Did you know that England’s northernmost county is home to the most castles in England? Northumberland is a beautiful place to visit, with stunning landscapes, scenic coastlines, and plenty of historic attractions. Visitors can also enjoy the numerous hiking trails, cycling routes, and dark skies which are among the best for stargazing in Europe. There are a lot of things to do in Northumberland for people of all interests, especially if you’re a fan of history and architecture.
Northumberland is one of two English counties that border Scotland, along with Cumbria, so it’s had a very tumultuous history. The county once acted as a buffer between England and Scotland, and it’s seen its fair share of Viking attacks and Roman invasions too. The past is around every turn in Northumberland, making it one of the most unique places to visit in England. Here are some examples of the best things to do in Northumberland, as well as where to eat and stay if you’re interested in spending a longer amount of time here.
Things to do in Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle
Visiting Bamburgh Castle is easily one of the top things to do in Northumberland. It’s one of the largest inhabited castles in England and it sits in an imposing position along the Northumbrian coast. The first mention of a castle on this site was in the 6th century, and over the next few centuries the castle was the constant subject of Viking attacks. After it was destroyed in the 10th century, the castle was rebuilt by the Normans and it later became the property of the reigning English monarch.
There’s a lot more history connected to the castle, but this brief overview will give you an idea of just how important Bamburgh Castle has been for over 1000 years. Today, the castle is open to the public and visitors can explore different state rooms, the armoury, the medieval keep, and the Archaeology Museum. You’ll also get some stunning views of the beach from the castle walls.
Discover the market town of Hexham
Hexham is one of the most popular historic market towns in Northumberland. Its history dates back to the 7th century when an abbey was founded here. Despite its small size, there are quite a lot of things to see and do in Hexham, and plenty of locally run shops and eateries to hop between. Some of the highlights of Hexham include Hexham Abbey, which was one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England, Sele Park, the Old Gaol, and the nearby remains of Hadrian’s Wall.
Warkworth Castle
There are 70 castles located in Northumberland, so visitors have a lot to choose from. Warkworth Castle is one of the most unique castles in Northumberland. The present form of the castle dates back to the 13th century, but there’s evidence of an earlier structure here too. The castle was the home of the powerful Percy family from the 14th to the 17th centuries, who were the largest landowners in the north of England. Warkworth Castle played an important role in the battles fought between England and Scotland too, so there’s a lot of history to uncover here.
On the banks of the nearby river are the remains of a chapel, known as the hermitage, which is only accessible by boat and carved directly out of the rock. The Earls of Northumberland hired a priest to live here and say prayers in the chapel. Planning a trip to Warkworth Castle is one of the best things to do in Northumberland if you’re interested in English history.
Walk around Amble
Not far from Warkworth Castle is the seaside town of Amble. It’s known as the “friendliest port” in England and plays host to an annual puffin festival. We stopped in Amble briefly to visit the Harbour Village which is a collection of wooden pods that are rented out to local businesses. It’s a great area to get some unique and often handmade gifts, or to treat yourself to a tasty snack. If you have good weather during your trip to Amble, you can also join one of the boat tours and go puffin watching.
Stroll along the beach at Newton-by-the-Sea
One of the best things to do in Northumberland if you’re visiting Bamburgh and the surrounding area is to take a trip to Newton-by-the-Sea. This small coastal village is popular for watersports and it boasts a beautiful long stretch of sandy beaches that are perfect for walking along. In the distance you can also see Dunstanburgh Castle which is another impressive historic attraction in Northumberland. If you’re looking for something to eat while you’re here, there’s a popular pub next to the beach with an outdoor patio.
Step back in time at Alnwick Castle
It’s no secret that Alnwick Castle is one of the most visited castles in England. On top of having strong ties to the Harry Potter movies, Alnwick Castle has a long history and is the second largest inhabited castle in the country, after Windsor Castle.
Construction of the castle can be dated back to 1096. It was built with the aim of protecting the borders, which is why it has such impressive defensive fortifications. The castle has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years, and it’s still under renovation today in order to preserve its historic structure. There are a lot of interesting facts that could be said about this castle, so the best thing to do is to visit it for yourself and see why it’s such a highly rated tourist attraction.
Derwent Reservoir
Derwent Reservoir sits on the border between the counties of Durham and Northumberland. It’s the second largest reservoir in the northeast of England and the area is very popular for walkers and cyclists. It’s a peaceful place to visit and if you’re a fan of nature then you’ll really enjoy walking along one of the trails here on a sunny day. We stopped at Derwent Reservoir briefly to have a break from driving and take in the view across the water.
Aydon Castle
Although it was closed when we visited, Aydon Castle is known for being one of the top castles in Northumberland. It’s located just a short drive from the popular village of Corbridge and it’s one of the few castles in the county that remains almost completely intact. This 13th century manor house sits in a secluded wooded area, so it can be difficult to locate without Google Maps.
The castle was originally intended to be an undefended residence but due to the Anglo-Scottish unrest it was almost immediately fortified. In the 17th century it became a farmhouse and was lived in until 1966. Visiting Aydon Castle is one of the most unique things to do in Northumberland, so don’t forget to add it to your itinerary.
Visit the beach at Alnmouth
If you like trips to the coast, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Northumberland. One of the most popular beaches in Northumberland is located in Alnmouth. The dog-friendly sandy beaches here can be quite empty at times, making it the perfect retreat if you want somewhere quiet to escape to. Although it’s not recommended to swim here due to the tides, it’s a great place to come for a beach walk or to relax in the sunshine during the summer months.
There’s a parking lot located directly along the beach, but you’ll need to pay an entry fee before you can cross the road to access it. You also need to cross a golf course which sits in the middle of the payment booth and the parking lot, so look out for golf balls!
Explore the Roman forts
As well as boasting a lot of medieval castles, Northumberland is home to an incredible number of Roman fortifications. Throughout the countryside you’ll find numerous Roman baths, forts, the remains of towns, and unique artefacts displayed in museums and information centres.
Along the remains of Hadrian’s Wall are a lot of interesting forts to visit, some of which are still live excavation sites. One of the best things to do in Northumberland if you’re interested in Roman history is to visit Vindolanda which was occupied for over 300 years. It was also an important frontier fort and village before Hadrian’s Wall was even built.
Other examples of Roman sites in Northumberland that are open to the public include Chesters Roman Fort and Housesteads Roman Fort. There are other, less complete forts to visit as well, but I wouldn’t include them on a list of the best things to do in Northumberland.
Drive through the countryside
One of the best things to do in Northumberland at any time of the year is to take a drive through the countryside. There are a lot of driving routes to choose from, some of which take you through remote areas whereas others cut through quaint villages and past historic landmarks. Routes such as the North Pennine Loop, The Heritage Coastline, and the Kielder Forest Drive are just a few examples of popular drives in Northumberland. Wherever you decide to drive to in Northumberland, you won’t be disappointed with the scenery.
Places to eat in Northumberland
Sonnet Restaurant
No trip to Northumberland is complete without visiting the town of Alnwick itself. If there’s one place I would recommend eating here, it’s Sonnet Restaurant. This intimate, modern restaurant offers a set menu for lunch and dinner. All of their food is locally and seasonally sourced, so everything you eat is incredibly tasty and fresh. At lunch you’ll find that there are less courses on the menu compared to their evening dining experience, so you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Their menu changes regularly so you never know what to expect except for big flavours and the finest ingredients. Our menu had a fantastic mixture of dishes that were completely different from one another. They were also beautifully presented and came with an amazing display of colours. This is one dining experience in Northumberland that you’ll want to try, even if you have to drive to get here.
Lord Crewe Arms
The Lord Crewe Arms is a stunning historic hotel located in the small village of Blanchland. If you’re not staying here as a guest, you can still dine in their restaurant or grab a drink in the bar. Their seasonal menu blends heritage and landscape in a culinary way, so you can taste your way around the county without leaving the warmth of the restaurant.
They have a few different rooms that you can enjoy your meal in, and each one displays the history of the building in a unique way. We dined here for two nights and thoroughly enjoyed all of the dishes. You’ll find a few daily specials on their menu, as well as vegetarian options that are bursting with flavour. The Lord Crewe Arms is one of the best places to eat in Northumberland if you like to dine in historic settings.
Northumberland HQ
Just a short distance from Hexham is Northumberland HQ. This speciality coffee shop features all things Northumberland, right down to the quirky gifts that are available for sale. We stopped here while we were driving around the area and were very pleased with their selection of coffees as well as the cakes. It’s a nice place to come after leaving Hexham before you head further afield.
Northumberland HQ is located within a complex where you can find a few other locally run shops. If you like homemade candles, I’d recommend visiting Hamish Candles who sell all sorts of scents, including seasonal ones.
The Joiners Arms
The Joiners Arms is an award winning gastropub with a luxury 5-star inn attached to it. This is another restaurant in Northumberland that focuses on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find a lot of pub classics on their menu, as well as some modern dishes such as poke bowls. I’d highly suggest ordering the fish and chips which are cooked to perfection, though the size is enormous so it may be worth sharing. They also do an incredible Sunday roast, including a dog-friendly version for your furry friend.
Where to stay in Northumberland
Lord Crewe Arms
Many people who visit Northumberland do so for a quiet retreat. And there’s nowhere more suitable for quietude than the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland. This historic hotel in Northumberland is situated in a sleepy village that’s surrounded by forests and heath. There are 26 bedrooms available which are all decorated in soothing tones that match the relaxing nature of the landscape. It’s the perfect place to come back to after spending a long day exploring all the things to do in Northumberland.
The history of the Lord Crewe Arms dates back to the 12th century when the building started out as a guest house for the newly formed abbey. In 1539, the dissolution of the monasteries in England saw the guest house move from family to family. It eventually became a place where lead miners would meet to enjoy a drink after work, and since then the building has warmly invited guests to eat and sleep.
We had the pleasure of staying in one of the Canny Rooms which is located across the road from the main building. Our accessible, ground floor room was a nice place to relax after a long day out. Our room featured two twin beds (they can be changed to a double), a large workable fireplace, a writing desk, a heating system, an ensuite bathroom, and some tasty homemade biscuits to go with the tea and coffee station.
The hotel’s bar, known as The Crypt Bar, is located in a medieval vaulted chamber and lit with a candle-like atmosphere that transports you back in time. As I mentioned above, the Lord Crewe Arms is also the perfect place to eat in Northumberland, with a fantastic menu based around locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. It’s very common for guests to chill out in the bar before heading to the room next door for their evening meal.
Our stay in one of the Canny Rooms included breakfast each morning, which was served in the upstairs dining room. From here you get a beautiful view of the hotel’s backyard space which is the perfect backdrop for weddings and other events. There’s a continental spread laid out for breakfast as well as a hot food menu placed on your table that you can order from.
The Lord Crewe Arms is one of the most unique places to stay in Northumberland, especially if you want a quiet retreat with a touch of luxury. This is also a dog-friendly hotel, and we were pleased to see a lot of guests travelling with their pets and going on country walks. If you’re planning a trip to Northumberland, make sure you stay at this hotel for at least a couple of nights for a truly memorable experience.
>> Learn more about the rooms available at the Lord Crewe Arms <<
Planning a trip to Northumberland
As I’m sure you were already aware, there are a lot of incredible things to do in Northumberland. Whether you’re planning a trip to Northumberland to enjoy its scenic coastlines, to visit the numerous historic attractions, or for some peace and relaxation, there really is something for everyone in this northeastern English county. Holy Island is also a very popular attraction in this area, but you’ll need to do some planning beforehand to reach it due to the tide times.
Northumberland is a great place to stop as you make your way up to Scotland as well, which is something to keep in mind for any future trip planning.
Have you been to Northumberland yet? If you have any more recommendations about things to do in Northumberland, or where to eat, please feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form. You can also get in touch through Instagram where you can find more travel tips and unique destinations to add to your bucket list.
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