Northumberland travel guide
Planning a trip to Northumberland but not sure where to start? Check out our handy guide to Northumberland.
Nearly 2,000 square miles of natural splendour
If you love a bit of nature, you can't go wrong with our northern neighbour.
At the very northernmost tip of England, Northumberland is an area of stunning natural beauty. As well as being an ideal destination for walks, it's packed with things to do and places to stay.
From medieval castles to modern fine dining, Northumberland has it all.
Need to rent a car for your trip to Northumberland? We've got you covered. Browse our rental carsor call our friendly team on (0191) 4888 700.
Places to visit in Northumberland
History, nature, culture – Northumberland has it all. Here are a few gems from the North East's crown.
Hadrian's Wall
This Roman wall used to mark the boundary between Roman Britannia and Scottish Caledonia. Today, it's a World Heritage Site that's well worth a visit – or a ramble.
Lindisfarne Priory
Cross the causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and explore the ancient monastery.
Bamburgh Castle
One-hundred-and-fifty feet above the Northumberland coast is Bamburgh Castle – the site of many historical struggles, from the Vikings to the Normans and beyond. Explore the fortress and learn about the region's rich history.
Andy Howey's Birds of Prey Centre
Set in the grounds of Haggerston Castle, Andy Howey's Birds of Prey Centre promises birds of prey, reptiles and creepy crawlies. A great day out for all the family.
Kielder Observatory
Northumberland has famously dark skies – so much so that it's officially the second-largest area of protected night sky in Europe. Visit the astronomical observatory at Kielder for a spot of stargazing, or simply to drink in the dramatic views.
Places to stay in Northumberland
Hotels in Northumberland
Treat yourself to some northeastern hospitality.
As well as all the major chains, Northumberland is teeming with high-end hotels.
There's the Walls Bed and Breakfast in Berwick-upon-Tweed, with its elegant, comfy rooms and commanding views of the Tweed estuary.
Or how about the Hadrian Hotel, set among rolling hills and home to award-winning restaurant Hjem?
If you're here for coastal walks, Beadnell Towers at Chathill could be just the spot to warm up – and the excellent restaurant is dog-friendly.
For rural charm, try Tosson Tower Farm – a chic farmhouse based on a traditional, working sheep farm.
Finally, Bamburgh Castle Inn is great for families – and just 400 metres from Seahouses North Beach.
Airbnbs
There are plenty of offbeat apartments and bargains to discover.
Looking for a quirky pied-à-terre? Airbnb is an inspiring source of guest houses, shepherd's huts, cottages and more.
With new properties popping up all the time, why not have a rummage and see what you can find?
Camping and caravans
Camp under the stars – and prepare for the light show of a lifetime.
Northumberland National Park is full of great caravan and camping facilities – from rough-and-ready wild spots to high-end glamping. Check out the National Park website for more information.
Five unforgettable Northumberland walks
Don't forget your walking boots – Northumberland is one of the world's best destinations for hikers.
Newton-by-the-Sea to Craster
A 9.5-mile circular work along a jaw-dropping coastal path. On your return, amble through fields, paths and dunes til you reach Low Newton, whose village pub will quench your thirst.
Bolam Lake
More of a stroller than a hiker? This one-mile jaunt around Bolam Lake is perfect for beginners of all ages.
Humbleton Hillfort
Looking for gorgeous views of the Cheviots and a peek into Northumberland's Iron Age past? Then grab your walking boots (and some waterproofs!) and walk from Wooler to Humbleton Hillfort and back.
Hethpool to the Curr
This walk was created as part of the RAF 100 celebrations. It takes in three air crash sites and includes memorials to airmen who died in service during World War II. It's long and strenuous but worth every step.
Sycamore Gap
A short walk that begins and ends at the National Landscape Discovery Centre. A steep initial climb takes you to the famous Sycamore Gap tree that sits on Hadrian's Wall.
Five of the best places to eat in Northumberland
Hungry after a day's hiking? We've got your back.
Here are five top-rated Northumberland restaurants.
Zyka Boutique
Hexham, NE46 1PQ
The market town of Hexham is well worth a visit – not least to sample the exquisite Indian food at Zyka. Under the guidance of Head Chef Khaled Miah, the restaurant serves up fresh, palette-popping curries in a cosy, elegant atmosphere.
The Lord Crewe Arms
Blanchland, DH8 9SP
Tucked away in the picture-book village of Blanchland, the Lord Crewe Arms provides "heavenly patchwork feasts, dainty dishes and the occasional fix of comfort food". It boasts local, seasonal ingredients too, some of which have been harvested from its own kitchen garden.
No. 1 Hotel and Wine Lounge
Wooler, NE71 6LD
Wooler – the "gateway to the Cheviots" – is a fantastic spot for rambling. After a hard day's hiking, why not swap your packed lunch for some tasty traditional tapas?
Jaspers Bistro
Amble, NE65 0DR
A trip to Northumberland wouldn't be complete without sampling some seafood – and the waterfront town of Amble is a great place to start. Jaspers cooks everything on its extensive menu fresh to order, from locally sourced seafood to succulent steak.
The Treehouse Restaurant
Alnwick, NE66 1YU
A stone's throw from Alnwick Castle is the Treehouse Restaurant, a rustic wooden structure set in a gorgeous copse of lime trees. The perfect spot for a cosy lunch or dinner – and one of the most famous restaurants in Northumberland.
Ten free things to do in Northumberland
Explore Northumberland's riches without breaking the bank.
Head to the beach
Did you know that Northumberland's coastline is officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Explore its coastal paths, tranquil bays and imposing castles and we're sure you'll agree. Perfect for a family day trip, picnic, sunbathing session or dip in the sea.
Visit the RNLI Grace Darling Museum
Grace Darling was a Victorian hero. She risked life and limb to rescue nine survivors from the SS Forfareshire. Learn her story at this free-entry museum just off Bamburgh high street.
Visit Northumberlandia
This country park and woodland trail is home to the world's biggest human landform sculpture – "the Lady of the North". At 34 metres high and 400 metres long, she's a sight to behold. And guess what? It's all free entry.
Go stargazing
Northumberland is unbeatable for hiking – but if you want to rest your feet, how about stargazing at one of Northumberland's Dark Sky Discovery Sites? Wrap up warm, turn off your car lights (and your phone!) and gaze, enraptured, at the region's magnificent star-spangled skies.
Visit Holy Island
With its breathtaking beach, striking castle and gorgeous sea views, Holy Island is a must-see. Just make sure to check tide times before you attempt to cross the causeway.
Looking for a rental car?
If you want to make the most of Northumberland, you'll need a reliable set of wheels. So why not stop off at our Gateshead branch and pick up a rental car on your way?
- Affordable rates
- Extensive fleet
- Loads of local knowledge
Book online today– or call(0191) 4888 700to speak to one of our local experts.
Frequently asked questions
Which county is Northumberland in?
Northumberland is a "ceremonial county" – a type of geographic county that's distinct from counties run by local government. It borders Scotland to the north, the North Sea to the east, Tyne and Wear and County Durham to the south and Cumbria to the west.
What's Northumberland famous for?
Northumberland is famous for many things – from Earl Grey tea to its historic status as the largest kingdom in England; from amazingly dark skies that are perfect for stargazing to its castles, walks and gardens.
Why is the Northumberland flag red and yellow?
The kingdom of Northumberland was founded in the seventh century by King Oswald. Medieval heralds may have based the flag on a description in the Venerable Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum in which Oswald's tomb is "hung" with a "banner made of gold and purple". (Close enough…)
When is Northumberland Day?
Since 2017, Northumberland has had its own day – a celebration of all things Northumbrian, from flag workshops to walks, from concerts to markets. It's usually held on the last Sunday in May, but associated activities are held around that date.
Are Northumberland and Northumbria the same?
You'll sometimes hear the word "Northumbria" – if you visit the Northumbria Tourist Board, say. But technically, Northumbria was a historic kingdom that ceased to exist in the tenth century. Northumberland is the name of the county you can visit today.
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