Historical sites to take you back through time, vast landscapes to explore, and wildlife to make you go ‘aw’. That’s Northumberland. Countless Northumberland castles jostle for attention - ‘proper’ castles with battlements and portcullises, ghostly ruins guarding endless sandy beaches, and ones that echo with ancient footsteps. There is a plethora of things to do in Northumberland for history fans, hikers, mountain bikers and romantics alike, from ambling along the Northumberland coast to glamping and camping in the county’s endless countryside, but one of the best places to visit in Northumberland of all is the Farne Islands, where dozens of puffins await to melt your hearts. At night, turn your gaze upwards to see millions of stars pinpricking the famed dark skies in Northumberland’s National Park.
Places to visit in Northumberland
Gold winner: Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages
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Go off-grid with a luxury self-catering break in Northumberland National Park – winner of the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Award 2023.
Gold winner: Grey Seal and Seabird Cruise, Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
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Winner of the Experience of the Year Award 2023, jump aboard a boat tour to spot wildlife around the unspoilt Farne Islands.
7 things to do on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
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Uncover mystical history at Lindisfarne Castle or spot seals on the secluded North Shore Walk during a trip to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Sip Earl Grey where it was created: Howick Hall
Earl Grey tea is enjoyed – usually at around 4pm – all over the world, but few know it was invented in Northumberland for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey.
Location: Howick, Northumberland
Discover a seaside shopping paradise
Amble is a shopper's paradise, a haven for lovers of local produce, crafts and gifts. Perfect for presents, but don’t forget to treat yourself!
Location: Amble, Northumberland
Get kippered in Craster
Craster is the acclaimed home of the kipper – a breakfast favourite of the Queen. But there’s more to Craster than fishy tales.
Location: Craster, Northumberland
Discover Howick’s heavenly history
With a famous cup of tea, a stunning garden and its very own bathing house, the haven of Howick Hall is one of Northumberland’s true hidden gems.
Location: Howick, Northumberland
Birds, boats, batter and beer at Seahouses
Visit the 1843 original Fisherman’s kitchen, sup a pint of Farne Island Ale in a beer garden or indulge in Robson Green’s favourite ice cream.
Location: Seahouses, Northumberland
Build sandcastles at Bamburgh Beach
Do you know your cockles from your winkles? St. Aidan and Grace Darling certainly did. And what better place to learn than on Bamburgh Beach.
Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland
Walk through sand dunes to Bamburgh Castle
This seat of the former Kings of Northumbria tells a spellbinding tale from its awe-inspiring position on the edge of Northumberland’s coast.
Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland
Go seal and puffin spotting on the Farne Islands
Visit Farne Islands to see thousands of seabirds and a huge Grey seal colony.
Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland
Witness Northumberland’s violent history at its coastal castles
The Northumberland coastline is strewn with castles and time-ravaged ruins, providing great insight into the county's turbulent past.
Location: Craster and Warkworth, Northumberland
Enjoy a dog friendly coastal break in Northumberland
Take your pooch to Northumberland where you and your best mate will discover truly staggering views, atmospheric dog friendly beaches, castles and dog friendly pubs.
Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland
Snuggle up in luxury on the Northumberland Coast
Five star luxury, romantic walks along the spectacular Northumberland Coast, cosy up in front of a smouldering fire and fresh locally sourced food.
Location: Newton by the Sea, Northumberland
Take a modern day pilgrimage to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Skim over the sands and causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and prepare to enter a world where a wealth of history and stunning views await.
Location: Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Discover history, beaches and fine art at Berwick
One of England’s most dramatic walled towns, handsome Berwick-upon-Tweed sits at the most northerly tip of Northumberland.
Location: Berwick, Northumberland
Blow away the cobwebs along the Northumberland coast
Get your walking boots on, pack a picnic and enjoy fresh air, stunning views and beautiful wildlife along the Northumberland Coast Path.
Location: Creswell, Northumberland
Feel alive in Northumberland’s stunning landscapes
Be inspired by the beauty of Northumberland’s protected parks and stunning coastline, and be dazzled by the stars in its clear night skies.
Location: Once Brewed, Northumberland
Journey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
A visit to history-rich and beautiful Lindisfarne, cut off twice daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides, is an adventure not to miss.
Location: Lindisfarne, Northumberland
See thousands of cute puffins on the Farne Islands
Around 150,000 breeding pairs of seabirds make the Farne Islands their home each summer. Hop on a boat to see and hear them up close!
Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland
Venture to the water’s edge to the Commissioners Quay Inn
With a waterfront location and a great range of seafood on the menu, the Commissioners Quay Inn has the seaside at its heart.
Location: Blyth, Northumberland