Summary of Northumberland Attractions
For those seeking a retreat from the crowds in England, Northumberland serves as an ideal destination. With a population less than many London Boroughs despite being the sixth-largest county by area, visitors can find solace in its fishing ports, historic market towns, and remote hamlets nestled within the stunning landscapes of Northumberland National Park.
The region is replete with castles, serving as remnants of a tumultuous history marked by battles and sieges. Notable sites such as Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle offer engaging family experiences, while others provide haunting ruins that harmonize with the natural surroundings.
Let us explore the best places to visit in Northumberland:
1. Alnwick
A distinguished market town, Alnwick features exquisite limestone-fronted townhouses accompanied by second-hand bookshops, coffee shops, and traditional pubs.
Central to the town is its castle, the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK, following Windsor.
During the summer, visitors are welcome to explore its grounds, with added interest for Harry Potter enthusiasts, as it served as Hogwarts in the film series.
The Alnwick Garden captivates with landscaped hedges and vibrant flowerbeds surrounding an impressive water cascade.
Additionally, the Poison Garden displays various poisonous plants, including hemlock and foxglove, intriguing those with a taste for the macabre.
Excursions to the castles at Chillingham, Edlingham, and Dunstanburgh, as well as the stunning beaches of Low Newton and Embleton Bay, are also recommended.
2. Berwick-upon-Tweed
Situated just a few miles from the Scottish border at the mouth of the Tweed, Berwick-upon-Tweed claims the title of England’s northernmost town.
The town has witnessed many transitions between English and Scottish control over the years.
Following Richard I’s conquest of Berwick in the 1300s, he constructed walls that were later reinforced to withstand artillery during the 1500s under Elizabeth I.
Remarkably, many of these defenses remain intact, making them a rare sight in English towns.
Visitors can enjoy charming sandy beaches and the scenic Tweed Estuary, crossed by Stevenson’s magnificent Royal Border Railway Bridge.
Additionally, the Berwick Barracks, dating back to the early 1700s, features fascinating exhibits detailing the last conflict fought on British soil.
3. Lindisfarne
This enchanting and historic island is accessible on foot via the ancient Pilgrim’s Way, though attention should be paid to tide times before embarking.
At Lindisfarne, visitors will find a priory initially established in the 600s and later revitalized by the Normans several centuries afterward.
This site provides insight into the formative years of Christianity in Britain, showcasing the oldest surviving English text, a biography of the 7th-century St. Cuthbert.
The English Heritage centre enthralls with remarkable Celtic religious carvings and recounts the island’s devastating Viking raids in the 800s.
4. Northumberland National Park
The least populated national park in England spans 400 square miles of rugged uplands adorned with abandoned historic sites.
The northern region features the Fleck Towers, small fortifications that served as watchtowers and signals during the medieval period along the Scottish border.
Furthermore, the southern part is highlighted by the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall, with fort fragments stationed along its length.
Offering expansive landscapes, the park serves as a haven for hikers, horse riders, mountain bikers, and anyone seeking expansive open spaces.
Additionally, the dark night skies offer an unrivaled opportunity for stargazers and amateur astronomers, due to the absence of large settlements.
5. Hexham
To delve into Northumberland during Roman times, Hexham presents an ideal starting point, as it aligns directly with Hadrian’s Wall.
The region features well-preserved forts including Vindolanda, Cilurnum, and Housesteads, which remarkably retain their ancient integrity.
The Roman Army Museum offers an additional layer of fascination, complemented by the Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh, highlighting the area’s historical activity.
Hexham Abbey, possessing Early English Gothic architecture from the 12th century, is equally captivating.
Exploring its crypt, constructed entirely from Roman stones, offers a glimpse into the past with inscriptions that have endured the centuries.
6. Seahouses
Located along the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Seahouses is a visually appealing fishing village featuring an operational port.
Numerous activities can be enjoyed at the harbor, including seal-spotting excursions and trips to the nearby Farne Islands.
Following a day of exploration, visitors can savor a meal and a pint in one of the village’s welcoming inns.
Surrounded by expansive sandy beaches and picturesque sand dunes, the area is perfect for horseback riding along the shore in a stunning backdrop.
7. Morpeth
Morpeth is a refined town located in the southern part of the county, notable for its well-preserved historical structures.
Among its landmarks are the 17th-century clock tower and Morpeth Chantry, a 13th-century chapel housing the tourist information center.
The Sanderson Arcade, skillfully designed to resemble an antique shopping gallery, provides a modern shopping experience with an old-world charm.
Families can engage with animals at Eshott Heugh Animal Park and the Whitehouse Farm Centre, while cultural pursuits await at Belsay Hall and Wallington, both esteemed country estates located a short distance from the town.
8. Bamburgh
Situated within Northumbria’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bamburgh attracts visitors with its stunning beach, rolling sand dunes, and impressive castle.
This formidable structure, perched upon a volcanic plateau, was once the seat of the Norse Kings of Northumbria, showcasing medieval Norman architecture with roots tracing back to the 400s.
The village honors Grace Darling, a Victorian heroine known for her remarkable rescue efforts off the coast in 1838, with a dedicated museum in her name.
9. Kielder
Located on the remote western fringe of the county, Kielder offers a disconnect from urban life, embodying England’s farthest reaches.
This isolation, however, enhances its appeal, as Kielder Observatory serves as a haven for amateur astronomers, providing guidance and assistance in utilizing telescopes.
Kielder Castle, constructed as a hunting lodge in 1775 by the Duke of Northumberland, includes an educational visitor center.
For those seeking tranquility, Kielder Forest Park, established in the 1950s, holds the title of the largest man-made forest in Europe, spanning 250 square miles.
10. Amble
Located at the southern tip of the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Amble is a charming historic seaport where the Coquet River meets the North Sea.
During the summer, nature enthusiasts flock to this area for cruises to Coquet Island, home to 35,000 puffins nesting along its shores.
The picturesque village of Warkworth boasts a vast sandy beach and the notable Warkworth Castle, a determined stronghold during the Anglo-Scottish Wars of the 14th century.
An adventurous pursuit awaits those willing to explore Warkworth Hermitage, a medieval chapel carved from the cliffs along the Coquet River, accessible only by boat.
11. Corbridge
Visitors to Corbridge will quickly note that several buildings are constructed using reclaimed Roman stone from the ancient town of Corstopitum.
This site allows for viewing what remains of the garrison, which ranks among the most complete archaeological sites along Hadrian’s Wall, complete with informative boards to illuminate its history.
Medieval history can be uncovered at Aydon Castle, a defensively designed manor house shaped by centuries of conflict along the border with Scotland.
Mark the first weekend in June for the Corbridge Festival, which features street performances, market stalls, a real ale competition, and an impressive lineup of live music.
12. Ashington
Up to the 1840s, Ashington was merely a hamlet, yet the discovery of coal seams propelled its growth into one of the largest towns in Northumberland.
The primary attraction is the Woodhorn heritage colliery, located just east of Ashington, preserving much of its turn-of-the-century features.
The winding house, towering headframes, engine house, and a number of other original outbuildings remain remarkably well-preserved.
For younger visitors, the Woodhorn Railway provides a charming experience with locomotives that once served industrial purposes, including one from the Seaham Colliery and another from the Channel Tunnel.
