Explore
Northumberland offers wild coastline and some of the most beautiful coastal walks to be had in the UK. a string of sandy beaches, historic castles and forts, secret surf spots, chocolate box cottages and quaint harbour towns combined with dynamic mountain range scenery that will take you breath away.
Artistic Inspiration
Head to the picturesque seaside village of Alnmouth to discover bijou galleries and art boutiques hidden down cobbled streets. Don’t miss the renowned Art Festival in the summer which showcases over 70 artists, live music, street food and children’s workshops.
Puffins and Seals
The Farne Islands is one of the best spots to see a wide range of sea birds in the British Isles. It is the biggest Grey Seal sanctuary in England and also one can find Puffins more plentiful here in season than almost anywhere else in the UK. Regular boat trips depart daily from the charming fishing village of Seahouses. A truly wonderful experience.
Saddle Up
Enjoy country hacks near the banks of the nearby River Till to galloping in the heather on the moors overlooking the Cheviot Hills and cantering along the white beaches of Holy Island with one of the friendly local riding schools. Kimmerston Riding Centre comes recommended with its variety of horses, lessons and booking options available to suit all skill levels.
Treehouse Dining
Nestled high in the treetops with wooden walkways, twinkling lights and roaring log fire, the Tree House in Alnwick is one of the most beautiful and unique restaurants to be found anywhere in the world. Always featuring local fish and seafood, meats from Northumberland’s farmlands and seasonal regional specialities. Regular live music and great wine list too.
Amazing Walks
Head to the dramatic waterfall of Linhope Spout, which tumbles 18 metres down a rockface to the plunge pool below, or visit the tucked-away ponds of Wooler Common. Walk along the border of two countries as you take in the Border Ridge and Pennine Way and who could resist the lure of The Cheviot, Northumberland’s highest point? Here the fresh mountain air will be sure to clear the head and offer spectacular views once you reach the summit.
Buffers and Books
Barter Books is one of the largest second hand bookstores in Britain located in Alnwick’s magnificent former Victorian railway station. Fabulous roaring fires, hearty homecooked food served at The Station Buffet and a model railway – a great hit with children of all ages.
Castles and Turrets
Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. Many of these castles, including Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne, stand guard along our dramatic coast. Nearby Alnwick Castle is a day out to fire the imagination and film location of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts and Downton Abbey. Discover sumptuous state rooms, dungeons, the medieval Knights Quest and learn how to master your broom with the resident wizard professors!
Beach Life
With more than 30 miles of beaches, a galapagos of islands, hidden coves, castles and a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, the Northumberland coast is simply spectacular. Discover picturesque fishing communities, clustered around sandy coves, like Newton-by-the-Sea and be sure to pop into the Ship Inn Pub for a crab sandwich and a pint of Ship Hop Ale from their own brewery. Beadnell beach is a hub of activity where you can enjoy windsurfing, waterskiing, coasteering, canoeing and sailing from its shores. If you are brave enough, dive the depths off the coast which is home to some excellent shipwrecks!
Estates and Gardens
There is a bevvy of noteworthy homes with breath-taking gardens to visit here in Northumberland. From 100 acre of parkland that comprise Cragside house and gardens – The home of hydro-electricity, to the riverside setting and home of Early Grey, Howick Hall. Don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival at Alnwick gardens in Springtime!
Hole in one
There are five golf courses within a ten mile radius and the serious golfer if you head inland you’ll find championship courses like Slaley Hall an Burgham Park- Home of PGA North Region Championship – as well as a host of challenging nine hole courses that dot the country.
Northumberland’s dark sky
Did you know Northumberland received the International Dark Sky Park designation in 2013 and is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky at 572 square miles. Due to its perfect skies it has also been awarded gold tier status by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), making it officially one of the best places on Earth to view the wonders of the night sky and its right on our doorstep
Sea Fishing
What better way to get a taste of Northumberland than catching your own supper!? A fishing day trip will provide you with the perfect opportunity to do just that. Expect to catch anything from Cod, Ling, Pollock and Mackerel. Or if you are feeling a little more adventurous why not hop aboard and join the crew on a traditional potting boat where you will charter a course to haul lobster and crab pots.