose Garden, Serpent Garden and Poison Garden, which, true to its name, is packed with plants that can kill! A fantastic day out for the whole family, there’s plenty to keep little ones occupied, not least the 13-hole Adventure Golf Course.
It’s the garden itself though which captivates the hearts of those young and old – children are encouraged to run free and explore with their families. There’s a daily street theatre throughout the summer and plenty of activities and discoveries to keep everyone entertained, so it’s among the top things to do in Northumberland for families.
Visit the Woodhorn Museum
Northumberland’s history is a colourful patchwork stitched with Viking attacks, murderous raids and territorial battles. Scattered across the county are a diverse array of important sites, not least the epic Roman feat of engineering, Hadrian’s Wall. There is no better way to learn about the past than to explore what remains today, and a fantastic place to get to grips with recent history is at the Woodhorn Museum.
This dog-friendly attraction celebrates Northumberland’s coal-mining history, at a site where 600,000 tonnes of coal was mined each year at its peak. You can visit the winding houses, view the artworks of the ‘Pitmen Painters’ in the Ashington Group Collection and take part in an ever-changing programme of events ranging from car shows to cosplay.
Enjoy the great outdoors at Kielder Water and Forest Park
Northumberland is awash with beautiful, natural scenery, not least in the spectacular 400-square-mile expanse of Northumberland National Park. Scenic valleys and hills, ancient forests and crashing waterfalls are just some of the highlights you can expect to see here, and getting out into nature is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Northumberland.
If you’re looking to get out and explore, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a great place to start. Encompassing the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, the park is a top spot for walking, wildlife watching, sports and even art. A unique collection of art and architecture sits within the natural landscape, from futuristic shelters and nature hides, to thought-provoking sculptures.
Cycling, mountain biking, water sports and horse riding can all be enjoyed here and, when night falls, the fun doesn’t stop. A designated International Dark Sky Park, there’s nothing quite like turning your gaze skyward and soaking up the incomprehensible beauty of the firmament. Head for Kielder Observatory to find out more.
Visit spectacular Lindisfarne Castle
As if one castle on this stretch of coast was not enough, further north up the coast from Bamburgh Castle, reached via a causeway from Holy Island, is the dramatic silhouette of Lindisfarne Castle. The once-castle was converted into a holiday home for Edward Hudson of Country Life magazine, and today’s visitors can now explore the rooms of what was a truly unique holiday property.
Outside, the walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll is kept as a summer flowering garden as she intended it. It is best visited during the summer months when it becomes a riot of colour, with a plethora of different flowers to admire.
There’s a short walk to enjoy around the castle, taking in the lime kilns which were once in operation here, and passing the pond and walled garden. With lots to see and plenty of places to pause and admire the views, this is one of the best things to do in Northumberland.
Go for a family day out at Whitehouse Farm Centre
The ideal attraction for animal-loving youngsters, Whitehouse Farm Centre is home to all sorts of interesting creatures, from mini-beasts to huggable bunnies! Little ones can join in with feeding the animals, and there are heaps of other activities to keep you busy throughout the day.
Chug around the farm in a tractor’s trailer, dive into the ball pits in the indoor soft play area, go wild in the adventure playgrounds, and whizz down the hill on the toboggan slide! Jumping pillows, racing cars and more outdoor activities all add to the fun.
There’s a cafe and gift shop on site too, perfect for picking up a souvenir.
Location: Morpeth, NE61 6AW
Information: Online prices – Adults £14.95, Children (2 -16) £13.95, Under 2s free, Seniors and students £13.95 Family pass for 4 £50.95, Family pass for 5 £61.95, Carers £8. Opening times vary seasonally, please see website.
Stay nearby: Sunrise Cottage, Morpeth | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
You might also like: Northumberland College Zoo, Northumberland Zoo, Hauxley Wildlife and Discovery Centre
Take to the water on the Northumberland coast
The opportunities to enjoy water sports along the Northumberland coast are seemingly endless. Surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and coasteering are all different ways to discover the beautiful scenery from the sea.
Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore and enables you to view parts of the coast only accessible by water. There are many companies offering kayak tours and coaching, including Active4Seasons whose trips include rivers and seas, taking in wildlife en route.
Under expert guidance, you might find yourself paddling out to the Farne Islands or meandering up the River Tweed to the bridges of Berwick. It’s certainly one of the more interesting things to do in Northumberland.
Meet the critters at Northumberland Zoo
The family-run, not-for-profit attraction that is Northumberland Zoo offers visitors more than 17 acres of park to explore, with the chance to see animals including otters, wallabies, lynx, porcupines, marmosets, meerkats, snow leopards and lemurs, among many others.
Conservation, sustainability and education are important values for the zoo, and visitors are encouraged to learn about the animals and the problems they face. There are keeper talks throughout the day and other attractions which include soft play, outdoor adventure play areas, and walk-through parrot and lemur enclosures.
There’s even a tractor museum for tractor enthusiasts!
Stay in Northumberland
Planning a Northumberland holiday? Take a look at our collection of holiday cottages in Northumberland. Set close to attractions and places to visit throughout the county, you’re sure to find your perfect home-away-from-home for your adventures in the North of England.
Cosy cottages for two, dog-friendly family homes, large houses for group get-togethers – there’s something for everyone.
Northumberland cottages