If you are looking for a weekend getaway that combines stunning scenery, rich history, and plenty of activities, look no further than Northumberland. This county in the north-east of England is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, from the rugged coastline to the rolling hills. Whether you want to explore ancient castles, hike along the Hadrian’s Wall, or relax in a cosy pub, Northumberland has something for everyone.
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best things to do and see in Northumberland, as well as some tips on how to plan your trip. You will discover why this region is one of the most underrated destinations in the UK, and why you should visit it soon. So, grab your backpack, your camera, and your sense of adventure, and let’s go!
Bamburgh Castle
One of the most iconic sights in Northumberland is Bamburgh Castle, a majestic fortress that stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the North Sea. This castle has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 6th century, when it was the seat of the kings of Northumbria. Over the centuries, it has witnessed many battles, sieges, and changes of ownership, and has been restored and renovated several times.
Today, you can visit the castle and admire its impressive architecture, as well as its collections of art, furniture, weapons, and armour. You can also learn more about the castle’s history and legends, such as the story of Grace Darling, a local heroine who rescued shipwrecked sailors in 1838. The castle is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is £12.50 for adults and £6 for children.
Alnwick Garden
Another must-see attraction in Northumberland is Alnwick Garden, a spectacular botanical garden that is part of the Alnwick Castle estate. This garden is not your typical flower-filled oasis, but rather a place of wonder, innovation, and fun. You will find a variety of features and attractions, such as the Poison Garden, where you can see some of the most deadly plants in the world, the Treehouse, where you can dine in a wooden structure among the branches, and the Grand Cascade, where you can watch a dazzling display of water jets and fountains.
Alnwick Garden is also a place of learning and inspiration, as it hosts various events, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year. You can also join a guided tour, or explore the garden at your own pace. The garden is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and the admission fee is £14.30 for adults and £5.40 for children. You can also buy a combined ticket with Alnwick Castle, which is another stunning attraction that you should not miss.
Hadrian’s Wall
If you are interested in history and archaeology, you cannot miss Hadrian’s Wall, one of the most remarkable monuments of the Roman Empire. This wall was built in the 2nd century AD, under the orders of Emperor Hadrian, to mark the northern frontier of his domain. The wall stretched for 73 miles, from the Solway Firth to the River Tyne, and was fortified with towers, gates, and forts.
Today, you can walk along the wall and see some of the best-preserved sections and sites, such as Housesteads Roman Fort, Vindolanda, and Chesters Roman Fort. You can also visit the museums and visitor centres, where you can learn more about the wall’s history, construction, and significance. The wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is part of the National Trail network. You can access the wall from various points, and the admission fees vary depending on the site.
Cragside House and Gardens
For a glimpse into the Victorian era, you should visit Cragside House and Gardens, a remarkable mansion that was the home of Lord Armstrong, a pioneer of engineering and industry. This house was the first in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, and is filled with ingenious inventions and gadgets. You can explore the house and see the lavish rooms, the art gallery, the library, and the laboratory.
You can also enjoy the gardens, which are equally impressive and innovative. You will find a rock garden, a pinetum, a formal garden, and a labyrinth. You can also walk along the woodland trails, where you can see some of the largest trees in England, and the lakes, where you can see the hydraulic machines that powered the house. The house and gardens are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is £19 for adults and £9.50 for children.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne
If you are looking for a unique and spiritual experience, you should visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a tidal island that is accessible by a causeway only at low tide. This island is considered to be the birthplace of Christianity in England, as it was here that St Aidan founded a monastery in the 7th century, and where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were produced. You can visit the ruins of the monastery, as well as the Lindisfarne Priory, where you can see the carved stone crosses and the museum.
You can also visit the Lindisfarne Castle, a 16th-century fortification that was converted into a residence by the architect Edwin Lutyens in the early 20th century. You can admire the views of the island and the sea from the castle, as well as the charming rooms and gardens. The castle is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and the admission fee is £9 for adults and £4.50 for children. You can also explore the island’s wildlife, such as the seals, the birds, and the flowers.
Kielder Water and Forest Park
For a dose of nature and adventure, you should head to Kielder Water and Forest Park, the largest man-made lake and forest in Europe. This park offers a range of activities and attractions for all ages and interests, such as sailing, fishing, cycling, hiking, and wildlife watching. You can also visit the Kielder Observatory, where you can gaze at the stars and learn about astronomy, or the Kielder Castle, where you can see the art and heritage exhibitions.
Kielder Water and Forest Park is also a place of art and culture, as it hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Kielder Marathon, the Kielder Winter Wonderland, and the Kielder Art and Architecture Trail. You can also see some of the sculptures and installations that are scattered around the park, such as the Silvas Capitalis, the Janus Chairs, and the Belvedere. The park is open all year round, and the admission fees vary depending on the activity.
Hexham Abbey
If you are a fan of architecture and history, you should visit Hexham Abbey, a stunning church that dates back to the 7th century. This abbey is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in England, and has a rich and turbulent history. You can see the remains of the original Anglo-Saxon crypt, the medieval choir stalls, the 15th-century painted screen, and the 19th-century nave.
You can also visit the Hexham Abbey Museum, where you can see some of the treasures and artefacts that have been collected over the centuries, such as the Hexham Bible, the Hexham Chalice, and the Hexham Cross. The abbey is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm, and the museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm. The admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Northumberland National Park
For a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should visit Northumberland National Park, the least populated and most tranquil national park in England. This park covers over 400 square miles of unspoilt countryside, from the Cheviot Hills to the Coquet Valley. You can enjoy some of the best hiking, biking, and horse riding trails in the country, as well as some of the most scenic views and landscapes.
Northumberland National Park is also a place of culture and heritage, as it contains some of the most ancient and historic sites in the region, such as the Roman forts, the Iron Age hillforts, and the Border Reivers’ bastles. You can also visit the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, where you can learn more about the park’s geology, ecology, and history, or the Ingram Valley Visitor Centre, where you can see the exhibitions and events. The park is open all year round, and the admission is free.
Barter Books
If you are a book lover, you should visit Barter Books, one of the largest and most charming second-hand bookshops in the UK. This bookshop is housed in a former railway station, and is filled with thousands of books of all genres and topics. You can browse the shelves and find some rare and interesting titles, or relax in the cosy reading rooms and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. You can also exchange your own books for credit or cash, or buy some of the memorabilia and souvenirs that are on sale.
Barter Books is also famous for being the place where the original “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster was discovered, among a pile of old books. You can see the poster on display, as well as other versions and variations that have been created since. You can also admire the model railway that runs above the bookshelves, or the murals and paintings that decorate the walls. The bookshop is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, and the admission is free.
Northumberland is a wonderful place to spend a weekend, or even longer. You will never run out of things to do and see, as there is something for everyone. You will also fall in love with the beauty and diversity of the region, as well as the friendly and welcoming people. Northumberland is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered and appreciated, so don’t hesitate to book your trip and enjoy it for yourself.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and that it inspired you to visit Northumberland soon. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and have a great day! 😊