Things to do on an accessible break in Northumberland

Begin your Northumberland adventure with a World Heritage Site icon: Hadrian’s Wall, which stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. This defensive landmark was built to guard the Roman Empire’s wild north-west frontier; admire the remains of forts, and discover the towns that once guarded the Wall. Accessible highlights along the route include Housesteads Roman Fort, which has adapted toilets, an adult changing area and handrails, plus a step-free museum and shop.

Discover Bamburgh Castle, aka the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg. Drink in the exhilarating views and big gulps of sea air, immersing yourself in more than 3,000 years of history. Bamburgh Castle offers forward parking, along with a free shuttle buggy service to the main castle from the car park. Depending on your level of mobility, all visitors can access the first five rooms on the Stateroom Tour, including the spectacular King’s Hall.

Take the hint from the Northumberland coastline and have a sea-fresh meal to remember. Included in multiple Michelin Guides, The Potted Lobster is within easy reach of Bamburgh Castle. Championing local produce and reducing food miles, the menu’s temptations include Lindisfarne oysters, smoked trout and leek tart with parmesan crumble, fresh-dressed crab salad and locally caught lobster. The restaurant has wheelchair access.

Accessible attractions within Northumberland National Park include Cragside, which was once home to the Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong, with the gadgets to prove it, including a lift and a Turkish bath. It was the first house to be lit with hydroelectricity and the grounds are bloomin’ lovely, especially in springtime. Art lovers will enjoy a trip to Wallington House, Gardens & Estate, where a treasure trove of pre-Raphaelite paintings – and a winsome cafe – await.

Looking for accessible cottages in Northumberland? Beach & Quiet offers a choice of stylish self-catering places to stay, just a shell’s throw from Craster harbour and Dunstanburgh Castle. Highlights include the Grade II-listed Stable Cottage, or Hemmel House, which has an ensuite master bedroom on the ground floor, ideal for those with reduced mobility. There’s also a generously-sized cloakroom/toilet and a separate utility room.

Discover Holy Island, once home to St Cuthbert, a patron of spiritual healing. Lures include Lindisfarne Castle, a 12th-century priory, and cosy cafes and pubs. Embark on a wheelchair-friendly walk from Green Lane Car Park, which is for Blue Badge holders only. Head through the village towards the Priory, then up to the castle, pausing at the wheelchair-accessible Heritage Centre. Holy Island is accessed via a causeway during low tide; check safe crossing times first.

All that sea air will have sharpened your appetite, so stay put for a rewarding lunch. This tiny island isn’t short on tempting options, from fish and chips, lobsters and prawns courtesy of Tidal Takeaway, to crab sandwiches at the al fresco Island Shack. If the weather is less than clement, cosy up inside, perhaps at the Post Office Cafe, aka First Class Food, or the Ship Inn Pub, which also has a gin and vodka distillery up its sleeve.

The word ‘garden’ doesn’t quite do justice to this madcap floral kingdom, whose imaginative attractions include a Bamboo Labyrinth, the Poison Garden, the Sage Wealth Management Grand Cascade, a traditional ornamental garden and a perfumed rose garden. A registered charity, the Alnwick Garden was created by the Duchess of Northumberland in 2001. Designed to be a garden for everyone, Alnwick has smooth, solid surfaces, wheelchair-accessible routes and award-winning toilets.

Ad Gefrin is an Anglo-Saxon museum and distillery, on a mission to reawaken the 200-year-old Northumbrian tradition of whisky-distilling. Rewind time at the 7th-century Royal Court, experiencing a regal spin on hospitality. Take a tour of the distillery, discovering the ingredients that star in Ad Gefrin’s elixirs, including Thirlings Dry Gin and Tácnbora Batch 02. Ad Gefrin has wheelchair access; there are also a few on-loan manual wheelchairs.

Bed down in reach of castles and coast at The Tempus, in the heart of Charlton Hall Estate. Toast the disco balls in the bar with pre-dinner drinks, before enjoying an elegant dinner at The Orangery. In winter, The Alpine Tipi in the grounds is open on Friday and Saturdays from 4pm–10pm, offering wood-fired pizza, live music from local talent, and creative cocktails. The hotel has wheelchair access, adapted rooms, and facilities for disabled guests.