dunstanburgh castle beach northumberland

Things to do in Northumberland

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Discover the best attractions and activities that Northumberland has to offer

Being one of the top tourist destinations in the UK, Northumberland has an array of attractions to visit and things to do throughout the year. With a great supply of the country’s most historic sites, as well as a varied and beautiful landscape, you and your loved ones will find lots of things to do in Northumberland.

Northumberland Attractions

England’s ancient capital is seemingly endless with historical things to do. You and your loved ones can simply meander the sleeping English town, littered with cobblestone paths and a collection of independent shops. If you are looking for something a bit more sheltered, there are plenty of heritage attractions in Northumberland to discover from historic castles to grand stately homes.

A must thing to do in Northumberland is to visit the 900-year-old castle of Alnwick, which was built to protect England from Scottish invasions! You may recognise this feat of architecture from the Harry Potter films as it doubled up as  Hogwarts! Located within close reach of the castle is Alnwick Gardens, a multi-award-winning Northumberland attraction, which features the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard.

Bamburgh Castle is one of the many other great things to do in Northumberland, as is the Kielder Water and Observatory in Kielder Forest and the awe-inspiring Northumberland coastline.

Northumberland Activities

Looking for Northumberland activities that the whole family can enjoy? Take a boat trip around the Farne Islands admiring the abundance of wildlife from a different vantage point, especially birds such as puffins, guillemots and Arctic terns. Disembark at Inner Farne and visit the Church of St. Cuthbert, the Inner Farne Lighthouse and watch the Grey Seal colonies as they bask on the rocks.

A trip to Northumberland would not be complete without viewing the famous Roman fortification Hadrian’s Wall. Hike along the remains of the impressive structure, taking in the impressive views of the surrounding countryside as you go.

Continue reading to find more things to do in Northumberland… 

  • Berwick Lighthouse aerial view

    Berwick Lighthouse

    Berwick-upon-Tweed
    Northumberland
    England
    United Kingdom
    TD15 1JB

    Berwick Lighthouse, located on the town’s coast, is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture and a popular destination for visitors. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!

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  • Berwick Barracks
    Image Credits: Dave_S - CC BY 2.0

    Berwick-Upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard

    Parade
    Berwick-upon-Tweed
    Northumberland
    TD15 1DF

    0370 333 1181

    If you’re a history enthusiast visiting Berwick, we recommend spending the day at the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard. Dating back over 300 years, there’s a rich past to discover here!

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  • Bolam Lake and Shaftoe Crags Circular

    3 hours 19 minutes

    8.5 miles

    Moderate

    Prepare for a breath-taking 13.7-kilometre adventure that promises a delightful blend of sights and terrains. This varied route takes you through the heart of Northumberland, starting at the Low House Wood Car Park on the southern shore of Bolam Lake.

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  • Chillingham Castle

    Chillingham Castle
    Chillingham
    Alnwick
    NE66 5NJ

    One of Northumberland’s most historic castles, Chillingham Castle dates back to the 13th century and is a Grade I listed fort. The castle has a remarkable ownership lineage that dates back to the early 12th century, alongside spooky ghosts.

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  • Corbridge roman town

    Corbridge Roman Town

    Corbridge Roman Town
    Corchester Lane
    Corbridge
    NE45 5NT

    Corbridge Roman Town is a historic site that includes the preserved remnants of a Roman garrison on Hadrian’s Wall, as well as a museum with unearthed artefacts.

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  • cragside national trust

    Cragside Country House

    Cragside Country House
    Rothbury
    Morpeth
    NE65 7PX

    This 19th-century faux Tudor home is set on a steep hillside, surrounded by manicured rock gardens. The mansion was built in 1880 by Norman Shaw for a rich businessman and is the first mansion in the world to use hydroelectric lighting.

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  • Dunstanburgh Castle

    Dunstanburgh Castle

    Dunstanburgh Castle
    Dunstanburgh Road
    Alnwick
    NE66 3TT

    Described as one of the most photographed ruins in the country, Dunstanburgh Castle towers over the Northumberland coastal line. With magnificent sea views, this is the perfect chance to get away from it all for a while.

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  • Farne Islands National Trust

    Farne Islands

    Farne Islands
    Near, Seahouses
    NE68 7SH

    Located just off the coast of Northumberland are the 15-20 islands that make up the wildlife haven that is the Farne Islands, visitors can take a ferry over to the main island and witness the many species that call this area home.

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  • flodden field

    Flodden Battlefield

    Flodden Battlefield
    A697
    Cornhill-on-Tweed
    TD12 4SN

    Flooden Battlefield is a historic site that played host to a battle between England and Scotland on the 9th of September 1513. The battle was fought during the War of the League of Cambrai, resulting in an English victory.

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  • Hadrians Wall Walks

    Hadrian’s Wall

    Hadrian's Wall
    Brampton
    Northumberland
    CA8 7DD

    A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the UK’s most well-known landmarks, Hadrian’s Wall has been fascinating visitors for centuries and has even been a source of inspiration for a number of authors, including George R. R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame.

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