Northumberland Northeast England, England Travel Guide
Northumberland has several iconic landmarks.
Plan your visits by checking seasonal opening hours and any applicable admission fees. Many sites offer guided tours, enriching your understanding of their past.
Explore lesser-known beaches like Football Beach (Bamburgh) or Sugar Sands (Craster) for tranquility.
One of Britain's most important Roman archaeological sites, offering insights into daily life on Hadrian's Wall.
The most complete Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall, with panoramic views.
Ruins of a significant Benedictine monastery, spiritual home of St. Cuthbert.
A stunning Anglo-Saxon and medieval abbey with rich history and ancient crypts.
Well-preserved Elizabethan ramparts around Berwick-upon-Tweed, offering scenic walks.
Northumberland's natural beauty is a major draw, with varied landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Over 400 square miles of pristine landscape, stretching from Hadrian's Wall to the Cheviot Hills. Offers vast open spaces.
A contemporary garden adjacent to Alnwick Castle, with a Poison Garden, Grand Cascade, and Cherry Orchard.
Northern Europe's largest man-made lake, providing water sports, scenic walks, and a peaceful environment.
A protected landscape of 40 miles, recognized for its dramatic coastline, dunes, and unique flora and fauna.
Bamburgh Beach (iconic views of Bamburgh Castle), Crag Lough (Hadrian's Wall, dramatic views of the wall), Rosalind's Cairn (Cheviot Hills, panoramic views).
River Coquet, River Aln, River Tyne are important for fishing and riverside walks.
A major breeding ground for seabirds (puffins, guillemots, razorbills) and a large grey seal colony. Boat trips present close-up views.
Kielder Forest remains a stronghold for red squirrels. Look for them within the forest.
Numerous nature reserves and coastal sites are excellent for birding (e.g., Hauxley, Lindisfarne NNR). Druridge Bay Country Park also suitable.
Beyond the well-known sites, Northumberland hides delightful, less-visited treasures.
Checking local information sources for events and any temporary closures before your visit is a good approach.
Effective planning makes for better experiences.
Navigating Northumberland's attractions.
Deepen your understanding of the past.
Streamline your entry to attractions.
Strategically planning your route can enhance your sightseeing efficiency and overall enjoyment.
Group attractions by theme (e.g., Roman history, coastal castles, natural parks) for a focused and coherent itinerary.
Cluster nearby attractions to minimize travel time between sites, maximizing your exploration time.
Allow ample time for each attraction, especially larger ones, to fully experience them without feeling rushed.
Explore Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle (walk to ruins), and Warkworth Castle. Enjoy coastal walks and fresh seafood.
Visit Housesteads Roman Fort, Vindolanda, and the Roman Army Museum. Walk sections of Hadrian's Wall.
Devote a full day to Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden. Explore Alnwick town for shopping and dining.
Enjoy Kielder Water activities, cycling trails, and stargazing at Kielder Observatory (book in advance).
Visit Lindisfarne Priory and Castle. Plan around tide times for safe crossing. Enjoy the island's tranquility.
Modern tools streamline your trip planning.
Leave room for unexpected delights.
Prioritize your top 2-3 must-see attractions each day to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable visit.
Embrace the unexpected discoveries that Northumberland has.
Northumberland works to make its attractions accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Many major attractions, including castles and museums, have made efforts to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments. This includes ramps, accessible toilets, and sometimes lifts to upper floors.
Access to natural attractions, notably walking trails, can vary significantly in terms of terrain and gradients.
Public transport options are gradually improving in terms of accessibility, though remote areas remain challenging.
Consider contacting local transport providers directly for specific needs.
Resources are available to assist visitors with accessibility needs in planning their trip.
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre provides accessible facilities and information.
Many accommodations offer accessible rooms or facilities. Advanced booking is often a good approach.
Many new or recently renovated accommodations prioritize accessibility.
Thorough planning for accessibility, specifically in historic or rural settings, can greatly improve your experience.
Some sites might offer adapted tours or alternative viewing methods for difficult-to-access areas.
