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… 

  • hareshaw linn waterfall

    Hareshaw Linn Waterfall

    Hareshaw Linn
    Bellingham
    Hexham
    NE48 2DA

    Enjoy Hareshaw Linn, an SSSI where you have to take a captivating walk through ancient woods over six bridges, and all the way to a stunning nine-metre-high waterfall.

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  • Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre

    Near Low Hauxley village
    Low Hauxley
    Northumberland
    NE65 0JR

    Located near Druridge Bay, Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre was originally part of a mine but has since been transformed into a nature reserve teeming with wildlife.

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  • Heatherslaw Light Railway

    Heatherslaw Light Railway

    Ford Forge
    Heatherslaw
    Cornhill On Tweed
    Northumberland
    TD12 4TJ

    Heatherslaw Light Railway is England’s most northerly steam railway. Travel between Heatherslaw and Etal Castle on the 15″ gauge railway, which is powered by the steam engines “Bunty” and “Lady Augusta” or the diesel engine “Binky.”

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  • Hethas Hike

    2 hours

    2.5 miles

    Moderate

    Uncover the hidden gems of the Hethas Hike as you meander through unspoiled landscapes and captivating vistas of Northumberland. This scenic trek is a nature lover’s dream, offering a serene escape into the heart of the wilderness.  

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  • hexham abbey

    Hexham Abbey

    Hexham Abbey
    Beaumont Street
    Hexham
    NE46 3NB

    Hexham Abbey, located in the heart of Hexham’s market town, is a unique monument that incorporates architectural styles from as far back as 674 AD.

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  • Lindisfarne Castle and Lindisfarne Priory

    Holy Island – Lindisfarne Castle and Priory

    Lindisfarne Castle
    Holy Island
    Berwick-upon-Tweed
    TD15 2SH

    A haven for wildlife and the site of the historic Lindisfarne Castle and Priory, Holy Island is a major tourist attraction, with many visiting to explore its wild coastal beauty and to discover its vibrant history.

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  • Howick Hall Gardens

    Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum
    Howick Estate Office
    Alnwick
    Northumberland
    NE66 3LB

    Accessed to the public, Howick Hall and the ancestral home of the Greys offer garden enthusiasts a fantastic opportunity to explore extensive woodlands, an arboretum, and informal gardens.

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  • kielder observatory

    Kielder Observatory

    Kielder Observatory
    Black Fell
    Kielder
    Hexham
    NE48 1EJ

    The Kielder Observatory is a must-see in the UK. A world-class public astronomical observatory under some of the world’s darkest skies and mysterious wonders!

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  • Kielder Water

    Kielder Water and Forest Park

    Kielder Water & Forest Park
    Kielder
    Hexham
    NE48 1ER

    Kielder Water & Forest Park is home to Europe’s largest man-made lake and England’s largest forest. Find red squirrels, ospreys, and water voles, as well as perfect stargazing opportunities here.

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  • Longstone Lighthouse

    Longstone Lighthouse

    Longstone Lighthouse
    North Sunderland
    NE68 7SZ

    Longstone Lighthouse is an operating 19th-century lighthouse on Longstone Rock in the Farne Islands’ outer group off the Northumberland Coast, England.

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