The best places to visit in Northumberland National Park

There are 10 national parks across England – and Northumberland National Park is the most northerly of them all.

It's also one of the least populated and visited national parks, despite having some of the most breathtaking views and wildlife our country has to offer.

So, if you're looking for a great day out – or perhaps a mini break for you and your loved ones – why not visit Metro Vehicle Hire and hire the perfect car for the occasion? You can then drive an hour and 15 minutes northwest(ish) and be blown away by the beauty before you.

Buckle up, enjoy the ride and get ready to explore some of the best places to visit in Northumberland National Park.

Hadrian's Wall

We wanted to start strong. And what's stronger than the 12,000 Roman soldiers who built this colossal triumph of Roman engineering?

Hadrian's Wall is 73 miles long and runs across the northern neck of England, from Carlisle in the west right over to Newcastle in the east.

This phenomenal structure only took the soldiers six years to build. (When you consider they wore skirts and sandals, there's absolutely no hope for folk like us!)

Sycamore Gap

Most well-known for its cameo in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Sycamore Gap is one of the most photographed trees in the UK.

It was named the UK's Tree of the Year in 2016 – and it's easy to see why. Sycamore Gap grows in a valley-like dip alongside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, so it's framed beautifully by the landscape itself. It would make for a great smartphone background!

Dark Sky Park

If you're a stargazer, look no further. Due to the low levels of light pollution, Northumberland National Park is the perfect place to go stargazing. In fact, it's been certified as a "Dark Sky Park" by the International Dark-Sky Association!

You can find more information on dark sky discovery websites. Some of these sites have maps that highlight planets and constellations.

This one absolutely sold it for us because there's nothing better than kicking back on a camping chair and watching a beautiful night sky – something you don't see so often when living in a city.

Upper Coquetdale

The fascinating landscape of Northumberland's Upper Coquetdale is known for being one of the wildest and most remote parts of England to explore.

Want to discover it for yourself? Grab a map and enjoy the eight-mile walk that this particular part of Northumberland National Park has to offer.

Along the way, you'll pass grassy ridgelines and steep-sided valleys – as well as the River Coquet, which flows down through this area.

We recommend you pack a change of shoes and socks. The last thing you want is to drive home in muddy walking boots (with a diversion to the closest garage for a valet).

Otterburn Ranges

The Otterburn Ranges is an 8.2-mile route that takes roughly five hours to complete and is categorised as moderate in terms of difficulty.

This high-level route will allow you to see some of the wildlife that Northumberland National Park has to offer, from wild goats to moorland birds. Tackle this scenic trudge and you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the animals in their natural habitat.

Firwood Country Bed and Breakfast

If you're planning on making a weekend of it when visiting Northumberland National Park, we highly recommend Firwood Country Bed and Breakfast.

It's right on the edge of the national park, so it's in the ideal location for explorers who are eager to get involved in everything their surroundings have to offer.

All rooms within the B&B offer views of the gardens, as well as some additional extras that are sure to put a smile on your face.

The Twice Brewed Inn

If you're looking for somewhere that's cosy and has amazing food and local beer, then good news – you've found it. The Twice Brewed Inn is renowned for its larger-than-life meals that feature local produce, as well as its ales sourced from several renowned local breweries.

This place is a double whammy as it also offers a bed and breakfast service. If you're more than happy with having everything in one place, this is the golden ticket!

Not only does it offer outstanding food and a place to lay your head, but The Twice Brewed Inn is just a stone's throw away from Hadrian's Wall. With breathtaking views right on your doorstep, what's not to love?

Hesleyside Huts

If your idea of exploring means being at one with nature, then how about this as an alternative?

Hesleyside Huts is a campsite with a twist. Its traditional shepherd huts are kitted out with all the essentials, from electricity, to en suite bathrooms, to log-burning stoves. This means you can enjoy all your creature comforts while being smack bang in the middle of the excitement.

Located on the grounds of historic Hesleyside Hall, these alternatives to a bed and breakfast offer a quiet and cosy escape. Why not fill up your car with goodies and essentials and enjoy a nice long weekend relaxing in the beautiful sights of Northumberland National Park?

Ready to explore?

If a weekend away is exactly what you need, treat yourself to a cosy holiday in the northeast's most breathtaking gem – Northumberland National Park.

Explore the fascinating landscape by foot – and by night you can be behind the wheel of your hire car, en route to one of the best stargazing spots our country has to offer.

Got your sights set on the beautiful landscape of Northumberland National Park? Metro Vehicle Hire offers affordable car hire in Newcastle, Gateshead and the northeast. Whether you're after an SUV or an estate, we offer a friendly and efficient service to get you on your way.