Top Things to Do in Northumberland: Castles, Coastlines & Culture
Discover the best castles, coastal walks, wildlife, local heritage and dark skies in spectacular Northumberland.
Top Things to Do in Northumberland
Northumberland, set in England’s rugged northeast, is steeped in epic history, adorned with world-famous castles, and blessed with miles of untamed coastline. Whether you’re drawn by atmospheric ruins, family adventures, or the best stargazing in the UK, Northumberland’s blend of natural beauty and cultural depth guarantees an unforgettable trip.
1. Explore Historic Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is one of Britain’s grandest medieval fortresses, acclaimed for its striking architecture and cinematic fame, having featured in both the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Home to the Duke of Northumberland, the castle features lavish State Rooms, remarkable collections of art and arms, and the celebrated Alnwick Garden—a sweeping landscape of fountains, ornate topiary, and the fascinating Poison Garden.
- Enjoy broomstick training on the very lawns where Harry Potter learned to fly.
- Dine in the enchanting Treehouse Restaurant, set high among the branches with rope bridges and fairy lights.
- Stroll around Alnwick’s market town, exploring charming independent bookshops and cafés.
2. Cross the Causeway to Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island reached via a causeway from the mainland. With tides dictating access times, getting here feels like a mini adventure. Once famous for its early Christian monastery, today the island’s main attractions are:
- Lindisfarne Castle: Perched dramatically atop a rocky crag, redesigned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, with views over wind-bent meadows and sea.
- Lindisfarne Priory ruins: Atmospheric remains of a medieval religious community, famed for the illuminated Lindisfarne Gospels.
- Gertrude Jekyll’s garden: A unique Arts and Crafts-style planting around the castle’s base.
Don’t miss a taste of Lindisfarne’s legendary mead, a honey wine with a recipe linked to the island’s monastic past.
3. Marvel at Bamburgh Castle’s Coastal Majesty
Sitting high on basalt cliffs above windswept sand dunes, Bamburgh Castle dominates the Northumberland coast. Once the royal seat of the Kings of Northumbria and pivotal in medieval border wars, today Bamburgh’s highlights include:
- Opulent state rooms and museum displays tracing the castle’s dramatic history.
- Sweeping panoramic views across the North Sea and the Farne Islands.
- Easy access to Bamburgh Beach – golden sands perfect for walks, kite flying, or simply relaxing.
4. Discover Hadrian’s Wall: Roman Heritage Unveiled
Hadrian’s Wall is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument, stretching coast-to-coast across northern England. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient barrier invites visitors to:
- Walk scenic sections, such as the rugged crags near Housesteads Fort and Sycamore Gap.
- Tour evocative fortifications like Vindolanda and Chesters Roman Fort, with fascinating museums showcasing artifacts and daily life of Roman Britain.
- Experience immersive reconstructions and interactive displays at dedicated visitor centres.
Planning tip: The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail covers the entire 84-mile route for long-distance hikers, but shorter loops and day walks are well-marked for casual visitors.
5. Roam the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland National Park
For tranquility and scenic grandeur, explore the Cheviots—rolling hills, sweeping moorland, and the mosaic landscape of Northumberland National Park. This region is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Hike trails of varied difficulty, from gentle riverside strolls to climbs up The Cheviot (the park’s highest peak).
- Spot native wildlife: wild goats, otters, curlews, and buzzards.
- Picnic amid carpets of heather with flocks of sheep dotting the hillsides.
6. Walk the Coastal Path to Dunstanburgh Castle
The striking Dunstanburgh Castle is best reached on foot via a stunning 2-mile walk from Craster along the Northumberland Coast Path. This route offers:
- Views of wide skies, rolling farm fields, and grazing livestock.
- The romantic, isolated twin towers of the 14th-century castle, once painted by JMW Turner.
- Opportunities to spot seals or dolphins offshore—so bring binoculars!
Planning tip: Buy tickets to enter the English Heritage-managed ruins, then continue north along Embleton Bay’s golden arcs for lunch at the Ship Inn or circle back for award-winning seafood at Craster’s Jolly Fisherman pub.
7. Have a Family-Friendly Day Out in Amble
Amble is a welcoming fishing town at the mouth of the River Coquet, ideal for families and foodies alike.
- Hop on a puffin cruise to Coquet Island and marvel at colonies of seabirds.
- Enjoy pastel-colored beach huts, a lively harbor, and quirky wooden retail pods stocked with local crafts and cheeses.
- Let children explore the playground tucked south of the harbor, then treat everyone to award-winning ice cream at Spurreli or fresh craft ales at Brewis Beer Co.
8. Unwind in the Seaside Village of Craster
Craster is famed for its picturesque stone harbor, atmospheric coastal views, and iconic smoked fish.
- Savor Craster Kippers, the finest smoked herring in Britain, prepared using traditional methods.
- Enjoy local seafood at pubs and restaurants, with lobster and crab fresh from North Sea waters.
- Set off from Craster on scenic walks—especially the route to Dunstanburgh Castle above.
9. Visit Cragside House and Engineering Marvels
Cragside, near Rothbury, is an extraordinary 19th-century mansion set in woodland and gardens. Once home to Lord Armstrong, Victorian engineer and inventor, Cragside was the world’s first house powered by hydroelectricity.
- Tour the mansion’s innovative interiors, including early electrical gadgets and opulent rooms.
- Wander through a rhododendron maze, past waterfalls and over 30 miles of scenic paths.
- Explore five manmade lakes and Europe’s largest rock garden.
Cragside’s setting on a rocky crag above Debdon Burn provides panoramic views perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
10. Experience Northumberland’s Rugged Coastline
The 64-mile Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) features dramatic shorelines, shifting dunes, and ancient castles guarding windswept headlands.
- Walk along Embleton Bay and Druridge Bay, ideal for peaceful strolls.
- Birdwatch on mudflats and saltmarshes teeming with rare species.
- Discover untamed stretches like Warkworth Beach with views towards medieval Warkworth Castle.
11. Step Back in Time at the Woodhorn Museum
Northumberland’s industrial past comes alive at Woodhorn Museum, set on the site of one of the world’s largest coal mining villages. Interactive exhibits and walk-in reconstructions convey the daily realities for miners and their families.
- View evocative paintings by the Pitmen Painters, a celebrated local art group.
- Enjoy both indoor galleries and dog-friendly outdoor spaces, perfect for changeable weather.
- Discover the mechanics of mining in immersive displays.
12. Stargaze at Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
Northumberland is home to the UK’s largest International Dark Sky Park, comprising Northumberland National Park and much of Kielder Water & Forest Park. Awarded gold tier status by the International Dark-Sky Association:
- Witness breathtaking star fields, the Milky Way, and meteor showers with the naked eye on clear nights.
- Join guided events at Kielder Observatory for expert insights and deep-sky viewing.
- Sign up for a stargazing supper at the Twice Brewed Inn, complete with an on-site observatory and hearty local fare.
Best stargazing typically occurs from late autumn through winter when nights are longest and skies clearest.
13. Discover Wildlife and Seabird Sanctuaries
Northumberland’s wild spaces promise exceptional wildlife encounters, from seabird colonies to marine mammals.
- Farne Islands: Accessible by seasonal boat trips from Seahouses, these rugged islands host tens of thousands of puffins, seals, and terns in spring and summer.
- Coquet Island: Renowned for nesting puffins and rare roseate terns, viewable on special nature cruises from Amble.
- Spot dolphins, porpoises and seals along the shoreline, especially in quieter coves and headlands.
14. Enjoy Market Towns and Local Treats
Beyond the coast and wild moorlands, Northumberland’s market towns offer heritage streetscapes and artisan fare.
- Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Hexham: Discover unique shops, lively markets, and friendly local pubs.
- Sample local specialties like Northumbrian cheese, honey, and handmade chocolates.
- Visit craft breweries and distilleries on tasting tours.
Quick Comparison: Northumberland’s Top Castles
| Castle | Key Features | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Alnwick Castle | Medieval fortress, film location, gardens, family activities | Barter Books, Alnwick Garden, town center |
| Bamburgh Castle | Dramatic coastal site, historic interiors, armory museum | Bamburgh Beach, Grace Darling Museum |
| Dunstanburgh Castle | Ruined towers, remote coastal setting, scenic walk | Craster village, Embleton Bay |
| Lindisfarne Castle | Tidal island, Lutyens architecture, gardens | Lindisfarne Priory, Mead tasting |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Northumberland
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Northumberland?
A: Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers mild weather for outdoor exploring, but autumn and winter provide the clearest nights for stargazing.
Q: Do you need a car to explore Northumberland?
A: While some sites are accessible by public transport, a car provides flexibility, especially for reaching outlying castles, the National Park, and coastal walks.
Q: Is Northumberland suitable for families?
A: Yes! Many castles have interactive exhibits, beach walks are family-friendly, and market towns offer parks, play areas, and activities for all ages.
Q: Are dogs welcome at Northumberland landmarks?
A: Many beaches, trails, and some castle grounds are dog-friendly, but always check specific property rules before visiting.
Q: What food is Northumberland famous for?
A: Try Craster kippers, fresh lobster and crab, local cheeses, honey, and bakehouse treats – plus real ales from microbreweries dotted through the region.
