Here is our pick of the most interesting places to visit in Northumberland:
Alnwick
Alnwick is one of the most vibrant and historically interesting market towns in Northumberland. Gemma Hall, author of Slow Travel Northumberland ‘Alnwick is ever under the spell of the dreamy past’, a late 19th-century visitor to the town observed. Today, you might also say it is under the spell of Harry Potter, whose fans flock…
Bamburgh
Bamburgh’s famous medieval castle spectacularly rising from the dunes is undoubtedly one of England’s finest coastal fortresses.Gemma Hall, author of Slow Travel Northumberland One of the most bewitching coastal views in Northumberland bursts upon the traveller on reaching the brow of the B1340 between Waren Mill and Bamburgh. From here, Bamburgh’s famous medieval castle comes…
Farne Islands National Nature Reserve
From the moment you step ashore, you’ll see puffins crash-landing with beaks stuffed full of sand eels, terns wheeling in the sky or spearing fish from the sea.Gemma Hall, author of Slow Travel Northumberland ‘A boat may be secured for fifteen shillings. In addition to this charge, the boatmen expect to be provided with refreshments,…
Hadrian’s Wall
It was, say English Heritage, a kind of Berlin Wall, and controlled the north–south flow of human traffic for some 250 years until the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.Gemma Hall, author of Slow Travel Northumberland When built 2,000 years ago Hadrian’s Wall stood ten feet high; today half its height remains…
Kielder Water and Forest
Kielder is one of the most isolated corners of England with the clearest night skies; yet it doesn’t feel like England at all. Gemma Hall, author of Slow Travel Northumberland England’s largest forest, covering 230 square miles of remote, upland terrain, is one of the most isolated corners of England with the clearest night skies;…
Lindisfarne Island and National Nature Reserve
Lindisfarne as a whole appears as a long grey-green streak across a glistening expanse of sea, saltmarshes and sandflats. Gemma Hall, author of Slow Travel Northumberland Lindisfarne Castle seemingly rises out of the sea off the coast of north Northumberland, but from the causeway that connects the island to the mainland at low tide it…
Suggested places to base yourself
The places listed below make ideal bases for exploring Northumberland.
Alnmouth
Highly picturesque coastal town nestled behind soft sands and with direct access by train from London, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Alnwick
Medieval castle and renowned gardens in a prosperous market town between the coast and national park.
Bamburgh
Popular village on the coast with an arresting castle, superb beaches and good quality B&Bs close to the historic centre.
Chatton
Countryside setting with excellent B&Bs clustered close to the village centre; a springboard for exploring the national park and coast.
Embleton
Quiet coastal village set back from the sea; popular with families, with plenty of self-catering options.
Hexham & Corbridge
Well-to-do old towns in the Tyne Valley and close to Hadrian’s Wall.
Newcastle
An acclaimed arts and music scene, solid Georgian centre and historic quayside.
Tynemouth
Victorian seaside town popular with surfers and families. Newcastle is easily reached by Metro.
Rothbury
Handsome town in the national park and excellent base for trips into the Cheviot Hills and Coquetdale.
Wooler
Market town and popular gateway to the Cheviot Hills.