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
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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.
Explore captivating Alnwick Castle
Walk through history and admire world-class art at this fascinating castle, then stroll through spectacular floral displays at The Alnwick Garden.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
Star gazing like a Roman at Cawfields Roman Wall
Built in AD122, Hadrian’s Wall was once the largest frontier in the Roman Empire and remained that way for 300 years.
Location: Haltwhistle, Northumberland
Lose yourself in the Allen Valleys
Strap on your walking boots and explore a countryside full of contrasts. Prepare to be blown away by this picturesque part of the North Pennines.
Location: Allendale, Northumberland
Enjoy dog friendly days out at Belsay Hall
Explore the magnificent gardens of this dog friendly attraction with your four legged friend.
Location: Belsay, Northumberland
Stay in a cottage built by an amazing Victorian inventor
Experience Cragside in Northumberland as many have never seen it before – by staying in the spectacular and dramatic grounds of the Cragside Estate.
Location: Rothbury, Northumberland
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
Walk the Wall at Steel Rigg
Take a walk around Steel Rigg and Crag Lough to see how the Romans used the natural landscape to maximise the strength of the Empire's frontier.
Location: Steel Rigg, Northumberland
Dig for buried treasure at Roman Vindolanda
See live archaeological excavations before your eyes at the ancient fort of Vindolanda.
Location: Vindolanda, Northumberland
Discover a secluded fortified manor house at Aydon Castle
Over 900 years old and pretty much unaltered since then, Aydon Castle sits proudly upon its crag; a true survivor of some rough times and visitors.
Location: Corbridge, Northumberland
Dine like Lords and Ladies at Langley Castle
For those with a taste for the finer things in life, Langley Castle Hotel near the historic market town of Hexham is the ideal gastro getaway.
Location: Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland
Enjoy a guilt-free weekend away with serious green credentials
Going green can be romantic... so spoil your other half with a romantic weekend break at Battlesteads, ‘Northumberland’s greenest hotel’.
Location: Wark, Northumberland
Camp next to Hadrian's Wall
This isn't just any wall, this is an impressive piece of roman architecture.
Location: Melkridge, Cumbria
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
Walk alongside Roman history at Hadrian’s Wall
Stretching across the North of England, Hadrian’s Wall is the best-preserved Roman monument in Britain. Get right up beside it in Northumberland.
Location: Tyne Valley, Northumberland
Star gaze in Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park
Home to some of Europe’s darkest night skies, Northumberland has truly spectacular galaxy gazing from atmospheric locations and ancient Roman sites.
Location: Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland
Get back to nature whilst glamping in a shepherd’s hut
A stone’s throw from Kielder Water and Forest Park, PoSHHuts in Falstone is an oasis of indulgence – a perfect glamping getaway in Northumberland.
Location: Falstone, Northumberland
Sail away with the view at your very own lakeside boathouse
Nestled in the grounds of Middleton Hall near Belford, in Northumberland, the Boathouse is a quirky yet lovely little hideaway for two.
Location: Belford, Northumberland
Travel back to Roman times on a visit to Hadrian's Wall
Explore Roman life along the most magnificent of Rome’s great frontiers set in the dramatic landscape of Hadrian’s Wall Country.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne / Carlisle / Hexham
Uncover Northumberland’s Neolithic rock art
Lace up your hiking boots and discover the mysterious rock art set within the dramatic beauty of Northumberland National Park.
Location: Northumberland National Park, Northumberland
Immerse yourself in 800 years of Border history
Stay at Hesleyside Hall, ancestral home of the Charlton family since 1346, and experience 800 years of Northumbrian history in luxurious surroundings.
Location: Bellingham, Northumberland