7 incredible places to visit in Northumberland
With a spectacular coastline to the east and Hadrian’s Wall and the Northumberland National Park to the north, Northumberland is a fascinating county to explore by foot, car or bike. We’ve picked 7 of the best sights and places to visit in Northumberland to get you started.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall was famously built by Roman Emperor Hadrian to separate England from Scotland nearly 2000 years ago. Nowadays the wall still stretches across the landscape and makes a great trail to follow for those keen on walking. You can also learn about the history of the Romans from the time they lived in Britain at Housesteads Roman Fort. Located alongside the wall itself, you can see the ruins of the famous army’s barracks.
Northumberland National Park
At turns wild and dramatic or peaceful and serene, Northumberland National Park is a truly spectacular place to get off the beaten track. It is England’s most northerly national park and also one of the least visited and least populated. A brilliant place for outdoor activities of all kinds, the park is also a Dark Sky Park and offers excellent opportunities for viewing the night sky.
The Farne Islands
The Farne Islands are home to 23 species of seabirds and are a particular haven for puffins. The 2013 census revealed a rise in numbers of puffins here – there are now 39, 962 breeding pairs on Farnes! There’s also a large grey seal colony, and you can see seal pups here in the autumn. To get to Farnes, park in the town of Seahouses opposite the harbour and take a boat trip across. Please note that island tickets must be purchased from a ranger on arrival.
Alnwick Castle
You can explore opulent state rooms and admire the collection of fine art and furniture collected by the Percy family over the past 700 years at Alnwick Castle. You might also recognise this place as Hogwarts! It was used as a set for the first 2 Harry Potter films, and they now hold bewitching special events including ‘broomstick training’.
You can also solve riddles and games as part of the Dragon Quest and dress up in medieval costumes. Don’t worry, they have adult costumes too, so parents won’t have any excuses not to join in! A family ticket of 2 adults and up to four children costs £37 on the door, or £33 if you book online in advance. Also, get your tickets validated and you can visit free for 12 months!
Kielder Forest Park
Home to England’s largest forest, Kielder Water and Forest Park provides an amazing outdoor escape. Enjoy the fresh air as you wander amongst the trees, or throw yourself into water sport action on Europe’s largest man-made lake. You can take on loads of activities, including mountain biking and horse riding, or simply take a stroll and try to view some of the park’s fantastic nature – including ospreys, deer and red squirrels. Car parking costs £4 for the day, and they welcome dogs.
Cheswick Sands
Northumberland has a stunning coastline and there are any number of incredible golden dune-backed sandy beaches to choose from. If you prefer a peaceful beach and space to spread out, then head to Cheswick Sands. This hidden gem offers vast unspoilt views, plus flat sand perfect for building a giant sandcastle or for playing the annual family game of beach cricket!
Bamburgh Castle
Over the past century Bamburgh Castle has been lovingly restored by the family of the Victorian inventor who bought it in a state of disrepair in 1894. First fortified in 1131, Bamburgh remains one of the largest inhabited castles in England. There are knowledgeable guides and an audio tour to enlighten you on the castle’s history – but first you’ll be wowed by the mere sight of the castle on the way in. It occupies a stunning location on the rocky Northumberland coastline. Tickets cost £9.75 per adult and £4.25 per child or families can get a ticket for £24. The castle is open weekends only between November and February, and daily the rest of the year.
From the stunning scenery and the sandy shore, to the furry friends you’ll meet and the amazing history coming alive, there really is something for everyone in Northumberland.
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